[slimmy]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

I understand that you need to relocate. I'm saying that for the interim, while he is a student, you should avoid those cities. After he has graduated, you can revisit whether or not you wish to live in one of those cities.

Oh ok. Why do you say that? Is it because of the school systems in those cities?

[slimmy]

Originally Posted by JayCT

IMHO - You would be better off finding an apartment closer to this job than Connecticut. You might post this on the New York Boards and find recommendations closer to the Bronx. New York can be pricey but there are some affordable locations. If your heart is set on Connecticut though, then consider Stamford for travel reasons. Note though traffic through Westchester can be difficult and I do not think that Metro-North goes near Throgs Neck but I could be wrong. Good luck, Jay

Thanks Jay. I have done that also. I do not really want to live in the NYC area, that is why i am looking into the outskirts. I will look into Metro North's website to see what stops it makes.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by slimmy

Oh ok. Why do you say that? Is it because of the school systems in those cities?

Yes. Based upon what you stated previously about wanting the best school, and no "gang" influences of any sort, your best bet is to avoid city high schools. Some high schools, like Stamford High and Brien McMahon in Norwalk appear to be fairly decent for a "city" high school, but, i'm assuming from what you've posted that you're looking for a school that doesn't have typical inner city issues.

It's not my intent to discourage you from moving to Stamford, Danbury, or Norwalk. I just think it would be better if you live in a town, rather than a city, until your son graduates from the public school system.

[slimmy]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

Yes. Based upon what you stated previously about wanting the best school, and no "gang" influences of any sort, your best bet is to avoid city high schools. Some high schools, like Stamford High and Brien McMahon in Norwalk appear to be fairly decent for a "city" high school, but, i'm assuming from what you've posted that you're looking for a school that doesn't have typical inner city issues.

It's not my intent to discourage you from moving to Stamford, Danbury, or Norwalk. I just think it would be better if you live in a town, rather than a city, until your son graduates from the public school system.

Ok, Thanks Stratford CT... point taken. What towns would you suggest? You have to excuse me, I don't know anything about CT. I don't know the cities from the towns. See that is what I love about this site. I have learned a lot.

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by slimmy

Ok, Thanks Stratford CT... point taken. What towns would you suggest? You have to excuse me, I don't know anything about CT. I don't know the cities from the towns. See that is what I love about this site. I have learned a lot.

Don't get hung up on "city" vs. "town." Unlike New York, it's a case of either/or.

Take, for instance, Poughkeepsie. Within the boundary of the Town of Poughkeepsie is a separate and distinct boundary for the City of Poughkeepsie with separate sales tax rates, etc.

For instance, if you're looking for Danbury, don't worry if it's a city or a town (by the way, Danbury is a city).

According to wikipedia, here is a list of Connecticut's cities:
Ansonia (NH)
Bridgeport (F)
Bristol (H)
Danbury (F)
Derby (NH)
Groton (NL) - not consolidated with the town of Groton
Hartford (H)
Meriden (NH)
Middletown (M)
Milford (NH)
New Britain (H)
New Haven (NH)
New London (NL)
Norwalk (F)
Norwich (NL)
Shelton (F)
Stamford (F)
Torrington (L)
Waterbury (NH)
West Haven (NH)
Winsted (L) - administered by the town of Winchester

When someone is suggesting that you stay away from Connecticut's cities, they usually mean: Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, New Britain, Norwalk, Meriden, Norwalk, and Danbury.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by Rich Lee

Don't get hung up on "city" vs. "town."

I don't agree with that theory in this case.

In the case of the parameters that she has set forth, what i stated about avoiding the cities is applicable. Had she indicated a willingness to commute from Milford, Shelton, Derby, or Ansonia, i would have touched upon the city/town designations. I think we don't want to cause the OP any more confusion with regard to something that is frankly, irrelevant to her situation.

[andthentherewere3]

Stamford is also a city (not included in Rich Lee's list of cities to generally avoid), and often people are advised to avoid Stamford if they are looking for really good schools. As Stamford is a city, the schools do have some issues commonly found in cities. But Stamford to NY would be one of the easiest commutes. But with a budget of 1200-1400, I'm not sure you could find a 2 bedroom apt. in Stamford anyway. The towns around Stamford have excellent schools, but they are even more expensive than Stamford. Fairfield up the line a bit has very good schools, with a train station, but your commute would be longer. You might look into Westport between Stamford and Fairfield, they have good schools, but I'm not sure if you can find something within your budget there.

[slimmy]

Originally Posted by andthentherewere3

Stamford is also a city (not included in Rich Lee's list of cities to generally avoid), and often people are advised to avoid Stamford if they are looking for really good schools. As Stamford is a city, the schools do have some issues commonly found in cities. But Stamford to NY would be one of the easiest commutes. But with a budget of 1200-1400, I'm not sure you could find a 2 bedroom apt. in Stamford anyway. The towns around Stamford have excellent schools, but they are even more expensive than Stamford. Fairfield up the line a bit has very good schools, with a train station, but your commute would be longer. You might look into Westport between Stamford and Fairfield, they have good schools, but I'm not sure if you can find something within your budget there.

Thanks andthentherewere3.. well initially my budget was 1500, but i probably could go up to about 1850 with no sweat. I mean right now my son goes to a school here in the city of virginia beach, but the school is very good. It has some of the issues that most schools face in cities, but overall, good education.