Welcome to Norwalk, CT
A seaside city with a friendly community spirit
Norwalk is a bustling coastal city in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Located less than an hour from New York City, Norwalk is considered part of the Greater New York Metropolitan area, making it an excellent residential location for city goers and those looking for a quick work commute.
The city was founded in 1649 and was once an agricultural area with dairy cows, wheat, and corn crops. By the late 1800s, it was dubbed Oyster Town, mainly due to its large oyster production and extensive fleet of oyster boats. Today, with almost 100,000 residents, Norwalk is the sixth largest city in Connecticut, boasting a widely successful transportation system, a diverse collection of neighborhoods, and modern amenities. Residents enjoy access to various attractions, including stunning public beaches, award-winning schools, protected islands and marinas, picturesque lighthouses, unique shopping opportunities, and first-class restaurants.
Norwalk's neighborhoods are distinct, each offering its own appeal and a unique way of life. Norwalk real estate boasts many offerings, from multimillion-dollar estates along Shorehaven Road to buzzy SoNo condos and waterfront single-family homes.
What to Love
- Unique neighborhoods with their own personality and charm
- A friendly and welcoming atmosphere
- Great schools
- A hip shopping and dining scene
Local Lifestyle
Norwalk offers a unique blend of urban amenities and serene green spaces perfect for outdoor adventures. On any given day, you will find residents golfing, picnicking, attending long-awaited festivals, or dining in one of the waterfront restaurants. Summer days are spent at Calf Pasture Beach, whose pristine shoreline and park spaces are excellent for boating, hiking, biking, and surfing, or Rowayton Beach, a local favorite for soaking up the sun and relaxing without the constant noise from crowds.
SoNo’s historic district is the community's focal point and is home to fantastic restaurants, eclectic boutiques, bustling nightlife spaces, and an impressive industrial ambiance. Here, residents enjoy an easily walkable space with direct access to attractions like The Maritime Aquarium, art galleries, beer gardens, and lighthouse tour companies.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Norwalk features a hip shopping and dining scene. Grabbing breakfast, lunch, or dinner inside the city means you’ll experience a wide range of excellent cuisine options, from fresh seafood to American dining spots offering Latin, Asian, and Italian fare. One of Norwalk's must-try restaurants is Rowayton Seafood, an ultra-chic waterfront locale serving traditional seafood dishes. Try their shrimp cocktail, island oysters, crab cocktails, and spicy tuna tartar — you won’t be disappointed! On the other hand, Oak and Almond is a sophisticated eatery featuring farm-to-table, wood-fired New American fare and a collection of organic wine. If you are looking for an excellent sushi bar, stop at Kazu Japanese Restaurant to enjoy deliciously fresh sushi and reasonable prices. For happy hour offerings, visit Match, a hip outfit serving seasonal New American fare and handcrafted cocktails. While there, grab lunch or dinner on the restaurant’s outdoor patio for incredible views of Norwalk’s skyline. For authentic Venezuelan cuisine, look no further than Valencia Luncheria, a casual eatery with a vast array of entree selections, such as traditional kugel dessert, Venezuelan chow, and jumbo plates of empanadas and arepas.
Things to Do
With so many events, festivals, venues, and attractions located inside Norwalk, you will run out of things to do. Grab your friends and family and attend the Norwalk Oyster Festival, an annual fair held on the first weekend after Labor Day in Veterans Park. This three-day event celebrates the city’s deep ties to the oyster industry through cuisine, live music, games, and more.
Art lovers will be home at Shakespeare On the Sound, an art event featuring open-air productions of plays written by William Shakespeare and other iconic authors. Afterward, experience the wonders of the sea at The Maritime Aquarium. This spacious aquarium features hands-on experiences with stingrays and jellyfish, expansive exhibits, and thousands of marine species. Another great educational attraction in Norwalk is Stepping Stones Museum for Children. This museum offers a plethora of various learning-based activities through a hands-on approach.
Schools
Norwalk Public Schools serve Norwalk. Notable schools and colleges include:
- Norwalk Community College
- Center for Global Studies
- Winston Preparatory School, Grades PK, K-5
- All Saints Catholic School, Grades K-8