Norwalk 75 Excellent
Norwalk Livability #49 ranked city in Connecticut#3,511 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas

Norwalk, CT - The Heart of the Gold Coast

Living in Norwalk, CT offers a coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of community and history. Known for its maritime heritage and vibrant arts scene, Norwalk is a dynamic city that blends the old with the new. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is a major attraction, offering interactive exhibits and programs that highlight the marine life of Long Island Sound.

Norwalk’s dining scene is diverse and sophisticated, featuring everything from fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants to international cuisine in the city’s many neighborhoods. The annual SoNo Arts Festival is a celebration of local art, music, and food, drawing visitors from all over the region. The Wall Street Theater and the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra add to the city’s rich cultural offerings.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Norwalk offers plenty of opportunities for recreation. Calf Pasture Beach is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and boating, while the Norwalk River Valley Trail provides miles of scenic paths for walking, running, and biking. The city’s parks, including Cranbury Park and Taylor Farm Park, offer facilities for sports, relaxation, and family gatherings.

Norwalk’s location on Connecticut’s Gold Coast provides easy access to New York City, making it ideal for commuters. The city is well-served by public transportation, including the Metro-North Railroad, which offers convenient service to Manhattan. Norwalk is also known for its excellent schools and family-friendly environment.

For those considering a move to Connecticut, Norwalk offers a unique blend of coastal beauty, cultural vibrancy, and modern amenities. Whether you're drawn by its maritime heritage, outdoor activities, or proximity to New York City, living in Norwalk, CT provides a rewarding and dynamic lifestyle.

Pros and Cons of Living in Norwalk

PROS
  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

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What's it like Living in Norwalk?

Norwalk is a mid-sized city located in the state of Connecticut. The city has a population of 88,755 residents. With a population density of 3,878 people per square mile, Norwalk is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 69% of Norwalk residents are White, 13% Black and 5% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Norwalk are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 25% of the population also speak Spanish. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Norwalk, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 28 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Norwalk, Connecticut. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like amenities, cost of living, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Norwalk and in the areas around Norwalk is a much easier task.

Norwalk has a livability score of 75 out of 100 and is ranked #35 in Connecticut and #3,196 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Norwalk ranks well in multiple categories! There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Norwalk ranks well for crime (A+), employment (A+) and housing (B-) The bad news for Norwalk, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 124 crimes per 100,000 residents, Norwalk has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Norwalk has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Norwalk is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Norwalk come in at $438,900, which is 63% higher than the Connecticut average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Norwalk, the home price to income ratio is 4.9, which is 28.9% higher than the Connecticut average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Norwalk

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Compare Norwalk, CT Livability

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      Norwalk transportation information

      Statistic Norwalk Connecticut National
      Average one way commute28min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.2%78.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.8%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit8.6%4.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.1%2.9%2.8%
      Working from home6.9%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Norwalk, CT data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).