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

[Waquoit]

Have lived all over, NYC, Miami, Philly, Minneapolis, and now currently reside in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Sweet.

 

[elduderino]

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.

Lived in SONO and Stamford each for a year and half, before moving into NYC for 6yrs. Most of the comments on the thread already covered the vibes pretty well. What I personally found was that while each was kind of close, proximity wise, to the city, neither was anything remotely close to living in the city. If you're anything like me, skip the half step and just move into NYC while you still want to, and back out before you end up a New Yorker.

 

[businesslawyer]

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 the lawer there last weekend too. Its a cool 1800 person venue with a very active calendar.

I'm mid fifties and suburban. But I can tell you that the young professionals in our office are moving from NYC to STamford, and love it, and none of them give SONO even a passing glance.

 

[Gampeltiles]

The revitalization of SoNo has peaked. It was quite a "chic" place to hang out in (by Fairfield County standards), but at least 2 restaurants have closed in the past year and a couple others are in trouble. Art galleries and such are not doing as well in Sono's heyday. You are also a stone's throw away from a high crime area.

The SoNo train station is not the safest, so much so that that the City of Norwalk put a Police Station in as part as the remodeling process in the 1990's. Over 25 years, my car was broken into 3 times at the train station in South Norwalk and once in East Norwalk for good measure. I now use the Rowayton or Darien station.

Metro-North was a very dependable form of transportation until 3 or so years ago when train derailment became an annual event.

Understand that SW Fairfield County is a bedroom community that does not bristle in activity. My wife insists on staying here because of her family.

Consider Long Island unless you are a huge minor league hockey fan or a big supporter of independent baseball. You may also want to consider Westchester county, Metro-North withstanding.

As far as New Haven is concerned, the city actually has personality. The commute is longer but if you can find an express to say Fairfield, plus a couple of stops between there and New Haven you can get used to it, New York Times in the morning and a bar car (which are becoming more sparse) for a couple cocktails on the way home will help. The cocktails do help since most NYC to Westchester/Connecticut commuters read the NY Post and it helps ease the papers' editorial policy after a long days work.

 

[Letsgohuskies11]

I'm mid fifties and suburban. But I can tell you that the young professionals in our office are moving from NYC to STamford, and love it, and none of them give SONO even a passing glance.

For money reasons?

 

[businesslawyer]

No. Stamford is at least as expensive. They think it's a nicer place, with more of a New York neighborhood feel. The "downtown" part of SONO where one would live is very small. Downtown Stamford, including the new, hot area south of the tracks, is much bigger.

 

[NJHusky]

If you don't need to be in CT, I'll throw something else into the mix...HOBOKEN

It's gotten more pricey over the years, but gives you the benefit of NYC without being in NY..I lived there for 12 years and loved it...in fact considering moving back

It's not as hectic, cheaper, easier to get in/out, a very easy trip into NY, safe and has its own social life...

If you haven't been there, take a trip down on a sunny day

 

[Excalibur]

You're talking about two places that are 15 minutes from each other. If you're used to city life, pick Stamford. SoNo is a great neighborhood (and it is despite some of the input from the naysayers here), but it's just that -- a neighborhood. Stamford, while sterile, is a true small city. And South Norwalk is a short hop away in any event.

 

[huskiesnyc]

Grab your balls and move to NYC if that's the city feel you and your girlfriend are looking for. You won't find it anywhere in Connecticut.

 

[prankster]

Two Words!

East Norwalk.

 

[superjohn]

It's a longer train ride into NYC but I think the city you're looking for is Waterbury.

 

[CTBasketball]

It's a longer train ride into NYC but I think the city you're looking for is Waterbury.

What?

 

[Pudge]

I'm mid fifties and suburban. But I can tell you that the young professionals in our office are moving from NYC to STamford, and love it, and none of them give SONO even a passing glance.

which means ...

You are just about ready for the emptynest urban condo in a cute city. Hmmmm ... no more Green Acres & you need to move.

 

[whaler11]

Fairfield>SoNo>Stamford


Do you love one way streets? Do I have a town for you!

 

[Fishy]

Honestly, this young man would love living on Block Island.

Do you have a boat or a helicopter?

 

[UConnMike04]

PM me with any questions, live in Norwalk and been spending time in SoNo for years. Great place, really cleaned itself up. Tons of restaurants, 50-60 min to Grand Central (depending on express trains), Calf Pasture Beach and Vets Park are extremely close. Local to both 95 and the Merritt. Really no downside to it, as long as your on Washington St north. Anything on South Main/Water St southward you want to avoid. PM me with any questions.

Don't get me wrong, I work in Stamford and spend a lot of time downtime but 1) Stamford is more expensive, and 2) Norwalk has more to offer as far as shopping options than Stamford (as a whole). Stamford has Ridgeway/Target and the Mall. Norwalk has CT Ave, which has multiple grocery stores, Best Buy, PC Richards,
Walmart, Khols amongst others. Route 7 has a ton of places, and Westport Ave has a lot of choices as well as Stew Leonard's. If you are just looking at downtown options Stamford blows Norwalk away. If your looking for more of a "community feel" and a cheaper option (but still expensive) then Norwalk is the place.

Either way you'll honestly spend a lot of time in both cities.

 

[Gampeltiles]

It's a longer train ride into NYC but I think the city you're looking for is Waterbury.

Yes, Waterbury is outstanding. Not to mention the fact that Stormin' Norman Bailey once played for the UCONN Waterbury branch basketball team.

The only good for nothing dump in Connecticut that reeks more than Waterbury is Bridgeport.

 

[August_West]

Yes, Waterbury is outstanding. Not to mention the fact that Stormin' Norman Bailey once played for the UCONN Waterbury branch basketball team. The only good for nothing dump in Connecticut that reeks more than Waterbury is Bridgeport.

Waterbury? Now I've seen it all. How about Ansonia? Lol.
Bridgeport ( specifically Black Rock ) could actually have a case made for it considering OP's criteria. Don't think it is as good a fit as Stanford or SoNo, so I didn't chime in, but I would live in Black Rock.
Waterbury? Sweet Baby Jesus.

 

[Kitaman]

SoNo is a good choice. You are not far from NYC or the New England States. I-95 or the Merritt gives you out of town movement. Plus there is a difference in housing costs (and perhaps cost of goods, certainly gas) between the two. As for things to do you are a 30-45 minute drive in any direction to find it.

I'm in Fairfield County and I like being able to get to Boston or NYC, and back, in a relatively short time. Commuted 20+ years every day to downtown NYC, it wasn't bad. Stamford has more trains to NYC but the next express stop is Norwalk. For the 10 mile difference I think you will save money and get the same benefits, if not more. I will say that at certain times of the workday traffic in that area is horrendous.

 

[J187Money]

Waterbury isn't a realistic commute to NYC on a daily basis. I live in Milford which is also a hike for me but it is great for the family and so I put up with the commute. When I was single I lived in Stamford. I enjoyed it. SoNo is cool but Stamford has some great apts downtown with lots to do within walking distance.

 

[businesslawyer]

SoNo is a good choice. You are not far from NYC or the New England States. I-95 or the Merritt gives you out of town movement. Plus there is a difference in housing costs (and perhaps cost of goods, certainly gas) between the two. As for things to do you are a 30-45 minute drive in any direction to find it.

I'm in Fairfield County and I like being able to get to Boston or NYC, and back, in a relatively short time. Commuted 20+ years every day to downtown NYC, it wasn't bad. Stamford has more trains to NYC but the next express stop is Norwalk. For the 10 mile difference I think you will save money and get the same benefits, if not more. I will say that at certain times of the workday traffic in that area is horrendous.

Wow. First time i have heard I-95 and movement used together in a long time.

 

[businesslawyer]

which means ...

You are just about ready for the emptynest urban condo in a cute city. Hmmmm ... no more Green Acres & you need to move.

We talk about it Pudge. But until my wife retires (or is retired) as a local public official, we can't make much of a move.

 

[nomar]

It's a longer train ride into NYC but I think the city you're looking for is Waterbury.

I must have missed the part where he said easy access to crack cocaine was a must.

 

[Caronimo]

Fairfield County sucks. Don't make the move unless you are fine with hoards of traffic and long commutes.

The Sono ride to GCS is probably more than 45 minutes. It's about 45 from downtown Stamford. If I had to chose, I'd go Sono or Stamford. The rest of the towns all suck.

 

[elduderino]

Forgot to mention in my first post... when I lived in Stamford about 8-9yrs ago, its nickname was Manford. You said youve got a lady friend, but who knows, I always like to have options or a backup plan, or at least a view.