[MelWA]

I've been reading so much on Connecticut but still have mixed feelings. My husband was offered a job with DCMA (defense contract management agency). His salary starts at 65k and increases the next few years. It is a foot in the door. We are not sure how we are going to love living on the east coast so we will be selling our house here and renting for the first year. We have 2 children, one that will be in 5th grade this year and another that is an eighteen year old that has just graduated and wants to finish her cosmetology. I'm not quite sure if I want to start another job. I've worked at our family owned pet store for the last 13 years and am throwing the idea around about petsmart or petco. There are so many little towns around there I am feeling overwhelmed. We have a start date of July 5. My husband is willing to drive an hour to Norwalk so we can maybe find a house that will accept dogs. What towns should I be concentrating on? Thank you on advance. I know this was pretty lengthy.

[gkb1722]

I am new to posting to this forum but wanted to wish you best of luck with your move. The first town that I thought of was Fairfield but then your Husband will be stuck doing the south bound heavy traffic commute. I think Stamford would have some houses for rent and although I live in Stamford I don't have kids so I am not sure how the schools are

[andthentherewere3]

You will find that's a tight budget. The towns immediately surrounding Norwalk will be the most expensive, so you'll probably want to look a little further north. Also, it will be a littler harder to find a rental that accepts dogs. What exactly do you think your monthly budget for a rental would be? Keep in mind that utilities, especially heat, can run around $400 a month during winter, or even higher. You'll probably be renting an older home, too. Start your search first in Fairfield, followed by Bethel, Trumbull, Monroe, Newtown, Shelton, Milford and Stratford. The commute will be around an hour for those towns during rush hour, maybe a little more depending on the town/traffic. Of course, if there is an accident (and there often is) it can be much longer. Some of those towns, like Trumbull, Monroe and Newtown probably won't have many homes for rent, though. But you have several towns to choose from.

[MelWA]

Thank you. It's a big move but a great opportunity.

[MelWA]

Thank you for the advice. It is a tight budget compared to living in Yakima, Wa. Our budget should be around 2k for the rental and I have considered the heating as well since our home now has oil heating. I'm at work now but will start down on the list tonight. The property taxes has us worried. Buying a house might be the only option it is starting to seem with two border collies and a pom.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by andthentherewere3

You will find that's a tight budget. The towns immediately surrounding Norwalk will be the most expensive, so you'll probably want to look a little further north. Also, it will be a littler harder to find a rental that accepts dogs. What exactly do you think your monthly budget for a rental would be? Keep in mind that utilities, especially heat, can run around $400 a month during winter, or even higher. You'll probably be renting an older home, too. Start your search first in Fairfield, followed by Bethel, Trumbull, Monroe, Newtown, Shelton, Milford and Stratford.

Good suggestions for CT. Also, i wouldn't dismiss looking in NY for a rental. For a purchase though, yeah, stay away from NY. Westchester County property taxes are scandalous.

[mlassoff]

Would the New Milford area be a possibility? The OP's spouse could shoot down route 7. It should be about an hour-- but does traffic make this unrealistic?

The New Milford area is more rural, quite and laid back. It is also a less expensive area with some nice rental housing, decent schools, etc..

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by gkb1722

I think Stamford would have some houses for rent and although I live in Stamford I don't have kids so I am not sure how the schools are

Stamford should have 3Br. duplexes in the OP's budget, but the school system appears to get worse as you progress past the elementary level.

However, in looking at the stats/dynamics of the area where the OP is currently located(Yakima,WA), perhaps Stamford, and its middle schools, would be acceptable for the OP?

I forgot to mention that there are (dumpy)3Br. duplexes off of New Norwalk Rd. in New Canaan(!!!) that usually go for just a little bit over 2K/month. It might be worth checking out for the excellent school system.

[jax12479]

Will your husband's new job be close to the train station in Norwalk? If so, he can save a lot of time/stress by just commuting via train. Look for towns along the New Haven line -- Milford would be a good option.

[jdhall1]

You should be able to a find a single family home or luxury townhome in and around Danbury (Danbury,Brookfield,Bethel and New Fairfield). Good luck