1. The Commute
Greenwich is the entry to Connecticut’s Gold coast, and is known as the Gateway to New England. Its location is ideal for commuters. Just 50 miles from New York City, it is on the Metro-North train line, providing convenient service in and out of Grand Central Terminal. Easy access to major thoroughfares like Interstate I-95 and Merritt Parkway adds to Greenwich’s convenience.
2. Long Island Sound
Situated along Connecticut’s Gold Coast, Greenwich occupies miles of coastline on the Long Island Sound. It has two town beaches, Greenwich Point Park and Byram Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, sailing, fishing, relaxing on the sand, and a Town Pool. It even has two islands — Great Captains Island and Island Beach — that you can enjoy for the day after a short ferry ride from the Harbor.
3. Shopping
Known as the 5th Avenue of the East Coast, Greenwich Avenue’s upscale options rival those of other famous shopping meccas (insider tip: locals call it “The Avenue”). High-end boutiques and thrift shops line the street along with restaurants and cafes. The Avenue offers a fun way to spend the day and see the latest in fashion trends.
4. World Class Dining
Greenwich has a healthy mix of family-run establishments and world-class cuisine. It offers a wide range of dining options, many with great outdoor views. Some of the local favorites include: Thomas Henkelmann, L’Escale, Char, Le Fat Poodle, Lugano Salumeria, Valbella, Gabriele’s of Greenwich … to name just a few.
5. The Bruce Museum
The Bruce Museum is a world-class art, science and natural history institution that houses more than a dozen changing exhibitions annually. Built in 1853, the museum was originally the private residence of Robert Moffatt Bruce. It has now expanded to include a park and a Seaside Learning Center at Greenwich Point Beach.
6. Greenwich Parks
With more than 15 parks within the town limits, Greenwich offers many places for nature lovers to enjoy the outdoors. There are parks with hiking, playgrounds, birdwatching, swimming, tennis courts, sailing and horseback riding. There’s even one park reserved specifically for your furry four legged friends: Grass Island Dog Park.
7. Top-rated Schools
Greenwich School District is a top-rated public school system, offering classes from Pre-K through high school, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. According to state test scores, 66% of students are at least proficient in math, and 77% are proficient in reading.
8. Greenwich Library
Greenwich Library is the community’s center for inspiration and discovery. The Greenwich Library an excellent resource for discovering new interests, learning new skills and finding new passions.
9. Neighborhood Charm
Greenwich is divided into 12 voting districts, encompassing approximately 50 miles. Some of these 12 districts have their own zip codes, such as the village of Cos Cob, Riverside and Old Greenwich. These neighborhoods feature the same large-town amenities, while also offering a close neighborhood feel.
10. Golf Courses
If you love golf then you will feel right at home in Greenwich. With an amazing public course and over 10 private golf courses in the town, Greenwich is amply endowed with places to lower your handicap.
11. Greenwich Point Beach
Rated as one of the top beaches in Connecticut, Greenwich Point Beach is a beautiful spot to spend the day sunbathing, swimming, jogging, fishing, biking, kayaking and sailing. The Old Greenwich Yacht Club is located at the beach and open to all Greenwich residents, as well as the Bruce Museum’s Seaside Learning Center.
12. Greenwich Reindeer Festival
Did you know: For the past ten years, Santa and his Reindeer have made a special trip to Greenwich? This town tradition kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving and lasts throughout the season. It is sure to bring out the kid in everyone with live reindeer, face painting and opportunities to take a picture with Santa.
13. Greenwich Holiday Stroll
If Santa and his Reindeer are not enough for you, be sure to try Greenwich’s Holiday Stroll. Including horse-drawn carriage rides, live music and a food truck village, it’s a can’t-miss holiday tradition.
14. Greenwich Fireworks
Every 4th of July, residents make their way to Binnery Park or Greenwich Point Park to gather, eat, drink and watch the fireworks explode over the Long Island Sound. The fireworks blast off just after dark from a barge in the Sound, so the show is visible and enjoyable for all.
15. Greenwich Town Party
The Greenwich Town Party is the hottest ticket in town: 1 Day, 12 Bands, 8,000 People, all coming together to celebrate Greenwich.
16. Safe Haven
Greenwich has topped many lists of safest big cities in the United States. It was recently honored as the Safest City in the United States by SafeHome.org.
17. Island Life
Greenwich has two islands open to the public for everyone to enjoy for the day. Both — Big Captain Island and Island Beach — are accessible by a short ferry ride from Greenwich Harbor. Even though the islands are approximately two miles from shore, once you reach them, you will feel miles away!
18. Food and Wine Festival
This star-studded event is a multi-day affair highlighting the area’s rich culinary landscape and showcasing innovation in the food and beverage industries. Attracting sold-out crowds, the festival benefits multiple charitable organizations in the area and features top-tier entertainers.
19. Summer Concerts
When the weather is warm, grab your picnic blankets and head for the park to enjoy some great live entertainment. Concerts include the Wednesday night concerts at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, The Dixieland Jazz Band Concerts on the Sound on the Island Beach Island Ferry and Island Beach and Sunday Concerts at Binney Park.
20. Babcock Preserve
Babcock is a forested, 300-acre preserve featuring hiking and bridle paths, a picnic area and waterfalls. It’s a lovely park to hike, horseback ride, cross country ski — or just kick back, relax, and enjoy nature’s beauty.
21. Audubon Greenwich
Greenwich Audubon encompasses seven nature sanctuaries and a vibrant education center along with a store called The Nature Store & Gift Shop. Situated on a 285 acres, the center is open for hiking and as an outdoor classroom.
22. Byram Pool
This aqueduct center was completely innovated in 2018 to include a 6,400-square foot primary pool, 6 lap lanes, splash pad for kids, baby pool, pool pavilion with lockers, changing rooms, restrooms, lifeguard station, aerobic exercise area and cafe.
23. Boating
Greenwich has some of the best boating waters on Long Island Sound. The Town Boating Program provides residents with affordable marine facilities, allowing them to make the most of the Sound. There are three marinas — Byram, Cos Cob and Grass Island — as well as one boatyard at Greenwich Point.
24. YMCA
The Y is a community-focused nonprofit established in 1844 with recreational programs and services for all ages.
25. Greenwich Film Festival
Quickly becoming just as popular as Tribeca or Sundance Festival, the Greenwich Film Festival connects an audience of prospective financiers, distributors and film lovers with rising silver screen stars.
26. Low Property Taxes
Greenwich property taxes are lower than neighboring Westchester, and, in fact, count among the lowest in Fairfield County. Particularly given Greenwich’s abundant amenities, that is certainly something to get excited about.
27. Greenwich Historical Society
GHS’s main goal is to preserve and interpret Greenwich’s vibrant history. GHS offers a nationally accredited museum, museum store, cafe, library and archives. GHS presents dynamic year-round programs and events connected to art, history, architecture, and landscapes, and offers educational programming for thousands of schoolchildren and visitors.
28. Bush Holley House
The Bush-Holley House, built in 1730 and a certified National Historic Landmark, was the site of the trailblazing Cos Cob American Impressionist art colony. The Bush-Holley House is part of the campus of the Greenwich Historical Society.
29. Farmers’ Market
The Greenwich Farmers Market has been in existence for over 25 years in the Arch Street Parking Lot. An excellent provider of locally sourced produce, it prides itself on being a produce-only market and runs every Saturday from May to December.
30. Arts Council
The Greenwich Art Council’s mission is to promote the visual, performing and literary arts by encouraging artists, presenting their work, and building their audiences. GAC hosts four separate annual events in town: Art to the Avenue, Arts Alive, Sand Blast and Kite Festival.
