The City of Norwalk is on Connecticut’s Gold Coast and features 22 miles of Long Island Sound shoreline. This ideal location combines the low-key charm and numerous recreational opportunities of a coastal community with the conveniences of big-city living. In addition, as part of the greater New England region, Norwalk boasts a rich historical and cultural identity.

Then there’s the commute. Midtown Manhattan is just over 40 miles away from the heart of Norwalk and the city has three MTA stations on the New Haven Line.   With its enduring appeal, it’s easy to see why Norwalk is now the sixth largest city in the state, with a population close to reaching the 91,000 mark.

Settled in 1649 and incorporated two years later, Norwalk started out from two large tracts of land between the Norwalk and Saugatuck rivers. 

Because of the area’s close proximity to the Sound, locals turned to oyster farming as their primary means of livelihood. By 1880, Norwalk had the largest fleet of steam-powered boats dedicated to exporting the local harvest, growing the town’s reputation as North America’s premier “Oyster Town.”

In addition to oyster farming, industries such as cattle and dairy farming, linen and rope manufacturing, and silver mining sustained the growth of Norwalk during the 18th and 19th centuries. The silver industry’s influence can still be seen in the name of the city’s Silvermine district.