[engrvet]

My family is moving from West Michigan to the NYC area. He will be commuting to LaGuardia daily. I'm born and raised in MI and very hesitant to move our family. We have two children (10th grade and 7th grade). Great schools are very important. They both excel academically and are in multiple sports including lacrosse. I think we would be better off a little further from NYC, and have been looking at Ridgefield CT and Wilton CT. Our housing budget is $800K. How long is the commute from these towns to LGA during rush hour? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

[MrGompers]

Unfortunately, unless that job transfer includes a helicopter to be used daily for commuting you can forget about CT to LGA. For LGA best to look on Long Island. I'm not sure what commute times would be, but there are a lot of towns on the north shore of long island that should fit your requirements.

[JayCT]

I agree. If your husband will be commuting during regular rush hour times, then Connecticut is not the best choice of places to live. LGA is located in Queens which is on Long Island. To get there, your husband will need to cross either the Whitestone or Throgs Neck Bridge and that can be difficult. You would be better to look on Long Island for a place to live. Jay

[Goose-boy]

I would reconsider the move from MI to Long Island. At the very least make a visit prior to and understand the difference in location.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Goose-boy

I would reconsider the move from MI to Long Island. At the very least make a visit prior to and understand the difference in location.

I agree. Coming from Michigan to New York will be a big culture shock, especially going to Long Island. Picture a large scale Detroit with more cars. Jay

[reed303]

Originally Posted by engrvet

My family is moving from West Michigan to the NYC area. He will be commuting to LaGuardia daily. I'm born and raised in MI and very hesitant to move our family. We have two children (10th grade and 7th grade). Great schools are very important. They both excel academically and are in multiple sports including lacrosse. I think we would be better off a little further from NYC, and have been looking at Ridgefield CT and Wilton CT. Our housing budget is $800K. How long is the commute from these towns to LGA during rush hour? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Speaking as someone who was moved by my family in the 11th grade, from a small town in Ohio to Chicago, I would not wish this on anybody. I never made any close friends since then.

Think hard on this and the other issues pointed out here.

[HeadedWest]

I'll add my voice, too. This would be incredibly hard on your kids. You, too, if I'm reading your post correctly.

[MrGompers]

There are actually some nice neighborhoods next to the Whitestone bridge in Queens. I don't remember their names.

One thing you have to consider about Long Island is that its difficult and annoying to leave unless you want to use the subway. If you can and want to live your entire life on Long Island it can be a good choice. I've visited nearly all of Long Island and despite all it has to offer, I personally wouldn't want to live there unless perhaps I was rich and retired.

[grecostimpy]

I moved from MI to LI. (I lived in SE MI)....I is very different and would definitely be a culture shock for your kids in a lot of ways. But don't let that dissuade you. I'd recommend taking a little vacation to LI for at least a few days and "live it" if you will.

One thing you will note is the extreme traffic. That alone made me move away.

One thing I will say that everyone already has....don't even consider CT. You'll never see your husband.

[MrGompers]

You can exclude New Jersey too.