[NJ987654]

When you say reasonable distance, what would you estimate? Mapquest shows ridgefield to monroe as 50 min or so. Stratford is even longer. However, I've realized that the time estimates on mapquest are wrong a lot in CT since there is a lot of back roads and a lot of traffic concerns. It can say 30 min and take a hour, or predict 50 min and be done in 35.

[HelloSam]

I was going to say New Fairfield! Opens up commute possibilities to not only Danbury but also along the 287 corridor in Westchester County via 684, not to mention not far from Ridgefield. You may very well be able to find what you are looking for there.

Your typical center hall colonial (scores of them have been built in the last 10 years) has 4 bedrooms and 2600-3000 square feet. Some have finished basements (which could bring overall square footage closer to your desired 3500), some not. I saw some of these when I was house hunting in 2007-2008 in Newtown, Brookfield, and New Fairfield in the 450-550K range, and prices have come down.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by MetsNY

Move further out? From Ridgefield and lower Fairfield County? Monroe, Newtown, Trumbull, Easton are are much closer to Ridgefield and lower Fairfield County than Stratford. Stratford does not offer the same quality of life as these towns either. I'm not downplaying Stratford in any means but it does have some sketchy neighborhoods bordering Bridgeport that's for sure. Also the school systems are not rated nearly as high as the other towns.

When I said further out, I meant from ridgefield. The Op noted that they looked in the Danbury area and did not find anything to their liking. I agree they should look into Brookfield, New Fairfield as well as Newtown but if these don't have what they want, thye may need to go further.

As for my mentioning Stratford, I was thinking that they want to be commutable to Stamford. The Danbury area is not commutable to Stamford, at least not easily. Stratfrord has some very lovely neighborhoods and the schools are generally good. Plu8s they have a train station that could get them to Stamford in a reasonable time. Jay

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by JayCT

As for my mentioning Stratford, I was thinking that they want to be commutable to Stamford. Jay

Stamford was the 1st city that the OP mentioned as a possible work location, and most people find coastal towns to provide better commutation options to Stamford than you would find in the upper FFC towns.

[usmcfamily]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

Stamford was the 1st city that the OP mentioned as a possible work location, and most people find coastal towns to provide better commutation options to Stamford than you would find in the upper FFC towns.

We are looking for a coastal town with a reasonable commute to Norwalk. How long would the commute be and how are the beaches and schools? Thanks.

[blazetheta]

you may want to look in bethel ct, or maybe new fairfield ct. Both great small towns with great schools and community.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by flowerpowa2

We are looking for a coastal town with a reasonable commute to Norwalk. How long would the commute be and how are the beaches and schools? Thanks.

It depends on your budget. The towns surrounding Norwalk are beautiful, have excellent schools but are very pricey. Fairfield would be a good option too. Excellent schools but a bit more reasonably priced. Prices tend to get lower as you travel east from Stamford. Jay

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by flowerpowa2

We are looking for a coastal town with a reasonable commute to Norwalk. How long would the commute be and how are the beaches and schools? Thanks.

I'm not sure whether you're asking for information about Stamford or Stratford?

[NJ987654]

going out looking at about 15 in Newtown today. Thank you all for the advice

[JViello]

Originally Posted by NJ987654

When you say reasonable distance, what would you estimate? Mapquest shows ridgefield to monroe as 50 min or so. Stratford is even longer. However, I've realized that the time estimates on mapquest are wrong a lot in CT since there is a lot of back roads and a lot of traffic concerns. It can say 30 min and take a hour, or predict 50 min and be done in 35.

Wow...that's WAY off. LOL I can get to Monroe from Manchester in just over 50 minutes! In fact I was just there a few weeks ago off Melon Patch Lane. Took me about 65 minutes, going down RT 25 through Newtown.

Keep in mind Monroe has a pretty large land area. I was thinking more of the area South of Newtown and not so much near the "town center". In fact, google map melon patch lane or pastors walk Monroe and you'll see what I mean.

Originally Posted by NJ987654

going out looking at about 15 in Newtown today. Thank you all for the advice

Newtown would be my other suggestion as well. I have a few customers in Newtown and IMHO some of it has a "we can't afford lower FFC but still think our **** doesn't stink" attitudes.