[EpiGirl18]

Hi all,

I hope you are warm and safe during this recent blizzard. I posted late last year about relocating for a job and was initially thinking about buying straight away. However, I decided that for me the more pragmatic choice would be to rent first.

I have seen a number of rentals in the area, but my choices are limited because I have 2 dogs. I have seen one place in town for $3500, one place outside of town for $2800. Of the 2, I prefer the one in town because of its location, it's well appointed and a beautiful little kitchen. But, it's expensive. The other is quite nice but the kitchen is older and no garage (much larger yard for the pups).


I have also seen 2 nice places in Newtown for around $2700, and 3 very nice places in Southbury. I guess the decision is a bit overwhelming for me. I wonder if I can get some feedback. I'm single and while I love the country and quiet, it might not be in my best interest to live without neighbors close by; having good neighbors will afford me the opportunity to meet people and feel more engaged in a community. Of course, I imagine I will meet nice folks at my new job at Boehringer Ingelheim. I am willing to pay $3500, but not knowing the area well, I'm not sure if there are other locations that might give me a wonderful rental house other than Ridgefield and a sense of community without dealing with a long commute. An aside, another reason I want neighbors is that my mom (early 80s and healthy) will be living with me part time and I want her to enjoy her new home.

I'd appreciate any feedback. Hopefully I will love my job and the area enough to want to buy a year or so down the road.

[hvexpatinct]

Have you looked at anything in Danbury itself? I would look there or in Bethel as a newbie to the area who wants neighbors and a sense of community. Both Newtown andSouthbury are really family oriented - although Southbury would be nice for your mom due to the opportunities for seniors there.

[EpiGirl18]

Thanks! I have looked in Danbury and Bethel. Only one place came up in Bethel and it's quite large 3400 sq ft. With Danbury I've only found new apartments, really nice, but not ideal for 2 border collies.

[starshrike]

As you found (and I did too) rentals with dogs are hard to find. One of our dogs breed (Malamute) suffers from breed specific "discrimination" so affected both rental opportunities and insurance. We ended up purchasing.

Farther from town the road conditions tend to get worse exponentially when weather hits. Moving is quite a pain IMO so if you're thinking of buying in a year or less it might be better to suck up a short term rental in town and start house hunting right away. Rates and prices are still pretty good.

[JayCT]

Are you working with an agent? I am surprised you are having trouble finding a rental closer to your job since Danbury is a fairly large city. Connecticut in general does not have a lot of home rentals but still I would think there would be something closer. As others suggest it would be best to live as close to your job as possible to minimize commute times. If you are not working with an agent you should consider doing that since many times they have access to listings well before they are advertised to the public. Good luck, Jay

[kidyankee764]

There are lots of places you can look right along Mill Plain Road in Danbury, very close to BI.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

There are lots of places you can look right along Mill Plain Road in Danbury, very close to BI.

The OP has 2 large dogs so they are looking for a house with a yard. I believe that is why they did not look at those places. Jay

[hvexpatinct]

Have you looked in New Milford??

[EpiGirl18]

I think at the moment the single home housing stock is low. Especially if you have dogs. ☹️

[EpiGirl18]

Originally Posted by hvexpatinct

Have you looked in New Milford??

I am looking in New Milford. Although, seems like the commute won't be great. I'm casting a wide net.