Greenwich

As the Connecticut town closest to NYC, Greenwich is the ideal suburb for those looking to commute to NYC. The town has four different train stations (Greenwich, Cos Cob, Riverside and Old Greenwich), with the Greenwich station offering an express train that can get you to NYC in under 50 minutes, making it one of the best places to live in Connecticut close to NYC.

In Greenwich, you can also enjoy a diversity of options for living and entertainment. Combining small-town charm with city convenience, Greenwich provides rich culture and sophisticated amenities surrounded by stunning shores and quaint countryside. For those who enjoy the shopping and dining of NYC, you’ll appreciate Greenwich Avenue, the town’s main commercial district, offering high-end stores and trendy restaurants.  

For those with a love for art and film, there are ample offerings including the annual Greenwich International Film Festival and free movie screenings and discussions at the library every Friday night. The beloved Bruce Museum of Arts and Science, sitting atop a hill overlooking Greenwich Harbor, has garnered global acclaim for its art exhibitions. 

Greenwich also offers some of the best public schools in Connecticut. Approximately 38% of the town’s budget is dedicated to education, with eleven elementary schools (including two International Baccalaureate schools), three middle schools and one high school. There are also numerous private school options throughout town. 

Darien

While farther east, Darien may offer a shorter commute than some towns in Greenwich, CT. Darien has two train stations, Noroton Heights and Darien, both which stop at the Stamford station and then go directly into NYC, making the total commute just over an hour. 

Darien is a small town, both in physical size (about 12 square miles of land, plus another two of water), and in population (just under 21,000 people), making it a tight-knit community. But despite its size, Darien offers plenty of opportunities for activity. With four town parks, two public beaches on the Long Island Sound (Weed Beach and Pear Tree Point Beach), and at least seven private country clubs, including a pair of yacht clubs, residents of Darien can have a bustling social life. 

Darien’s downtown district is undergoing a major development with plans for the “Corbin District”. The development plan includes high-end boutiques, multiple exercise studios, luxury residential units, and office spaces in a one-of-a-kind architectural setting centered around a new town square. Several highly designed outdoor public spaces will complement the area, hosting farmers’ markets, outdoor concerts and various community gatherings

Many young families are attracted to Darien because of the Darien public schools, which are uniformly renowned and include the top-rated high school in the state. The Darien Public Library is also one of the best libraries in the country. Others are also attracted to the town’s natural beauty and its active social, arts and sports cultures.

Stamford

With a population of over 130,000 and ranked as the third largest city in Connecticut, Stamford has an unapologetic urban vibe balanced by an abundance of outdoor space and room for activities. Stamford offers the best commute from Connecticut to NYC, with an express train to Grand Central Station is approximately 45 minutes. 

Stamford features a host of nearby amenities so you won't ever feel like you've left the city. It has the largest public library in Connecticut and a free trolley is available around town as a method of public transportation. 

Stamford’s vibrant downtown features music venues, theaters, nightclubs, and restaurants. Residents of downtown Stamford also enjoy 19 miles of shoreline and over 40 parks and recreational centers, along with beautiful public beaches, hiking and golf courses. As the closest city in Connecticut to NYC, it is a popular choice for young professionals looking for more space and affordability.

Norwalk

Popular for young professionals and families, Norwalk offers the sought-after suburban lifestyle with easy access to a lively downtown and the Long Island Sound, making it one of the best cities close to New York City.

With a variety of unique neighborhoods, there is always something to do in Norwalk. The downtown district offers an exciting scene of food and nightlife, while the town’s two sandy beaches and several ponds, a variety of golf courses, tennis courts and wonderful parks provide residents with a wealth of recreational opportunities. Plus, Norwalk has four Metro-North stations to choose from: three on the main line of the New Haven route (Rowayton, South Norwalk, and East Norwalk) and a fourth on the Danbury Branch (Merritt 7).

Much like Stamford, buyers from New York City appreciate the more affordable housing they can find compared to some other commuter towns and the community’s racial and socioeconomic diversity. If you’re interested in learning about the similarities and differences of Stamford and Norwalk, view our Side-by-Side here. 

Why Young Professionals are Moving to Connecticut and Commuting to NYC

If you’re a young professional thinking about moving to Connecticut and commuting to NYC, you’re not alone. In 2020, more young professionals moved to Connecticut than those who left, with a net migration of 1,425, putting it in the top 10 states with the largest net migrations of young professionals earning $100,000 or more. On top of the convenient commute, Connecticut offers high paying job opportunities, great quality of life and affordability compared to New York City.

So if you’re a young professional looking to move out of NYC and commute to the city, Fairfield County, Connecticut might be the perfect spot for you. To narrow down your search to a specific town within the County, take our neighborhood quiz or browse our neighborhood snapshots.