[da_moving]

Hello all,

I recently got a job offer for a company in the Westport area. I am in my early/mid twenties and want to live in some place that is close to work but relatively fun. My friends/acquaintances tell me that downtown Stamford is a decent place for that.

I am wondering about the cost of living. I have read all over this forum that it is pretty high. I have no student debt or credit card debt, and the company is generous (relocation expenses paid, free breakfast and lunch, shuttle services, stuff like that) but my salary is not going to be super high (at least not initially). I think we are looking at around 70k target with about 20k variable. Meaning that my guaranteed base salary will be around 50k with the possibility of making up to 90k in bonus (most likely around 70 total though). Obviously, I need to budget for the 50k salary though.

Will it be at all plausible to live in downtown Stamford? Other caveats: I am a recent college grad and do not have super high standards. I do not mind taking on some roommates/living in less than luxurious apartments. I am more concerned about location. I have seen a few posts about people asking similar questions with an income of 100k but they often are looking for a 2 bedroom place to themselves/have way higher quality of life than I need right now.

Anyways, any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

[DrPizza]

You are working in Westport. For a "fun" downtown with cheaper rent costs, look at South Norwalk (SoNo).

[BPt111]

What your rent price range for etc 1,400-1,700.....

[Stylo]

SoNo is cheaper than Stamford by a little and closer to work. You could also do Black Rock, which is a little tougher commute but totally doable and you'll save some money over SoNo or Stamford. It's a good neighborhood with good restaurants and nightlife.

[BPt111]

Originally Posted by Stylo

SoNo is cheaper than Stamford by a little and closer to work. You could also do Black Rock, which is a little tougher commute but totally doable and you'll save some money over SoNo or Stamford. It's a good neighborhood with good restaurants and nightlife.

as long of you stay west of elsworth street

[Stylo]

Actually, these days Black Rock isn't really much inferior to SoNo commute wise. Traffic is so bad in Norwalk in every direction and on backroads that Black Rock is actually pretty easy. You can just take Route 1 through Fairfield and it's not that bad at all. Even though Black Rock has a nice selection of bars and restaurants, the scene in Fairfield is also growing too. The nearby colleges help with the scene. Great place to be, and a quick drive to either Stamford or New Haven for more action if needed.

[DrPizza]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Actually, these days Black Rock isn't really much inferior to SoNo commute wise. Traffic is so bad in Norwalk in every direction and on backroads that Black Rock is actually pretty easy. You can just take Route 1 through Fairfield and it's not that bad at all. Even though Black Rock has a nice selection of bars and restaurants, the scene in Fairfield is also growing too. The nearby colleges help with the scene. Great place to be, and a quick drive to either Stamford or New Haven for more action if needed.

The commute isn't that bad. The "real" traffic is at Exit 15. Once out of Norwalk, traffic isn't too bad and it actually moves. Heck, lately at Exit 16 there was a reliever zone where traffic moved at highway speeds for 1-2 miles.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Computergeek

The commute isn't that bad. The "real" traffic is at Exit 15. Once out of Norwalk, traffic isn't too bad and it actually moves. Heck, lately at Exit 16 there was a reliever zone where traffic moved at highway speeds for 1-2 miles.

Just saying the commutes are pretty close

[BPt111]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Just saying the commutes are pretty close

21 mins by highway, 42 mins on route 1, 40 mins with traffic, 24 mins by train

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by BPt111

21 mins by highway, 42 mins on route 1, 40 mins with traffic, 24 mins by train

Huh?

Black Rock via Route 1 to Westport downtown is definitely not 42 minutes. It's only a little over 7 miles. The train is 12 minutes to Westport from Fairfield Metro.