Tell them to check out Newton, New Fairfield, Danbury, Brookfield and Bethel. All great towns with great schools. A bit more of a commute but they can get alot more for their money. I've been researching those areas for myeslf since last Fall. I currenlty live in Westport CT (and have 3 small children) and need a bigger home and can't afford what i'm looking for in Westport. They could also consider Ridgefield (great town & schools but less for their $) Easton, Fairfield (less for their $ but GREAT town) and Trumbull (little far but great town) Hope that helps. I am an agent and could send you listings or help you with questions on those areas based on my research & refer you to the right people if I don't cover a specific town. Thanks,
Emma emmagaccione@gmail.com

tell them to check out Stratford CT. Family friendly, less expensive than Stamford and still within a reasonable drive. I am a Stratford agent and we see many people come into the area who work in lower Fairfield County and New York come our way. We have a train station with direct to Grand Central (stops in Stamford as well) and are right along Interstate I95 as well as RT 15.

Hi Clara,
Did your friend find a home yet? Having represented many home buyers for the past 20 years, I would say the best towns that have attracted the most families in the past few years in the current 600-700K price range is Fairfield, Easton, Trumbull & Monroe. All of these communities offer 4 bedroom homes on
property sizes of .2 to 3 acres. Easy commute to Stamford via Fairfield train or Merritt Parkway. Fairfield was recently (2006) recognized by Money Magazine at the #9 place to live in the USA. I would happy to help you further. Check out the web site. 1.800.ASK.MARK

I am an agent in the Stamford/Darien/Norwalk area. Your friend should be aware that Stamford is not a small town but in fact a city. There are many suburban neighborhoods within it and 6-700K is realistic for a three bedroom home.It wont be fancy but youll get a nice yard etc.
Darien and Norwlak are the towns just up the road. That price will not buy much in Darien but Norwalk is lovely.Schools are good to excellent in Fairfield County. You should also consider taxes in these various towns.Darien is the lowest by far so while you wont get much house the taxes are more favorable.Call or email if u have any questions.

Karen Brewer
William Pitt Sothebty International Realty
Darien Ct
203-554-0951
kbrewer@wpsir.com

I grew up in Stamford - it's a pretty cool place - changing and evolving all the time. I believe that range could be reasonable - the market is a bit soft now so now is the time for sure. Schools in stamford are ranked very well so I believe public schools would do just fine. greenwich is nearby but not within range - norwalk might have more bang for the buck but even the commute traffic from norwalk to stamford makes it miserable. go for stamford i would say. they can always also hop the train and be in nyc in 45 minutes, nice change of pace and speed if needed.

Hi Clara,

I don't know anything about the Stamford area so hopefully a local will chime in. However you can get a look and feel for some of the available properties in the area and in this price range if you access the link below.

Best Wishes,

Emily Gibson
Customer Service Representative