Potential Move to Stamford - Need Info (Housing, Lifestyle)

Submitted by olliever40 t3_121k67z in StamfordCT

I have a job offer for a position in Stamford, CT. Starting salary $170k with significant annual bonus potential. I recognize and know that the cost of living is significantly higher than where I am now. I’m 40, single, no kids.

A few questions:

  1. What are some good towns/cities for a 1-2 bedroom apartment with a decent commute to Stamford? I’m thinking of renting for a year before buying anything. I was hoping for something in a quiet area but close to amenities (shopping, parks, restaurants).

  2. Is $170k a “good” salary for that area? I don’t mean for that to sound elitist (it’s an upgrade for me for sure!), but I know housing is expensive, as are taxes and utilities.

  3. I have an electric vehicle. Do apartments there generally have chargers? Is the charging infrastructure good in general?

  4. How are the beaches in the region? It would be nice to enjoy the Sound on nice days. 😀

  5. How is the area around Stamford / SW CT in terms of culture and diversity?

Thanks!

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Comments

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Khaze7 t1_jdm44y2 wrote

That’s a very solid salary for the area and you shouldn’t have any issues with affordability. Especially since you’ll likely be looking for a 1/2 bedroom(s)

  1. I’ve been in the area for a few years now and I would recommend the Harbor Point area of Stamford, SONO Norwalk. Greenwich is also very nice but I’m not as familiar with that area. For luxury apartments in these areas you should expect to pay around $2,000 - $2,500 for a 1bd and $3,000 for a 2 bedroom. Obviously there are cheaper and more expensive apartments but those are probably the averages for nicer places.

  2. most of these newer apartments (I know in Harbor point for sure) have EV parking/charging.

  3. I’m more familiar with Stamford so I can only speak to the beaches there. There’s a number of parks in Stamford that have decent beaches.

  4. For any sort of nightlife I’d recommend Stamford or Norwalk. There’s plenty of restaurants in either city. I feel like Stamford is probably more diverse than Norwalk or Greenwich. I’d say Greenwich is probably the least diverse of the 3 cities. Stamford is definitely more of a “working/professional” city.

Hopefully that helps a little.

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4sneed4club t1_jdmc1lk wrote

Some years I barely scratch 110k and pay a mortgage on a house and provide for a wife and child . Stamford is definitely doable

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ValerieAProperties t1_jdmhkrx wrote

With your criteria, Stamford (and Norwalk) is definitely doable! I

am a Local Realtor in the area, and I will say that rent a lot of the time are significantly higher than what a mortgage could be. There are some buildings that offer EV charging, but can be scarce (look for the newer ones).

If you need any rental/purchase recommendations, send me a message! I’m always available to chat, welcome to the area! :)

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bombbad15 t1_jdmn5aa wrote

  1. The affluent towns surrounding Stamford (Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan) in addition to some pockets within the city may offer the quiet but close aspect, but it will depend on what you’re looking for. It could range from busy high rise apartment to a small single family house. Price will also be a large factor for the town/city and proximity to conveniences.

  2. 170k will definitely be above average and will come in handy with the HCOL for the area

  3. Many rentals are becoming amenable to electric car owners so yes they do exist as are expanding.

  4. Beaches are pretty good and are easiest to get into for less or free if you reside in the town. They are not large as you look at the Long Island sound but can make for nice days for sure.

  5. The larger cities like Norwalk and Stamford are certainly more diverse than the others I mentioned above

Overall, a real estate agent who will ask the right questions will best be able to get you where you want to be. Happy to recommend some

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jennner1026 t1_jdoz302 wrote

You’ll be totally fine on that salary! And if you’re looking to meet people we have a group community as well. Let me know if you’d like to join. I’m 40 as well…hard to meet people at our age! :)

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