[Capital Guy]

I just moved to Fairfield County, CT from Denver. I'm new to the state but my fiancée grew up in Mass. We have been living in Milford since June and have been in the process of buying a home in the $150-200k ballpark. I'm sure everyone knows our biggest problem: affordability. We found a gorgeous house in East Haven in a nice neighborhood, and schools are non-issue. My concern is the commute. Since I'll be working UK hours, I'll be going in 3am to 3pm four days a week. How is the traffic along 95 at 3pm going to East Haveb from Stamford (exit 6 to 52)? I'll probably hit Milford at 4 and New Haven at 4:15. Train is not an option.

Anyone make this commute daily?

[kidyankee764]

That's a pretty long commute but you definitely have the clock on your side. At 3 AM, the worst you'll hit is some construction slowing (a lane or two blocked), and at 3 PM, it'll likely be very slow from Stamford to Norwalk then good to Orange. I'm guessing you'll probably hit a lot of traffic going over the Q Bridge around 4, 4:30.

DW commutes to Stamford from Branford once a week and it's hell, but she leaves Stamford at 5ish. It takes her 2+ hours (thankfully this is not an everyday thing).

If I were in your situation and schools aren't a concern, what about checking out condos in Stratford?

[SVTJayC]

3am shouldn't normally be a problem. The 3pm drive home could get rough though. Traffic starts building on 95 North around 2-3. You are probably looking at a 2 hour drive home.

[Capital Guy]

Thanks Kidyankee. My fiancée has a job offer in Madison so that's why we're lookinh in New Haven County. We aren't finding anything meeting our expectations in Milford so are coming to grips with a long commute until we're established and hold equity. Then it will be easier to move closer to work.

Another question. I have an Accord. Will it be oky to commute (snow and ice)?

[Capital Guy]

Thanks SVTJayC. Two hours sounds terrible. You really think it will take that long to go 40 miles?

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Capital Guy

Another question. I have an Accord. Will it be oky to commute (snow and ice)?

Front wheel drive should be fine as long as you have good tires.

Originally Posted by Capital Guy

Thanks SVTJayC. Two hours sounds terrible. You really think it will take that long to go 40 miles?

It's very possible, especially on days when it rains. When there's weather, it can easily take 45 minutes just to get to Norwalk. 95 is a mess.

[Stylo]

Have you tried Shelton? It's a little cheaper than Milford and much easier commute to Stamford than East Haven. Even Seymour would be better, and that's a little cheaper than Shelton. Stratford is also marginally less expensive than Milford, but you probably won't find much in your budget except for smaller condos.

[Capital Guy]

Thanks Stylo. We looked at Shelton but couldn't find anything we liked except for few condos that were outdated. Stratford had a few but the neighborhood seemed unsafe and a little seedy. There are a few houses we are going to view this weekend in Stratford so maybe we will find something that fits. Seymour is a little off the beaten path for my fiancée who will probably start working in Madison.

Is the consensus that my commute will be horrific?

[Stylo]

On some days it could get rough. You have the time advantage as far as leaving right before rush hour gets bad. I would recommend trying it out a few times, are you able to do that?

Seymour to Madison isn't too bad actually. It's mostly against traffic.

[Capital Guy]

Hmm. I looked at Seymour houses on Realtor.com and what am I missing? The houses are affordable and it's less of a commute to Stamford. Taxes seem kind of high. What is it like? Safe? Curb appeals? How's the traffic on 8?