[canyontothesky]

I'd posted on here before that we're looking to move to upstate NY or Fairfield County CT that has a 70 minute or less Metro North train ride to GCT. We love Northern FF county, around New Fairfield and Danbury, and that's where we'd love to move, but that's really pushing the commute, not to mention that there are not too many single family rentals that I've seen.

People have advised me about Springdale in Stamford, and even over to Norwalk, but when we did our drive through of CT, we did not hit the coast at all. So I was wondering if you could tell me about the areas from Stamford to Fairfield. Is it very congested? Where are the quiet areas? What areas/towns to avoid entirely? Where would we find the best single family rentals for under $2,000 (with dogs)? How is the parking at each Metro North station and/or is there Park and Ride somewhere nearby?

I should add a few things as far as Metro North goes. My DBF will be commuting, and he will probably not be taking a train much earlier than 10am, sometimes later, but perhaps sometimes earlier, but he will need to park somewhere where all the spots don't fill up at 6am. That said, he does not have any problem walking 1/4 mile or so to the train if there is a lot farther away. But most important is the availability of spots at all, somewhere reasonably close to the station.

I'm mostly concerned with MTA parking and the town's crime. Please advise on which areas are the safest and quietest (if at all.) We'll do another visit later this year.

Thanks!

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by canyontothesky

I'd posted on here before that we're looking to move to upstate NY or Fairfield County CT that has a 70 minute or less Metro North train ride to GCT. We love Northern FF county, around New Fairfield and Danbury, and that's where we'd love to move, but that's really pushing the commute, not to mention that there are not too many single family rentals that I've seen.

People have advised me about Springdale in Stamford, and even over to Norwalk, but when we did our drive through of CT, we did not hit the coast at all. So I was wondering if you could tell me about the areas from Stamford to Fairfield. Is it very congested? Where are the quiet areas? What areas/towns to avoid entirely? Where would we find the best single family rentals for under $2,000 (with dogs)? How is the parking at each Metro North station and/or is there Park and Ride somewhere nearby?

I should add a few things as far as Metro North goes. My DBF will be commuting, and he will probably not be taking a train much earlier than 10am, sometimes later, but perhaps sometimes earlier, but he will need to park somewhere where all the spots don't fill up at 6am. That said, he does not have any problem walking 1/4 mile or so to the train if there is a lot farther away. But most important is the availability of spots at all, somewhere reasonably close to the station.

I'm mostly concerned with MTA parking and the town's crime. Please advise on which areas are the safest and quietest (if at all.) We'll do another visit later this year.

Thanks!

Stamford's areas to avoid are a few pockets on the south end--although getting better by the day, it seems--and the west side of Stamford. Almost every other neighborhood (save for a few streets) are super safe and not to worry about. As for a rental under $2k, it is possible--I'd suggest Glenbrook or Springdale in Stamford. Downtown is super convenient, or Bulls Head (where I live), but prices go up downtown/Bulls Head...As for parking, the Stamford station has a huge parking garage--but it fills quickly. Springdale has a metro north stop also, but I think their lot is small....

[HelloSam]

I'm like the self-appointed Queen of Metro North Parking so..based on years of experience living in Greenwich and Fairfield while often needing to park late morning-midday.

Greenwich has metered spots. Always. Huge lot next to the I-95 ramp, short walk to the station. Spots are cheap, but you need quarters. You're taking chances with Stamford or South Norwalk garages...sometimes you get a spot, sometimes you don't.

Fairfield is nice in that if you get there after 9 am and you can find a spot, its yours for $6 a day. They only ticket in the permit-holders lot until 9 am. Then non permit holders can park in permit spots, and you'll get an envelope on your car asking for $6.

[canyontothesky]

What happens if you can't find a spot in Fairfield?

Do you think it would make sense to drive to Greenwich from Ridgefield? Prolly not...

[HelloSam]

There is another lot in Fairfield on Mill Plain Road, where you can almost always find a spot. Also $6 a day. Also, there are plenty of nooks and crannies in downtown Fairfield where one can park, if one doesn't mind walking a bit.

Ridgefield? That's a whole other scenario. The town has buses to Katonah station (on the Harlem line), and there is also the Branchville station on a New Haven line branch (but service is not as frequent to New York from Branchville). From where I live now (Brookfield), I've been making the drive to Goldens Bridge on the Harlem line - also an option from Ridgefield.

You might also want to look into the neighborhood near the East Norwalk train station. It's not bad at all, near the beach, and you may find a rental home in your range.

[canyontothesky]

Sam, how long does it take you to get to GCT from Brookfield? Sounds a bit much! I'd love to live around there, but it feels too far.
I don't know Norwalk at all. I love the beach, except now I'm torn about how much I loved the New Milford area, I rather live closer to it than the water since you get beach rights as a CT resident no matter what, right? Or am I wrong?
Is Norwalk quiet at all? I want quiet, and I don't want to be overwhelmed by keeping up with the Jones'.

[JayCT]

Most coastal towns will charge out-of-towners a hefty price to park at their beaches. They don't deny access but the parking charges make it unreasonable to park. You could still use one of the state beaches but they get pretty crowded. So if you really want beaches, you should consider a coastal town. Also note that some of the second tier towns (Trumbull, Easton, Weston) have agreements with coastal towns (Fairfield and Westport) that allows their residents to park at beaches for a reduced rate. You might want to check on that further though before you buy in one of those towns.

As for commuting from Brookfield into New York, that would be a haul. It can be done, but only you can decide if it is worth it or not. Jay

[HelloSam]

Hello, original poster! Let's just say I couldn't do it five days a week. Best case scenario is two hours door to door, from my home to my corporate HQ near Times Square. I'm off Exit 9 on the Brookfield/Newtown border, so I get on 84 and I'm at Goldens Bridge (because I go at off times and need to know I'll find parking) in about 25-30 minutes. Then the train in is usually about 65-70 minutes to GCT. If I had to do it more than twice a week, it would be too much.

During rush hour, traffic on 84 can slow you down. One morning recently it took about 45 minutes to the train station and it was very frustrating.

A lot of people who live in New Fairfield go from the Southeast station. It's a big station with plenty of parking.

[canyontothesky]

What kind of price are we talking to park, Jay? I live in Manhattan, stuff's not expensive to me anymore, haha.

[HelloSam]

A non-resident annual beach parking sticker for Fairfield is $120.

Sherwood Island State Park in Westport is open to all, for a daily parking fee ($7, last I was there).