[krmh]

Hi. I am brand new to the world of "posting a new thread" - please bear with me...

My family is planning a move to CT. We are focusing on the Ridgefield, Wilton, Westport area. We are currently leaning toward Ridgefield. Love the small town, schools, etc. My husband will commute into NYC (near Grand Central.)

Anyone out there have any advice for what area of Ridgefield provides the best commute into the city? We are thinking that we want to live relatively close to town and be able to enjoy it. I am a bit concerned with the distance from town to the high school (we have four children.)

Anyone out there with any wisdom to share?

Thank you!

[outofCT]

I lived in Ridgefield for 11 years but worked in Norwalk. However I did my Ph.D. in NYC and did have clients in NYC so I did go in several times a week as my job as a CPA (accountant) demanded. The best area would be west of Route 33 or Route 116. If you are more north towards the high school go 116 to 123 to 138 I believe. That will take you to the Golden's Bridge NY station of the Harlem Line of Metro North. If you live more south take 35 across to Katonah Station. The train is about an hour ride from those two stations and have frequent trains. Branchville section of Ridgefield has a train line but it does not run that frequent. Door to door commute would be about 1 hour for train, 20 minute drive to station, 15 minutes leeway (park car, walk to platform, get a space, etc.) and 15 minutes from GCT to where ever if he is close. You need to contact either station for a parking pass way in advance I forgot the cost for a year.

[movingct]

Hi krmh,
You're making a great choice in choosing Ridgefield. I would follow outofct's advice as far as commute.
As for the high school, I live near town, and it's about 15 minutes to drive to Ridgefield High School. There should be a bus, though, that takes your kids to and from the high school each morning so the distance shouldn't be too much of a concern.
Ridgefield is great; great schools, friendly people, very safe, and it's beautiful.
Good luck and I hope I helped a little bit.

[krmh]

Hi. Quick question on Ridgefild. Is there any quiet "division" in town....north vs south, one middle school vs another, etc? In the town where I am now, there is a definite nothside southside division. It is truly based on what side of the tracks you live on...it probably began many years ago with the train and continues.

I have read that there are some "economic differences"...what does that mean?

Thanks.

[jumper]

There aren't any geographical divisions in our town. The South side commutes to Metro North via Rt.7 to Westport or South Norwalk..the north side to Katonah or Guldens bridge via Rt.33. I commuted from town to the NYSE from here every day for 6 years,
then later to the GCT area for 4, the to Stamford for another 3. I am unaware of any
"economic" differences of note...there are some wealthy families and some not so wealthy. I do not think there are any truly "poor" people here. I do believe there is a demographic group that is suffering, seniors, and there are like everywhere else some families that are economically distressed.
Most of my friends commute to Katonah...about 20 minutes on the HART bus,then a 55 minute ride..the HART bus leaves Jesse Lee Church starting at 5am each morning, and buses meet the trains in the evenings...e-mail me your address privately, I have a copy of the bus/train schedule...Dan

[jreich210]

Ridgefield is a pleasant picturesque town with working professionals (both men and women). I do know that a number of children in town are brought up by nannies, but this is not the norm. Just putting it out there that youre children will be exposed to this lifestyle. Ridgefield also has many middle class residents but they are quickly being squeezed out.

Nice town, good schools and easy access to Katonah Metro North, Danbury and lower FFLD County