[EastViaWest]

We are currently in Shelton and drove around many communities today. We liked Danbury on the Newtown side, but the school ratings are really low. We drove from Milford (which we liked) to Danbury and to several places in between including Trumbull, Redding, Newtown, Shelton, Derby, & Southbury. I liked the wide variety of businesses in Monroe and the charm of downtown Derby. We liked the houses on top of hills in clearings in Southbury. We found some spots where the sun set super early due to the orientation, forest and hills - we want to avoid that as the areas seemed dark.

Danbury is a size city we would be comfortable with compared to what we are used to, lots of ethnic variety it seemed but the schools are a dealbreaker. Are there any good education options for Danbury residents?

Milford would be a good choice but the price point is higher for the areas we saw and the commute seems long to Norwalk or Newtown.

Monroe seems like good middle ground. We heard Derby is a drug center and therefore Shelton and a Derby are poor choice. Any input?

The roads/expressways are very different here with 2-3 lanes each way (I’m used to 5-7 each way— even main streets have 3-4 lanes each way), everyone goes over speed limit and tailgates, and the only person to honk at me was — wait for it — a VW from MASS! Lol! Thanks for that warning, it made me crack up laughing when he honked at me and then proceeded to cut people off. Not sure where he was rushing but I’m guessing to the grave!

Everyone we went people were walking outdoors, lots of dogs which we love, and although reserved when first spoken to - people opened up quickly to chat and give advice! Very genuine.

We will go explore tomorrow again - any more suggestions where to check out? We are going to look at Brookfield and further explore Monroe. Thanks!

[EastViaWest]

SMH - Sorry for the autocorrect typos!

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by EastViaWest

We are currently in Shelton and drove around many communities today. We liked Danbury on the Newtown side, but the school ratings are really low. We drove from Milford (which we liked) to Danbury and to several places in between including Trumbull, Redding, Newtown, Shelton, Derby, & Southbury. I liked the wide variety of businesses in Monroe and the charm of downtown Derby. We liked the houses on top of hills in clearings in Southbury. We found some spots where the sun set super early due to the orientation, forest and hills - we want to avoid that as the areas seemed dark.

Danbury is a size city we would be comfortable with compared to what we are used to, lots of ethnic variety it seemed but the schools are a dealbreaker. Are there any good education options for Danbury residents?

Milford would be a good choice but the price point is higher for the areas we saw and the commute seems long to Norwalk or Newtown.

Monroe seems like good middle ground. We heard Derby is a drug center and therefore Shelton and a Derby are poor choice. Any input?

The roads/expressways are very different here with 2-3 lanes each way (I’m used to 5-7 each way— even main streets have 3-4 lanes each way), everyone goes over speed limit and tailgates, and the only person to honk at me was — wait for it — a VW from MASS! Lol! Thanks for that warning, it made me crack up laughing when he honked at me and then proceeded to cut people off. Not sure where he was rushing but I’m guessing to the grave!

Everyone we went people were walking outdoors, lots of dogs which we love, and although reserved when first spoken to - people opened up quickly to chat and give advice! Very genuine.

We will go explore tomorrow again - any more suggestions where to check out? We are going to look at Brookfield and further explore Monroe. Thanks!

You have to commute to Norwalk AND Newtown?

Milford in off hours is a bit quicker than Shelton and similar as Monroe to Norwalk, maybe a bit quicker. As I recall you’d be off peak commuting to Norwalk?

Milford to Newtown is about 30 minutes. I drive up there often for family. You can take 25 or 34.

Milford should be relatively affordable if you’re not right by the water. Water view or close access drives prices up a lot. Did you go to downtown?

Shelton is not a bad choice. It’s very low crime. Really no effect from being near Derby. Although I would give Milford the edge on schools. Derby has poor schools and yes, some drug issues. Monroe is a solid town, though keep in mind taxes are a bit higher than the other towns you’re looking at.

Danbury schools are not great. Brookfield schools are better but that’s a schlep to Norwalk. It’s very quiet there, if you like that.

[EastViaWest]

He was given flexibility where to base his office, Newtown and Norwalk are the options we are considering. It all depends on where we choose to live.

[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by EastViaWest

We liked the houses on top of hills in clearings in Southbury. We found some spots where the sun set super early due to the orientation, forest and hills - we want to avoid that as the areas seemed dark.

huh??
that's called a shadow

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by EastViaWest

He was given flexibility where to base his office, Newtown and Norwalk are the options we are considering. It all depends on where we choose to live.

Although Norwalk is a much more vibrant place to work with good food, things to do, probably better networking. Newtown is easy for a commute since there’s very little traffic. Where in Newtown?

Again I drive there often from Milford and it’s an easy 30 minutes.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by SteveM85

huh??
that's called a shadow

Pretty much all of Monroe and Brookfield will be like that when the trees come in.

[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Pretty much all of Monroe and Brookfield will be like that when the trees come in.

all of CT

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by SteveM85

all of CT

Not necessarily. I live in a denser coastal area and have tons of sun.

[Stephy0519]

Glad you are liking the area....but just a heads up, if you need to get back out here, you may want to get out today. Domestic flights are going to be grounded within the next day, at major airports.