Norwalk Relo Book

Welcome to Norwalk

Norwalk

Bordered by Long Island Sound, laced with navigable rivers, rich in America’s early history, alive with shopping, fine dining, cultural and educational facilities, and dressed with a glorious variety of residential choices, this is one of the best areas Connecticut and Fairfield County have to offer.

Pleasantly tucked between the Norwalk and Saugatuck Rivers, Norwalk is an exciting blend of lovely residential neighborhoods, thriving commercial and industrial enterprises and exciting cultural and artistic activity. It is a vibrant, diverse city covering 27.7 square miles, has twice placed in the top ten of Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live.” Norwalk’s history began in the 1600’s, when Captain Adrian Block sighted the Norwalk Islands in 1614. In 1640, Roger Ludlow purchased the land between the Norwalk and Saugatuck Rivers, now East Norwalk, from the Native Americans. Shortly afterwards, Daniel Patrick purchased the rest of Norwalk, between the Norwalk and Five Mile Rivers. Farmers and fishermen settled the area. Schooners carried on a brisk business in and out of the harbors, manufacturing prospered, and residents built grander houses. All was well until the Revolutionary War, when General William Tryon burned Norwalk, leaving only six homes standing. As Norwalkers rebuilt their town and their

Over the years, Norwalk went from a seaport village, to a manufacturing center, to the modern city it is today. Norwalk is governed by a mayor and a common council all elected biennially by voting districts. It is the 6th largest city in Connecticut, with fully staffed fire and police departments. Norwalk has twelve elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools, plus a vocational high school, a magnet school, and Norwalk Community College.

The panoramic scenery of the rivers and Long Island Sound are important parts of the appeal of Norwalk, both as desirable settings for residences and as sources of recreation.

As home to the largest yachting marina in New England, boating and recreational opportunities are high on Norwalk’s profile. The city maintains over 900 acres of beautiful beaches, parks and facilities for its residents, including marinas, tennis courts and a public golf course. The Norwalk Seaport Association offers ferry excursion to the Norwalk Islands. The largest annual in water boat show on the east coast happens here, as does the popular Oyster Festival. There are miles and miles of hiking trails, and dozens of municipal tennis and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields. There are several golf, tennis and yacht clubs, as well.

Rowayton by the Sea

Edging its way down the Five Mile River to Long Island Sound, the community of Rowayton offers a unique blend of salty, but traditional, village appeal.

Officially known as the Sixth Taxing District of Norwalk, Rowayton’s 4,000 plus residents dwell in 1.28 square miles, in houses closely spaced along narrow streets. Rowayton Avenue offers most of life’s necessities: a market, a hardware store, several restaurants, a post office, a volunteer fire department, two churches, parks, an arts center, and a train station on the NY NH line. Rowayton has three beautiful beaches; East Beach, South Beach and Bayley Beach, located on beautiful Long Island Sound across from Greens Ledge Lighthouse. On Highland Avenue, the stable of the old Farrell estate has been converted to a community center and a fine library. A farmer’s market is held in Pinkney Park on summer Fridays.

Founded by farmers and fishermen in the 1600’s, Rowayton has gone through several metamorphoses. In the mid 1800’s it was a major oystering center, shipping tens of thousands of bushels annually. The oystermen prospered, as evidenced by the large Victorian houses they built along Rowayton Avenue. Later, steamboats brought visitors to the amusement park at Roton Point. In the 20’s summer homes were built along the river and beaches, and the boating community began to develop.

Now Rowayton is a suburb, with an easy commute to New York and easy access both to I 95 and the Merritt Parkway. Office buildings offer local employment. The deep harbor of Five Mile River moors more than 500 yachts, lovingly tended by several boatyards. The Rowayton Yacht Club at Hickory Bluff has moorings, launch service and sociability. The Roton Point Club offers members a beach, swimming pools and tennis courts. There are several private beach communities Bell Island, Pine Point and Rowayton Beach, each with its own parcel of waterfront land.

Housing styles vary widely, from modest Cape Cods to grand Victorians to Contemporary Colonials, with a luxury condo development thrown in. Housing prices vary as well, with waterfront homes commanding a good price. Still, there is something for everyone in Rowayton, including an easy ambiance that is rare today.

If you would like to know more about events and programs that happen in Rowayton throughout the year, visit the website of the Rowayton Civic Association: www.rowaytoncurrents.com. The Association’s purpose is to enrich the lives of Rowayton residents and neighbors through providing cultural programs, educational events and supporting local community initiatives.

What to do in Norwalk

The City of Norwalk www.norwalkct.org

You can read about local attractions and events, festivals, the town schedule, taxes, parking, just about anything you need to know on the Norwalk website. The Recreation Department provides a wide range of active and passive recreational programs for the residents of Norwalk. Some of these services include a summer youth playground program:

• Individual and team athletic programs, including sports camps, tournaments, instruction, and league play

• Social programs and activities for all

• Various physical fitness programs, such as swimming lessons, exercise classes, etc.

Steppingstones Museum For Children www.steppingstonesmuseum.org

Stepping Stones Museum for Children is not just any museum. It’s a fun, colorful and engaging environment that recognizes the value of play in promoting learning, creativity and discovery. As a special place where children of all ages are encouraged to explore, invent, test and observe, the museum is a leading destination for schools, groups, families and anyone seeking a “wow!” experience.

Norwalk Maritime Museum maritimeaquarium.org

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to have a good time while learning about the vital natural resource just off our shore: Long Island Sound. Visitors explore at their own pace, observing 34 exhibits featuring more than 1,200 marine animals of 259 species. The Long Island Sound journey begins along a freshwater river and the shallow waters of the salt marsh, then moves into deeper and deeper habitats out to the open ocean.

Norwalk

Public

Library www.norwalklib.org

The Norwalk Public Library is dedicated to free access to information, knowledge, and independent learning in a welcoming environment, and to the joy of reading for our wonderfully diverse community. The current Norwalk Public Library system, with its Main Library on Belden Ave. and its Branch Library in South Norwalk, has about 280,000 items in its collection and a circulation of about 500,000 a year. In addition to its material collection, the Library provides dozens of computers with free internet access for public use. Its programs for children include story times, homework help, and a chess club. For adults there are book discussions, lectures, and computer training. The Library also provides meeting spaces for community groups.

The SONO Collection

thesonocollection.com

The SoNo Collection is a spectacular shopping, dining, art, and entertainment destination located near I 95 in South Norwalk. It offers an expansive selection of fashion retailers and an abundance of one of a kind art and entertainment experiences in Fairfield County.

South Norwalk (known also as SoNo) is a classic waterfront neighborhood in Norwalk. A great place to live, visit and work, SoNo offers an amazing collection of restaurants, bars, bakeries, shops, galleries and attractions.

Also located in SoNo are the South Norwalk Metro North Railroad Station, The Maritime Aquarium (with IMAX theater), Veteran's Park, and Oyster Shell Park.

SoNo also hosts a large annual arts celebration. The SoNo Arts Celebration is a unique art festival that draws 85,000 people to South Norwalk for visual and performing arts. It features approximately 150 juried exhibiting fine artists & crafts persons in one of 10 categories: painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, wood, ceramics, jewelry/ metalsmithing, fiber, mixed media or glass. At the Children's Art Playground children have the chance to express their natural creativity as they work on their very own masterpieces.

Norwalk also offers countless dining and shopping opportunities, from elegant restaurants to informal cafés; from boutiques to large discount stores.

Norwalk is home to the legendary Stew Leonard’s Dairy Store.

The Norwalk Concert Hall hosts performances by top orchestras and chorales.

There are many houses of worship in Norwalk representing many faiths, and attesting to the cultural and ethnic diversity of Norwalk.

The Hour, a daily newspaper and The Citizen News, a weekly newspaper, Cablevision’s Channel 12 and several radio stations keep Norwalkers informed. Norwalk Hospital is an excellent facility with many specialized services. It is a primary teaching affiliate of Yale University School of Medicine, and has additional affiliations with several other colleges and universities.

A wide range of housing choices are available in Norwalk, from lovely in town condominiums, to colonials in wooded neighborhoods, to luxurious seaside homes to beachfront bungalows, to handsome Estates. As significant improvements are being planned for Norwalk’s downtown and waterways, it will continue to hold its position as one of the best places to live.

South Norwalk visitsono.com

Oyster Festival seaport.org/Oyster Festival

The Norwalk Oyster Festival is an annual fair held on the first weekend after Labor Day in Veterans Park, on Long Island Sound. Funds raised by the festival help the Norwalk Seaport Association maintain the Sheffield Island Lighthouse as well as develop science education classes. The festival is also used as a fundraiser by more than 20 other local non profit organizations.

The festival has been run by the Norwalk Seaport Association, a non profit organization, since its inception in 1978. Average annual attendance exceeds 90,000. Each year, the Oyster Festival contributes over $5 million to the local economy.

It features various food, vendors, and entertainment, and celebrates the history of the oyster industry based in Norwalk. In the past, featured performers have included the Village People, Kansas, Charlie Daniels Band, Joe Walsh, Willie Nelson, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Tito Puente, Cheap Trick, Little Feat, The Monkees, Judy Collins, Up with People, and Little Richard.

Fine artists and crafters have been an integral part of the Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival from its beginning 36 years ago. At the first Oyster Festival, some of Norwalk's leading artists displayed their work under the trees along Seaview Avenue. That tradition has grown into an Arts & Crafts Show with juried artists and crafters from throughout the U.S. Summer Concert Series www.norwalkct.org

The City of Norwalk Recreation and Parks and First County Bank arranges the Summer Concert Series and Karate Universe arranges Outdoor Movies throughout the summer. All concerts are free and open to the public. Music & Entertainment Event Schedule

Tuesday Evening Open Mic Night in Freese Park. Wednesday Evening Summer Concert Series at Calf Pasture. Thursday and Friday Evening Concerts.

Saturday Family Movie Night Outdoor Movie Schedule. Sunday Late Afternoon Summer Jazz/Blues Concert Series Sunday Evening Summer Concert Series at Calf Pasture .

Silvermine Artist Guild www.silvermineart.org

Artists have been drawn to Silvermine since visionary sculptor Solon Borglum moved here in 1908 and established it as a place for artists to gather. The Silvermine Guild of Artists was founded in 1922. Today, the Silvermine Arts Center, a 501(c) (3) organization, is comprised of a Guild of over 300 professional artists, five galleries presenting new exhibitions every six weeks and sponsoring prestigious regional and national competitions; a gift shop; a School of Art providing a wide range of classes for all levels of experience from ages 2 to 102; public programs; and outreach programs in the Norwalk and Stamford schools.

Norwalk Golf Courses

Oak Hills Park Golf Course

18 holes over 6,407 yards with a par of 71 (Public) 165 Fillow St., Norwalk, CT 06850 oakhillsgc.com / (203) 838 0303

Shorehaven Golf Club

18 holes over 6,599 yards with a par of 71 (Private) 14 Canfield Ave., Norwalk, CT 06855 shorehavengc.org / (203) 838 8717

Silvermine Golf Club Inc.

18 holes over 6,077 yards with a par of 70 (Private) 95 N Seir Hill Rd., Norwalk, CT 06850 silverminegolf.com / (203) 846 2552

Norwalk Parks

Calf Pasture Beach & Shady Beach

Calf Pasture Beach is located at the eastern point of Norwalk Harbor. This recreation area provides a variety of sports courts as well as water sports. You can launch your boat, fish on the pier and go clamming. Fun for the entire family.

There are two regulation, lighted sand volleyball courts, two bocce courts, full length basketball court, three lighted softball fields, and a full skate board park. There is also a playground and 3/4 of a mile of open coast line with tremendous views.

The calm waters of Long Island Sound makes it a great place for those long summer days. Kayak along the beach from Island Kayak trail, have a picnic at one of the many tables scattered through the tree line shore. Walkways are lit for evening strolls or power walks. Concessions are available in season.

There are also special events all season long; from car shows to concerts. Shady Beach, just east of Calf Pasture offers many additional picnic tables and great shade to escape the summer sun. Grills are also available.

The beaches are available for weddings, birthday parties, not for profit walks, runs and events.

Cranbury Park friendsofcranburypark.org

The park's expansive 227 acres offers a series of wooded trails and a dog friendly environment in the orchard. The Great Lawn presents a dramatic backdrop to wedding parties and festivals all year long. The park also features a challenging 18 hole Disc Golf Course that winds in and out of the woods.

Matthews Park

You’ll find two museums, an arts center, a fantastic playground, tennis courts, picnic areas and a historic cemetery here.

A National Historic Landmark since 1971, the Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum is regarded as one of the earliest and most significant Second Empire Style country houses in the United States. Built by renowned financier and railroad baron LeGrand Lockwood between 1864 and 1868, the Mansion, with its unparalleled Gilded Age interiors and furniture, illustrates magnificently the beauty and splendor of the Victorian Era.

Lockwood-Matthews Mansion www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com

Start Walking Today! The Health Department of Norwalk has 16 different walking maps on its website. The routes average from a half mile to three miles. Hard copy maps are available at the Norwalk Health Department. Find a route and start walking with a friend or neighbor!

The Norwalk Tree Alliance (NTA) www.norwalktreealliance.org

The NTA is a volunteer, non profit organization actively engaged with the community in the initiation and support of programs that promote a healthy urban forest.

The NTA works with the City on the annual tree planting program, as well as on a registry of all notable and memorial trees, both privately owned and city trees. They operate the first municipal tree farm in Fairfield County. NTA's current plans include installing tree identification signs in several Norwalk parks.

NTA is an advisor and participant in the annual Arbor Day celebration, when a tree is planted at one of the City schools. A large contribution is made by them to the annual Connecticut Tree Festival, held in May at Cranbury Park. The festival features exhibits by local tree organizations and other outdoor oriented groups. There are kid friendly activities. Guests are served complimentary hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks.

Cockenoe Island

Cockenoe Island is the furthest east, with a long reef extending almost a mile to the east. Cockenoe (pronounced cock kee nee) has several spots to anchor. There is an inner harbor, which only has about 3 4 feet of water at low tide. Getting into the inner harbor is impossible at anything less than half tide, due to many shallow spots. Approach from south of the northern sand spit, or around the eastern reef and R “24″ / G “1″. The area north of the Island offers gradually increasing depths as you move further to the east. There is about 6 7 feet of water off the eastern end. Many people also anchor to the west of the sand spit, where there is over 7′ of water, and good access to the beach.

Sprite Island

Moving to the West, the next main island, close in to shore, is Sprite Island, owned by a family orientated Yacht Club. There is under 6′ of water in much of their mooring field. The island has picnic facilities.

Goose Island

Farther out is one of our favorite anchorage’s, inside the crescent shaped Goose Island. Good holding in the sandy bottom, and well protected. This is far enough out to be significantly cooler in the summer, with a good beach area, and a rock strewn shore to walk around. The small stone building in the center is an abandoned research station. There are rarely any boats anchored here in the summer overnight. Note that the sand spit does extend westward about 200 feet from the northernmost point.

Betts Island

South of Betts Island there is unfortunately no water, but there is plenty of water to the east and west of Betts. Many motorboats will anchor to the west of Betts, or pull up on the Beach. Also, the small circular reef about 300 feet to the west of Betts does indeed exist.

Chimon & Copps Islands

Just west of Chimon is also a popular anchorage, but when there are a lot of motor boats around, you will be exposed to some wake. Between Copps and Chimon is a good anchorage very secluded, but it’s normally almost 2 hours to sail to, and it’s not suitable if the wind is out of the south or east. Note the lone rock that sits 5′ up out of the water at low tide, but is covered at high. Go in very slowly, using compass bearings.

Shea Island

Moving west on the middle passage (you can carry 4′ of water over the reef at low tide), there is Shea Island, which is a good spot to anchor. Ensigns can get within 30 40 feet of the Island. By following the shoreline of Shea, it is possible to head west towards Sheffield Island, and miss the very busy channel just south of the power plant. Due to the extreme narrowness of the channel south of the power plant, tacking in this area is strongly discouraged by the police, which is why tacking is not allowed. If you want to sail out to the east in one of the daysailers, hug the shore of Shea. The depths change dramatically when you follow the route we have laid out on the chart, but you will hold at least 5′ even at low tide. Depths will jump from 30′ to 5′ in a matter of 200 feet.

Sheffield Island

Past Shea is Sheffield Island. There is the remains of the old Prohibition era gambling casino. The casino was on the northeastern end of the island, where there is a landing pier extending out into the water. It is possible to anchor anywhere off Sheffield. However, it is somewhat exposed to a SW breeze, and motorboat wakes heading out the channel. But the old stone lighthouse is certainly worth a tour.

Rowayton Harbor

There is also the picturesque Rowayton Harbor, but you must pick up a mooring or dock. Lots of great little restaurants in the area.

Zieglers Cove

West of the Norwalk Islands is one of the prettiest little coves on the Sound, Zieglers Cove. All the surrounding property is owned by the Ziegler family. It’s a wonderful, undeveloped spot. However, there is very little room to anchor close in. Stay away from boats on mooring, since they swing at a different rate. Since there are numerous charted rocks, use compass bearings off the various points on your way in and out, and keep your speed under 2 knots.

Bus www.norwalktransit.com

Public transportation within Norwalk is provided primarily by the Norwalk Transit District's "WHEELS" buses. The WHEELS buses offer extensive service in Norwalk and Westport and the Norwalk Transit District operates services throughout southwestern Connecticut. "The Coastal Link bus travels from the Connecticut Post Mall (in Milford) along Route 1 (Post Road) through Stratford, Bridgeport, Fairfield and Westport to the transit hub in Norwalk. This route is jointly operated by Greater Bridgeport Transit, Norwalk Transit and Milford Transit Districts."

Commuter Rail Service www.mta.info/mnr

The Metro North Railroad's main New Haven, runs through, and stops, in Norwalk. The Danbury Branch runs from South Norwalk to Danbury, CT. Metro North provides commuter service to four stations within the city: South Norwalk, Rowayton, East Norwalk and, along the Danbury Branch, Merritt 7.

Air

There is no scheduled air service directly into Norwalk, but there are airports nearby such as LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City; Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey; Westchester County Airport in Westchester County; Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York; and Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks (near Hartford) Connecticut.

Roads and highways

I 95 crosses through Norwalk, and there are several exits within the Norwalk city limits. The Merritt Parkway also crosses through Norwalk. Both of these roads are designated to be north/south routes, but through Norwalk, both of them primarily travel east/west. The major north south artery is Route 7, which begins at I 95. In northern Norwalk, Route 7 changes from a limited access, divided highway to an ordinary surface road. Other state highways in Norwalk are Route 53, Route 123, and Route 136.

Norwalk Public Schools - www.norwalkps.org

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Brookside Elementary School

Columbus Elementary School

Cranbury Elementary School

Fox Run Elementary School

Jefferson Elementary School

Kendall Elementary School

Marvin Elementary School

Naramake Elementary School

Rowayton Elementary School

Side By Side Elementary School

Silvermine Elementary School

Tracey Elementary School

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Nathan Hale Middle School

Ponus Ridge Middle School

Roton Middle School

HIGH SCHOOLS

Brien McMahon High School

Norwalk Pathways Academy Norwalk High School

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties www.bhhsneproperties.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, New York, and Hudson Valley Properties is a leading real estate brokerage firm with over 1,500 REALTORS®. Selectively chosen by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and HomeServices of America; the global reach, financial strength and fresh brand make Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices the premiere real estate firm in the Northeast. Whether residential, commercial, corporate relocation, equestrian or waterfront living, our company and REALTORS® are local market experts committed to providing exceptional service to our clients.

The Sunshine Kids www.sunshinekids.org

The Sunshine Kids Foundation adds quality of life to children with cancer by providing them with exciting, positive group activities, so they may once again do what kids are supposed to do . . . have fun and celebrate life!

The Sunshine Kids Foundation was founded by Rhoda Tomasco in 1982 while she was serving as a volunteer in the pediatric cancer unit of a hospital in Houston, Texas. After seeing the loneliness and depression among children during their extended hospital treatments, Rhoda had a vision to provide these young cancer patients with opportunities to participate in positive group activities which promoted self esteem , personal accomplishment and just plain old fashioned fun!

Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC https://www.phmloans.com/

Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, is a full service mortgage banker specializing in residential and refinance loans. It offers a wide range of mortgage products, including fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, jumbo loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, and renovation financing. PHM operates in 40 states and has a team of over 300 local Mortgage Consultants to work closely with you throughout the financing process, helping provide valuable information so you can make informed decisions on your journey to home ownership. PHM offers Competitive rates and fees, knowledge and expertise on available products and dedication to exceptional customer service from start to finish.

Mary Boudreau 203 685 7112

Email: Mary.Boudreau@PHMLoans.com

HomeServices Insurance I Northeast - www.hsinsurancene.com

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Protect the things that are important to you. HomeServices Insurance Northeast is a full service insurance agency providing all forms of coverage for the individual, family and business.

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Jane Lettick 203 773 5107

Email: JaneLettick@HSInsNE.com

Berkshire

20 Wilton Road

Email: westport@bhhsne.com Westport, CT 06880 www.bhhsneproperties.com

Phone: 203 227 5117 Facebook: