Job in Somers NY, where to live..CT?? (Stamford, Norwalk: real estate, housing)

[ec1957]

All,

Need your help. Just got a job in Somers NY, need to know where to live where I can get a 30 to 45 minute commute, best combo of home prices, taxes, crime, etc. Schools are not important since I do not have kids. Am married, in the mid 30's and moving out from Southern California. I'm open to shorter commutes if there is something closer than that. Also, a little scared about buying a home anywhere out there with home prices falling...maybe better to rent since I will only be in the area for around 2 to 3 years max. Would like access to the normal things like a Starbucks, grocery store, etc. Doesn't have to be around the corner, but also don't want to have to drive a half hour to get there. Open to living in CT or wherever. Thanks again for your input.

G

[skytrekker]

Somers is located to the north aest of Brewster NY-- giving you want a 30-45 minute commute- you first might want to consider Northern Westchester county in NY state- the towns of Bedford Hills(where Martha Stewart has one of her 'estates') and Mount Kisko- which are very nice towns-check into the NY board for info. Rents and real estate are likely to be super high. Less expensive you might try southern Putnam County NY State, the towns of Carmel and Brewster- which are close to Somers.

Over in Connecticut your best bet would be Danbury and Bethel for rents and home prices-lower then NY State. The commute time would be the 30-45 minutes you require via I 84 and I 684. Ridgefield Connecticut is also nearby via non interstate roads- and is just over the border- but is very expensive. Further afield is New Fairfield CT-

Danbury is the largest town of the above listed- and has the most amenities you seem to want. The New York towns are smaller- but have very upscale restaurants/services; a very jazzy ambiance and have much wealth. Over in CT-Ridgefield is in this 'class' as is Wilton. Good luck!

Price wise Danbury is very reasonable- coming from southern California- you will be very happy about real estate prices in Danbury compared to the very Toney places in NY State. Also Danbury would have much more in the way of rentals then the other locations I have mentioned. Real estate is dropping here- but thus far not dramatically so.

[westguy22]

I agree, Danbury is your best bet. It's about a 30 minute drive to Somers and is cheaper than most area cities. Lower Fairfield County (Norwalk, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich) is nice and is 30-45 minutes from Somers and 40 minutes from NYC, but these towns are extremely expensive. Danbury is the best bang for your buck.

[mdkkr]

That was great advice regarding Danbury. There really isn't a lot of shopping in Purdy's, Somers, Mahopac, Brewster, Carmel, etc,etc, compared to Danbury - hence all the NY license plates in the greater Danbury area on the weekend.

And you can get to NYC reasonably quick from Danbury for something better to do upon occasion.

Renting is probably smart based on your 2-3 year plan - and Danbury has affordable rents.

Good Luck!

[jj72]

Why does no one mention how ghetto Danbury has become?? There is a huge HUGE problem with illegal immigration in Danbury, so be prepared if you aren't into hispanic culture. Same goes for Stamford, and parts of Norwalk (SoNo = ghet-to).

In Westchester, Mount Kisco has some very ghetto areas, and many housing projects. The town of Brewster looks like a Third World country, with illegals loitering daily on the streets. You have to be rich to live away from the ghetto areas, or struggle paycheck to paycheck.

Even if you live in a nice part of any of these areas, you will have to go to the stores every now and then, and experience the ghetto life. But if you like that kind of thing, by all means move there. Learn Spanish, and make sure you like rap.

I'm just willing to admit to the reality that realtors are trying to sweep under the carpets in order to make a sale.

[jj72]

Sorry, Brewser is in Putnam Country, not Westchester, and is next to the CT border.

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by jj72

The town of Brewster...

It's the Village of Brewster or the Town of Southeast. Brewster isn't a town.

Originally Posted by jj72

I'm just willing to admit to the reality that realtors are trying to sweep under the carpets in order to make a sale.

Your comments are discriminatory. F.Y.I. We agents not allowed to discuss schools, prisons, ethnic groups, class, or religion among other topics. It's hard to "sweep under the rug" the situation that you describe. Agents introduce properties to buyers based on the buyer's need(s) and wants, and their financial resources. We always suggest that prospective buyers take a drive through and around a town and to go to the local bank, post office, and supermarket to make their own observations.

[mdkkr]

Agreed - it's a big problem in Danbury. If you go down Main Street you will see a majority of businesses cater to spanish-speaking people. The consensus is that the majority of the clientele are here illegally. If you read the daily police blotter (mostly traffic infractions) it seems to bear out some of these issues.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of great neighborhoods in Danbury which are affordable. And despite the large numbers of illegal aliens, serious crime is actually pretty low in Danbury. It's a very large city area-wise, taxes are cheaper than surrounding towns, housing is cheaper, and you're still a commutable distance to NYC or Westchester.

As has been said, you need to drive around and see it for yourself.

[ExNYC]

Check out taxes before you do anything. CT taxes are ferocious - almost the worst in the country and NY's are little better. After CA, you will get serious sticker shockfrom real estate taxes. Work in NY (they tax your income) - live in CT (they tax your income too). Two of the worst states in the entire US for the accumulated tax burden they take from your wallet.

[Natalpaz]

In addition to other places mentioned above, Yorktown might be a good choice as well. It is a neighboring town to Somers, with more shops, and yes, Starbucks! Big plus will be a shorter drive to work...