[ConfusingRotary]

As some of you may know, I currently live in Middletown and work in Bristol. I'm going to be switching back to a job in NYC, though, starting in March. We've previously lived in Northern NJ and Southeastern PA, but I'd like to keep as many options open as possible.

A bit about us:
Early 30s (wow that went fast..), 2 kids. One is almost school age, the other is a toddler. We have a dog who enjoys running around at the Rocky Hill dog park right now. I like going down to Rocky Neck for the sound. We do make semi-frequent trips to the Mohegan Sun.

I want to be able to get to Grand Central within an hour (work is only a couple minute walk from there), so this really only seems to leave towns below Darien. That said, some seem to be more expensive than others, and the traffic seems to be hit or miss. I drive to the Darien station now when I want to go into NYC, so I know that train ride pretty well.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of the towns below the Darien station? Right now we're going to rent. I want to make sure the commute works out well for us before I buy.

Laces out, Dan!

[basehead617]

Since the question is inevitably coming.. what's your budget?

[JayCT]

Not to question your decision on the move but it sounds like you like where you currently live which is definitely suburban. One of the problems with working in New York is that to continue to live that lifestyle gets very expensive particularly if you want to stay in Connecticut.

Lower Fairfield County is one of the most expensive parts of the country, so you need to expect to pay a lot more for housing. Darien and Greenwich are two of the most desirable and pricey towns in the country. Stamford is a large city and has some very nice neighborhoods. It is not as expensive as Darien or greenwich but its schools (which it sounds like will soon become an issue) have some issues.

All that said, you might want to reconsider the job change if that is possible. Over the years I had several opportunities in NYC but I felt that the quality of life my family would have would not be worth it. I would be spending long hours commuting thus missing out on family activities. We would probably have a smaller home in a more congested area. Not what I wanted for my family. Of course New York is the greatest city in the world and has so much to offer. You may feel differently than I did. Good luck, Jay

[ConfusingRotary]

I would agree with your assessment. We're not city folk, but there are perks we will get from this job (like more flexibility to work remote) that we just don't get at my current gig. Add to that the ginormous salary increase and you have a tough opportunity to turn down. I actually worked at the same place before I came here to CT.

We aren't going to be NYC lifers, that's for sure, but right now we're not finding good enough quality in jobs around our current home.

To the other poster, budget isn't a large concern. We've gone through pretty much all of the towns from Fairfield to central NJ and are looking at why particular areas are more than others. For example, in some cases in NJ, it seems to be based on school district alone.

[Capital Guy]

If your budget isn't a concern then you want Greenwich all the way.

[ConfusingRotary]

Why Greenwich over Darien or Stamford?

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by marchawg

I would agree with your assessment. We're not city folk, but there are perks we will get from this job (like more flexibility to work remote) that we just don't get at my current gig. Add to that the ginormous salary increase and you have a tough opportunity to turn down. I actually worked at the same place before I came here to CT.

We aren't going to be NYC lifers, that's for sure, but right now we're not finding good enough quality in jobs around our current home.

To the other poster, budget isn't a large concern. We've gone through pretty much all of the towns from Fairfield to central NJ and are looking at why particular areas are more than others. For example, in some cases in NJ, it seems to be based on school district alone.

As long as the "ginormus" salary increase is not going to be eaten up by housing costs. In Connecticut location and school district reputation is important. While Stamford is closer to major employment than say Westport, the reputation of the school district makes it less desirable. To meet you travel time criteria to Manhattan, you are going to have to be in Greenwich, Darien or New Canaan. Beyond these towns you will be traveling longer than an hour.

As to your comments on New Jersey, one of the bigest problems with commuting from NJ into Manhattan is that many trains require you to switch trains to cross under the Hudson River. This makes what should be a shorter commute longer. Otherwise there are many very nice towns to consider there. Jay

[ConfusingRotary]

Yeah, I'm not going to disclose the actual salary, but it's more than enough to cover housing. We used to live in NJ, so I'm familiar with the various commutes. I don't really think any commute into NYC (even in BK) is good. I'm just trying to figure out where we can be happiest while I work there.

I should also mention that snobbery is not something we enjoy. We're from a small town originally, so the more down to earth, the better.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by marchawg

We're from a small town originally, so the more down to earth, the better.

That's going to be difficult to find in your target area. Between Greenwich, Darien, Stamford and New Canaan, NC people would be closest to being "down to earth", but even that's a bit of a stretch. Stamford's "middle-class" neighborhoods really seemed to (unfortunately)change during the real estate bubble. Large influx of hubristic NY'ers living the faux lifestyle.

[mikelizard860]

Simple rule

NYC job offer=
300k minimum or don't even think about if you have a family.

I wouldn't stay in CT if you're looking to commute to nyc everyday. No real reason to. Get as close as possible. Look at lower westchester county(rye/mamaroneck ect.) or if you're absolutely set on ct...greenwich at the farthest if you want to make the commute liveable.