We lived in Danbury for 2 years and Stamford for 9. You must make a big salary to enjoy CT. Starter homes were about $500K. Very cold winter from November to the end of March. Summers are mostly pleasant. Proximity to NYC and Boston is great (at least it used to be). Long Island Sound beaches are horrible. If you have to live in the area property taxes are HALF those in New York but still high. Italian restaurants are plentiful. NYC sports and concerts are great if you can afford them.