Reverse Commute

You say nothing about housing needs, budget or wishes. Assume renting?? But, generally speaking, landlords are more receptive to dogs in Harlem than you might find in central Manhattan. Larger dogs can be a problem in any "luxury" rental building.

As a native New Yorker who is now living in Chicago, you will be in for sticker shock in NYC. Not knowing all the pertinent information and since your husband will be working in CT, I would look for a condo, if that's what you're looking for, in that area. More bang for the buck and a big savings on commuting.

I agree on how fun the reverse commute is. When I take the bus to London, I like to sit in the business class seats that face the back of the plane.