[JayCT]

I don't really have much to add since everyone else is doing such a great job. The neighborhoods to consider near downtown would be Old Post Road, Fairfield Beach, lower Mill Plain, lower Fairfield U and Winton Park. There are homes in Fairfield Woods within walking distance to stores but the area is not as pedestrian friendly as the center of town. Another option may be Southport which is really nice but very expensive.

To answer you concerns about the schools, some people send their kids to private for religous reasons as noted but some also will send their kids to Fairfield Prep so that they will have a more college bound education. I don't think they do it because there is any question on the quality of the public schools.

I would also like to add that you really should consider trying to minimize your husbands commute. Nothing will make life tougher than if he can't handle a long train ride. In your price range you could get a more modest home in Greenwich, Darien or New Canaan which are wonderful towns closer to the city. Jay

[123MA]

Thanks for the updates. I will also be sure to look communities that may have shorter commuting times just to consider all options.

[Tilt11]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I don't really have much to add since everyone else is doing such a great job. The neighborhoods to consider near downtown would be Old Post Road, Fairfield Beach, lower Mill Plain, lower Fairfield U and Winton Park. There are homes in Fairfield Woods within walking distance to stores but the area is not as pedestrian friendly as the center of town. Another option may be Southport which is really nice but very expensive.

To answer you concerns about the schools, some people send their kids to private for religous reasons as noted but some also will send their kids to Fairfield Prep so that they will have a more college bound education. I don't think they do it because there is any question on the quality of the public schools.

I would also like to add that you really should consider trying to minimize your husbands commute. Nothing will make life tougher than if he can't handle a long train ride. In your price range you could get a more modest home in Greenwich, Darien or New Canaan which are wonderful towns closer to the city. Jay

Have to echo Jay. If you can afford a million dollar home, you can live anywhere in Fairfield County you chose really. I know I would if I could afford it, as I travel to NYC often for work and I absolutely hate how it can take me 2 hours to go 60-70 miles. And ive road the train before, and have to say I hate it. But like I said, with what your family can afford, you have a ton of options.

[shanapuppy]

You might want to consider Westchester-I live in Harrison-very close to Fairfield County-10 min. from Greenwich-having the "best of both worlds". The schools are good, many people have actually left Purchase to send their children to the harrison public schools. Commute to the city is les than 40 min. during peak time, and there's always a train when you need them. Very earsy comute-do it all the time. There are also good Dr. right in Harrison-as well as White Plains-also very close by-good shopping.
Taxes depend on the nieghborhood-some are higher than others. You've got to weigh what is most important. Also-Harrison has a nice small town with good restaurants, and child friendly stores etc.
Any other questions, let me know.
Happy to help.

[123MA]

I have sticker shock over the taxes in Westchester County - I think we'll stick to CT! I love the look of Rye and Larchmont, but the taxes are too high for us, even if we bought less of a house. With 6 people in the family, I wouldn't want to go much below 2300SF and preferably closer to 3000 sq ft, as that is what we have now.

Thanks for the information.

[kmbrewer2]

Personally,I think the commute is too far but thats me.What about Darien,New Canaan even Wilton altho that is a bit long too.Is your husband working in midtown? That matters a lot,
In Darien,New Canaan, 4 beds will run you 900K and up.Im from Darien,very commutable
AS to private school, there are a million reasons.Some parents were brought up going to boarding schools.Some have special needs kids,some have gifted kids,some have kids who just do better with more attention.The public schools here are among the best but consider towns other than Fairfield.

[123MA]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look at those towns too. He would be working in midtown. Does that make it a better commute? I am guessing yes. Thanks.

[kmbrewer2]

yes.its soooo much easier to midtown than say Wall street.Cuts huge time off the commute.Id say shoot for a town that can get you door to door in one hour or a little more.Let us know how you proceed and we can help you a long

[J&A'sMOM]

The commute can be really hard day to day. DH has done it for over 2 years and we've lived in Fairfield for 4 years. We have researched West Chester Cty and have found some affordable solutions that will cut his 1hr 40 min commute (door to door) down to 1hr or less door to door. If you want some suggestions pm me and I'll be happy to let you know what I've found. Currently our children go to private schools.

[kmbrewer2]

I know I sound like a broken record but consider Darien,just shy of an hour on the train and the town is compact so you dont spend 20 min driving to the train.VERY family friendly.Great schools,growing downtown.If youre husband gets on the 6:03 he'll be home by 7:15PM. I did it myself for ten years and I had three kids at the time....and Im the mom!