Relocating to Fairfield County from Philly suburbs (Bridgeport, Stamford: environment, luxury)

[jessrose]

I am taking a sales position in western Connecticut. My territory is generally within the area between Greenwich, Waterbury, and Poughkeepsie, NY. I'm not very familiar with Connecticut and I'm trying to research potential places to live. I will probably have to rent for a while and since my new territory has been sorely neglected, I'd like to keep the rent under $1500 a month for a one bedroom. I have been stuck in suburban hell for the last 4 years, so I would prefer a more urban environment, ideally walking distance from a train station and shopping. I lived in West Philadelphia during college, so I would be open to a transitional neighborhood (not too sketchy though). I was looking into Black Rock until I realized that the train station would not be complete until 2009 or 2010.

Are there other neighborhoods I could consider? Danbury is probably the most central location in my territory, but I think it may be too suburban for my tastes. Thanks in advance.

[JayCT]

You could try downtown Bridgeport or South Norwalk. You might even be able to find something in Stamford for that price. Jay

[jessrose]

Originally Posted by JayCT

You could try downtown Bridgeport or South Norwalk. You might even be able to find something in Stamford for that price. Jay

From what I have read, my impression was that Bridgeport should be avoided except for Black Rock. Can you tell me more about the downtown area?

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by jessrose

I am taking a sales position in western Connecticut. My territory is generally within the area between Greenwich, Waterbury, and Poughkeepsie, NY. I'm not very familiar with Connecticut and I'm trying to research potential places to live. I will probably have to rent for a while and since my new territory has been sorely neglected, I'd like to keep the rent under $1500 a month for a one bedroom. I have been stuck in suburban hell for the last 4 years, so I would prefer a more urban environment, ideally walking distance from a train station and shopping. I lived in West Philadelphia during college, so I would be open to a transitional neighborhood (not too sketchy though). I was looking into Black Rock until I realized that the train station would not be complete until 2009 or 2010.

Are there other neighborhoods I could consider? Danbury is probably the most central location in my territory, but I think it may be too suburban for my tastes. Thanks in advance.

I'd recommend you look in South Norwalk--it is right on the Sound with a very trendy and hip vibe. Full of restaurants, bars, boutiques, upscale shops, and warehouse-converted-to-loft spaces. Lots of new construction going up also. The train station is right there.

Also, look at Stamford. As Jay mentioned, you might be able to find something in Stamford at that price. Not a brand new apartment, but a decent one in an older building most likely. Stamford has a great single-something 20 or 30 year-old crowd--with several great bars and many great restaurants. It's a super corporate vibe with lots of mid rise buildings, lots of high-end luxury towers under construction or proposed, and it's also right on the Long Island Sound.

As for Black Rock, it's the best neighborhood in Bridgeport (in my opinion). The Fairfield train station isn't a far walk in certian parts of the neighborhood. Just make sure you get an apartment south of Ellsworth--and Ellsworth down to Scofield can be hit-or-miss--just watch where you rent. Anywhere south of Scofield is good. North and east of the neighborhood are crime-ridden and really bad neighborhoods.

[jessrose]

Originally Posted by jjbradleynyc

I'd recommend you look in South Norwalk--it is right on the Sound with a very trendy and hip vibe. Full of restaurants, bars, boutiques, upscale shops, and warehouse-converted-to-loft spaces. Lots of new construction going up also. The train station is right there.

Also, look at Stamford. As Jay mentioned, you might be able to find something in Stamford at that price. Not a brand new apartment, but a decent one in an older building most likely. Stamford has a great single-something 20 or 30 year-old crowd--with several great bars and many great restaurants. It's a super corporate vibe with lots of mid rise buildings, lots of high-end luxury towers under construction or proposed, and it's also right on the Long Island Sound.

As for Black Rock, it's the best neighborhood in Bridgeport (in my opinion). The Fairfield train station isn't a far walk in certian parts of the neighborhood. Just make sure you get an apartment south of Ellsworth--and Ellsworth down to Scofield can be hit-or-miss--just watch where you rent. Anywhere south of Scofield is good. North and east of the neighborhood are crime-ridden and really bad neighborhoods.

Great, thanks

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by jessrose

From what I have read, my impression was that Bridgeport should be avoided except for Black Rock. Can you tell me more about the downtown area?

I can help you some with this. Bridgeport has 3 good neighborhoods/maybe a 4th but that's subjective: the North End, Black Rock, Brooklawn, and Treeland (the "maybe" 'hood).
Downtown Bridgeport has some condos/lofts for sale, but I warn you: go there and walk around during the day first, then after 6pm. Parts of downtown Bridgeport has 2-3 blocks with completely vacant buildings and vacant lots. Lots of ne'er-do-wells roaming the streets and the city empties out for the most part.
You could check out the south end of Bridgeport--near Bridgeport University. This area has SO MUCH potential. I have looked at investment housing there.
But, walk around and you'll see that it is an area that time has forgotten. Most houses look like they were last maintained in the '60s. It's a typical "urban blight" scene. Tons of potential, it just has a ways to go.