[ktmac]

Looks like we're moving from nyc to Connecticut. Fiance's new job would be in Glastonbury, but he could work from home most days of the week, otherwise, we'd just move to Glastonbury as it seems great (we still might.)

But - all of our friends/family are in nyc, jersey and Pennsylvania, and some in Fairfield, which we love. Because he won't have to commute that often, we are thinking possibly Fairfield. We could get more for our money in Glastonbury, of course. Is Madison a good compromise? Or is it not on par with Glastonbury and Fairfield?

We want good school systems, although won't be using them for a few years ourselves. We want "things" to do, like cute restaurants and proximity to shopping, etc. We'd love to spend around 400k, but in Fairfield will be willing to go up to 500k (looking for a cute, 3/4 bed, 2 bath type of place). Fairfield is also appealing as we'd love to buy low and sell high, of course, years down the road when the housing market gets better.

I plan on doing real estate in the area I live... if that matters?

What are your thoughts? I'm least familiar with Madison - just heard its cute and near water, and is in between Fairfield and Glastonbury. Any other towns I should look into between the two?

Thank you!!!

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by ktmac

What are your thoughts? I'm least familiar with Madison - just heard its cute and near water and is between Fairfield and Glastonbury. Any other towns I should look into between the two?

Thank you!!!

Not really...the three towns would form a triangle though.

[ktmac]

True- but according to map quest, would put us 20 miles closer to Glastonbury than Fairfield would.

[Uconn97]

I think you would find what you want in all 3 towns. Suggest, driving around each one to get a feel for each. That might hell with your decision a bit.

[JayCT]

Wow, I know all three towns well. I grew up in Fairfield and have a lot of family and friends there, plus I have business there too. I currently live and work in Glastonbury and have family in Madison, so I can give you my opinion.

All three towns are great. They are upscale communities with excellent schools and a lot of nice shops and restaurants. Fairfield is a more mature community that has a nice downtown area and great access to New York City. It has a wide range of housing options, but it is somewhat pricey. Madison and Glastonbury are generally newer communities and Glastonbury does not have a real walkable downtown nor does it have a beach on LOng Island sound.

I generally recommend that people live as close to their job as possible to avoid having to spend a lot of time in your car. Fairfield is about an hour or so from Glastonbury but the commute should not be an issue since you would traveling against traffic. Madison is about 40 miles from Glastonbury and because there is no direct route, it will also take an hour to drive.

You could get a nice home in Glastonbury for $400k. Probably 1,800 to 2,000 square feet with 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2 car garage on 1/3 acre would be doable. In Madison you will likely get an older smaller home, while in Fairfield you would get an older more modest home at best, even at $500k.

It is hard to say which town I like best. They all have advantages and disadvantages. Fairfield is accessible to New York, but Madison and Glastonbury offer a quieter life. Madison does not have major shopping malls nearby like Glastonbury and Fairfield do. Glastonbury is easily accessible to Hartford and all it has to offer but it does lack some of the charm of Fairfield and Madison. I find Glastonbury easy to live in, but some may get bored since it is further from New York City than Madison or Fairfield. It is really your call on what is important to you. You might consider renting in Glastonbury to see if you like it before buying.

For a town in between Fairfield and Glastonbury, consider Wallingford or North Haven. both are nice with decent schools. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Jay

[ktmac]

Jay - You are SO helpful! I read so many of your posts and was hoping you'd respond... and of course, with great insight!
Just one quick follow up... is Madison very small? If I'm going to be a real estate agent (i'm just starting my course now), might I be "stuck" in an area like Madison, or will I be fine?

[KH02]

I'd say getting into real estate now will be rough no matter where you live.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by ktmac

Jay - You are SO helpful! I read so many of your posts and was hoping you'd respond... and of course, with great insight!
Just one quick follow up... is Madison very small? If I'm going to be a real estate agent (i'm just starting my course now), might I be "stuck" in an area like Madison, or will I be fine?

Madison has about 18,000 residents, Glastonbury has about 33,000 and Fairfield has about 57,000. Your opportunities may be greatest in Fairfield since it is a larger town, but in Glastonbury you could find work almost anywhere in the Hartford Metropolitan area. You could do the same in Fairfield but dealing with traffic on I-95 or the Merritt can be much. that is what I mean when I say living here is easy, not a lot of traffic issues like you would see in Fairfield or New Haven counties. Jay

[tstetinin]

If you decide to drive around and look at Madison there are many homes in the $400K range to meet your needs that were in the mid $500Ks one year ago. If you like the beach, a small friendly upscale community with great schools, take the time and see for yourself. Good luck.

[Connecticut Pam]

WOW...how are you ever going to choose? These are all great areas. Madison is quite the "beachie" area. I have spent many, many summer days on the beaches in Madison. Great area. Don't know too much about the school systems there but it sure is a nice area to live in. My husband is from the Fairfield are and still has family there. Very pretty area but very expensive to live there. Homes are big bucks but schools are great. Close to NYC if you like that sort of thing as well. Glastonbury is nice too...what in the world are you going to do about choosing any one of these areas? If your hubby isn't going to have to commute too often then I would head for Madison!! Good Luck.