[usmcfamily]

Originally Posted by Asil65

Thanks usmcfamily! We live outside of Charlottesville and were really torn on making the move. We just got an offer we could not refuse. We have 2 small children and we visited an elementary school in ridgefield and just fell in love. How do you think it is different from northern Va?

No slugging up here!

Its hard to say exactly what is different - attitudes maybe?
We were a military family and almost everyone around us was, as well. Very few people had lived in one area their entire life. A greater "melting pot" you could say! We then moved from there to SC, which we fell in love with. Easy, relaxed, polite southern hospitality! Very torn about leaving there, too.

One aspect that is different here than any other place we have lived is how many people swear. Foul language - unbelievable to us at first. No one bats an eye about it. I don't mean just the teenagers, I am talking adults. And this is from someone who has lived among Marines for the last 20 years!

I have been here 16 months now and my family and I are very happy. We think its a gorgeous state, so much natural beauty, tons of things to do with the kids, indoors and out. Cities close by with museums, art, music, theaters, etc. We love the schools, too. My kids are building stronger relationships with their extended family and for us, that is priceless.

I think you will love Ridgefield!

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by usmcfamily

Congratulations! Ridgefield is indeed beautiful! I also have a 3000 sq. foot house and just received my electric bill and nearly had heart failure.

If you have/use central air, have 9-1-1 on speed dial. I'm not kidding when I say that I get two bills near $500 and one near $700.

[Asil65]

Rich that is terrible. Are you cooling the great outdoors? We keep our A/C on the whole summer in Va and have never had a bill like that. It should be hotter here I think.
I always hate when the propane man comes. I guess people feel the same way about the oil man in Ct. Any other words of wisdom abour Ridgefiled before we make the plunge?

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by Asil65

Rich that is terrible. Are you cooling the great outdoors? We keep our A/C on the whole summer in Va and have never had a bill like that. It should be hotter here I think.
I always hate when the propane man comes. I guess people feel the same way about the oil man in Conn. Any other words of wisdom about Ridgefield before we make the plunge?

It's a beautiful town. I've taken Route 35 over to South Salem, but not as part of a work commute. (More for a joy ride.)

My sister and I each purchased vehicles from a dealership in Ridgefield. When my sister was buying her Grand Cherokee, the dealer asked which one she wanted to test drive. She told him. Then he tossed her the keys and said, "Be back in 20 minutes." When we arrived back, he had three shots of Sambuca lined up for himself, my sister, and me!

I don't know if they still do this (allow unattended test drives) as that was back in 1993. It's amazing because, one town north (Danbury), they would never have done this in 1993.

[Asil65]

That is a great car purchase story. I highly doubt that will happen again anytime soon. I grew up in Colchester Ct so I am not as familiar with the western part of the state. I never thought that I would move back to Ct. again but here I am. Funny how things happen.

[usmcfamily]

Originally Posted by Rich Lee

If you have/use central air, have 9-1-1 on speed dial. I'm not kidding when I say that I get two bills near $500 and one near $700.

Do you also have a pool? My family still has southern blood and as soon as the temp dips below 80 they are running for sweatshirts and blankets! I don't need to run the AC as much as the heat. Of course, that will probably change come this summer.

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by usmcfamily

Do you also have a pool? My family still has southern blood and as soon as the temp dips below 80 they are running for sweatshirts and blankets! I don't need to run the AC as much as the heat. Of course, that will probably change come this summer.

No, I don't. I wonder what your family would think if they saw me shoveling snow in shorts?!

[terraform]

I can't give much useful info about expected oil heating bills, because I live alone and travel a lot for work, and so my oil usage is probably not typical.

I will suggest, however, that you consider Montanari Fuel Service as a potential oil dealer - it's a family-owned business located in Ridgefield and they've been my oil dealer for 24 years, with pleasant and professional service...