[NikolaeVarius]

I just got a job in Norwalk and I'm scouting out areas to live. I'm young so I would prefer to be in area that has easy access to a decent nightlife.

Milford is 40 minutes away by train, which isn't terrible, and I would get quick access to the New Haven nightlife, not to mention some pretty decent beaches.
Norwalk would be right on top of work, but I have no experience at all with the SoNo nightlife. Is it actually as cracked up as people make it seem?

Milford also does seem to be cheaper overall which is nice and I would still have access to everything I need quickly and efficiently. I guess the closest analogue to Milford would be East Norwalk? How is the safety factor of the area?

Any good inputs on nightlife/affordability/convenience ratio for a young single male? Money isn't really an issue, but I would REALLY prefer not to go too far above $1000.

Thanks.

[Stylo]

Norwalk is very expensive and $1000 will not go very far. You might be in a ratty apartment or questionable area for that budget. East Norwalk is actually a really good option, but you need to up your budget to at least $1200.

SoNo has a decent nightlife scene although it is small. Stamford has more going on, which you could access by car or train, although rents there are very high.

Milford is definitely cheaper but not THAT much cheaper to rent. Maybe 20-30% cheaper overall. It makes a bigger difference when you go to buy. The nightlife scene in Milford is mainly in the warmer months, and it's smaller than SoNo. It's very much centered around downtown and outdoor bars. It's pretty dead in the winter. It's definitely a beachy feel, and a much more active town in the summer. New Haven does have a very good nightlife scene, probably the best in the state.

East Norwalk and Milford are nothing alike.

If your work is right in SoNo, I'd consider Downtown Milford as an option - but keep in mind that you'll be spending more $ on the train. If your work is elsewhere in Norwalk, maybe consider East Norwalk - as it'll make the commute a lot easier. It's really up to you. How much of a commute are you willing to deal with for better beaches and slightly cheaper rent?

I know a lot of people that just plain don't like Norwalk despite working there, and have decided to live in Milford and make the commute. I also know a lot of people who couldn't be bothered with the commute from anywhere and live right in Norwalk. It's a personal decision.

[JayCT]

I would recommend living as close to your job as reasonably possible. You will be commuting to your job every day but likely going out once or twice a week. Why live further than you have to. That said your budget will not go far in Norwalk. You might be able to find a small apartment in a less desirable neighborhood. You might want to consider the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. It is more affordable and has some nightlife. Good luck. Jay.

[NikolaeVarius]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Norwalk is very expensive and $1000 will not go very far. You might be in a ratty apartment or questionable area for that budget. East Norwalk is actually a really good option, but you need to up your budget to at least $1200.

SoNo has a decent nightlife scene although it is small. Stamford has more going on, which you could access by car or train, although rents there are very high.

Milford is definitely cheaper but not THAT much cheaper to rent. Maybe 20-30% cheaper overall. It makes a bigger difference when you go to buy. The nightlife scene in Milford is mainly in the warmer months, and it's smaller than SoNo. It's very much centered around downtown and outdoor bars. It's pretty dead in the winter. It's definitely a beachy feel, and a much more active town in the summer. New Haven does have a very good nightlife scene, probably the best in the state.

East Norwalk and Milford are nothing alike.

If your work is right in SoNo, I'd consider Downtown Milford as an option - but keep in mind that you'll be spending more $ on the train. If your work is elsewhere in Norwalk, maybe consider East Norwalk - as it'll make the commute a lot easier. It's really up to you. How much of a commute are you willing to deal with for better beaches and slightly cheaper rent?

I know a lot of people that just plain don't like Norwalk despite working there, and have decided to live in Milford and make the commute. I also know a lot of people who couldn't be bothered with the commute from anywhere and live right in Norwalk. It's a personal decision.

Is there anything specific you can say about Norwalk that people don't like about it?

I'm mostly find that I'm okay with the train commute because i can relax and get some work done or read during it, which is nice.

I can easily afford up to 1500 a month in rent, but you know, nobody likes paying a crap ton for rent.

[SeaDoo342]

1k won't get you much in Norwalk OR Milford…

I also wouldn't want to do the Milford to Norwalk commute….mileage wise it isn't bad, traffic wise it's horrific! Yes train is an option but the train is a pain...Live near work.

[JayCT]

The train from Milford to Norwalk is fine but many jobs are not near the train station. You would need to get from station to job which could be problem. Jay.

[NikolaeVarius]

Originally Posted by JayCT

The train from Milford to Norwalk is fine but many jobs are not near the train station. You would need to get from station to job which could be problem. Jay.

The job is like a 5 minute walk from the station. It's trivial.

[FutureTown]

I don't want to hijack the topic, but, I'm curious. Could $1,500/mo get you a decent 2br/1ba in walking distance to a train station in Norwalk? If not, what could I get at 1.5k? $1,600 max, if need be.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by NikolaeVarius

Is there anything specific you can say about Norwalk that people don't like about it?

Cost of living, traffic, general pace of things. Milford is a bit more laid back and less gritty for the most part, more of a beach community than a small city feel. I find it friendlier, personally.

Norwalk has a lot more variety of nightlife though.

[FutureTown]

Originally Posted by FutureTown

I don't want to hijack the topic, but, I'm curious. Could $1,500/mo get you a decent 2br/1ba in walking distance to a train station in Norwalk? If not, what could I get at 1.5k? $1,600 max, if need be.

Anybody? Just need a quick answer.