[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Moving3!

Hi, I wanted to post a ?, but its not accepting new enteries in Ffld Cty. Our family is Catholic and considering a move to either Darien or Westport. Husband commuting to NYC. I was told Darien is ubber snobby and unfriendly and that we wouldn't fit in in Westport if we weren't Jewish (that even though our religion shouldn't matter there it does). Any suggestions? We're trying to keep commute short as possible so didn't want to go to New Canaan. Please help! Thank you

New Canaan commute is about the same as Westport. Maybe a couple minutes longer.

Darien does tend to be snobby, but so does Westport and New Canaan. How could they not? They're some of the wealthiest suburbs in the world. Darien has a reputation of having more of that than others though. There are nice people in all towns though, but there are also lots of materialistic, uppity people. Religion should have NOTHING to do with your decision. It's true that Westport may have more of a Jewish community than Darien, but it's far from predominant.

If you're really looking for a more down-to-earth atmosphere, maybe consider Fairfield or Wilton. It does make your commute longer though.

Out of Darien, New Canaan and Westport - I'd personally choose New Canaan or Westport, just because I like the town centers so much more. Westport has nice beaches too, and I'm a shore person, but YMMV.

Darien definitely has the shortest commute though.

[JayCT]

I know Catholics that live in Westport and fit in. In fact the town has a large Italian Festival every year which I think is run by one of th Catholic churches. As for Darien, 50 years ago religion may have been an issue but today I highly doubt it. at least I do not see it. Jay

[Cerro Toco]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I As for Darien, 50 years ago religion may have been an issue but today I highly doubt it. at least I do not see it. Jay

That's right, it's not the religion (at least not in the Judeo-Christian range). It's whether you're from there.

If you're not from there, you're second class and the local paper will refer to you as "new arrivals" sapping away town resources. Make plans now to fawn to get into the social clubs and the birthday parties, and don't forget to sign up for the 10-year waitlist for the town parking permit as soon as you close on the house.

You can redeem your lack of pedigree with money to some extent: there will always be a sufficient number of people willing to drink your wine to make you feel like you have some friends. Just don't spoil it for yourself by throwing a party on the same night as a true Darienite--you'll be eating leftover catering for the next two weeks.

[JayCT]

Come on now. There are more than enough new people moving into Darien to avoid having to "fawn" over the old timers. I think you need to stop trying to fit into a certain group and try finding your own group. The situation you describe is so (for lack of a better term) "high school". Join a newcomers club. Get out and meet people by joining different activities. You will make friends. Darien is not a small exclusive club. Jay

[Moving3!]

Cerro Toco, Where did you end up? Westport or Darien? From your last post I thought Darien instead of Westport. Doesn't sound like your thrilled with Darien... is this accurate?

[Cerro Toco]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Come on now. There are more than enough new people moving into Darien to avoid having to "fawn" over the old timers. I think you need to stop trying to fit into a certain group and try finding your own group. The situation you describe is so (for lack of a better term) "high school". Join a newcomers club. Get out and meet people by joining different activities. You will make friends. Darien is not a small exclusive club. Jay

It IS high school, only more nefarious. Newcomers club is cliquey, too. Of course it's possible to find people to talk to from time to time. However, by and large this is a hermetic community and quiet exclusion is the norm.