In the waterfront oasis of Cos Cob, residents get the best of two worlds: a quaint, close-knit community of a small town and the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan. Less than 40 miles from New York City, Cos Cob offers an array of perks and amenities, from the marinas on the harbor to stretches of parkland to beaches dotting the coastline.
And let’s not forget about the neighborhood’s artistic, historical roots, thriving culinary scene, and accessible transportation means.
Overview of Cos Cob, Greenwich, CT
Cos Cob is a nautical neighborhood of Greenwich encompassed by the Cos Cob Harbor and the Mianus River. It sits along the banks of the Long Island Sound, established in the 17th or 18th century as a shipping port for produce. The downtown area of Greenwich lies to the west of Cos Cob while Riverside lies to the east.
The neighborhood, once known as “Cos Cob Neck,” began with the groundwork of six roads that were arranged northward from the Main Country Road in 1689. In 1700, a packet boat began regularly shipping farm produce and finished goods back and forth between New York City and the Mianus River.
In 1872, the first railroad station was constructed. From the 1890s through the 1920s, Cos Cob housed an impressionist artist and writer colony at the “Holley House,” later renamed as the Bush-Holley House. In the early 1900s, the Cos Cob Power Plant was built on Studwell Point, and the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad line became electrified.
Today, about 7,000 people reside in this charming, small community located in southern Fairfield County.
Schools in Cos Cob, Greenwich, CT
Cos Cob is part of the Greenwich Public Schools district. The district serves more than 8,500 students and consists of 15 schools including Cos Cob School, a neighborhood elementary school. Five of these schools also operate as magnet schools.
Cos Cob School has been recognized by the state for its Learning Commons and Innovation Space, which serves as a creative outlet and media center. Children in Cos Cob are zoned for Central Middle School, a learning institution that has around 500 students enrolled.
For several years, the Greenwich Public Schools district has received national recognition for its music education. In 2019, it won a state award for its commitment to physical activity.
Parents also can choose from several nearby options for private early education, including Brunswick School, Eagle Hill, Greenwich Academy, and Greenwich Country Day School.
Residents and employees of the Town of Greenwich also are offered a tuition and lottery-based preschool program.
Transportation in Cos Cob, Greenwich, CT
Another draw about Cos Cob is the fact you don’t have to stay put thanks to the many modes of transportation. The Metro-North Railroad has a station in Cos Cob as well as stations in Greenwich, Riverside, and Old Greenwich and makes stops to New Haven and New York and the stations in between the journey. By car, it’s about an hour and 15 minutes to commute to New York City. If you’re taking the Metro, it takes about an hour and a half to reach the city.
If you’re looking to traverse outside of the East Coast, traveling around the U.S. and abroad is definitely an option while living in Cos Cob. The Greenwich neighborhood is near several local, domestic, and international airport:
- 9 miles from Westchester County Airport
- 30 miles from LaGuardia Airport
- 39 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport
- 46 miles from Teterboro Airport
Access to these airports enables residents to pack their bags and fly to the opposite side of the world if they so desire, making Cos Cob a perfect place to call home.
Outdoor Spaces and Recreation in Cos Cob, Greenwich, CT
For individuals looking for a breath of fresh air, there is no need to look further than Cos Cob. Situated within this maritime neighborhood is the Cob Cob Marina, a piece of heaven for enthusiasts of water activities, such as boating, fishing, and sailing. Boaters can dock at the marina, with access to the Long Island Sound and nearby local dining and shopping options.
Cos Cob also boasts of greenery with all of its public parks. Just north of the harbor, visitors can stop by the Cos Cob Park to check out a 9/11 memorial, theater seating overlooking the water, a gazebo, and more. Meanwhile, the Montgomery Pinetum attracts plant lovers with its clusters of evergreens, sprawling rock garden, peaceful picnic area, and winding trails. Less than 10 minutes away lies a haven for nature lovers. The Old Stone Bridge Wildlife Sanctuary, founded in 1976, houses local woodland and pond wildlife with a variety of habitat types and open spaces on acres and acres of forests, trails, ponds, and streams.
The community provides an array of outdoor family-friendly activities for Cos Cob residents looking to stay active and seek refuge in nature.
Food and Shopping in Cos Cob, Greenwich, CT
Cos Cob sits close to a commercial strip known as ‘The Hub,’ located at the intersection of East Putnam Avenue and Strickland Road. The strip hosts a diverse array of local businesses, boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and specialty food stores. ‘The Hub’ hosts a couple of shopping malls, including the Cos Cob Commons and the Cos Cob Plaza.
Whether you’re in the mood for casual eateries or fine dining, Cos Cob has got you covered. The popular Fjord Fish Market, a community commodity since 1990 located along E. Putnam Ave., serves a range of high-end, responsibly-sourced seafood with separate menus for fresh sushi and clambake. The award winning Little Pub Greenwich offers flavorful tavern classics to customers amid a lively atmosphere.
Other casual dining options include Joey B’s, which satisfies cravings for hot dogs, burgers, grilled melts, and milkshakes, and Chicken Joe’s for lovers of fried potato cones and hand cut chicken nuggets.
Feeling something fancy? Louie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar on River Road serves quality, authentic dishes in its intimate dining room. Residents can top off the night with dessert from Gelato & Cioccolato.
The renowned main street of Greenwich Avenue, referred to by locals as simply ‘The Ave.,’ is only a 10-minute drive from Cos Cob. The strip has everything – from upscale stores and restaurants to waterfront hotels, classic car collections, and contemporary art galleries.
Cultural and Arts Scene in Cos Cob, Greenwich, CT
Cos Cob was the site of the first impressionist art colony in Connecticut. Groups of artists and writers gathered at the Bush-Holley House, formerly called the Holley House, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, forming a colony that significantly influenced American art.
The public can tour the museum, now a designated National Historic Landmark, and learn about two important eras that shaped Greenwich’s history. The Bush-Holley House is located within the Strickland Road Historic District, a former maritime center featuring colonial and Victorian-era architecture and 20th-century Craftsman-style bungalows.
In 1990, the district was added to the list of the National Register of Historic Places.
So, Is Cos Cob, Greenwich, CT the Right Choice for You?
Living in Cos Cob is maritime living at its finest, offering something for everyone whether you’re seeking an outdoorsy adventure, cultural enrichment, or a day of boutique shopping.
With activities to engage all residents, Cos Cob is an exemplary option for anyone looking for a place to live that’s close to a range of recreational, dining, cultural, and educational amenities. This quiet, laid back community is a refuge from the buzz of New York City. Yet, if you crave those urban, energetic vibes, it’s only a hop, skip, and jump away.
Want to learn more about this community? Get in touch with a local expert strategist for more details about available properties or to find your perfect home in Cos Cob.
