Old Greenwich

It’s hard to believe there are any hidden gems left in town, but Old Greenwich is just that for people who crave a luxurious lifestyle with a relaxed vibe. 

Sited on a jagged strip of land jutting into Long Island Sound, this picturesque neighborhood has a distinctive small town vibe. On any day, you’ll see people toting kids, walking dogs and chatting with friends outside the bright awning-covered shops and bistros on Sound Beach Avenue. After just a few hours, you’ll swear you’ve just visited a charming seaside resort. Yet, Old Greenwich has an ideal location, an hour by train to midtown Manhattan.

OLD GREENWICH REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS

Originally inhabited by Siwanoy Indians in 1640, Old Greenwich, home to 6,500 residents is one of the hottest communities – as well as America’s 100 Richest Places according to Bloomberg. A picturesque village atmosphere offering a superlative quality of life, gorgeous beaches, low taxes, along with an award-winning school. The town’s lovely architecture is a major draw for leaders in finance and wealthy executives who choose to make Old Greenwich a perfect year-round home or even a weekend get-away escape from the City.

THE LOCATION

Long Island Sound is on the south, Stamford is east, and Sound Beach Avenue, Boston Post Road, and Hillcrest Lane define Riverside on the west edge. Old Greenwich – with very own postal zip code - officially ends where Hillcrest Park Road curves north. Locals use geographic “south” or “north” of the Village center, to direct guests when they come to visit. 

Historic Landmarks in Old Greenwich include The Pequot Library, Binney Park, the 1894 railroad station, and the First Congregational Church of Greenwich with Tomac Historic Burying Ground dating back to 1718. 

Three-story grand dames in Victorian style line the wide lanes of Sound Beach Avenue. Closer to the water, properties come with a view, a dock or mooring and are highly coveted. Old Greenwich waterfront has spectacular views of Long Island Sound and City skyline. Friendly cul-de-sacs and shade-covered lanes will have an architectural style and luxuries to suit any body’s wish list. Homes range from three and four-bedroom Cape Cods to classic Shore Colonials with five or six bedrooms. Manicured properties are neat and relatively smaller than in many parts of town but will be infused with colorful sea gardens, beach roses, trellises or nestle in a beach association featuring a dock and/or a sandy beach for residents to enjoy.  

THE PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE

Basking in a natural resource that’s hard to match anywhere in town, much less on the entire eastern seaboard - Tod’s Point is in walking, jogging or biking distance and open year-round. It has two beaches, two concession stands, the Bruce Museum Seaside Center, trails plus boat and kayak rentals. There’s also clamming just for fun. Waterways surrounding the peninsula are equally great for paddleboards, motorboats, and sailboats, especially when the weather is good which practically every day in summer.  

Shopping on Sound Beach is another favorite past time. On Saturdays, you’ll see several neighbors and friends milling along brightly colored awnings - typically with ice cream or a coffee in hand. Town parks – including beautiful Binney Park in the heart of the Village as well as playgrounds, tennis courts and long, paved sidewalks for Babboe bikes and walking the puppy make Old Greenwich a perfect family community with luxury homes and a safe, friendly neighborhood with lots of things to do, great schools and commuter train to Grand Central Station.

THE FOOD, SHOPS AND FESTIVALS

For a relatively small village of just over six thousand people, Old Greenwich has a number of dining options. Le Fat Poodle lives up to its acclaim and locals also rave about the Beach House Café, with its mix of cuisines in an upscale setting. Other favorites include Lugano Wine Bar and Salumeria, Aplausi Restaurant, Sound Beach Pizza, Upper Crust Bagel and Sweet Pea’s Baking Company for a true cafe feel. 

On Memorial Day a local volunteer fire department parade brings the whole community together with great gatherings of lawn chairs and blankets; neighbors and friends; children waving and cheering. People are always drawn in by the charming village atmosphere. There’s a farmer’s market on Wednesdays and fun boutiques to explore like Back 40 Mercantile’s upscale, organic and sustainable products with home goods, clothes, jewelry, and gifts. Up the street is Fred Boutique carrying clothing brands from Rebecca Taylor, Misa Los Angeles, and Love Shack Fancy. The Village Ewe needlework studio has over 50 designers and even the dog can get a studio-style professional haircut at Snip Doggy.

LOCAL NIGHTLIFE

For date night and a place to meet up with friends, the Stamford theater district is always buzzing with exciting performances, comedy nights, concerts and plays. Fine dining restaurants dot the commercial streets, making Stamford a great option about fifteen minutes from any home in Old Greenwich. And don’t forget fantastic bars and world-caliber restaurants in Greenwich. Thomas Henkelmann’s Restaurant at the Homestead Inn prepares award-winning contemporary French cuisine – perfect for special occasions and celebrations.