[Micah_608]

Hi all! Sorry to add another thread seeking advice on where to rent etc but since everyone’s been so helpful I thought I’d also put in our situation.

So some information about us, we are currently debating/searching places to move to from NYC. We live in Inwood/Washington heights area of Manhattan. We love having the parks here but as same as others, The pandemic has caused us to reevaluate what we want for the family. We’re family of 3, myself, hubby and 2.5 year old boy. Husband will probably be commuting to work in NYC for at least half of the week and I will be WFH or part time commute as well. We’re looking to rent a 2 bedroom place, hopefully with some backyard and looking maybe in the more suburbs area with some great daycare options, somewhat easy commute to NYC and the constant safe place to live. Budget is around $2,500-$2,750, hopefully somewhat closer to the lower range. Is that a realistic range? I read in the forum that Glenbrook area is nice and it’s one of those it depends where. I saw something around mayflower ave and colonial rd, is that an ok area? What about west side - alvord lane and catoona lane?

We’re also open to other areas like Greenwich, Cos Cob which from what I read here has more of suburban feeling? It just seems our budget fits Stamford better but would love to buy explore other areas. I think we’re just ready to kinda have the suburbs lifestyle. School isn’t much a factor for now as this might be a temporary move (1-2) years and since we’re renting for now. Any advice would be be very much appreciated! Thank you!

[CTartist]

Originally Posted by Micah_608

Hi all! Sorry to add another thread seeking advice on where to rent etc but since everyone’s been so helpful I thought I’d also put in our situation.

So some information about us, we are currently debating/searching places to move to from NYC. We live in Inwood/Washington heights area of Manhattan. We love having the parks here but as same as others, The pandemic has caused us to reevaluate what we want for the family. We’re family of 3, myself, hubby and 2.5 year old boy. Husband will probably be commuting to work in NYC for at least half of the week and I will be WFH or part time commute as well. We’re looking to rent a 2 bedroom place, hopefully with some backyard and looking maybe in the more suburbs area with some great daycare options, somewhat easy commute to NYC and the constant safe place to live. Budget is around $2,500-$2,750, hopefully somewhat closer to the lower range. Is that a realistic range? I read in the forum that Glenbrook area is nice and it’s one of those it depends where. I saw something around mayflower ave and colonial rd, is that an ok area? What about west side - alvord lane and catoona lane?

We’re also open to other areas like Greenwich, Cos Cob which from what I read here has more of suburban feeling? It just seems our budget fits Stamford better but would love to buy explore other areas. I think we’re just ready to kinda have the suburbs lifestyle. School isn’t much a factor for now as this might be a temporary move (1-2) years and since we’re renting for now. Any advice would be be very much appreciated! Thank you!

I was born and raised in Stamford but I now live in Trumbull. If this is only going to be for 1-2 years the Glenbrook/Springdale area (Mayflower Ave and Colonial Rd) would be good for a young family. I would go with that over the West Side and the streets Alvord Lane and Catoona Lane which you mentioned. Your budget should be good for Glenbrook/Springdale as it is further away from downtown.

If you decide to stay in CT and you want better schools you would probably have to move further east like I did for your budget.

[JayCT]

Your budget is too low for Greenwich, Darien or New Canaan so you will have to stick to Stamford. Even then, it might be hard to find a nicer 2 bedroom for your budget. There are apartments that low but I’m sure they go fast.

All of Glenbrook is nice so Mayflower Avenue and Colonial should be good. I would be a little careful on the West Side so IMHO, Alvord would be questionable. Others here may have better knowledge to share.

Another option you may want to consider is Norwalk. It’s a little more affordable, not quite as large a city and a little more suburban in character. It is a little further from New York but it might be worth it to get a nicer apartment. Good luck, Jay

[SteveM85]

It doesn't hurt to give townhouses and multifamilies in Greenwich a look, why not. I would.
Stamford north of downtown is forested and suburban. Probably 3/4s of Norwalk is. On a national level, CT cities are small and residential in most parts.
You might be a liitle light for a single family anywhere in the Stub region, but multifamilies and townhomes should be within reach. Avoid the lower west side. Glenbrook, Springdale, Westover, Turn of River and possible upper Shippan would be good places to start.

Best

[Micah_608]

Thank you all! Been super helpful! I’ve actually look at townhouse or multi homes because some offers some sort of yard. Our little one would love to the yard

[7 Wishes]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Your budget is too low for Greenwich, Darien or New Canaan so you will have to stick to Stamford. Even then, it might be hard to find a nicer 2 bedroom for your budget. There are apartments that low but I’m sure they go fast.

All of Glenbrook is nice so Mayflower Avenue and Colonial should be good. I would be a little careful on the West Side so IMHO, Alvord would be questionable. Others here may have better knowledge to share.

Another option you may want to consider is Norwalk. It’s a little more affordable, not quite as large a city and a little more suburban in character. It is a little further from New York but it might be worth it to get a nicer apartment. Good luck, Jay

Other than being a little farther and cheaper Norwalk to me is very similar to Stamford. Schools are similar (though you said that's not really a major factor) and mostly good neighborhoods but a couple of sketchy ones.

[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by 7 Wishes

Other than being a little farther and cheaper Norwalk to me is very similar to Stamford. Schools are similar (though you said that's not really a major factor) and mostly good neighborhoods but a couple of sketchy ones.

The difference between the two is nickels and dimes. Filing fees. Reversed depending on areas. "Cheaper" moves the needle. "Cheaper" alleviates budgets. You need to go further east out of Stub range for that.