[outsidegirl]

We've been renting in Stamford for awhile, but it's not really to our taste. We just find it to be too crowded, with too many people, and concrete everywhere. We're from the Midwest, and like to have some space around us. Ideally I could have some laying hens, if towns permit it here. My hubby is working in the Stamford area, but we need to find somewhere that has:

a) excellent schools
b) commute under one hour
c) large lots sizes so we don't smell what our neighbor is having for dinner
d) budget of under 400 thousand
e) no bad neighborhoods
f) low crime
g) small town under 20 thousand people
Someone kindly suggested Easton, but we find it to be very expensive. I know we have an extensive list, but surely there is somewhere that we could find appealing? Thank you in advance.

[jmpdc]

newton, redding

[andthentherewere3]

I would recommend Oxford, or Monroe. I believe most of Oxford's homes are on one and a half acre lots, and Monroe's are mostly one acre lots. Oxford has less retail than Monroe, although Monroe's shopping centers are limited to two roads, Rt. 111 and Rt. 25. Both towns have good schools, good neighborhoods, little to no crime, and you should be able to find something in your budget. I'm not sure about chickens though, I think Monroe requires a minimum of two acres for chickens. Maybe Oxford is more lenient. You'll find many towns and cities in Fairfield County are not real chicken-friendly.

[Tin Knocker]

Wilton, New Cannan, Weston, Redding, maybe Ridgefield.
Stamfords got some nice non-city like areas. I about grew up there & never really set foot in the city parts other than getting to 95.

[StarlaJane]

Redding.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Wilton, New Cannan, Weston, Redding, maybe Ridgefield.
Stamfords got some nice non-city like areas.

400K isn't going to get anything matching the OP's parameters in these towns. Redding would be the most affordable, but even there, the listings at that price will probably have some issues.

[Tin Knocker]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

400K isn't going to get anything matching the OP's parameters in these towns. Redding would be the most affordable, but even there, the listings at that price will probably have some issues.

I kinda thought a $400,000 budget meant thats what they made, not what they wanted to spend. My bad I guess. Its going to be hard to stay in lower Fairfield county & have a decent sized yard for under $400,000, but if its ever going to happen nows the time.

[weesy68]

People in Stratford keep chickens, they just keep it on the down low ;-) You could get a very nice property for that price now, and you'd be on the MTA line, but NYC is over an hour. Try the north end. There is some crime, mostly in the south end it seems. With your budget you are not going to find perfection I'm afraid, but we find Stratford close to perfect in many ways.

[JViello]

New Milford fits just about everything you want.

[kidyankee764]

I agree with the suggestions of Monroe and Oxford. Oxford will be more woodsy and about 15 minutes longer to Stamford (think of a less expensive Easton). Both nice towns with great schools, and live and let live.