Picturesque and historic coastal community filled with class and vibrancy just outside New York.
Just 42 miles northeast of Manhattan lies one of Connecticut’s most beloved and charming coastal communities. Norwalk sits directly on the beautiful shores of the Long Island Sound, offering residents a picture-perfect New England town filled with stunning colonial homes, bucolic local scenery, and a thriving community center.
The first settlers in the area arrived in 1649 from Hartford, and the settlement quickly turned into a thriving agricultural community. Oyster cultivation became a leading industry in the community early on and endured throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. However, in the early 1900s, the area began to see a massive residential resurgence, and many new homeowners moved to the area for its small-town charms.
Nowadays, Norwalk is still attracting some of the state’s most successful residents who are looking for the picture-perfect blend of small-town lifestyle and big city conveniences, which this community’s ideal location is more than able to provide.
What to Love
- Beautiful coastal community
- Stunning colonial homes
- Dedication to history and culture
- Thriving local economy
People & Lifestyle
Norwalk’s advantageous nature has been attracting an array of residents from around the state for generations. Young professionals, families, and retirees alike enjoy the historic and diverse community, vibrant lifestyle, and numerous entertainment opportunities and cultural activities found in town. While the area is one of the most desirable in the state, it has been able to maintain a much more reasonable cost of living. The average annual household income is just above the national average, and Norwalk has a median home value of nearly $450,000, which is much more affordable when compared with similar communities in the area.
Homeowners living in Norwalk enjoy a lively and active lifestyle, and residents take advantage of the various parks and trails throughout the community. There is also a distinct appreciation for art and culture. Art galleries and theaters are some of the town’s most popular spots.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The dining scene in Norwalk is one of the best around, with several world-class eateries and exceptional restaurants around every corner. The Rowayton Seafood Restaurant has been a staple in the community since 1978 and serves some of the best local seafood for miles around. Their menu includes delights like New England clam chowder, Maine steamers with drawn butter, salmon with summer squash and pesto, and a mouthwatering butter-poached lobster roll.
The Sunset Grille is another favorite local spot serving up seasonal local seafood at its best. Their menu includes a classic crab cake sandwich, pan-seared scallops with mashed potatoes, fish and chips, and a beautiful lobster risotto.
When residents are in the mood for something a little more eclectic, they can always spend an evening at
Match. This exceptional restaurant offers a seasonal, globally influenced menu with dishes like herbed ricotta gnocchi, veal osso bucco with parmesan risotto, and ginger and five-spiced braised pork tenderloin.
Things to Do
Norwalk’s ideal location makes it easy for homeowners to take advantage of the many opportunities available in New York, Stamford, or Bridgeport. Of course, Norwalk is known for its exceptional beaches and stunning nature preserves. However, there are also numerous activities and events right in town for residents to enjoy in their free time as well. The
Norwalk Oyster Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and brings the whole community together to celebrate this local tradition. The festival is a fun-filled weekend of amazing eats, fantastic local entertainment, and a plethora of one-of-a-kind vendors.
When residents need to get a bit of shopping taken care of, the
SoNo Collection makes the perfect place to stop. This high-end shopping center is filled with national brand shops and fantastic dining opportunities where residents can easily spend an entire day.
The Maritime Aquarium is a fantastic place to spend the day with kids. Not only do they offer an array of exhibits that showcase the beautiful local marine wildlife, but they also hold numerous classes and events throughout the year to share, inspire and educate.
Schools
Families in Fairfield have access to a number of highly-rated schools in the area, including:
- Norwalk Public Schools, K-12, highly rated Blue Ribbon public school system
- King School, PK, K-12, nationally recognized private co-educational institution
- Norwalk Community College, advanced education, top-ranking community college
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