Which is better: North Stamford or Westover part of Stamford? (Greenwich: mcmansions, homes)

[kksk]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to get your thoughts on this. I think our family has decided, for a variety of reasons, to move to Stamford. However, now I am faced with the task of trying to figure out WHERE in Stamford it live. I have narrowed it down to (1) North Stamford and (2) Westover. But, it's very difficult for me to understand the differences, if any, between the two. What are the reputations of the areas (the good and the bad)? Is one area pricier than the other? Are the schools better in one area versus the other? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[brattpowered]

I personally like Westover more, since it it MUCH closer to downtown Stamford via Stillwater/Broad Street and Greenwich via Palmer's Hill Rd. The landscape is pretty similar, although North Stamford has more new money (and McMansions), while Westover has a lot more old money (and blue-blooded attitude), and well built homes, since North Stamford was mostly farmland when Westover was already an established wealthy neighborhood. They both have beautiful scenery, although Mianus River Park and Preserve, in Westover, is a true gem.

As far as schools are concerned, I would go with North Stamford, or any other location in the Stamford High School district. Stamford High School provides a much more well rounded experience, and will produce a more well adjusted adult, in my opinion. It has a very good mix of upper, middle and lower class, black, white, Asian and Hispanic students, and most students and parents prefer it. Westhill is very split between very rich white Westover kids and very poor black West Side kids, and there is a lot of tension. It does have good academic opportunities and is less crowded but if schools are what concern you, I would go for Stamford HS.

[brattpowered]

By the way, the comments above were based on my experiences going through the school system in Stamford in the late 90s.

[kd83]

i personally like the area going from new canaan down to davenport ridge rd towards which splits off towards your choice of downtown stamford or the high ridge area (very nice shops) part of stamford...the homes there are beautiful withs spacious plots and only a few minutes from everything you need. I am not sure what school zone you would be a part of there however. You always have your choice of sending them to the catholic school instead of westhill or SHS. I personally would have loved going to SHS but thats b/c its just a bigger version of the high school I already went to lol.

[brattpowered]

kd83-- If the boundaries for the district have not changed, that area's kids would be sent to Davenport Ridge ES, Turn of River MS and Stamford HS-- probably the most desirable track to be in.

[deadcrowsflyeast]

no brainer...NORTH Stamford

[kksk]

thanks for all of your insight! i appreciate it. we are going up soon to check out the area, so i'll keep you posted.