<p>Just found the UConn Stamford housing help site. Question, what area is closest to downtown Stamford. I have 3 choices: UConn area, Stamford North or Stamford Southeast. Anyone know?</p>
<p>North Stamford is far from downtown (well, far being 15 to 20 minutes); UConn is actually located on the edge of downtown; I have no idea what “Stamford Southeast” could be–never heard any area referred to that way. Maybe a realtor’s euphemism? The east side is 10 minutes or less to downtown, but a very varied area.</p>
<p>Thanks for clarifying MommaJ.</p>
<p>UConn is really right in the middle of downtown. Okay, maybe a block or two east, but close. (It’s right across from Trump Tower and you know The Donald likes to be in the thick of things, right?) “Southeast” might be Shippan/Waterside area – where the grocery store, Fairway is, but not at all ‘downtown’. They are trying to bring it up with condos and art studios and antique shops/warehouses that runnersmom mentioned, but UConn area is really downtown. Still, Stamford seems like a good choice and I don’t think the commute is really an issue. I also have hope that one of those NY schools may help, just to have options.</p>
<p>I figured The YMCA that was mentioned was in NYC. NYC is doable, but it’s a long, reverse commute that’ll add about $350, plus subways.</p>
<p>I understand your DD would want to socialize, but honestly, even downtown Stamford can be quiet at 9:30 on a Tuesday night.</p>
<p>UConn moved their campus several years ago from the woods of North Stamford to the old Bloomingdales building downtown. It’s still a commuter school though.</p>
<p>Once upon a time, 1983-4 to be precise, it was actually a VERY easy commute via the Merritt from central Stamford to the 287 area of White Plains/Purchase. I was very surprised, but there was not a lot of traffic between the Long Ridge entrance to the Merritt and the exit off the Hutch to 287. I don’t know if this has change, but it’s worth checking out.</p>
<p>LimaB – UConn would be slightly WEST of downtown, as in closer to the New York side. so Southeast Stamford – think Glenbrook, Shippan areas etc.</p>
<p>I just went onto Craigslist, NYC/Fairfield County section and looked at sublets/short term housing. I saw a LOT of things that could be desirable. A share in Shippan, a suite in Greenwich 2 miles from train etc. </p>
<p>PM me if you want my take on the locations … some sound pretty good!</p>
<p>I lived in the city for 30 years and then moved just north of Stamford when we started a family.
My advice is to get a room at the 92ndSt Y on the eastside. (Quite a few of my D’s classmates did this last year for a semester and thought it was great.)
Forget the car. A monthly commuter ticket is ~ $235. The commute from Grand Central to Rye is about 45minutes - a lot of trains available.
It sounds like this is cool opportunity for her to experience NYC living. Work is work but NY for a young person can be so exciting!
Although many younger people have moved into to Stamford, the sidewalks roll up pretty early. Many still do the reverse commute because life in the city can’t be beat for them at this point in their lives. YMMV but that’s what I would suggest.</p>
<p>Thanks…CC parents just keep coming through:)! Woody, I will again ask her about NY. She is very wary about adding a long commute to what is sure to be already long days, but it seems that if she wants Stamford, she’s choosing between a 30 minute car ride in traffic or a 45 minute train ride where she can read, etc. Honestly, though, while NY is a great city and this would be a great opportunity to experience it, I just don’t think she is a NY girl. Not sure if that makes sense. She was raised in a typical midwestern suburb, she goes to college in a rural location, and when she visited her boyfriend there after 2 days she was more than ready to leave. Don’t get me wrong, we both understand the cultural advantages of NY…I’m just not sure it is right for her. But I will push her again on this and see if she would consider it. I did call the YMCA yesterday…waiting for them to call me back. I made tons of calls/emails yesterday, so hopefully something will turn up that will work today. Thanks all!</p>
<p>One other question on the Y…I went on their website and it said a train station was 4-6 blocks away. How would she get from the train on the east side to grand central station, so she could get to Rye, and how long would it take? Also (and I apologize right now if this sounds stupid), would it be safe for her to take the train back at night by herself, then walk back to the Y. I don’t know this area of NY at all. Thanks!</p>
<p>If you’re talking the 92nd street Y (which is not a YMCA so forgive me for asking for clarification) it is perfectly safe for your D to take the train from Rye to Grand Central, then the Lexington Avenue subway north from GCT to the Y. The walk from the subway to the Y goes past stores and restaurants which make the sidewalks bustling in the evening. It’s a pretty high density residential neighborhood so the dog walkers keep the streets busy. (plus residents heading home at night.)</p>
<p>It is a LONG walk at night from the Grand Central Station terminal to the Y. Perfectly safe but long. She’ll do that walk on a sunny Sunday, not after a day of work.</p>
<p>During peak hours the subway ride from the Y to Grand Central is no more than 10 minutes. Your D will walk from the Y to the 86th street stop (6 blocks; about an 8 minute walk in flat shoes, more in heels) and then ride two stops (it’s an express line.)</p>
<p>If you’re looking at housing which is close to U Conn in Stamford, it will be walking distance to the Stamford train station which has express trains to NYC, so she can do that on weekends. She will quickly learn which route to take when walking so that she goes past stores, restaurants, etc. and not the less pedestrian friendly routes which don’t get as much foot traffic, especially at night.</p>
<p>My D is in Port Chester–the train station is right downtown (very convenient)–she often goes to NYC on weekends. I’ll ask her about short term housing availability.<br>
Stamford looks 15 minutes away from lots of places but the traffic kills that real fast.</p>
<p>If NYC is still on the table, here’s a link to intern housing: [Educational</a> Housing Services](<a href=“http://www.studenthousing.org/]Educational”>http://www.studenthousing.org/)</p>
<p>I edited my reply for lots more info so hopefully they’ll post it…</p>
<p>Here’s a list of colleges in Westchester County. </p>
<p>[Category:Universities</a> and colleges in Westchester County, New York - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Universities_and_colleges_in_Westchester_County,_New_York]Category:Universities”>Category:Universities and colleges in Westchester County, New York - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>If she has a car and isn’t dependent on the Rye shuttle, she can look at other towns in the area.</p>
<p>Okay! Just looked up Purchase NY! My suggestion ( if she’s got a car) is definitely Port Chester or White Plains. Both are small town feel with very easy access train station to get you to NYC on the weekends (or anytime really–40 min to Grand Central about $20 round trip) and grocery stores to feed you during the week. White Plains is larger (malls and dining). White Plains is a bit spread out residential-wise. I would think you’d be able to sub-let. Many people have large houses with rooms to rent. It’s about 10 min to white Plains from PC.
Rye (about 5 min from Port Chester) is more expensive and lacks the grocery stores etc but not far.
Stamford can be 40 min commute from PC although it looks 15 min on the map because of traffic (and from what I’ve seen, not real cool anyway). My D laughs that if you go “as the crow flies” it’s all close. Personally, I would skip looking there since she is not working right there.
Commuting NYers do not own cars (too expensive!) and use the shuttle. Your D shouldn’t need a shuttle service I would think.</p>
<p>Thanks cnp; UConn is two blocks west of downtown, not east, if you count Bedford St (Ferguson Library) the prime “corner”. However, I think of Glenbrook north by a few miles, and Shippan south by a few miles. Shippan is right on/near the water and has big stately homes, but the area to get there isn’t within walking distance to the train station or “downtown”. (Doable, but you wouldn’t want to do it.)</p>
<p>Dumbo, if she’s not a city person, then I wouldn’t pursue it. It’s fun to live there, if you work there, but not necessarily if you don’t. Train $235 + $50 (train to/fr Rye) plus subway x 3 months. 92nd St is 30 city blocks north of GCT, about 3 miles. True, Stamford does roll up pretty early- esp Su-Th, but the alternative adds about a 1 1/2 hour commute each way. (Van, train, subway) </p>
<p>I worked in WP and it’s though they have luxury condos/hotels, there’s very few apts that aren’t the ‘projects’. There’s very little happening in the “off hours”. Geez, the library doesn’t even open on Saturday until 1:00pm.</p>
<p>I hope you’ve PM’d cnp who had a few listings to consider. The Stam-Purchase commute isn’t as awful as it’s made out to be and she could go 95-287 or the Merrit-Hutch or back roads and still probably under 30 min.</p>
<p>On last bit of advice: check out google maps, if you haven’t already.</p>
<p>Thanks, I am SO confused. Right now we have 2 good options. LMK what you think:
- Option 1: Y at 92nd st. They said she can walk 6 blocks to the 86th st train station, and catch a train direct to Grand Central, then take the train to Rye. Can anyone confirm this? The Y has a single available and has college kids. Any input on this option would be greatly appreciated. She seems to be warming to this.
- Option 2: I found a house on Stephens St. by UConn in Stamford. It is a 6 bedroom house with 2 bathrooms, coed, with other interns and recent college grads. Anyone know this area? Is it safe? She would bring her car.</p>
<p>Thanks so much!!!</p>
<p>Just saw Blosson’s post who confirmed the train situation for Option 1. Thank you! So now it’s just figuring out if the Y is decent. It looks to be from the pictures, but if anyone knows, I’d love input.</p>
<p>Okay, I checked it out on google maps. Stephen St isn’t really that young, college-y feel to it. Most are older, run down smaller homes. </p>
<p>Of those two, I prefer the Y in NYC. (oops, did I write that?) 92nd st is much more fun and upbeat. Besides, if she’s warming up to that, go for it.</p>
<p>No car though for NYC. But 12 weeks isn’t forever anyway.
How long does she work? walking 6 blocks at night by herself? I haven’t a clue but would like to know myself how safe the area at the Y would be.</p>