The Nest

NestApple's Real Estate Blog

Featuring real estate articles and information to help real estate buyers and sellers. The Nest features writings from Georges Benoliel and other real estate professionals. Georges is the Co-Founder of NestApple and has been working as an active real estate investor for over a decade.

10 Best Connecticut Towns Near NYC

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If you’re planning to move to Connecticut and want to stay close to New York City, you might be curious about the best towns to live in. Here are ten top commuter towns and suburbs in Connecticut that you should consider. With remote work becoming more popular in the United States, many New Yorkers are relocating to the suburbs. While some are choosing Long Island or New Jersey’s Gold Coast, others are heading north to Connecticut. If you’re looking for the best towns in Connecticut with a reasonable commute to NYC, these are the places to explore. Let’s go over the Connecticut Towns Near NYC!

1. Darien

Darien, Connecticut - Connecticut Towns Near NYC

The best town in Connecticut near New York City is Darien. Darien is renowned for its upscale housing, which attracts affluent residents and offers a convenient commute to NYC. The town boasts excellent schools, luxurious home amenities, and an efficient public transit system, and the commute to the city takes about an hour.

If you’re considering moving to Darien, be prepared for high property prices. This city is one of the wealthiest towns in Connecticut and frequently attracts major celebrities and executives from investment firms.

2. Greenwich

Greenwich, Connecticut - Connecticut Towns Near NYC

Greenwich is one of the most well-known commuter towns in Connecticut, and for good reason. It has long been a popular choice for New York City workers because of its efficient train service. Despite being in a different state, commuters from Greenwich can reach NYC in just 45 minutes. In addition to a quick commute, Greenwich offers a family-friendly environment, making it an excellent place to raise children.

The town is recognized for its safety, cultural attractions, outstanding school system, and a variety of family-oriented activity venues nearby.

Overall, Greenwich stands out as one of the best towns in Connecticut to call home.

3. Fairfield

Connecticut Towns Near NYC

Fairfield is one of the best commuter towns in Connecticut. Located in the heart of Connecticut’s Gold Coast region, Fairfield has a population of 61,512 residents. This charming and affluent town boasts over 5 miles of shoreline and beautiful beaches. This city is home to Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University, as well as exciting attractions like Rock Climb Fairfield and the Fairfield Museum and History Center.

Additionally, Fairfield is less than an hour’s drive from New York City, making it ideal for commuters. As a result, this area is affluent, with a median household income of $140,844 and a median home price of $861,182.

4. Byram

Byram, Connecticut

Byram is one of the best places to live in Connecticut, conveniently located close to New York City. This charming neighborhood is situated just on the outskirts of Greenwich, offering residents a quick commute. The 28-mile drive from Byram, Connecticut, to Midtown Manhattan takes about 50 minutes.

Unlike Greenwich, Byram offers relatively affordable housing options, making it an attractive choice for up-and-coming professionals. This makes Byram one of the top Connecticut suburbs for those looking to live near NYC.

5. Stamford

Stamford, Connecticut

While technically not a suburb, Stamford is one of the largest cities in Connecticut. The city is also the closest city in the state to New York City, providing a smaller alternative to the Big Apple. You might recognize Stamford as the filming location for the show “Maury,” but don’t let that influence your opinion of the city. Stamford is often hailed as one of the rising stars of the East Coast because of its affordable rent, vibrant arts district, and excellent dining options.

One of the benefits of living in Stamford is that it offers something for everyone, especially for those interested in the arts or professional networking. If you’re looking for a quick commute to New York City without the suburban lifestyle, Stamford could be one of the best choices on your list.

6. Wilton

Connecticut Towns Near NYC

Wilton is one of the best small towns in Connecticut for commuters. The city is part of the West Connecticut planning region, and some areas border Westchester County, New York. According to the 2020 census, Wilton has a population of 18,503. This quiet, affluent area is known for its excellent schools and low crime rates, making it ideal for those who work in New York but wish to raise a family in a peaceful suburb.

The town features a popular recreation center, and the Wilton Town Forest is a favored spot for hiking and dog walking. Overall, the crime rate in Wilton is 56% lower than the national average, with the violent crime rate being 75% lower.

7. New Canaan

New Canaan, Connecticut

Although it’s not as well-known as Stamford, New Canaan has its own iconic status. Why is that? Because it embodies everything that people love about living in Connecticut. Most residents move here for the exceptional schools, but it’s more than just a school town; New Canaan is the ultimate school town.

The school district is ranked among the top 10 in the country, the homes are charming, and residents can expect a reasonable commute to New York City. Anyone who longs for a nice, upscale, and peaceful neighborhood should definitely consider this suburb.

8. Westport

Westport, Connecticut - Connecticut Towns Near NYC

Westport is known as a popular summer destination for society’s elite, making it an excellent choice for a vacation. Additionally, the city is one of the Gold Coast towns that has earned a reputation as a top commuter location, thanks to its outstanding public transit system that provides convenient and easy access to New York City.

Those concerned about boredom in a Connecticut town need not worry about living in Westport. The area offers a variety of restaurants, parks, meetups, and even an aquarium.

Everything you need is just a short drive away. What’s not to love?

9. Stratford

Connecticut Towns Near NYC

Stratford is a charming town in Connecticut, conveniently located near New York City. Situated along the Long Island Sound in Fairfield County, about 65 miles from Manhattan, Stratford is a peaceful community with a population of 52,355 residents. The Puritans established this historic area in 1639.

Known for its natural beauty, Stratford boasts several parks and preserves, including Roosevelt Forest and Great Meadows Marsh. Stratford is a relatively affluent town, with a median household income of $91,025 and an average home price of $412,937.

Additionally, Stratford is considered quite safe, featuring a violent crime rate that is 70% lower than the national average.

10. Norwalk

Norwalk, Connecticut

Norwalk is one of the most affordable towns in Connecticut, close to New York City. As of 2022, the median real estate price for homes in Norwalk is $510,000. With a population of around 91,000, this Connecticut city is ideal for those on a budget.

Norwalk is also famous for its extensive coastline, offering numerous beaches and some of the best boating in the state. the city is located 48 miles from Midtown Manhattan, and because of traffic, driving to NYC can take about an hour and a half.

However, the most efficient way to commute from Norwalk to Manhattan is by train, which takes roughly an hour.

Connecticut Towns Close to NYC Bottom Line

Connecticut may be a small state, but it has a big heart, which is why so many people love to call it home. We’ve only just begun to explore the best Connecticut towns that are convenient for commuting to New York City’s Grand Central.

Almost every town near the Connecticut-New York border can serve as a great commuter town, even if it isn’t situated directly on the coast. In fact, many of the best suburbs for NYC living are located in Connecticut.



Written By: Georges Benoliel

Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.

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