Moving from Houston to NYC in the next few months. Need help figuring out the best way/place to make it work.

I currently live in Houston TX, but took a job that needs me to be in NYC. I could use some insight into what I'm getting into, and how my current plan may or may not work out well.

I own an RV, so the plan has been so far to drive up to CT and stay on family property. This would be in the Danbury area though, and it seems that google thinks this is a 2.5 hour train ride each way into Midtown. Possible if it's the best option over all but, this seems pretty hefty. Is this a true estimate of travel time?!

Timing is also going to be a big concern, as the job will want me up there around end of October or early November (working from here until then). I have lived in the DC area before so snow isn't a completely foreign concept but, how bad is that time of year going to be for someone jumping right into it in SW CT and NYC?

Also being that I'm going to have a massive overlap between having to move there and my lease here (Ending Jan 1) - and no relocation assistance from the new job - I'm looking to minimize my costs as much as possible. Any awesome secret tips or tricks?

TL;DR: Moving from Houston to NYC area for a job in a few months. No relocation assistance, so looking to make it as cheap as possible. I have an RV as a resource but little knowledge of the area. How bad is this going to be?