[julytwelvefour]

Hi everyone,

I'm starting a new job in Norwalk, CT, after graduating this summer from college, and I was wondering if people could help me out with figuring out where I should live? I won't be able to visit CT in person before I move, so apartment hunting will have to happen remotely.

I'm looking for a studio or a 1BR, hoping to pay under $1300 including utilities. I'd like to keep living expenses low, though I know that's difficult in this area. First priority is safety, since I'll be living alone for the first time. Second priority - I would like a neighborhood where it's easy to get groceries, shopping, etc. Not a huge fan of clubbing, but I do enjoy a good bar/pub. Somewhere with other young people around would be nice as well.

I'm hoping to keep commute under 30 minutes, up to an hour if necessary. I don't really drive and I heard the traffic on I-95 gets really bad. So I was thinking I'd live in Norwalk or Stamford (or somewhere on the Metro-North train line).

If people have advice on Norwalk vs. Stamford (or other similar cities) + which neighborhoods in those cities you would recommend, that would be great! Thank you so much

[Raider111]

Originally Posted by julytwelvefour

Hi everyone,

If people have advice on Norwalk vs. Stamford (or other similar cities) + which neighborhoods in those cities you would recommend, that would be great! Thank you so much

This request is irrelevant until the $1300 plus utilities is increased.

[CTartist&musician]

I have a friend that lives in Milford off High Street and he walks to train station and took that into Fairfield when he was working. Norwalk is the next town. He is older but single and he really likes that area of Milford because he can walk to many things. Here is an example of an apartment but I am sure you can find many more in that price range in the area.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...2-38605?row=17

If you scroll down to the map you can see how close it is to the train station.

You might be able to find something in Norwalk but the area probably won't be that great and nowhere as nice as a $1300 apartment in Milford. In Milford $1300 will get you into a much better area.

[Mike 75]

Originally Posted by CTartist&musician

I have a friend that lives in Milford off High Street and he walks to train station and took that into Fairfield when he was working. Norwalk is the next town. He is older but single and he really likes that area of Milford because he can walk to many things. Here is an example of an apartment but I am sure you can find many more in that price range in the area.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...2-38605?row=17

If you scroll down to the map you can see how close it is to the train station.

You might be able to find something in Norwalk but the area probably won't be that great and nowhere as nice as a $1300 apartment in Milford. In Milford $1300 will get you into a much better area.

Fairfield is not next to Norwalk. Westport is.

[JayCT]

I am not sure what you are going to find for $1300 per month in Norwalk or Stamford. Have you considered an apartment share? This is one of the most expensive areas of the country so that amount is not considered to be much. If you really can't afford more, then I would suggest maybe looking in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport or even up in Danbury. Black Rock is a nice section of Bridgeport with a lot of what you are looking for. Danbury is a bit further and more affordable and should have something in your price range. Good luck, Jay

[Raider111]

Note - Black Rock is now officially 1 hour + to Norwalk. The past couple of months the rush hour traffic has been the worst I have seen in years on I-95 and backroads. It's now taking nearly 45 mins just from the other side of Fairfield. Greens Farms Rd/Bridge St and the Post Rd in Westport are nightmares.
Danbury could be 30 mins to Norwalk/Wilton line if the job is in that area.

[mesoam]

Up your rent a bit and find a place in South Norwalk...

[howdydoody342]

u dont want to be in danbury as a young right out college kid. I would find an apartment share with one of the small cities near the shore

[Stylo]

Norwalk is a good option. East Norwalk is a bit more affordable and is pretty safe. Stamford might be tough at that budget but possible outside the prime areas of downtown.

Black Rock, Stratford, and Milford are good values. If your work is near a train station, downtown Milford is an excellent value. Safe, walkable, beautiful, relatively affordable, walk to train.

[snowtired14]

Take a look at Craigslist, get an idea of any thing you're interested in, then come back and ask about the neighborhood, too many possibilities to just generalize. But, agreed, $1300 is going to be a tough budget to stay in around here, maybe some areas in South Norwalk, but you would'nt want to live there.