[sydneybeach]

Hi,
In another thread I asked about areas around New Canaan, Weston, Wilton, Ridgefeild etc. These areas look lovely but perhaps you need your car to get everywhere? Is this true?

What are the areas like on the coast? What are the safest nicest areas to live? Are they more, not sure of the right word, maybe, urban?
Thinking Nth of Stamford but no more than 45min commute away (by car) from Stamford.

Can anyone recommend a few areas I can look at that have good elementary schools & nice living?
I like to walk places like cafes, schools, restaurants & need to walk the dog somewhere decent too.

What's Westport like?
ETA - Budget don't want to spend more than $4k/Month for a 4bed house.

THANKS!

[willow wind]

Westport, New Caanan, Ridgefield, Weston, Wilton, Ridgefield- you are looking at some of the most expensive areas to live in the entire country. It's all safe- you won't go wrong in any of these towns. The schools in each are superb. But yes, you will need a car. These towns, particularly Weston, are about as suburban as it gets. Ridgefield, New Canaan & Westport have nice little shopping areas. But you would still need a car, there is no way to get along in CT without a car. You might get lucky enough to find a rental near a grade school, but the school may not be any where near a walkable shopping area. As of middle and senior high schools, the kids are going by school bus or you will drive them.

[JayCT]

Fairfield would be another option. It has a great downtown and lots of great family activities. The schools are excellent plus it is more affordable than most other upscale towns nearby. Jay

[dazzleman]

Fairfield's a great town, but it has also become pretty expensive. I have no idea about rents; I'm much more familiar with home purchase prices.

It's hard to live in Fairfield without a car. I have a friend who's a homemaker and stays home all day without a car. She gets by, but it's limiting, especially with kids. Her kids can't really be involved in any activities that aren't directly connected to the school since she can't get them there. But if you pick the right neighborhood, you can get by without a car at your disposal at all times.

I'd also have to say that places like Ridgefield, New Canaan, Weston, etc. aren't on the water, so there's no coastal living there.

[sydneybeach]

lol PP I can see quite clearly those areas aren't on the water!

We'll definitely have cars I just don't want to have to be 100% reliant on it. Ie able to walk to a cafe or the park etc.

Thanks, I'll look into Fairfield as well.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by sydneybeach

Thanks, I'll look into Fairfield as well.

If your husband is commuting by car during peak times, the commute is likely to be over 45 minutes.

[arielmina]

honestly I still say Ridgefield, particularly if you can find a home close to town, which you should at that budget. It's really very walkable. You can walk to the park, library, market, shops, cafe, etc. Have you been to any of these towns that we've mentioned?

[sydneybeach]

Originally Posted by arielmina

honestly I still say Ridgefield, particularly if you can find a home close to town, which you should at that budget. It's really very walkable. You can walk to the park, library, market, shops, cafe, etc. Have you been to any of these towns that we've mentioned?

No I haven't, I'm having to research this from the other side of the world unfortunately. I am liking the look of Ridgefield.

[JayCT]

Ridgefield is very nice. It has excellent schools and a nice downtown area. It is also convenient to great shopping in Danbury. Jay

[JayCT]

I forgot to say that Ridgefield is NOT on the coast though. Jay