[happyinCT]

We have an opportunity to buy a home in Redding (close to Rte 7) or a home in Danbury (Aunt Hack area). I know, I know. The towns are night and day with regard to schools and shopping (or lack thereof) and restaurants (or lack thereof), but we don't have children and we like each home very much for different reasons.
Right now, what we're concentrating on is the commute times to Greenwich. Does anyone commute to Greenwich (closer to Cos Cob, actually) at Exit 3 off I-95 from either Redding or Danbury? According to MapQuest, Redding is only 25 miles away while Danbury is more like 45, but driving from Redding would leave only the options of taking I-95 or 15 which we know are parking lots. From Danbury, 684 might not be as bad traffic-wise.
Love MapQuest, but would like to hear back from some real-life commuters.

[Stylo]

Actually, I'd rather be in Redding for restaurant access. At least you are a shortish drive to Fairfield, Westport, Norwalk. Danbury is extremely limited on good restaurants. Mostly chains and bar food. The places that try hard to be upscale are usually pretty lame. Bethel probably has the best restaurant selection in that area.

Anyway, a lot of people take 684 from Danbury to get to Greenwich. It is a long commute, over an hour - and not without traffic. But doing 95/15 to Greenwich is completely un-winnable. From Redding, driving to South Norwalk and taking the train could be smart - especially if your work is near a station. If not, a back road commute is possible - it'll just be slow. Again, close to an hour.

[happyinCT]

Good points and we do enjoy trying different restaurants and don't mind driving to do it. We were in Westport over the weekend and can say if we could afford to live there, we'd do it in a minute.

The job actually is within walking distance of the Cos Cob train station, but my husband really hates taking the train. I don't mind it, though. Gives you a chance to read, catch up on emails, or just relax. But, he's the one commuting to Greenwich and prefers being in his own car.

[Stylo]

I recommend doing a test run of both commutes. Redding via backroad, Danbury via 684. At rush hour in both the morning and afternoon. You might want to look at Ridgefield and Wilton too.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by happyinCT

But, he's the one commuting to Greenwich and prefers being in his own car.

That will change after one week on I-95 in the afternoon.

[Mike 75]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

That will change after one week on I-95 in the afternoon.

Yup, especially on a Friday in the summer. Even if he doesn't take the train every day, having it as a option can make life a lot easier.

[arielmina]

put it to you this way... i lived in Wilton, right off route 7 (about 2 miles north of Orem's), and commuted to downtown Stamford. Took me 40 minutes to go oh about 15 miles? on a GOOD day. So you are looking to be a bit further north and then you're going past Stamford (and it will open up on 95 after Stamford for a bit)... so it's gonna be well over an hour of tear your hair out 95 drive time. I personally strongly prefer living north of Stamford/Greenwich, rather than west, because you can take back roads. I would look in Ridgefield myself... the commute from Danbury may be easier but again as noted, you won't have the train option.