[kimme94]

Hi,

My husband just took a job in Stamford. We currently live in Bellmore NY (Long Island) and he's been making the drive every day. We'd like to eventually move to CT (to be closer to his job) but aren't sure where we should go. We have 1 child and another due in a few weeks (so good schools are a MUST as well as a safe neighborhood). Currently his morning commute is 50 minutes (not too bad) but his night commute is 1 1/2 hrs to 2 hours (pretty bad). So we'd like to cap his commute at about 45 mins (car or train).

Until recently we both worked in the city (NY) so being close would be ideal (but probably not practical).

Since the housing market is crap right (our house hasn't appreciated much since we purchased it) but we'd be looking in the 450 range and below. We're also contemplating renting for awhile (so there is no commitment).

Any suggestions would be appreciated

[jdhall1]

You might want to look up in the Danbury/Bethel/Brookfield area. You can find something a pretty ok home for around $400,000. No direct highway to Stamford, but there a good amount of backroads.

[kimme94]

Are there areas that are a bit more suburban than rural?

[jdhall1]

Definately more suburban.Danbury does have a ton of shopping & restuarants.

[pulpfiction]

Another vote for Danbury/Bethel. 450k wont get anything halfway decent along the coast. The Danbury area is far more "liveable" than lower fairfield county--much less congestion, more house for your money, and more open-space (Candlewood Lake, in particular). Commuting down Rt 7 would be a nightmare--but the 84/684 commute wouldnt be too bad at all (and when you finally hit 95, you will be going against the flow of traffic).

[andthentherewere3]

If good schools are a priority, I would look into Bethel instead of Danbury itself. Bethel has a cute little downtown, and is very close to Danbury so you would have easy access to more shopping/restaurants.

[JayCT]

The Stamford area is one of the most expensive parts of the country so finding a nice home in a town with good schools will be difficult in that price range. Some have suggested towns in the Dambury area but the commute would not be good for your husband. I would suggest you look in the Town of Fairfield. It is a great town with excellent schools and most of the amenties you would expect (shopping, restaurants, parks, beaches, etc.). Your husband could take the train to Stamford so his commute would be easier. For your price you could find a nice home in Fairfield. Good luck, Jay

[politricks]

You should take a hard look at the town of Fairfield before you buy property there!

The town lost MILLION$ to Bernie Madoff and now has been forced to raise taxes big time.

Fairfield recently lost $40 million that had been invested with Bernard Madoff, and has raised taxes to cover the expected shortfall.

[kimme94]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

JayCT do you now how long the commute from Fairfield would be? We're used to taking the train to work but he would like the option to drive (we've heard the train stations can be hard to get parking at). Is there any part of Fairfield you would stay away from?

pulpfiction I was wondering how long the drive would take going down 84/684?

Also if you were going to rent first- where would you do so?

[JayCT]

The train ride from Fairfield is about 25 to 30 minutes. You would need to add time to get the station and then from the station to your office. Could be about 45 minutes to an hour. Still not too bad.

As for the comment on Fairfield losing a "ton" of money to the Manoff scandel. The town itself did not lose the money, it was one of the town emplyee pension funds. Even though $40 million is a lot of money, the impact on the town taxes will be minimal overall. Jay