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Archive for May, 2008

Real Estate Profile: Ridgefield’s West Mountain Estates Neighborhood

ridgefield-west-mountain-estates-img_6087.jpgWest Mountain Estates is another of Ridgefield’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The original 160 acre estate was purchased by well-known Ridgefield homebuilder Jerry Tuccio in 1959. Tuccio subdivided the property and the home building began in the mid 70’s and continued into the mid 80’s. Most West Mountain homes are traditional New England colonials with some ranch style homes mixed in. A few luxury homes have been added over the years including one just being finished on Calvary Court. One of the homes dating back from the original estate houses the Stone Ridge Manor bed and breakfast.

Sometimes called Eleven Levels (for the main road running through the sub-division), West Mountain Estates is very conveniently located on the west side of Ridgefield, close to town and near the New York border. This westside location makes it very desirable for those commuting to Westchester (Pepsi, IBM, and more).

One of the most popular amenities of the West Mountain neighborhood is the community Recreation Center. This outdoor facility springs to life each year on Memorial Day. The beautifully maintained facility sports an olympic-size outdoor pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamond and soccer field. See the pictures below.

West Mountain Estates Neighborhood Schools:

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Here’s what’s currently on the market in West Mountain Estates:
Click Here to View Listings

West Mountain Estates Homes Sold Since 2005

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Click Here for Additional Details

Ridgefield CT West Mountain Estates

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Local Ridgefield Artist Shows at Norwalk’s Chocopologie!

In keeping with our chocolate theme and our love of arts, culture and great foods, here’s a show you should not miss! One of my Rainbow Lake neighbors, Noelle Carr, is a fine artist and will be the featured artist at Gallery Chocopologie from May 19 through July as part of a summer show. Chocopologie is a cafe, gallery and retail store opertated by world-renowned Knipschildt Chocolatier in historic South Norwalk, Connecticut. The mix of fine chocolate and fine art makes for an intoxicating environment to stimulate the senses on a multitude of levels.

Ridgefielder Noelle Carr paints contemporary botanical portraits that celebrate flowers on a cellular level. Each painting focuses on the beauty and splendor of each singular flower variety she chooses to paint. Through her use of color, paint texture, and technique, Ms. Carr brings life to the canvas through her subjects and her work is intended to convey the meaning and significance flowers play in all aspects of our lives from jubilation to grief.

Chocopologie is located at 12 South Main Street, Norwalk CT 06854. For more information on the artist, this show and for gallery hours go to: www.NoelleCarr.com

We hope to see you there!

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Now You Can Have Local Organic Food and Live Healthier in Ridgefield

Ridgefield Farmers MarketSipping organic wine and making new friend’s at last week’s Green Drinks networking event, it became clear that organic and sustainable living has become a priority for many Ridgefielders.

Ridgefield Farmers Market

The biggest local green news is the opening of the Ridgefield Farmers’ Market. On June 13th, a new era begins for Ridgefield’s localvores: fresh, organic produce, artisan bread and other locally produced products will be for sale on the grass field across from Cellar XV. The market will be open Friday afternoons from 3:00 – 6:00 through October. It’s a step back to a simpler time. There’s quite a buzz building around town and the market is sure to be a big success.

Organic Food in Ridgefield, CT

Over the years, Ridgefielders have enjoyed access to organic food. We’ve relied on Nature’s Temptation (rumor has it that they are moving to a larger store) and The Hickories. Ridgefield Organic Market and Ridgefield Prime have recently opened in Copps Hill Plaza. You can check out additional local sources here: LocalHarvest.

There’s a growing choice of purveyors right in Ridgefield because sustainable living is driving the demand for locally produced, organic food.

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Real Estate Profile: Ridgefield’s Twin Ridge Neighborhood

img_5983.jpg“If the shoe fits…” well you know how that goes. Ridgefield homebuyers look for a neighborhood that “fits”. Each area of town offers a different mix of location, amenities, house styles/ages, schools and more. The Neighborhood Profile series of posts introduces each section of Ridgefield with photos (see below), real estate information (solds, actives, stats) and more.

Twin Ridge is one of Ridgefield’s most sought-after locaions. This friendly neighborhood offers quiet streets, beautiful homes and a very social crew (block parties, …). Twin Ridge is located near the center of Ridgefield and has quick access to Routes 33, 35 and 7 providing especially easy commuting down-county and into Westchester.

The majority of homes were built in the late 1960’s (most have been updated, renovated or expanded) and many newer homes added over the years. Most are of traditional colonial style with capes, ranches and some contemporaries as well.

Contact us to learn more about Twin Ridge or for any other reason!

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Here’s what’s currently on the market in Twin Ridge:

Twin Ridge Neighborhood Schools:

Twin Ridge Homes Sold since 2005:

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Click Here for additional details

Maps:

Twin Ridge - Ridgefield, CT

Twin Ridge - Ridgefield, CT

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How to Savor Fine Wines and Save Animals in Ridgefield, CT

Woofs Wines & Felines Rob and I are very proud announce that we will be the exclusive real estate sponsors for ROAR’s (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue) 6th Annual Woofs Wines & Felines event on June 7, 2008. This exciting and fun wine tasting extravaganza is one of Ridgefield’s most successful fund raising events. It’s held every year under a big tent in the grassy field across from Cellar XV Wine Market.

Enjoy music from “The Loft“, while sampling more than 60 wines from around the world and delicious gourmet food provided by Bailey’s Backyard, Bernard’s, Gail’s on the Common, Piccolo Pizza & Toozy Patza, Southwest Cafe, Wild Baby Greens Catering, Whistle Stop Bakery, Ridgefield Organic Market and Ridgefield Prime

All proceeds from Woofs, Wines and Felines go to ROAR to help hundreds or dogs and cats find much needed homes every year. You can even buy raffle tickets to win a trip to California Wine Country, a 30 Bottle Wine Cellar or a Richard Budman original painting!

We’ve had a great time at Woofs, Wines & Felines in years past, and this year promises to be the best one yet. Please stop by our table to say “Cheers!” and to pick up some treats for you and your pets.

Please purchase your tickets in advance TODAY! Click Here To Buy Tickets (They are more expensive at the door.) or make a Donation .

We are looking forward to seeing you there!brad-rob-lene-pic.jpg

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Rainbow Lake in Ridgefield CT: Real Estate Activity 2006-2008

Rainbow Lake, Ridgefield, CTI have been fortunate enough to have lived on Rainbow Lake since November 2001. Over the years, there has been a lot of renovation, re-building, and refurbishing of the original lake cottages surrounding the lake that were built in the mid 1930’s to 1940’s. Rainbow Lake is a magnificent 44 acre lake nestled in a valley behind the Bennett’s Pond Trail System, Hemlock Hills, and Pierrepont State Park in Ridgefield, CT.

In the past few years we have seen an influx of city dwellers looking for a weekend retreat within 1 hour of NYC. Ridgefield’s Rainbow lake, with its quiet understated charm seems to fit the bill. Most of the homeowners of Rainbow Lake are here full-time, but the mix of weekenders and residents give it a resort feel in the heart of the New York suburbs.

Rainbow lake real estate values continue to increase as more and more people discover the allure of lake living. Following are all of the transactions from the past two years around Rainbow Lake. Note how many were listed, sold or both listed and sold by Rob and me. Nobody knows the lake like us and we are always available to answer any questions you might have about buying, selling or living on the lake. We are the ‘lake experts”!

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We are always available to answer questions, give advice or help in any way possible. Please contact us for anything.

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Why Ridgefield is the Safest Town in CT and How to Keep it That Way

Ridgefield CT Police HQCrime is virtually unheard of in Ridgefield. We have our “police blotter” kind of stuff but by and large Ridgefield is one of the safest towns in Connecticut! Connecticut Magazine said that Ridgefield has the lowest crime score ever measured since they started their “Best Towns” survey. Low crime, great schools, rich culture and terrific property values make Ridgefield one of the best real estate deals in Fairfield County.

The town is so safe due to our wholesome, honest New England lifestyle and to the Ridgefield Police Department. To best protect our citizens and guests, the RPD needs to expand and renovate their Headquarters on East Ridge. The upcoming budget referendum will be requesting over $4 million for the RPD project. Click Here to see the latest piece in the Ridgefield Press and a virtual tour of the current Ridgefield Police Headquarters building. Additional Ridgefield Press articles are here and here.

Crime Stats for Ridgefield CT

Looking at the stats, you can see that the rate for property crimes is just a fraction of the county and state averages and the rate of violent crime is practically zero.

2006 Crime Statistics: % Population Affected
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Ridgefield, CT Real Estate Market Report: Home Sales May 2008

Ridgefield Real Estate Sales Stats

Ridgefield Real Estate Market Commentary

As we enter Spring, Ridgefield’s real estate market starts it’s annual march into the busy season. April closings show the expected uptick in sales activity from March but the overall level is down 18% from 2007. Even though buyers are maintaining control over the market, I’m surprised that we’re not seeing more purchase decisions. Low interest rates (probably won’t last too much longer as government economic stimulus efforts take hold) and abundant selection (even though inventory is down 25% from last year) should be driving more buyers in to take advantage of current conditions.

Ridgefield Real Estate Sales Stats

I’m seeing some nervousness on both sides of the table. Sellers are anxious to move their deals through inspections, contingencies and contracts. Buyers are listening to the media and hoping that their newly purchased house won’t immediately drop in value. With rising mortgage rates (see chart in left sidebar), even if you don’t buy at the precise bottom (it’s impossible to time market bottoms), you’ll still be paying less if you buy today instead of waiting. Read this Time Magazine article: Ignore the Headlines.

Through it all, in Ridgefield we’re still seeing “the good houses” (good condition, market price) sell quickly. We just sold one of our listings in a week and I saw yesterday a house sold for over asking price.

Ridgefield Real Estate Sales Stats

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Home Sales Roundup – Ridgefield, Redding and Wilton CT Real Estate – April 2008

Closings in April reflect home sales that were negotiated in the prior 30-90 days. Each of these transactions closed during the month. The list includes all of the single family home sales for Ridgefield, Redding and Wilton, Connecticut for the month of April 2008. Contact us with your questions regarding today’s shifting real estate market.

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