When you think of the NYC suburbs, Connecticut might not be the first place that comes to mind, but it’s closer than you think.
Many people don’t realize that you can live in Connecticut and commute to NYC.
Towns like Greenwich, located on the CT-NY border, offer an easy 45 minute commute to the city.
What’s even better? You get to dodge New York’s high property taxes and enjoy Connecticut’s lower property tax rates.
Plus, many of these Connecticut towns come with sandy beaches, giving you the beach lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to NYC.
Allowing you to live in a beach town while still being just a train ride away from catching a Broadway show.
Below are the best Connecticut towns near New York City.
Connecticut Towns Close to NYC
1. Greenwich
The best Connecticut town close to NYC is Greenwich. Located right on the New York-Connecticut border, Greenwich is the closest Connecticut town to NYC.
Living in Greenwich means you have an unbeatable commute into the city. In just 45 minutes, you can find yourself in the heart of midtown Manhattan!
And that’s not all, Greenwich has four Metro North train stations so chances are you are close to a train station wherever you live in Greenwich!
But it’s not just about the commute; Greenwich offers a lifestyle that’s second to none. Greenwich has an upscale shopping scene that rivals the best, with luxury shops lining Greenwich Avenue, often dubbed the “Rodeo Drive of Connecticut.”
You can find gourmet food stores like Balducci’s and Citarella right in town, sparing you the trip to Manhattan.
Greenwich also offers the best of both worlds when it comes to recreation. With two public beaches and two private islands, you can easily go from a day at the beach to a Broadway show in NYC.
Housing options in Greenwich are as diverse as its residents. From the more affordable Byram neighborhood to multi-million-dollar estates in Belle Haven, you can find a range of price points to fit your budget.
Greenwich is truly the best Connecticut town to live in near New York City.
Find out what it’s like to live in Greenwich with our interview with a Greenwich mom and find out How Much It Costs to Live in Greenwich ($17K for a family of four!)
2. Darien
Darien is one of the best Connecticut towns to call home, especially if you are looking for a Connecticut town commutable to NYC.
With two Metro North train stations, commuting to NYC from Darien is a breeze, taking you to Grand Central Terminal in just over an hour.
Living in Darien means you are not far from shops and restaurants. Downtown Darien is undergoing a transformation with the new Corbin District, featuring a new town square, shops, and restaurants.
There is also the new development, Darien Commons which is a hub of shops and restaurants including the new Van Leeuwen and Seamore’s! Check out our review of Van Leeuwen and Seamore’s!
Darien is more than just a commuter’s haven; it’s also one of the best beach towns near NYC.
Darien residents are lucky to have not one but 2 beaches along Long Island Sound- Weed Beach and Pear Tree Point Beach.
Imagine living near NYC and also close to the beach! That’s why Darien is one of the best places in Connecticut to live in, near NYC!
Find out what it’s like to live in Darien. Check out our interview with Darien Moms and Social Influencers, Stephanie Trotta and Shanon Doherty
3. Stamford
When it comes to finding the perfect Connecticut town to settle down near New York City, Stamford, emerges as a top contender.
Stamford’s got one of the best commutes to NYC since the Stamford train station is a Metro-North hub. You can easily catch express trains to NYC from Stamford!
Stamford is a city in the suburb so it has the advantage of a wide variety of housing options. You can choose to live in apartments in Harbor Point or downtown for that city living experience.
Alternatively, you can live in leafy, residential neighborhoods like North Stamford to be away from the hustle and bustle of downtown living.
Stamford is also a shopping and dining hub, attracting not just locals but also residents from neighboring Fairfield County towns.
Living the beach lifestyle without venturing too far from the city is possible in Stamford, thanks to its four beaches. Whether it’s sunbathing or swimming you will find the perfect beach for you to unwind in.
Stamford is also one of the most affordable places to live in Connecticut that’s near NYC. You can enjoy all the perks of living in Stamford without breaking the bank!
Find out How Much It Costs to Live in Stamford CT and Find out what it’s like to live in Stamford with our interview with a Stamford mom
4. New Canaan
It’s no secret that New Canaan is often considered one of the best places to call home in Connecticut.
Families move to New Canaan for the top-rated schools. In fact, Niche.com ranks New Canaan Public Schools as the #2 school district in Connecticut.
Aside from the schools, New Canaan is home to a bustling downtown. Elm Street is a hub of shops and restaurants- whether you’re in the mood for a cozy coffee shop, boutique shopping, or gourmet dining, Elm Street has it all.
New Canaan is a charming Connecticut town with an easy commute to NYC. Commuting to New York City is convenient with two Metro North train stations.
While New Canaan may be located inland, it doesn’t lack outdoor recreation with Waveny Park. Waveny Park is a 250+ acre community park with a town pool, ball fields, and trails.
There is also Kiwanis Beach in New Canaan which is a man-made swimming pond with a sandy beach.
New Canaan is a great option if you are looking for a postcard-perfect New England town close to NYC.
Find out what it’s like to live in New Canaan. Check out our Interview with a New Canaan mom
5. Rowayton
Rowayton is an under-the-radar town that only locals know as one of the best Connecticut towns to live near New York City.
Rowayton is a charming coastal Connecticut town that is technically part of the city of Norwalk but is treated as a separate town by locals because of its distinctive character.
Rowayton has its own elementary school. For commuters to New York City, Rowayton’s train station makes commuting to NYC very convenient.
Rowayton even has its own beach, Bayley Beach. Bayley Beach is a community hub in the summer months with a playground, a snack bar, picnic tables, and a volleyball court.
If you are looking for a charming Connecticut town near NYC, then Rowayton might be the town for you!
6. Norwalk
Norwalk is the most affordable Connecticut town close to NYC.
While many Connecticut towns in Fairfield County come with a hefty price tag, living in Norwalk is affordable with a median home price of $530,865.
Commuting to New York City is easy from Norwalk. You’re spoiled for choice with three Metro North train stations in Norwalk.
Norwalk is a shopper’s haven. The SoNo Collection mall offers upscale retail therapy, while Connecticut Avenue offers the convenience of big-box stores for your everyday needs.
When it comes to dining, the restaurants on Washington Street in South Norwalk is perfect for foodies.
Living in Norwalk means you can enjoy the beach lifestyle to the fullest. The town has many beaches for you to go sunbathing, swimming, or a seaside stroll. Don’t forget to stop by roadside lobster shacks like Knot Norms and Overton’s on the way back.
Norwalk is the perfect blend of coastal Connecticut seaside town without the high cost typically associated with Fairfield County!
Check out our list of the Best Places to Live in Connecticut
7. Westport
Westport stands out as one of the best places to live in Connecticut. It’s a charming coastal Connecticut town that’s picture-perfect.
Many families move to Westport for its highly rated schools, rated as the #1 best public school district in Connecticut by Niche.com.
For those who need to commute to NYC, Westport has two Metro North train stations, making your daily commute easy (although a little longer than most towns on this list).
Westport is a haven for shopping and dining. Westport’s Main Street is bustling with a wide variety of restaurants and shops including many waterfront restaurants on the Saugatuck River.
There is also no shortage of shops and restaurants on Westport’s Route 1.
If you yearn for the beach lifestyle, Westport has you covered with several town beaches. Living in Westport is like being on a permanent beach vacation just steps from your doorstep.
Westport is the quintessential coastal Connecticut town with a stress-free NYC commute, a vibrant downtown scene and highly-rated schools.
Find out what it’s like to live in Westport. Check out our Interview with a Westport mom
8. Wilton
If the idea of a peaceful residential suburb close to New York City, then Wilton might be right for you.
Wilton is your quintessential quiet residential suburb away from the hustle and bustle.
While Wilton may be a peaceful haven, it’s far from isolated. Nearby Route 1 and Norwalk provide easy access to a variety of restaurants and shops.
Wilton schools consistently ranked among the best in Connecticut. According to Niche.com, it’s the #5 best public school district in the state.
Wilton has a Metro North train station for commuters. While the commute to NYC from Wilton may be a bit longer than in some neighboring towns, it’s still an easy commute, manageable if you can work from home some days.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat from the city or a family-friendly community with excellent schools, Wilton offers the best of both worlds.
Check out the Best Beach Towns near NYC
Moving to a Connecticut Town Close to NYC
Connecticut’s proximity to NYC is appealing. Whether it’s the affordability of Norwalk, the coastal charm of Westport, the easy commute from Greenwich, the quiet retreat in Wilton, or the vibrant city-suburb blend of Stamford, these Connecticut towns allow you to escape the city’s hustle while staying within a train ride away.
When it comes to moving to a Connecticut town near NYC, the best way to do your research is to visit the towns. Take the train in. Check out the beaches. Get coffee at a local cafe. Walk down the town’s main street. You will get a feel for which town is perfect for you.
You can also check out the interviews we conduct with locals to find out why they moved to the town they live in!
Download our E-Book: House Hunting Like a Pro
Looking for the perfect home in the New York suburbs can be overwhelming, but don’t worry! With Househunting like a Pro, you can avoid the costly mistake of buying the wrong house!
Written by a real estate professional and local suburbanite, this easy to read E-Book provides valuable advice on how to choose the right town and find the perfect home.
Plus, with our House Hunting Checklist and Town by Town Tracker printables, you’ll be armed with the tools you need to navigate the home buying process like a pro. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your house hunting journey a success – download Househunting like a Pro today!
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