[kksk]

Hi everyone,

We've done a turnaround and are now going to be buying/renting in Greenwich instead of Stamford. (So many people in this forum have given me the idea that the schools in the 2 cities don't even compare.) Here's my question: What are the different area/districts of Greenwich and what is the reputation of each? My spouse will be working in downtown Greenwich and we are looking to buy or rent in the next 4-5 months. We have a car. Do you have any suggestions on great areas for a family of 4, with 2 kids under the age of 3? Places that are located near parks, etc. would be great. Places to avoid?

Any help is much appreciated - as always!

[newlysgl]

Avoid the area behind the Ferrari dealership/close to the train line. Just about anywhere else is fine if you like that kind of place. You really don't need to be too concerned with the reputation of any particular area of Greenwich - I believe it's about THE most expensive place in the country. So even the worst parts of Greenwich would be considered pretty decent most anywhere else. You will not be roughing it, except for perhaps having to elbow your way through the sea of Botoxed yoga princesses at Starbucks. Personally I prefer the areas heading north (say up on North St) towars the Merritt Parkway.. it's mostly leafy, manicured estates with hot and cold running illegal laborers. Just depends what you can afford as to where you will end up. Old Greenwich is beautiful, ridiculous $. I'd say that Byram is not so nice. I'd aim for somewhere away from I-95 if possible. Hope your car is newish, think they issue fines for cars older than 2 years in Greenwich. (joking)

[newlysgl]

also the newspaper for Greenwich is "Greenwich Time" there is a website which also has a realestate classifieds section.

[kksk]

Funny post "Newlysgl"...yes, I'm aware of the reputation. I hope it's not THAT superficial. But, I've never visited, so I suppose I'll see when I go up there. I've looked at the houses in our price point...and, they are SO small. I mean, I'm talking not much more than 2000 sq feet and prices at 1.2 MM. I know that's chump change for many there; but, not for us. So, that's why we were thinking of renting at first. But, it is so difficult to find any information on rentals in Greenwich. Any opinions on the area of Glenville (I think that is what it's called)?

[njohnson]

If you are concerned about the cost of living I don't quite understand why you HAVE to live in Greenwich. There are plenty of surrounding towns that have excellent schools and for 1.2Mil you'd get a larger home which sounds like what you want.

[kksk]

Well, we don't HAVE to live in Greenwich. But, we'd like to. We're moving from another city where my spouse's commute time is about 15 min max. The new job will be more demanding. So, we just want a close commute time so less time is spent in the car/train and more time with the family. Also, I'll be working part-time as well - but, in Stamford. My hours are flexible and I'm not so concerned with the commute. Another element to add...it seems that Greenwich has the ethnic diversity (maybe not alot, but some) that the other immediate surrounding towns may not. I could be wrong on this point.

[kd83]

Originally Posted by kksk

Well, we don't HAVE to live in Greenwich. But, we'd like to. We're moving from another city where my spouse's commute time is about 15 min max. The new job will be more demanding. So, we just want a close commute time so less time is spent in the car/train and more time with the family. Also, I'll be working part-time as well - but, in Stamford. My hours are flexible and I'm not so concerned with the commute. Another element to add...it seems that Greenwich has the ethnic diversity (maybe not alot, but some) that the other immediate surrounding towns may not. I could be wrong on this point.

well it has more ethnic diversity than new canaan, darien, westport, and the likes of those, but not stamford or norwalk. But you are right greenwich is more in the league for schools and whatnot wiht the first towns I named. I can second not living behind the ferrari/lexus dealership. I didnt realize there was a slum of greenwich until I wandered back there. I felt at home but I'm sure most people in the town dont. 2000 sq ft is not exactly a small house either. The house I live in now is 1100 sq ft and more than enough room for 2 or 3 people.

[Dockside]

Well, we don't HAVE to live in Greenwich. But, we'd like to.

Heck, yes. Greenwich is a beautiful town, I would live there in a heartbeat if I could afford it. Great schools, great beaches, good YMCA, an art museum, beautiful parks, great amenities. Sure some of the people are a bit snooty, but you also have a bunch of very talented, hard-driving people living there. You will enjoy Greenwich. Good luck.

[brw]

I would agree with avoiding the Byram area...and train line/Railroad Avenue area.

Although, this area is re-building - total new construction of one of it's elementary schools named (Hamilton). It is slated to be open in Fall 2007 and should be fabulous. It depends on how you view it - could be a positive or a negative for you, but there are more non-english speaking people than english in the school and it is considered racially imbalanced...not enough "white" people and this is am on-going dilemma for the school board and state.

[Friendship-Properties]

Basically living in Greenwich is like living in Beverly Hills. Expect to pay double for EVERYTHING. I mean everything. Its pretty much priced to keep out everyone but the most wealthy. You prob. wouldnt even wanna stop there for gas or even a deli sandwich.. it makes the avg. person feel ripped off. Greenwich pretty much is highly responsible for landing CT as one of the highest tax paying states in the USA.