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I’m in Woodbury and for what it’s worth I can get to Nassau County in 2 hours. It’s a long commute but not exactly impossible as some in here are claiming.
DIY, plenty of people who make this commute? I would love to hear more! I mean something like Ridgefield to my office is approximately 18 miles less each way. Newtown to my office is almost identical, miles wise. Anything you can share is certainly appreciated. I see you mentioned your ex. Not to get overly personal, but did that long commute have anything to do with things? I do have a concern about the impact of a long commute. Again, anything you can share is much appreciated!!
No. The long commute had nothing to do with our split. He is still choosing to live in East Fishkill, and makes the commute to Nassau county daily. Because he hated the congestion of Long Island. He was actually the one who decided to move up here because he fell in love with the trees and the space. He leaves at approximately 5:30 each morning and his commute is an hour and a half from East Fishkill. And he leaves work to head home by about 3:30 PM. So he misses most of rush-hour. Prior to that we were in Brookfield. And the commute was about the same. So he has been making the commute for 11 years. He loves his job but doesn’t want to live there.
Last edited by diydesign; 01-02-2024 at 09:33 PM..
I will add that he has family who lives on Long Island so he would stay over during bad snowstorms. If he didn’t have family there, he would probably stay at a hotel if things were really bad.
With that said, I think Southbury would be too far. And if I chose Newtown, it would have to be close to exit 9. That would be the absolute limit for me. I think I would choose Ridgefield or Bethel over Newtown or Brookfield just to save a few minutes. Or, like I said, there are very scenic parts of northern Westchester and Putnam that could work as well.
DIY, you give me hope. I sound a lot like your husband with regard to loving the trees and space. Plus, I have always liked the overall vibe and have friends and family throughout the state. I went to college up there and still visit CT very often, so I feel like it is a second home already. As for the job, it is the same as your husband. I really like my professional situation and don't want to give that up, but the LI lifestyle does nothing for me and the congestion grinds on me, although I do have to say I have noticed in the last 30+ years that the traffic situation in CT has gotten far worse than it once was and in some respects (stretches of the Merritt and 84, are just as bad, if not worse than LI).
I want a nice small town NE feel where I can feel like I am in the woods. That is why I started with Southbury (also like Oxford) but I know what you are saying about the extra commute. I have family and friends in Southbury and when I am at their homes I feel like I am in a little world upon itself, seeing nothing but trees and nature and off a bit in the distance, a neighbors house. Currently, I live in a very nice town on LI, but I can see and hear everything my neighbors do and they me, which is difficult for an introverted, private person like myself. I don't know if I can get that woodsy feel in Ridgefield? I know some of Bethel, having spent time in Danbury. Newtown I have always loved and I take note of your Exit 9 suggestion.
DIY, I would also be looking to only do this for a decade or so as that would bring me well into my 60s at which time I could probably begin to look for something a bit more local. So, again, similar to your husband's 11 year run. I do also have family on LI I could stay with if weather was especially bad or if I just had to work really late and didn't want to make the drive, etc. So, that would help in a bind. 90 minutes isn't bad at all. I currently do 50+ minutes everyday each way just battling LI traffic. I also have a hybrid car that helps me use the HOV lane on LI which helps me get around some of that congestion.
DIY, you give me hope. I sound a lot like your husband with regard to loving the trees and space. Plus, I have always liked the overall vibe and have friends and family throughout the state. I went to college up there and still visit CT very often, so I feel like it is a second home already. As for the job, it is the same as your husband. I really like my professional situation and don't want to give that up, but the LI lifestyle does nothing for me and the congestion grinds on me, although I do have to say I have noticed in the last 30+ years that the traffic situation in CT has gotten far worse than it once was and in some respects (stretches of the Merritt and 84, are just as bad, if not worse than LI).
I want a nice small town NE feel where I can feel like I am in the woods. That is why I started with Southbury (also like Oxford) but I know what you are saying about the extra commute. I have family and friends in Southbury and when I am at their homes I feel like I am in a little world upon itself, seeing nothing but trees and nature and off a bit in the distance, a neighbors house. Currently, I live in a very nice town on LI, but I can see and hear everything my neighbors do and they me, which is difficult for an introverted, private person like myself. I don't know if I can get that woodsy feel in Ridgefield? I know some of Bethel, having spent time in Danbury. Newtown I have always loved and I take note of your Exit 9 suggestion.
Since you have family and friends in Southbury, would it be possible to stay with them for a week or so and test the commute? I think that after a week of that you will know if it’s doable for you. Just a suggestion.
DIY, you give me hope. I sound a lot like your husband with regard to loving the trees and space. Plus, I have always liked the overall vibe and have friends and family throughout the state. I went to college up there and still visit CT very often, so I feel like it is a second home already. As for the job, it is the same as your husband. I really like my professional situation and don't want to give that up, but the LI lifestyle does nothing for me and the congestion grinds on me, although I do have to say I have noticed in the last 30+ years that the traffic situation in CT has gotten far worse than it once was and in some respects (stretches of the Merritt and 84, are just as bad, if not worse than LI).
I want a nice small town NE feel where I can feel like I am in the woods. That is why I started with Southbury (also like Oxford) but I know what you are saying about the extra commute. I have family and friends in Southbury and when I am at their homes I feel like I am in a little world upon itself, seeing nothing but trees and nature and off a bit in the distance, a neighbors house. Currently, I live in a very nice town on LI, but I can see and hear everything my neighbors do and they me, which is difficult for an introverted, private person like myself. I don't know if I can get that woodsy feel in Ridgefield? I know some of Bethel, having spent time in Danbury. Newtown I have always loved and I take note of your Exit 9 suggestion.
You can find that feel in Ridgefield but it’ll be a lot more expensive than Oxford/Southbury. At that point it would probably be cheaper to get a cheap rental during the week in LI and live in Southbury/Oxford on weekends. And better for your sanity.
Maybe look at New Fairfield. There are some rural feeling areas and you can hop right over to 684.
Even New Fairfield is going to be a 2hr + drive to Nassau County during rush hour.
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