[MI to CT]

My family is considering relocating to CT from the midwest. The wife would be working in Groton and I would likely be looking for an opportunity in the Stamford/Greenwich finance community. Is a commute from Madison, CT to Stamford ridiculous? Is it drivable? How are the trains? Is a 100 minute train commute each way normal?

I appreciate any feedback you can provide.

[Johnny CT]

www.shorelineeast.com

That is the commuter service between New London and New Haven, I believe that they now have some direct trains to Stamford.

[JayCT]

I beleive the train trip from Madison to Stamford is an hour 20 minutes to one hour 30 minutes. There are a lot of commuters doing this now. Madison is beautiful and affordable compared to Fairfield County towns. If you don't mind this length of commute, it shouldn't be bad.

Have you considered looking for a job in Hartford or New Haven? Hartford has a lot of financial jobs relating to the insurance industry. Hartford is a great small city with a lot going for it (Theaters, restaurants, museums, schools, etc.) without the hassles of New York or Boston. Just a thought. Jay

[Johnny CT]

Many private equity firms are moving to Norwalk too.
Norwalk is also the headquarters for FASB

[MI to CT]

Jay, I have not ruled out Hartford. I just know more about the opportunities in Fairfield Co. which are more in line with my current position.

Are most of the employers in the towns along the commuter rail lines within walking distance of the train stations?

Is the drive on I-95 or the Merritt Parkway even worth considering? 60 miles at 60-70 mph is reasonable, but if the traffic on either road is slow, it changes the equation.

[NY2CT]

Originally Posted by MI to CT

Jay, I have not ruled out Hartford. I just know more about the opportunities in Fairfield Co. which are more in line with my current position.

Are most of the employers in the towns along the commuter rail lines within walking distance of the train stations?

Is the drive on I-95 or the Merritt Parkway even worth considering? 60 miles at 60-70 mph is reasonable, but if the traffic on either road is slow, it changes the equation.

Traffic into Stamford is awful especially on I-95. My husband and I used to live in Norwalk, about 7 miles from Stamford. It typically took 30-45 minutes to get to Stamford, and if there was ever bad weather or an accident, it could take an hour. I don't think the Meritt is much better. I wouldn't recommend driving unless you plan on getting into work before 7:30 or after 10.

[JayCT]

MI to CT - Driving to Stamford or Greenwich from Madison would be horrible. Not only is traffic on I-95 and the Merritt from Bridgeport down to Stamford bad (by far the worst in the state of Connecticut), the trip from Madison to New Haven is very slow too. The State is rebuilding I-95 from Branford to New Haven and West Haven and there will be a lot of delays for these 10 miles until 2016 when this massive project is complete.

There are a lot of jobs in downtown Stamford and Downtown Greenwich near their train stations, but there are also a lot away for the center city as well. These areas were upscale New York City suburbs that saw a lot of major suburban office construction begin in the 70's when traffic was not much of a problem. Today it is a nightmare.

JohnnyCT is right too that Norwalk has a lot of jobs. There is a major office park off the Merritt Parkway called Merritt 7 that has a lot of companies, but getting there from the east is difficult due to traffic on the Parkway. It is located along the Danbury Line so there is train service, but it is very limited. Good luck and if you have any other questions, I would be happy to help. Jay

[skytrekker]

MI to CT

Just my 2 cents; Everyone has provided excellent information-
One thing for sure is; traffic/commuting via Auto in south western CT is BAD- unless you work third shift.

Your choice of Madison is excellent- also if you are intent on coastal CT east of New Haven-check into Branford, Guilford and Clinton. Your wife will have the easiest commute eastbound to Groton.

And also consider greater Hartford; its a totally different world then Fairfield county- with less traffic, and cheaper housing then along the shoreline.

The 'quiet' Corner' in eastern CT is rural and looks like Vermont, but close to South eastern CT (Groton) Hartford and Providence., with very affordable housing for the northeast corridor.

Good luck and welcome- to both of you.

[Dockside]

Don't drive. It is a l-o-n-g haul, especially at rush hour. From Madison you would have to struggle through New Haven traffic, then Bridgeport traffic, then the buildup to Stamford which can start at Norwalk. One little fender-bender will add another 30 minutes to your commute. Then you get to do it again going home. You will live in your car.

The trains are better and you can work on the train. Madison is beautiful, so is Guilford.

[Familyof6fromCT]

Recommend living in madison- wonderful town

Recommend finding a job thats not in fairfield county- nightmare of traffic, people, cost, etc