City of Norwalk General Info
Founded: February 26, 1640
Incorporated: September 11, 1651
Location: Norwalk is located in Mid-Fairfield County on Long Island Sound, and is approximately 40 miles Northeast of New York City.
Climate: The average temperature in January is 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and in July, 76.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual rainfall averages about 43 inches.
Government: The city is governed by a Mayor and a Common Council which are elected by twelve voting districts.
Worship: More than one hundred churches and synagogues in the Greater Norwalk area represent a wide variety of religious denominations.
Libraries: Norwalk has two public libraries: Norwalk Public Library (Main Branch) and the South Norwalk Library, as well as the East Norwalk Library, and Rowayton Library.
Education: Norwalk features twelve elementary schools, one parochial elementary school, four middle schools, Columbus Magnet School, Marvin School and Tracey School (“accelerated schools”), two high schools, an alternative high school (Briggs), Gibbs College and Norwalk Community College.
Health Facility: Norwalk is home to Norwalk Hospital, the region’s primary healthcare facility.
Media Services: Media services offered in Norwalk include two daily newspapers, one weekly newspaper, as well as numerous radio and television broadcasts from New Haven to New York City — this includes three radio stations and one cable local news station based in Norwalk.
Post Offices: Norwalk, South Norwalk, and Rowayton.
Transportation: Automobile via I-95, Merritt Parkway (Rt.15), and US Routes 1 & 7; rail via Metro-North Commuter Railroad (stations in East Norwalk, South Norwalk, Rowayton, and Merritt 7 Corporate Park); “Wheels” local bus service, two interstate bus services, and various limousine services.
Industry: One of Norwalk’s great strengths is the diversity of business that resides in the city. In addition to numerous corporate offices, Norwalk is also home to a multitude of service and financial sector companies, manufacturers, technology-orientated businesses, as well as a variety of retailers and wholesalers.
Recreation: The city of Norwalk offers both municipal and private beaches, an 18-hole golf course, various parks and playing fields, courts for basketball, tennis, and paddleball. Norwalk also has numerous hiking, biking, and cross country trails, as well as numerous fitness centers.
Incorporated: September 11, 1651
Location: Norwalk is located in Mid-Fairfield County on Long Island Sound, and is approximately 40 miles Northeast of New York City.
Climate: The average temperature in January is 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and in July, 76.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual rainfall averages about 43 inches.
Government: The city is governed by a Mayor and a Common Council which are elected by twelve voting districts.
Worship: More than one hundred churches and synagogues in the Greater Norwalk area represent a wide variety of religious denominations.
Libraries: Norwalk has two public libraries: Norwalk Public Library (Main Branch) and the South Norwalk Library, as well as the East Norwalk Library, and Rowayton Library.
Education: Norwalk features twelve elementary schools, one parochial elementary school, four middle schools, Columbus Magnet School, Marvin School and Tracey School (“accelerated schools”), two high schools, an alternative high school (Briggs), Gibbs College and Norwalk Community College.
Health Facility: Norwalk is home to Norwalk Hospital, the region’s primary healthcare facility.
Media Services: Media services offered in Norwalk include two daily newspapers, one weekly newspaper, as well as numerous radio and television broadcasts from New Haven to New York City — this includes three radio stations and one cable local news station based in Norwalk.
Post Offices: Norwalk, South Norwalk, and Rowayton.
Transportation: Automobile via I-95, Merritt Parkway (Rt.15), and US Routes 1 & 7; rail via Metro-North Commuter Railroad (stations in East Norwalk, South Norwalk, Rowayton, and Merritt 7 Corporate Park); “Wheels” local bus service, two interstate bus services, and various limousine services.
Industry: One of Norwalk’s great strengths is the diversity of business that resides in the city. In addition to numerous corporate offices, Norwalk is also home to a multitude of service and financial sector companies, manufacturers, technology-orientated businesses, as well as a variety of retailers and wholesalers.
Recreation: The city of Norwalk offers both municipal and private beaches, an 18-hole golf course, various parks and playing fields, courts for basketball, tennis, and paddleball. Norwalk also has numerous hiking, biking, and cross country trails, as well as numerous fitness centers.
City of Norwalk |
Norwalk is a coastal city bounded on the north by New Canaan and Wilton, on the South by Long Island Sound, on the east by Westport & Long Island Sound and on the west by New Canaan and Darien.
With a population of almost 85,000, Norwalk is the sixth largest city in the state of Connecticut. Norwalk was founded in February of 1640 via a purchase by Roger Ludlow of land between the Saugatuck and Norwalk Rivers. Captain Daniel Patrick purchased an additional portion of land soon after, and Norwalk was declared a town by the General Court of Connecticut in 1651. During the Revolutionary War period, Norwalk was burned by a large force of Hessian and British soldiers, leaving only six homes untouched. After the war, the citizens of Norwalk rebuilt the town. Beginning as a farming community, Norwalk soon developed into a major seaport for the shipping trade, and later became an important manufacturing center for many years, producing clocks, watches, paper, pottery, hardware and hats. The oyster business also boomed, and remains vibrant to this day. Today, Norwalk boasts an active, progressive and diverse business and corporate community. The pioneering and prestigious Merritt 7 Corporate Park, a cornerstone of Norwalk economic development, now boasts six buildings, and continues to be home to various corporate offices, as well as numerous small and mid-sized businesses. Building & Land Technology has also made its mark and impact by renovating the former Caldor’s headquarters into prime office space, and building a regional headquarters for Hewitt Associates, a North American headquarters for Diageo, and world headquarters for Xerox Corp. The Spinnaker Companies has also significantly contributed to the local development picture by renovating The Lock Building, creating the successful development, NordenPark, and building, in association with the City of Norwalk, the much-needed Maritime Garage parking facility in South Norwalk. Spinnaker continues its success with the recent development of Maritime Yards, as well as taking a leading role in the development of the 95/7 project. Other major contributions to Norwalk’s economic development include Stanley M. Seligson Properties’ plans of redevelopment of the West Avenue corridor, and substantial additions of retail to Connecticut Avenue. Plans are also being put forth to revitalize the Wall Street area through various redevelopment and addition of commercial and residential spaces to the area, spearheaded by POKO Partners. With all of these large projects, Norwalk continues to retain the balance between office development, retail, small business, housing, and open space. Norwalk is the rare community that enjoys a very healthy business presence and climate coupled with a high quality of living. Norwalk continues to be a strong tourist attraction in Fairfield County and the state of Connecticut. Norwalk’s main attractions include The Maritime Aquarium, the Stepping Stone Museum for Children, the Lockwood Mathews Mansion, historic South Norwalk, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and the Norwalk Museum. Norwalk also offers a variety of celebrations and festivals such as the SoNo Arts Festival, the International In-Water Boat Show, and the famous Oyster Festival. The Norwalk Hospital, which was founded in 1892, is a first-rate health care facility, and the primary medical center servicing the greater Norwalk area. The Norwalk Public Schools is recognized nationally for its innovative and exemplary validated programs responding to the educational needs of over 12,000 students. Norwalk is also fortunate to be home to one of the best and most highly regarded community colleges in the state, Norwalk Community College. With over 1,400 acres of park and shoreline land available to residents, there is plenty of space for recreation and leisure time in the great outdoors. Norwalk has numerous municipal tennis and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields, a public golf course, and miles of paths for walking, biking and skiing, as well as a public beach. Calf Pasture and Cranbury are the largest of the city parks. At the age of 360 years, Norwalk continues to be a thriving economic city, a community of pride and progress, and a great place to live, work and visit. |
Town of Darien |
Darien was originally settled in the mid 1600’s as a part of Stamford. Later named Middlesex Parish in 1737, Darien was officially founded in 1820. This 12.9 square miles of land is secured by Norwalk to the east and Long Island Sound to the south. 19,600 residents enjoy two town beaches, boatyards and a fine selection of private country clubs.
The main commercial district in Darien is located on the Boston Post Road, featuring small corporate offices, excellent restaurants and fine retail shops. Recreational facilities include indoor and outdoor tennis courts, the Ox Ridge Hunt Club for horseback riding, an indoor ice-skating rink and a YMCA with two indoor pools. Darien also offers a fine library and a newly refurbished movie theater. Darien is easily accessible from I-95 and has two train stations serviced by Metro North for commuters. Four elementary schools, a middle school and a high school provide the youth with an exceptional education. |
Town of New Canaan |
Bordering Norwalk to the Northwest is the town of New Canaan, incorporated in 1801. Today, over 19,000 residents live within the 23.3 square mile town of beautiful rolling hills and large estates.
Although the Merritt Parkway and Metro-North provide residents with easy access to neighboring towns and New York City, New Canaan has an abundance of natural amenities which help maintain the character of its colonial heritage. Private clubs, local parks, and the YMCA provide ample opportunities for activities such as horseback riding, golf tennis, squash, baseball, and football. New Canaan is the home of the Silvermine Guild ArtsCenter which presents art exhibits, host lectures, seminars with guest artists, museum trips, and also chamber music concerts. In addition, the Silvermine School of the Arts is located within the Guild Center. New Canaan also offers a theater group, its very own Nature Center, and Wavenly Mansion. A number of museums, maintained by the New Canaan Historical society, help to preserve the history, natural beauty, and Canaan’s two main streets are filled with many fine shops and stores. New unique charm of this town. |
Town of Weston |
The town of Weston, originally a part of Fairfield, was incorporated in 1787. Weston was primarily a farming town until industrial growth opened up throughout the region. Established manufacturers of toys, furniture and other items were eventually joined by canneries, iron foundries, blacksmith forges and other industries.
After the Civil War, manufacturing started to decline as the need for water power, the driving force for industrial growth in Weston, became less important. Businesses folded or moved out of town, which seriously reduced the town’s population. Weston then began the transition to its modern day status as a residential community. Today, “Weston” is synonymous with “rural”. This is made apparent to anyone who drives through the town’s 20.8 square miles of woods, hills and fields. 10,000 Weston residents live in large traditional New England-style homes, set on two or more acres of property. Weston features a 1,662 acre Nature Conservancy, which emphasizes the town’s focus on Image nature and draws attention to the many outdoor activities available in the small town. The Recreation Commission provides outdoor attractions including a swimming pool, tennis courts and other community programs. The town also hosts a range of private riding stables and country clubs. |
Town of Westport |
Incorporated in 1835, the town of Westport was formed from parts of Fairfield, Norwalk and Weston. The town’s early economy was based on farming, with onion farming playing a major role. In these early years, the Saugatuck River served as the farmer’s route to market.
As the new railroad made its way to Westport in 1846, so did many New Yorkers including famous writers, artists and actors. Today, Westport has over 25,700 residents in a 19.9 mile area. It combines a cosmopolitan atmosphere with seashore and county charm. While the town is known for sophisticated shopping and dining attractions, in recent years, Westport has seen the addition of several corporate office buildings. Westport is home to one of America’s foremost summer theaters, the Westport Country Playhouse, and town-owned Levitt Pavillion, an outdoor theater for performing arts. Much of the cultural development in Westport is due to the efforts of the Westport & Weston Arts Council. Compo Beach and Sherwood Island State Park offer town residents coastal recreation along Long Island Sound. Also available are golf and country clubs, tennis courts, marinas, a nature center, and horse & polo club. The popular Westport Public Library has been greatly expanded as well. |
Town of Wilton |
Wilton is geographically the largest of the five towns in Mid-Fairfield County. Covering 26.8 square miles, Wilton consists of mostly wooded and hilly land crossed by scenic roadways with historic stone walls. The town features a mix of old and new architecture, balancing the preservation of many 200 year old homes and landmarks with new homes and businesses.
Most of Wilton’s 17,600 residents live on one or two acres of wooded land, or in condominiums conveniently located near Wilton Center. Wilton Center serves as the town’s primary retail area while Danbury Road (Route 7) features a mix of corporate offices, retail, and other businesses. In Lambert Corners, at the intersection of Route 7 and Route 33, you can see an 18th Century home, a l9th Century train station, General store, Post Office, and various shops which are all maintained by the Wilton Historical Society. Just up the road, the Historical Society operates the Wilton Heritage Museum, a classic 18th Century farmhouse. Wilton is also home to Canon Crossing, a pre-Civil War farming village which was restored by actress June Havoc. Canon Crossing offers several small craft and antique stores, and is also host to the annual Grange Fair. The recreational needs of the community are met by numerous open space parks, an active Family YMCA, and the Wilton Parks & Recreation Department. The town is host to many regional athletic programs due to its modern facilities featuring tennis courts, football, soccer, and baseball fields. Wilton is also home to Fairfield County’s largest indoor athletic field house. |