[prayowenmeany]

Hello all,

I'm being transferred to Greenwich, CT from Houston, TX. So obviously we're suffering from a little sticker shock at housing prices. We're used to new and big with all the bells and whistles.

We've been pretty much priced out of Greenwich and we've been concentrating on the following towns. Wilton, Westport, Weston, New Canaan & Ridgefield.

The best buys are in Ridgefield but obviously the furthest away. We also have two little ones and schooling is very important to us. On other threads people have commented on pressure cookers and feeders to Ivy League Schools, this is something that we actually want. This is an enviroment that I grew up in and want a top flight education for our children.

Any comments on schools, towns and commutes would GREATLY be appreciated. Thanks!

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by prayowenmeany

Hello all,

I'm being transferred to Greenwich, CT from Houston, TX. So obviously we're suffering from a little sticker shock at housing prices. We're used to new and big with all the bells and whistles.

We've been pretty much priced out of Greenwich and we've been concentrating on the following towns. Wilton, Westport, Weston, New Canaan & Ridgefield.

The best buys are in Ridgefield but obviously the furthest away. We also have two little ones and schooling is very important to us. On other threads people have commented on pressure cookers and feeders to Ivy League Schools, this is something that we actually want. This is an enviroment that I grew up in and want a top flight education for our children.

Any comments on schools, towns and commutes would GREATLY be appreciated. Thanks!

All of the towns you mentioned have excellent school districts. Another one you might be interested in is Fairfield; it has a more middle class feel and is more affordable, but with equally excellent schools as the wealthier towns. The downside to Fairfield in your situation, though, is the clogged commute in the morning (unless you're working near one of the Greenwich's train stations - that would make it more convenient).

What is your price range?

[KH02]

Price range is needed..

[prayowenmeany]

We are looking in the 1 to 1.3 million range and we would like new construction. Thanks!

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by prayowenmeany

We are looking in the 1 to 1.3 million range and we would like new construction. Thanks!

Hmm - you might be able to find something in Ridgefield. Also look at Easton, and still Fairfield. Easton will be very rural along the Merritt Parkway, and Fairfield more suburban. Again, though, keep traffic in mind for your AM and PM commute. It can get pretty bad in that area.

If you can find new construction in Darien or New Canaan in your price range, I say go for it, just because of convenience.

[JayCT]

There does appear to be a couple of newer homes in your pricve range in Westport. Not sure if they are what you are interested in or not. Unfortunately Fairfield County is one of the pricest places in the country and you will be working right in the middle of it. I agree to check Fairfield or Easton because they are more affordable but they would make for a tougher commute. There does not appear to be much in Darien or New Canaan that is newer in your price range. Have you considered a charming older home? Jay

[prayowenmeany]

Jay, thanks for the note. Unfortunately like most people of my generation (35), I'm not very handy. I cannot fix anything and the extent of my tool box is a screwdriver & hammer. I blame it on the video games and on my parents.

The architectural splendor of a charming older home is lost on me. The wood windows that don't open, the antiquated boilers in the basement and wood paneling from the 70's don't appeal to us. So we are in search of something new, finished, and realize that we have to sacrifice distance for space.

[JayCT]

Then definitely head to the outskirts. Towns like Fairfield, Easton or Trumbull may be good. Not sure what you would find in Ridgefield for that price. Also check Redding, Bethel and Newtown. Good luck, Jay

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Hmm - you might be able to find something in Ridgefield. Also look at Easton, and still Fairfield. Easton will be very rural along the Merritt Parkway, and Fairfield more suburban.

I wouldn't describe Easton as a pressure cooker though. It's a town that people choose because they want to get away from the pressure. Fairfield may have a higher level of pressure than Easton, but i wouldn't characterize it as a pressure cooker either. Fairfield is not an exclusively wealthy community. It does have areas where residents are a bit more relaxed, and have more modest goals.

[HelloSam]

There are some brand new homes on Mill Plain Road in Fairfield called Duck Farm Estates. Last time I drove by I think there were still a few on the market. They look like 4 BR colonials with nice finishings. It's a great area! I think these homes are well within your price range, definitely under a million.