Semi-OT: NY moving to CT, looking at So. Norwalk

[BankShot]

In an effort to move back to NYC without moving back to NYC, my girl and I are flirting with the idea of South Norwalk, more particularly the downtown area in a new project called the "IRON WORKS".

I have always been partial to downtown revitalization, and it seems SONO is structuring itself to do the same. Here's what we think we know.

45 min train via Metro North to Gran Central
Growing downtown with various options to spend money
Pretty close to the beach of LI sound
Also a great location to the Hudson Valley, as well as trips East towards the Cape, Newport, and Providence
and finally the obvious, it brings me closer to Storrs and Hartford to see the 2013-14 champs play

What are your thoughts on SONO? Good choice? Safe? Clean? Anyone currently live there now? Better options in relation to our needs (listed above).

Thanks for the feedback

 

[HuskyNationJE]

If I were you, I'd go the extra 15 minutes south to Stamford. They're really building Stamford up. Many people think it resembles a little NYC. Maybe like a Lower East Side. Lots of good restaurants and bars. Close to beaches. Close to Portchester, Rye and White Plains. Train to NYC is about an hour from there (it's not 45 minutes from Norwalk). SoNo is less expensive, but Stamford is a much better bet I would say. So in regards to your needs, it's closer to NYC, has a more exciting downtown that is growing with a lot of new stuff being built on the harbor, it's 3 minutes to the beach and only 15 minutes further than SoNo to UConn, however, closer if they play at MSG or the Meadowlands! Hope this helped.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

As husky nation pointed out, it's a bit longer from sono to nyc than 45 minutes. (it's about a 50 minutes to an hour from Stamford to grand central).

Out of curiosity, where were are currently living, and do you like the area? ( Could help to get a better idea of your interests).

I will say this, getting to storrs and even Hartford on a weekday for a game would be a bear.

 

[BankShot]

Have lived all over, NYC, Miami, Philly, Minneapolis, and now currently reside in downtown Saratoga Springs. My work is based out of NY and I need to be there more often than not now, plus my girl has a massive crush on NYC, so it makes sense for both. Thanks for the great feedback so far, I'll check out Stamford as well!

 

[Offhegoes]

sono>stamford

stamford's motto is the city that works...yikes...no culture...garbage city to live. very expensive too.

 

[Adios]

I agree Stamford is bland. Unless you're into corporations. Even Bridgeport has a deeper culture.

South Norwalk is nice. My sister and husband lived there for a while and enjoyed it.

 

[WhartonHusky]

I live in Westport (5-10 mins from SoNo) after spending almost 20 years in NYC and 3 years in Philly. I would tend to agree that Stamford is preferable because the commute is easier (more trains and closer to NYC) and because it offers more than SoNo. We go to dinner and movies in SoNo probably 2-3x/month -- but the options are limited and I would imagine after awhile you may get bored -- especially if you are used to city living.

From Stamford, you could easily hit NYC or any of the other towns in Fairfield Cty that are starting to offer NYC quality dining options.

Price is higher in Stamford...but that's my 2c

 

[BankShot]

GF is 4'9", 93 lbs soaking wet, any concern with either town on safety? I know every area has some rougher parts, but overall?

As renting goes, prices are great for both places for quality. 1500-2000 for a great place and a train ride to me is much better than 2800-3200 in the UES or the other boroughs.

Keep the feedback coming, it's well appreciated.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

sono>stamford

stamford's motto is the city that works...yikes...no culture...garbage city to live. very expensive too.

Are you nuts?

Back on topic:

Are you looking to buy or rent?

If you are looking to rent, there is a lot (all luxury housing) being built within blocks of the Stamford train station (there also is a free shuttle to downtown Stamford) and there are quite a few upscale spots either recently opened or opening up (I personally cannot wait for World of Beer to open, should be a couple more weeks).

The express from Stamford to Grand Central is listed at 47 minutes and normally runs very close to that (there are occasional delays but that delay will flow through everywhere up the line). South Norwalk would be ~ 8-10 minutes longer.

 

[Final4 42]

If you don't have kids and your girl really loves NYC and your work is NYC it makes sense to live there. Stamford or SONO wouldn't even be neighborhoods in NYC.

 

[Pudge]

Have lived all over, NYC, Miami, Philly, Minneapolis, and now currently reside in downtown Saratoga Springs. My work is based out of NY and I need to be there more often than not now, plus my girl has a massive crush on NYC, so it makes sense for both. Thanks for the great feedback so far, I'll check out Stamford as well!

Why leave Saratoga Springs (I know the answer ... youth)? I think that living is pretty ideal. But then 50+ and an empty nester versus ... you need constant stimulating buzz.

 

[Offhegoes]

Are you nuts?

Back on topic:

Are you looking to buy or rent?

If you are looking to rent, there is a lot (all luxury housing) being built within blocks of the Stamford train station (there also is a free shuttle to downtown Stamford) and there are quite a few upscale spots either recently opened or opening up (I personally cannot wait for World of Beer to open, should be a couple more weeks).

The express from Stamford to Grand Central is listed at 47 minutes and normally runs very close to that (there are occasional delays but that delay will flow through everywhere up the line). South Norwalk would be ~ 8-10 minutes longer.

I'm not. I just don't enjoy that city very much. All the bars are similar (I do like Tigin's)...overpriced drinks, similar atmosphere's that are surrounded by business buildings and banks. Just my opinion of course.

 

[BankShot]

Why leave Saratoga Springs (I know the answer ... youth)? I think that living is pretty ideal. But then 50+ and an empty nester versus ... you need constant stimulating buzz.

What I'd like to do is take the Metro Rail north 1hr one way to the office (4x days a week currently) versus the 3 hr one way from Toga to Albany then the never on time, never fun Amtrak ride, followed up with 3 hours coming home at the min. of $100 a day in travel.

After reviewing suggestions and a quick search via the Fairfield County CT Craigslist, we have scheduled a weekend trip to both places next weekend. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Exit 4]

I think the assessments provided thus far are all pretty accurate about Stamford and SoNo. Stamford is a bit bland, but there is more depth. Chelsea Piers, the mall, Target, downtown super markets - all provide for a more complete walkable environment. Plus, Stamford probably has 3X as many restaurants. SoNo has some historical charm, but its a bit small in many respects.

In another 10 years, once Stamford manages to add another 5 to 10k and fill in some of the blank spots in downtown, it should really go to another level.

On the up and coming is Port Chester NY. Some decent restaurants and new housing are filling it in..still a little gritty though. Just saw a show at the Capitol Theater there last weekend too. Its a cool 1800 person venue with a very active calendar.

 

[Pudge]

What I'd like to do is take the Metro Rail north 1hr one way to the office (4x days a week currently) versus the 3 hr one way from Toga to Albany then the never on time, never fun Amtrak ride, followed up with 3 hours coming home at the min. of $100 a day in travel.

After reviewing suggestions and a quick search via the Fairfield County CT Craigslist, we have scheduled a weekend trip to both places next weekend. Thanks for all the advice.

Enjoy the last Saratoga summer then.

I am also interested in these comments about Stamford and South Norwalk; and hope we see more. I have a large project that I am involved in at the Coliseum site in New Haven (1000 apartment units PLUS Hotel PLUS a build-to-suit). These CT cities are all going to be interesting. I think the KEY is just what you are point towards: the Mixed use aspect. Whether any of these do this well ... I simply don't know.

I do think Saratoga has an amazing mix for a 35,000 person town. But the OP is right ... it is geographically hard to make sense of that living tied to NYC.

PS: I believe New Haven has a fabulous set of upscale restaurants for a city of its size.

 

[WestHartHusk]

Enjoy the last Saratoga summer then.

I am also interested in these comments about Stamford and South Norwalk; and hope we see more. I have a large project that I am involved in at the Coliseum site in New Haven (1000 apartment units PLUS Hotel PLUS a build-to-suit). These CT cities are all going to be interesting. I think the KEY is just what you are point towards: the Mixed use aspect. Whether any of these do this well ... I simply don't know.

I do think Saratoga has an amazing mix for a 35,000 person town. But the OP is right ... it is geographically hard to make sense of that living tied to NYC.

PS: I believe New Haven has a fabulous set of upscale restaurants for a city of its size.

Agree on New Haven. And I am excited about the "Live-Work-Learn-Play" project you are working on (I am assuming that is what you referenced). Just don't mess it up .

 

[Askgreek]

SoNo has a cool vibe, but it is very small and has limited options. As for safety, I think SoNo can get a bit seedy at night and if you plan to walk from the train to your apartment, you will definitely need to use caution (I am not sure they have a shuttle?). I think that the South End of Stamford is similar to SoNo as far as safety goes, but downtown Stamford is very safe and compact. Downtown Stamford also has a much larger, hipper night life and restaurant scene (not saying SoNo is bad, it is just very small). If you are young and like to go out to eat (all meals) you will have many more options in downtown Stamford. The one drawback to downtown Stamford is that it is not very walk-able to the train (distance can be far), although most, if not all, apartment buildings offer shuttle service to the train station. You will also have much better park options within walking distance in downtown Stamford (Mill River Park and Scalzi), although both SoNo and the South End of Stamford offer access to the water, neither contain a beach (mostly marinas and boardwalk). As for travel to NYC, Stamford has the most express trains of any station outside of Grand Central. At rush hour you will have an express train every 10 minutes or so. I hope this helps.

 

[Stinger92860]

Train to NYC from sono is 1 hour plus a few minutes for most trains

Edit: that's gct deduct 10 mins for 125th street.

 

[Pudge]

Agree on New Haven. And I am excited about the "Live-Work-Learn-Play" project you are working on (I am assuming that is what you referenced). Just don't mess it up .

Yes it is that project. The Montreal developers are friends and I think the project will be transformative for an interesting northeastern US city. I do not think many in our region have done this right (look at Providence versus Albany, Syracuse, Worcester, Hartford). I am interesting in comments about SoNo and Stamford; and point to interesting things happening in Schenectady and smaller cities. Saratoga though? That is pretty nice living.

The New Haven project? If you get the right mix, the retail/restaurant supports the lifestyle of the residential. My Montreal friends have done this well elsewhere.

 

[Exit 4]

SoNo has a cool vibe, but it is very small and has limited options. As for safety, I think SoNo can get a bit seedy at night and if you plan to walk from the train to your apartment, you will definitely need to use caution (I am not sure they have a shuttle?). I think that the South End of Stamford is similar to SoNo as far as safety goes, but downtown Stamford is very safe and compact. Downtown Stamford also has a much larger, hipper night life and restaurant scene (not saying SoNo is bad, it is just very small). If you are young and like to go out to eat (all meals) you will have many more options in downtown Stamford. The one drawback to downtown Stamford is that it is not very walk-able to the train (distance can be far), although most, if not all, apartment buildings offer shuttle service to the train station. You will also have much better park options within walking distance in downtown Stamford (Mill River Park and Scalzi), although both SoNo and the South End of Stamford offer access to the water, neither contain a beach (mostly marinas and boardwalk). As for travel to NYC, Stamford has the most express trains of any station outside of Grand Central. At rush hour you will have an express train every 10 minutes or so. I hope this helps.

Your assessment is rather spot on.

 

[Exit 4]

Yes it is that project. The Montreal developers are friends and I think the project will be transformative for an interesting northeastern US city. I do not think many in our region have done this right (look at Providence versus Albany, Syracuse, Worcester, Hartford). I am interesting in comments about SoNo and Stamford; and point to interesting things happening in Schenectady and smaller cities. Saratoga though? That is pretty nice living.

The New Haven project? If you get the right mix, the retail/restaurant supports the lifestyle of the residential. My Montreal friends have done this well elsewhere.

I'm in the same field - real estate development. Your NH project is rather bold. Best of luck.

 

[WestHartHusk]

Yes it is that project. The Montreal developers are friends and I think the project will be transformative for an interesting northeastern US city. I do not think many in our region have done this right (look at Providence versus Albany, Syracuse, Worcester, Hartford). I am interesting in comments about SoNo and Stamford; and point to interesting things happening in Schenectady and smaller cities. Saratoga though? That is pretty nice living.

The New Haven project? If you get the right mix, the retail/restaurant supports the lifestyle of the residential. My Montreal friends have done this well elsewhere.

I think so too. And you couldn't have gotten a better site - you can literally walk 3 minute to two different train stations (which will be amazing for the development if the NH-Hart-Spring rail-line gets up and running and you can go directly to the State Street station). Also, the city keeps talking about a short light-rail line and I would have to imagine State Street - LWLP - Union Station would be the route if it ever happened.

Has it been decided whether there will be units for sale yet? I know condos always lag behind rentals in developments, but I would love to see something modern and for sale downtown (pickings are currently slim).

 

[pnete]

Stamford runs trains from early morning to late night, lots of expresses, could pass as an extension of subway system. Once you're out of Stamford, then the trains aren't nearly as frequent. So figure ten minutes around the station if you want that connection.
West Haven has a great new train station, well-lit, lots of parking, safe. Condo's on the shoreline. Weekends offer entire shoreline.
Plus car traffic that completely jams 95 through Bridgeport is abated by West Haven station. Have to think that Metro North must be considering NH/WH to NYC express.. Why build this great station if that is not ever going to happen?
Despite Police Station on the corner, I am not in love with walking to distant lots at night in New Haven from the station. One reason I like West Haven station so much. Even in Stamford some area's around station are a little hairy.

 

[J-dog]

Grew up in Norwalk & will always have a soft-spot for it… SONO is night & day better now than it was when I was a kid in the 70's… That said, the restaurant options are good, but limited, although you can branch out to Westport, Southport & Fairfield for some nice options… SONO does have some safety concerns at times & the train station can also be a concern. You might use the East Norwalk station which is pretty close by. Norwalk has much more of a small town feel than Stamford…

Limited info re: Stamford. Worked in Stamford for about 5 years in the early/mid 80's (Bobby Valentines Bar/Restaurant was about all they had back then)… Huge changes there… Much better nightlife/restaurant options today. Some safely concerns in Stamford as well, but nothing crazy. Never really thought of Stamford as the type of town I would walk around in at night to go from place to place… Maybe that has changed… The Express option does make for a quick trip to & from Grand central…

Live in New Haven county now (Woodbridge) & like what has happened in downtown new haven. Good restaurants & much safer to walk the streets than years ago… Still some work to do, but headed in the right direction.

 

[boog204]

Having spent decent amounts of time in both, I'd personally recommend Stamford. SoNo has a cool vibe, but it's really, really small. I've never lived there and I got bored of it pretty quick. Couldn't imagine if that was home base so to speak. Stamford always seemed like the classier of the two and it is continuing to grow.