[destra]

Hi there, im relocating to Connecticut and im looking to move to the danbury area while working in the norwalk area. Does anyone have an idea of how long the commute would be? how bad is it? any feedback is appreciated.

thanks!

[Stylo]

Depends where in Danbury and where in Norwalk. It can vary greatly based on that, due to the lack of an interstate.

If you live near Route 53 in Danbury or Bethel, that's a pretty easy commute and can be done in 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic and location in Norwalk.

Route 7 is the most prominent route and has a lot of stop lights and varying amounts of traffic. I do not recommend it, but a lot of people do it.

Either way, you're looking at a lot of back roads with varying levels of traffic. '

I'm curious why you are choosing the Danbury area over other alternate areas?

[destra]

well im moving up from FL and im looking for a 3bed/2 bath apt thats a decent price. the avalon communities seem perfect but the prices are outrageous near norwalk much more reasonable in danbury. seems like all i can find in the price range closer to norwalk is older townhomes and houses.

[Stylo]

Oh, so you are renting? Do you have kids and/or concern about schools? There are other options.

Also, I would not base average rent prices on Avalon in either community, as they tend to be on the pricey side.

[destra]

yes i would be renting. i have 2 kids (5 and 3) so schools, preschools and after school activities are definitely a big concern. i like the convenience and amenities that communities like avalon have to offer but there dont seem to be many of them. i was also looking into the trumbull area. i would prefer to have a commute of 30 min or less. thoughts?

[JayCT]

Trumbull would have better schools than Danbury. Danbury is a small city so it has issues you would find in an urban area. The schools generally perform below the state averages on the Connecticut Mastery and Connecticut Academic Performanace Tests.

The Avalon in Trumbull however is located in an area adjacent to Bridgeport where there is a public housing project that may be an issue. I would recommend you consider looking beyond the Avalon apartment complexes. you also might want to look at other towns such as Fairfield or Shelton for rentals. Jay

[Stylo]

Danbury schools are so-so and it will not be 30 minutes or less.

I would also look at the following towns for rentals: Trumbull, Fairfield, Shelton, Milford, Bethel.

If you can take the train to work, Fairfield and Milford are quick and easy commutes and around or under 30 minutes. Look at mta.info for travel times. On light traffic days it's under a half hour. Bethel is an easy drive, 35 minutes or so by Route 53.

Where are you commuting to in Norwalk?

[destra]

to 800 main ave, norwalk

[Stylo]

OK, that helps. You're almost in Wilton at that point and that limits train options. I'd recommend looking in Ridgefield, Bethel, Fairfield, Trumbull. Those towns will get you by car in about 30 minutes with little to moderate traffic. There's not much you can do when traffic is bad on the Merritt. That's the plus on northern FFC towns. The backroads can be slow, but at least traffic is consistent.

You could also look at Danbury, Stratford, Shelton and Milford, but that'll be a bit longer commute. 40 minutes min. from Danbury on Route 7. It can be a frustrating commute with all the stop lights and occasional traffic.

[southsalemmom]

You should look at renting a condo in Ridgefield or Wilton. That would be your best bet for commute, good schools and shopping/amenities. Danbury is too far and as others have said, the schools there are not good.