[JiminCT]

"Other Peoples Money" was filmed in this area (Ansonia-Derby). Very gritty old blue-collar corridor between Bridgeport and Waterbury. Certainly more attractive as a lower cost alternative to lower Fairfield County. If you are looking for culture...probably better off looking towards the New Haven area. Ansonia and Derby are stuck in the old parochial mindsets...run by people that probably have close friends and "connections" in Waterbury. These areas may be on the rebound....but they still look pretty run down.

[jeremeyk482]

Originally Posted by JiminCT

"Other Peoples Money" was filmed in this area (Ansonia-Derby). Very gritty old blue-collar corridor between Bridgeport and Waterbury. Certainly more attractive as a lower cost alternative to lower Fairfield County. If you are looking for culture...probably better off looking towards the New Haven area. Ansonia and Derby are stuck in the old parochial mindsets...run by people that probably have close friends and "connections" in Waterbury. These areas may be on the rebound....but they still look pretty run down.

I disagree with this statement. I live in Westport but have many ties to Ansona (friends, coworkers, etc). The city actually is on the rebound, and it shows. Downtown Derby is being completely torn down and rebuilt. Plans include many shops, restaurants & cafes and nice apartments/townhouses along the river. The new Main Street (Route 34) will be beautiful.

What is your definition of culture, JiminCT? Ansonia has an amazing mix of many nationalities (huge Polish, Italian and Irish populations). These are people who moved their families here in the 50's right from their home country. They are hardworking people proud of what they've accomplished. They are middle class. Hardly lower class, as the average incomes there prove it. With Ansonia ridding itself of the apartments on Olson Drive, the city is sure to get even better. If wealthy Yale students mixed with poor minorities is culture to you, then sure, New Haven is perfect. And ties with Waterbury? Ansonia is about a 25 minute drive south from Waterbury and you can't even begin to compare the two. The city has stronger ties to (and is closer to) New Haven.

The poster who was offended by the comments about Olson Drive, you can't blame the mayor for crime in the city. The mayor and the police department can only do so much. People do have rights, you know, and unfortunately it takes one to commit a crime for someone to do something about it. But guess what? They are doing something about it. They're getting rid of the apartments. What more would you like them to do?

I agree with Westguy. Ansonia is a nice city and I too would suggest the area around Pulaski Hwy. A friend of mine lives up there past Warsaw park and let me tell you, people in his neighborhood are the friendliest people I've come across anywhere. They had a block party today.

There's a reason the city won the All American City award in 2000.

[JiminCT]

Yale and New Haven (even the ghettos) ofter a lot more culturally than Ansonia and Derby. Unless you like dingy bars and pizza....

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by JiminCT

"Other Peoples Money" was filmed in this area (Ansonia-Derby). Very gritty old blue-collar corridor between Bridgeport and Waterbury. Certainly more attractive as a lower cost alternative to lower Fairfield County. If you are looking for culture...probably better off looking towards the New Haven area. Ansonia and Derby are stuck in the old parochial mindsets...run by people that probably have close friends and "connections" in Waterbury. These areas may be on the rebound....but they still look pretty run down.

Actually I believe only one scene of Other Peoples Money was filmed in CT and that was the shot of the old factory that Danny Devito was trying to take over. The factory was the old Seymour Wire factory in Seymour which has since been torn down.

As for "culture", well that is subjective. Not everyone needs to live near museums, art galleries, live theaters, fancy restaurants, etc. Most people just need the basics (stores, basic restaurants, maybe a movie theater) at a reasonable price and Ansonia and Derby would be fine. The OP asked for a comparsion of the two towns, not opinions or alternatives to them. When you resources are limited, you live the best place you can afford. JMHO Jay

[JiminCT]

I think opinion is a natural offshoot of comparing the towns. If you want something surface and sugarcoated...talk to a realtor. No offence...but there are many other commuter towns around there that offer more. Ansonia and Derby are very parochial and quite frankly...depressing.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by JiminCT

Ansonia and Derby are very parochial and quite frankly...depressing.

That is your opinion. Some people that live there may not agree. Jay

[deerislesmile]

The hubby (as he looks over my shoulder here) says:
I was born in Griffin hospital, attended both Derby and Ansonia school systems, thinned many a shoe sole walking Division Street and using the Bradley's Path. If they took the Elizabeth Street Park and put it in Ansonia, you'd have an ideal town.

That being said, having discovered life here on the coast of Maine, I would never, ever live in The Valley again.

[Davenyc007]

What about Woodbridge?

[Back Home]

The commute from ansonia/derby area to stamford/norwalk will be a challenge in the morning & night commute. The Merritt Parkway will be bumper to bumper. 95 will be as bad. I lived in Beacon Falls and tried going up past Stamford , did it 3 days and said NO way. Too many people/cars etc. and not enought ROAD! Naugatuck schools are ok, and Beacon Falls has a new high school. But really if you need to work in Stamford, what about the train!!!! My sister-in-law did it from her Derby home and worked in Stamford.Good Luck.....

[ronson]

Based on all the towns you have been looking at you will pay the least for your home in the Ansonia/Derby/Seymour area. As you have expanded your search to Milford and Shelton I would also look in the town of Stratford. The price per square foot in Stratford is great with homes available in some very quaint areas. It will be more than Ansonia but less than Shelton and probably about the same as Milford. The benifits are that you will be closer to Stamford and have the availability of Rte 15, I-95 and a train should you need it. It also has beaches and the Housatonic which Milford offers as well.