[doctorR]

Hi all,

I got a new job in new Haven for an year (fellowship)and my husband works in Valhalla.We have to decide where to live in between so that the distance is a tolerable drive for us both.Any advice welcome.We have 2 little kids 7 mths and 2.5 years so schooling is not terribly important at this point.My husband will have to be at work at 7 am so howz the realistic drive from areas like Bridgeport/millford/norwalk/fairfield to valhalla in early morning traffic btw 6-7 am.Thanks

[AnonChick]

The time of the drive will be fine, you won't have any trouble with traffic, unless there's an accident or construction. That's definitely early enough you'll end up at your destination, just when things start getting busy.

As for living space, I would definitely suggest somewhere along the Merritt Parkway corridor, and probably no further from 287 than Trumbull, if at all possible. New Canaan might be a decent halfway point, but you'll need to get feedback on affordable and relatively safe neighborhoods.

Because your husband has to be at work so early, that is why I recommend further south, than north. Having to wake up at 4 in the morning to get to work on time would probably put too much of a stress on your lives. So that's why I'm recommending Rte 15 (Berlin Tpke, Merritt Pkwy, it's all the same road, just different names), south (west) of Trumbull.

[JayCT]

You do not indicate what you can afford to spend so I would caution you that this is one of the most expensive areas in the country. While very nice, New Canaan is very pricey.

That said, Valhalla is about 60 miles from New Haven so the half way point is somewhere around Norwalk or Westport. Because your husband starts so early, the commute should not be too much of a problem. I do agree that Fairfield and Trumbull would be good places to look. Good luck, Jay

[doctorR]

thanks for the replies.I know prices are high( I live in pleasantville currently which is 5 minute drive to my husband's work at westchester med cte at valhalla:-)

Money is not too much of an issue.We are willing to spend upto 3000-3500/month for a 3 bedroom apt/house.

I had never heard about New Cannan.Is it safe for kids and has any good nursery school/daycare?Do you know of any daycares that open early like 6 or 6:30 am in above areas.

Any more options?Howz fairfield?Norwalk maybe too long a drive for me to New Haven.I don't want to drive more than 40 minutes.

Thanks

[JayCT]

New Canaan is a wonderful town. considered one of the most desirable towns in the state (think Greenwich on a smaller scale). But is Norwalk is too far from New Haven, then New Canaan would be not good since it is closer to Westchester than Norwalk.

Fairfield is a great town. The schools are excellent and there is a wide range of housing options from small starter apartments to grand estates. It has a nice downtown with great shops and restaurants and there are a lot of family activities. A relative of someone I know is in the same position as you. One spouse works at Yale and the other in Westchester. Last year they bought a home in Fairfield and love it. Jay