[mpascal]

I've just begun to do some research, hoping others can help. Looking at possibly applying for a school assistant principal position in Darien. My perception is that the area is very expensive. Is it realistic to think that those in public education can live there? Not trying to generalize, but get a sense of whether or not I'd be able to move live there if I were to get a position. Are there other towns nearby that would be affordable, a relatively easy commute and still a nice town to raise my own family? Thanks for any advice.

[JayCT]

Many people that work in lower Fairfield County live away from it and commute in. More affordable towns like Fairfield, Trumbull, Bethel, Brookfield and New Fairfield are great towns to raise a family and are not that far away. Jay

[JayCT]

I forgot to add that Fairfield is about 12 miles from Darien but driving can be very difficult particularly in bad weather. What should be a 20 minute commute could easily go over an hour during rush hour. The best thing would be to time your drive by either leaving early or late to avoid backups. Another option is using back roads but they are difficult. There is train service but it may be hard to get from the station to the school. Jay

[mpascal]

Thanks Jay, I've heard of some of those towns before and will consider those if this job search proceeds.

[kidyankee764]

Darien (and neighboring towns) are very affluent and pricey. Many kids drive nicer cars than the teachers and staff (no joke).

I think the suggestion of Bethel is a good one. Nice middle class town, nice downtown, good schools, and not TOO far from Darien (take 53, stay away from 7).

[arielmina]

I would think it would be very hard for school staff to live in Darien unless they had a spouse who made alot of money.

[mpascal]

That's what I'm thinking, so I'm wondering where people might recommend living, not extraordinarily far away, but a nice community with schools good enough for my own to attend.

[arielmina]

I would recommend Ridgefield (but then I always do), much more reasonable town. You can find a nice house from the mid $400s up (whereas in Darien it's going to be a min of $600K for a fixer upper with no land). The schools are excellent and its about 30 mins via backgrounds to Darien.

[mpascal]

Thanks, didn't know about Ridgefield. I think 30 min. is about the limit I'd like to stay within--all theoretical of course...

[kidyankee764]

Within 30 minutes of Darien might be hard to find something "affordable", but it depends on what you expect for your price range. If you can afford at least 500k, I'd suggest taking a look at Fairfield or Ridgefield. But again, what do you expect for 500k? In both towns, you'll get a modest home. In Bethel, you'll certainly get more for you money, but your commute would be closer to approximately 45 minutes.