Bill_S

It means don't get sick.

Englishtart

or if you do...make sure you don't end up spending any time in hospital...be cheaper if you die!

Nutmegger

I think you are a little mixed up about the location of Norwalk. It is well within commuting distance of NYC with express trains morning and evening. It is only ten minutes on the MTA train from Norwalk to Stamford, with Greenwich just a little further. It is the fact that lower Fairfield County is in the NYC commuter belt that makes it so expensive.

However, I-95 -- the main road connecting New Haven, Westport, Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich -- is a parking lot at rush hour, so the train is the best option. At the weekend, the last train leaves Grand Central at 1:40 am and gets back to Norwalk an hour later, so lots of time to get loaded and stagger onto the train.

pejpm1

that being said, he would really struggle to live in NYC on that salary.

Nutmegger

I wasn't suggesting that he live there -- just that it would be perfectly feasible to go into the city to party at the weekend. In terms of where he could afford to live -- other than looking for a share -- the opposite direction from NYC would be more affordable, somewhere like Stratford, Milford, or parts of Fairfield.

Bob

Cost of living will be very similar to what your used to, as will the level of taxes.

Rent, don't know about the area, but I had a rent thread in the trailer park you could check out for a glimpse of what people are paying.

If your looking for an agency to find you a place, your looking at a months rent for a fee, probably first/last and then either one to three months worth on top for deposit. Heating can be $150-300 a month, electric around $100-150, cable/internet/phone $150, plus insurance.

If your only planning on being here a couple years, might not be worth bringing over anything with you large like furniture, generally isn't anyway unless it's quality stuff.

Undefeckable

If this is intended as a long term move, get something in writing from them that they will not only pay the costs associated with getting a green card (L1 visas seem to be a good starting point from which to obtain permanent residency), but also get them to put a time on it.

You may find yourself firmly over a barrel if you're there on an L1 with the carrot of a green card being dangled in front of you by your company...

Nutmegger

By the way, one thing I forgot to mention -- the OP wanted a place with some life to it: South Norwalk has decent restaurants, clubs, and a young scene happening. One of the more hip areas in Fairfield County. The whole town has undergone a lot of gentrification in recent years and attracts young professionals, whereas Greenwich and Westport are old money, and Stamford is a mix of corporate and inner-city. Stratford and Milford are more blue collar.

tonrob

That sounds very low indeed! What would you be shipping? Is this supposed to cover hotel when you arrive while you're sorting out a place and car hire too?

meauxna

Can you even fly first class for that little?

tonrob

When I moved in 2005 my lot only stumped for economy, although we flew first thanks to some "behind the scenes" help from an employee fiend.

That said, I think the company budgeted more like $30K for our move, which included (for the benefit of the OP):

- flights
- condo for first 3 months
- car for first 3 months
- shipping belongings
- pre-move recce for both of us (1 week flights, accommodation, transportation and meals)
- tax prep for first 3 years
- annual return flights to UK for both of us for first 3 years

Also got medical insurance with no deductibles for first 3 years before moving to company standard policy, and general help hooking us up with a bank (for a mortgage) and realtor, insurance broker etc.