Greenwich was established nearly 400 years ago in 1640, and this pre-Constitutional town is rich with New England charm. Throughout history, elite historic families, like the Meads and Rockefellers, have called Greenwich home. The Greenwich Historical Society is devoted to preserving our town’s history, including the Bush-Holley House, which was built in the early 1700s, and Putnam Cottage, a 1690 structure that was known as Knapp’s Tavern during the American Revolution. Additionally, this society has collected and curated a multitude of historical maps, photographs, business directories, personal journals, and more, and these archives are an incredible asset to historians and researchers. Greenwich has long been a home to international residents, and it remains one of the town’s priorities to maintain the diversity that has always been a part of our community. Greenwich celebrates where we came from while eagerly anticipating what is yet to come.

 

 

Greenwich’s idyllic beauty has drawn homeowners since the town’s establishment. Greenwich is the southernmost and westernmost municipal area in Connecticut, located just across the Long Island Sound from Manhattan. Greenwich boasts over 30 miles of shoreline, and the city is known for its gorgeous seaside estates. Equestrian manors are dotted throughout the dazzling countryside, and the tree-lined streets burst with vivid blooms every spring and turn into a golden autumn blaze by September. With warm summers and chilly winters, Greenwich’s humid continental climate makes for great sailing and fishing weather, as well as for skiing and ice skating. Enjoy all four seasons in their rightful glory.

 

 

Greenwich consists of nine primary neighborhoods, each with their own flair. Understanding the environment of each neighborhood is important when considering Greenwich real estate. You want to make sure that you love the area where you live.

Greenwich’s Byram neighborhood is situated between Long Island Sound and the Byram River, which acts as the border between Greenwich and Port Chester, New York. Established in the 1600s, this is one of Greenwich’s oldest neighborhoods. Stones from the Byram Quarry were used to build the Brooklyn Bridge and the base of the Statue of Liberty. Byram is home to three sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Byram School, the Phebe Seaman House, and the Thomas Lyon House. Once a popular home for sea captains, Byram’s recently bustling downtown and waterfront shopping district has resurged in popularity. Grab a bite to eat at Char, an elegant New American spot with rustic appeal, or stroll through Byram Park on a sunny afternoon.

Previously known as Sound Beach, Old Greenwich is a coastal neighborhood on the eastern edge of Greenwich. This bright and energetic corner of town has plenty of shopping facilities and restaurants along Sound Beach Avenue. Old Greenwich’s public beach, Tod’s Point, is the site of a 170-acre park, which is perfect for picnicking, jogging, and relaxing.

once belonged to Greenwich citizen J. Kennedy Tod, and his sweeping homestead Innis Arden was part of Old Greenwich until its demolition in 1961. Old Greenwich is stocked with amenities, like its own public library and fire station, the expansive Binney Park, and the Bruce Museum Seaside Center. Commuting from Old Greenwich is easy given the Old Greenwich Railroad Station. A quaint two-platform train station serviced by the Metro-North Railroad New Haven Line, it can take commuters all the way to Grand Central Station in Manhattan.

This iconic Greenwich neighborhood is distinguished by its own post office and zip code, library, and school. The real estate market here is hot. Artists, writers, architects, and musicians have flocked to Cos Cob since the 1800s when creators left New York City seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of the city. Author Willa Cather and actress Barbara O’Neill are just two of the town’s most notable residents. Swing by the Bush-Holley house for a taste of bygone eras or pick up a book from the Cos Cob Library.

Greenwich’s Backcountry neighborhood is a bucolic region north of the Merritt, where you’ll find expansive plots of land and abundant room for impressive estates. For a dose of fresh air, play a round on the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course or stop by the Audubon Center for a stroll through their protected 285 acres of woodland. Equestrians will love Backcountry for its riding trails and ample space for horse barns. If you or someone in your family is interested in equestrianism and would like to learn more, there are a plethora of barns offering lessons that will get you into the saddle.

Originally dubbed “Sherwood’s Bridge” after some of Greenwich’s earliest settlers, Glenville today is one of Greenwich’s most esteemed neighborhoods. Nestled along the Byram River on the southwestern edge of Greenwich, this area is home to many Georgian Revival houses and mills designed in the Romanesque Revival style of architecture. In addition to Glenville’s selection of restaurants and shops, The Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center is a beloved site on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to operate as an events hall with activities for children, teens, and adults.

Central Greenwich is a hot spot for shopping, dining, and luxurious living. Its famed Greenwich Avenue hosts a variety of high-end brands, such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Hoagland’s of Greenwich home goods, and Richards clothing store. The Greenwich Library can be found in Central Greenwich, and its 100,000 square feet is spacious enough for you to browse their extensive literary acquisitions. Peruse the finely curated Bruce Museum dedicated to the arts and sciences for an educational excursion.

Greenwich Avenue stretches across town, but the heart of it lies in downtown Greenwich, one of the most pristine spots in town. Since the beginning, downtown Greenwich has played a key role in life here. It’s been a place for parades and celebrations, a place for town meetings, and a place of commerce. To this day, those three staples remain largely active on Greenwich Avenue. Other downtown Greenwich cultural attractions include the gallery at The Greenwich Art Society’s School of Visual Art, Putnam Hill Historic District, and Westchester Putnam College. When you get hungry, you can find a wide selection of restaurants serving global cuisines.

Mid-country covers the area north of Putnam Avenue and west of Stanwich Road. There are no shops or restaurants in this area due to zoning prohibitions, allowing it to act as a peaceful oasis for residents. There are, however, several country clubs and parks, making outdoor activities accessible and a big part of life for those who live here.

Riverside is aptly named for its proximity to the water, and it has been a favorite spot for seafarers since Greenwich’s establishment. Yachting and sailing are still popular activities for Riverside residents, and its waterfront location makes it simple to throw off the bowlines.

The Willowmere section of Riverside is a peaceful waterfront area that attracts weekenders hoping for a little solitude. A summer home in Willowmere is sought after by New York publishers and writers, but making a more permanent move to Willowmere is an excellent option for mariners as well. Its close proximity to the Riverside Yacht Club means residents can spend more time out on the open blue waves doing what they love most.

 

 

Greenwich’s streets are lined with both venerable estates and modern mansions. Whether you’re dreaming of a far-reaching waterfront vista or a secluded manor, Greenwich has something to offer. You’ll find Georgian manors, colonial frames, and contemporary farmhouses all in the same neighborhood.

 

 

Taxes are a key reason to move to Greenwich, as you’ll find they’re significantly lower in Connecticut than in neighboring New York communities like Westchester. In addition, Greenwich property taxes are the lowest of all the towns and cities in Fairfield County. For more information about the specifics, email me.

 

 

Although perfectly situated near waterways for easy boat travel, in the 1800s, the introduction of railroads to Greenwich attracted even more people to this growing hub of commerce. Just 48 minutes from NYC, this affluent city remains a favorite for New Yorkers looking to escape the city and for Stamford commuters who need to remain close enough to commute to work. With train stations in Cos Cob, downtown, Old Greenwich, and Riverside, traveling for both work and leisure is a cinch.

 

 

For families, securing an exceptional education for their children is one of their highest priorities. Greenwich is proud to offer each student a world-class education. Both public and private Greenwich schools have produced brilliant thinkers.

 

 

The city of Greenwich sponsors a slew of appealing events throughout each calendar year that serves to unify our community. The Greenwich Food + Wine Festival is an annual event that takes place over the course of several days every fall. It is accompanied by live music, a golf tournament, and a 5K Fun Run to get the entire family involved. Join in on the 40-year Greenwich tradition by attending one of the Greenwich Polo Club games and sip on polo-inspired cocktails at the Pony Bar. Greenwich Restaurant Week is held annually in the spring to celebrate Greenwich’s award-winning cuisine, and it is kicked off with an opening night party where locals can enjoy handcrafted tapas and cocktails.

When you’re ready to learn more about Greenwich, Connecticut, homes for sale, don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone with Robin Kencel Group. We’d love to welcome you to this incredible city.