[RiskReturn]

Hey guys, not sure if any of you remember me, but you may have noticed my recent spate of posts. I used to post here frequently when I was a wee kid.

I recently accepted a job offer in Midtown Manhattan which will bring me back to the east coast post-graduation. Work starts this summer, so crunch time is rapidly approaching for the apartment search. My parents live in Westport now, so I've been seriously considering the option of commuting from home (to avoid having to blow up to half my net pay living in the city & periphery). The office is a walkable distance from GCT, and I did a door-door commute over winter recess which took ~80 mins (this was off-peak hours though).

In light of this, I have a few questions:
1. For those of you who commute into the city from Westport & vicinity, how taxing is the daily commute?
- I will be working as a trader so while the hours won't be as grueling as banking, I'll still have to be at work early and will likely work relatively late nights.

2. How reliable are the trains during peak hours/what is the variability in travel time?

3. For a 21 yo to-be grad, is it worth forgoing the city life for a few years? I am in greek life in college so I'd prefer a good social scene, but I'm not the type to hit the bars every night/weekend.
- ik mileage varies by person, but I'd greatly appreciate some input.

4. Segueing from Q3, how much of a hassle is it going in/out of the city on weekends (factoring in potential debauchery)?

[Raider111]

3 - tremendous social/nighlife scene all along the coast (Greenwich to Black Rock), even Westport itself
4 - not at all a hassle outside of weekday rush hour, even if driving as long as there are no accidents. I've ranged from 40 mins to the Bronx, 50-65 mins to Manhattan, 60 mins to JFK, etc

[allanny13]

The short answer is that it's not the most ideal situation for a new college graduate as the social life in Manhattan will always be superior to the suburbs, even those as cultured as Westport. However, the ability to live at home and build a bit of savings with a city income is something that not everyone gets to do, so I would say take advantage of it while you can! My wife (girlfriend at the time) both did it for a year+ to pay off student loans and then start saving to buy a house, and it made a tremendous difference. If the commute or hours become too taxing you could always change your mind down the road. I imagine you might also have friends doing the same thing as you that you can maintain a social life with around the area as well.

[jax12479]

If I were you, I'd live at home in Westport for the entire summer and save money (the city is grossly hot in the summer anyway). Then in the fall, use the money you saved to move into the city. By then, you'll be sufficiently bored of suburban life, but at least you'll have three months of money saved.

[kidyankee764]

I wouldn't commute from Westport. I'd get a roommate and live in the city, maybe Brooklyn or Hoboken. Your quality of life will be better as a college grad. Westport, while a very nice area, is a long commute and I wouldn't do it. But, everyone's different.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by allanny13

The short answer is that it's not the most ideal situation for a new college graduate as the social life in Manhattan will always be superior to the suburbs, even those as cultured as Westport. However, the ability to live at home and build a bit of savings with a city income is something that not everyone gets to do, so I would say take advantage of it while you can! My wife (girlfriend at the time) both did it for a year+ to pay off student loans and then start saving to buy a house, and it made a tremendous difference. If the commute or hours become too taxing you could always change your mind down the road. I imagine you might also have friends doing the same thing as you that you can maintain a social life with around the area as well.

I agree with alanny on this. You already did this for a while and survived. If it was truly as bad for you I doubt you would be asking us this question at all. As alanny noted, you could always change your mind in the future. Just save some money for a while first so you have some cash for when you do move. Jay

[Raider111]

There seems to be this prevailing notion on here that 20 somethings can only survive in cities or else they get bored to death.
I've always lived in suburbs and was never bored. There was plenty of bars, clubs, and women to go around, among other things to do, all in close proximity within 5-6 towns. Never felt a need to be in NYC all the time.

Living at home for an extended period of time to save significant money is never a bad idea. A bad idea is spending monthly income on exorbitant rents for 300sq ft and not having any money left for the fun stuff your there to do in the first place.

[hvexpatinct]

Living at home to save money gives you a big leg up and doesn't have to be permanent. Why not commute for 6 months then move into the city? You'll have time to figure out where you want to be and who you want to live with.

[DigitalMilford]

The commuting is doable-- But it's for old farts who want their kids to go to the good high schools and have their 1.5 acres.

I've done it on and off for years and from Westport is not all that taxing. I actual manage a commute from Milford at this point and, while not ideal, I handle it. You can do it, I agree. I also agree with others here -- If social life is a concern, you're going to want to be in the city.

You might look in Inwood, the northernmost neighborhood in Manhattan, which is an easy subway commute from midtown and you'll have access to all the city offers.

[RiskReturn]

Thank you all for the replies! I will definitely look into Inwood @DigitalMilford; the rents seem to be pretty reasonable there- is it a safe area?

As far as Brooklyn and Hoboken/Jersey City go, the rents don't seem to be much cheaper than midtown and the travel time is a good 40+ mins. I can't really justify the minor savings given those commute times.

I do like the idea of living at home for a few months and testing the waters; I guess I am just a bit apprehensive having gotten used to the urban lifestyle (in the SF area). Do you guys have any pointers for the social scene in lower FFC, particularly any venues/clubs for 20-somethings? My parents moved to Westport within the last year, and given most of my time has been spent interning or in school in California, I haven't had much time to get acquainted with the area.