One glance at Old Greenwich, and you know you are home. Situated on the Long Island Sound, it is the oldest neighborhood in Greenwich and a popular spot for boating and water activities, offering scenic shorefront views.
The neighborhood is recognized for its historic, colonial buildings and homes, proximity to beaches, and main street corridor filled with local shops and culinary delights, not to mention its plethora of open spaces and transportation options.
Overview of Old Greenwich, CT
Old Greenwich was formed in 1640 when settlers from Massachusetts purchased the land from the local Native Americans in exchange for 25 coats. Greenwich Point Point, a beach and park located in Old Greenwich, was originally named “Elizabeth’s Neck” by European colonists in honor of Elizabeth Fones Winthrop Feake Hallett, who bought the land from the Native Americans.
To draw in more beach goers searching for the best spots near NYC, Old Greenwich was later renamed “Sound Beach” in the second half of the 19th century, a time that witnessed significant growth with the development of the railroad. To this day, the name stuck, with downtown Old Greenwich’s main strip of Sound Beach Avenue. Old Greenwich is still considered Greenwich’s beach neighborhood, a classic summer getaway for residents and visitors of Connecticut.
An estimated 7,000 people reside in this coastal, colonial New England community today.
The Schools in Old Greenwich, CT
Old Greenwich is part of the Greenwich Public Schools district. The district is made up of 15 schools and educates more than 8,500 students per year. Old Greenwich School, an elementary school within the district, serves around 400 pre-kindergarten through grade 5 students.
The school is located within the community’s small business district and attracts many international students due to its proximity to New York City and excellent academic reputation. This year, more than a third of students came from abroad, relocating from Asia, Europe, and South America.
Children in Old Greenwich are zoned for Eastern Middle School. A few nearby private schools provide parents with alternative choices for early education, including Fusion Academy, Eagle Hill, Brunswick School, Greenwich Country Day School, and Greenwich Academy.
Commuting and Transportation in Old Greenwich, CT
There is no shortage of accessible transportation means for traveling in and out of the Old Greenwich area. The Metro-North Railroad has a station in Old Greenwich and the surrounding neighborhoods of Riverside and Cos Cob, with service to New Haven, New York, and the stations between the two cities.
Old Greenwich is an ideal location for commuters, situated within walking distance to the train station and a quick drive to Norwalk, Stamford, and other metropolitan areas. New York City is only an hour and drive from Old Greenwich. If you don’t feel like driving, you can take the Metro-North Railroad train from the Old Greenwich station to the Grand Central Terminal, which takes about an hour and a half.
Need to travel to a different state or to another country? No worries. Old Greenwich has several domestic and international airports within driving distance.
The neighborhood is only:
- 18 miles away from the Westchester County Airport;
- 32 miles from LaGuardia Airport;
- 37 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport;
The closeness of these airports gives Old Greenwich residents opportunities to adventure elsewhere. But no need to fret: the quaint community of Old Greenwich will still be waiting for you upon your return.
Recreation, Parks, and Open Spaces in Old Greenwich, CT
While having access to major cities is a lovely perk, escaping from the buzz and flurry of urban areas is vital. Fortunately, Old Greenwich offers plenty of open spaces for retreat, including the Laddin’s Rock Sanctuary. The woodland park takes up 18 acres of Old Greenwich, offering a footbridge, two small watercourses, and picturesque views.
Other nearby parks include Binney Park, which offers visitors amenities for soaking in nature or engaging in sports, and Greenwich Point Park. Greenwich Point Park is a town-owned beach and recreation facility that stretches over 145 acres and houses many historic buildings, such as the Chimes Building, and the Old Greenwich Yacht Club. Membership to the yacht club gives residents the chance to learn how to sail and to partake in other water activities, including kayaking and paddle boarding tours.
The Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center is located in Old Greenwich as well. The building is currently closed due to construction, but the community center’s playground, tennis courts, and athletic fields are open to the public.
A couple of small beaches are nestled into the shoreline of Old Greenwich: Uncas Point Beach and Fords Beach. Harbor Point Beach in the Riverside neighborhood of Greenwich is only about a 10-minute drive away.
Culinary and Shopping Experiences in Old Greenwich, CT
Old Greenwich’s main shopping district, Sound Beach Avenue, has some cute local shops, including:
- Sophia’s Gallery, a gift and vintage clothing store
- The Village Ewe, a needlework studio
- Back 40 Mercantile, a seller of organic or sustainably-produced artisan goods
- Images of Old Greenwich, an art gallery and purveyor of metal and acrylic prints, photography, and more.
Although it doesn’t host the area’s largest commercial strip, Old Greenwich is close to other shopping districts, including East Putnam Avenue and the renowned main street of Greenwich Avenue, which boasts of high-end stores and restaurants, waterfront hotels, contemporary art galleries, and classic car collections.
Old Greenwich Merchants Association, a not-for-profit group of retailers, collaborates to promote supporting local shopping and host various community events, such as a sidewalk sale and holiday season lighting.
What about dining options? Old Greenwich has a bunch of cafes, bars, and restaurants to satisfy every taste bud. Some local favorites are:
- Old Greenwich Social Club, a classic gastropub
- Lugano Wine Bar and Salumeria, a venue that serves some of the finest Italian wines and assorted cured Italian meats and cheeses
- Le Fat Poodle, a noteworthy restaurant that puts a new spin on bistro dining (make sure to try the Pu-Pu Platter)
- Applausi Osteria, one of the best-ranked Italian restaurants in Fairfield County
Cultural and Arts Scene in Old Greenwich, CT
Though a small, waterfront community, Old Greenwich residents make an effort to support the arts. The Art Society of Old Greenwich, a nonprofit organization established in 1927, strives to incorporate art into the community by aiding local artists through scholarships, educational programs, exhibits, and other events.
ART06870, a 1,000 square-foot contemporary art gallery, opened its doors in Old Greenwich last summer, dedicated to building community and improving children’s lives through art. Each year, the Art in the Park event is hosted at Binney Park to exhibit the work of talented local artists.
The Bruce Museum, a popular site that’s less than 15 minutes from Old Greenwich, blends science, natural history, and art in its collections.
Are You Ready to Move to Old Greenwich, CT?
If you’re searching for urban accessibility and suburban serenity, look no further than Old Greenwich.
The neighborhood’s abundance of amenities, from its outstanding culinary and shopping choices to its acres of white-sanded beaches and woodlands, offers something for everyone. Although you’re only about an hour away from New York City, it still feels like you’re living on an idyllic, remote island.
Interested in learning more about this delightful neighborhood? Contact a local expert strategist to discover more about available properties or to find your perfect home in Old Greenwich.
