[beerisgood02]

Originally Posted by EUPL

ughh why would you want to leave Florida.

Because who wants to walk and drive behind cotton tops all day long, only to have Olive Garden and Applebees as dinner options afterwards?

[NewJeffCT]

Originally Posted by beerisgood02

Because who wants to walk and drive behind cotton tops all day long, only to have Olive Garden and Applebees as dinner options afterwards?

Not to mention that Coral Gables has 39.3 crimes per thousand residents, while Ridgefield has 0.36 crimes per thousand residents, according to a quick google search. So, less than 1/100 the crime rate. That might be important to some people.

I used Ridgefield because I had suggested it above as a cheaper alternative to Westport.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by beerisgood02

Because who wants to walk and drive behind cotton tops all day long, only to have Olive Garden and Applebees as dinner options afterwards?

Clearly you don't know Coral Gables well. The community has a better foodie scene than both Westport and Wilton combined. Few chains except for a Ruth's Chris and a small handful of others (Shake Shack to name another). Way more non chains, though.

Comparing CG and Ridgefield is apples and oranges. CG borders one of the nations largest cities. Ridgefield has a few town buffer from a tiny satellite city (Norwalk). Not disputing that CT burbs have a lower crime rate overall, though.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by fashi0nista

Hi, I wanted to get some insight regarding the different towns in CT. My husband was offered a position in Norwalk. We would be making the move from FL.
I don't think I'd like to live in Norwalk, I was doing some research and came across Westport, which seems lovely. Any other recommendations?

A few details:
- we're a young family: husband, wife and 4 month old baby
- we'll likely have more children
- looking for a family-friendly town with good public school options
- we'll probably rent at first before committing to buy
- Commute to Norwalk should be under 20 min

Thanks!

Keep in mind that Norwalk is surrounded by some of the most expensive towns in the country so knowing your budget is important. Since you want a short commute, your choices are limited to Norwalk itself, Darien, New Canaan, Wilton, Weston, Westport and maybe Ridgefield. Since you are renting and do not have school-aged children, it might be best to rent in Norwalk at first and get to know the area.

If your budget allows, any of the other communities listed would be great places to consider. All are very family friendly with excellent schools and a lot to offer you. They just have slightly different characters that only you can decide which is best for your family. Good luck, Jay

[FairfieldCountyPal]

Westport, Weston, Fairfield, Wilton are all good possibilities. Since you are used to a coastal town you probably will want to rent in Westport or Fairfield on Long Island Sound. I think that since you are renting at first you could rent in Norwalk which does have some lovely areas since you are not worried about schools yet.

[fashi0nista]

Originally Posted by jax12479

What would your rental budget be? Westport, along with Greenwich, Darien and New Canaan all fit the bill (family-friendly, convenient to Norwalk) but they're all very expensive, so hard to recommend them without knowing your budget...

Rental budget would be $5,000/month at the most.

[fashi0nista]

Originally Posted by hvexpatinct

It would also be helpful to know where in Norwalk the job is located - as the area is very congested and 20 min is a pretty short commute so your options may be limited.

Sure! I'm not very familiar with the area, but looking at the map, it's close to the Norwalk Police Department. Does that help?

[NewJeffCT]

Originally Posted by fashi0nista

Rental budget would be $5,000/month at the most.

You won't have any issues finding something nice for that budget - you can probably get a pretty nice house rental at that price, if you so chose.

[fashi0nista]

Originally Posted by Mike 75

Budget is going to dictate the town, like others have said. Need to know that before we can be of any help.

for rental $5,000/month
when we decide to buy it would be around $900k

[fashi0nista]

Originally Posted by beerisgood02

Because who wants to walk and drive behind cotton tops all day long, only to have Olive Garden and Applebees as dinner options afterwards?

Well, one of our main reasons is of course job improvement, and good public education plays an important role as well.

You're mistaken when it comes to dinner options. CG has amazing dining options that are not chains.