Norwalk, CT
Why You’ll Love Living in Norwalk, Connecticut
Norwalk, Connecticut, combines the charm of seaport living with the conveniences of a larger community. Located along the prestigious Long Island Sound, the coastal community is home to multiple beaches, plus 40 predesigned public walking and biking paths and more than 1,000 acres of public parks. Shopping, entertainment and dining options are ripe for the picking in downtown South Norwalk, and the train station makes it easy to get around no matter where you want to go. The city has a thriving job market with employment opportunities in finance, health care and technology.
Thinking of moving to Norwalk, CT? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Norwalk, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Norwalk, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Norwalk, CT, a Best Place to Live in 2024
With its location along Long Island Sound, providing photo-worthy scenery, Norwalk, CT, stands out as one of the best places to live in the U.S. for good reason. This Connecticut city, located in the southern part of the state, has abundant amenities to offer residents, including easy access to New York City via train or car. That convenience is why several big-name companies such as Frontier Communications, EMCOR Group and Xerox have picked Norwalk for their headquarters or to do business. Flourishing industry sectors here include health care, retail, and professional, scientific and technical services.
The shoreline draws those looking to get out on the water to spend a day boating, picnicking on a sandy beach or enjoying one of the city’s many parks. Annual community events help keep this city of 91,000 close, with celebrations like the Norwalk Oyster Festival and the SoNo Arts Festival. In fact, the SoNo district — for South Norwalk — is an energetic area with retail, restaurants and nightlife options that are perfect for an evening out.
On top of that, Norwalk is an easy place to call home, with attractive neighborhoods, terrific schools, quality health care options and a real sense of history.
Norwalk, CT Quality of Life LivScore
Norwalk, CT Top Categories
Amenities
Health
Economy
Norwalk ranks highest for amenities, health and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Norwalk, CT
Norwalk’s weather patterns reflect the four distinct seasons within New England, with warm and sometimes humid summers and cold winters. The average highs and lows are 82°F and 60°F (summer) and 39°F and 20°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Norwalk is roughly 31 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Norwalk is 53 inches and is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with slightly higher rainfall in the summer and fall months.
Norwalk averages 202 sunny days a year.
Veterans Park and Marina has an esplanade overlooking Norwalk Harbor, a boating center and marina, a playground, and bike and jogging paths. Calf Pasture Beach is another local favorite, thanks to its splash pad and concession stand. Finally, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse & Harbor Tour takes passengers onboard a day trip ferry along the Norwalk Harbor. The cruise also includes information about the harbor and Norwalk’s three lighthouses and arrives at the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. If you’re looking to stay on dry land, play a game of disc golf at Cranbury Park Disc Golf Course or head out for a hike on the Cranbury Park Trail or the Norwalk River Valley Trail.
Things To Do in Norwalk, CT
The restored Norwalk WPA Murals at Norwalk City Hall provide an interesting glimpse into the city’s past. Self-guided tours are available. Train enthusiasts can check out the SoNo Switch Tower Museum.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is home to animals who live on land and in the water amid exhibits showcasing their various habitats, and their 4D theater shows two films daily. Children can also act as marine explorers within the Sea & Discover Zone and, for a fee, feed the rays at the Shark & Ray Touch Pool. Additionally, the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Mathews Park turns the art of play into a teaching tool. Designed for children ages 10 and under, immersive exhibits bring visitors back in time to the age of dinosaurs or into a tot-sized town.
Norwalk has a long, long history predating our nation’s founding by more than 100 years. Settlers from Massachusetts first arrived in the 1640s and incorporated Norwalk as a town in 1651!
The SoNo Collection, a shopping mall, contains many high-end stores, public art installations, and fast-casual and sit-down restaurants. Also, in SoNo, Jean’s Closet is a great place to buy crocheted and hand-knit apparel and decor and learn how to make your own through classes and workshops. Eco Evolution sells eco-friendly products, sustainable fashions and vintage goods and features a local artists’ cooperative and a coffee shop.
You and your pup can have a little date night at Burger Bar and Bistro, which has a doggie menu featuring dishes like a burger with cheese, hot doggies and chicken breast. Every dog who visits gets a water bowl and treats!
Catch a concert (or an ABBA cover band!) at District Music Hall. The venue hosts everything under the sun and has an eclectic calendar of events full of things to do, making it a hot spot for a night out on the town.
314 Beer Garden and Wood-Fired Pizza is a prime happy hour hangout with live music, outdoor seating and plenty of great drinks to choose from.
The Local and State Economy in Norwalk, CT
The most common employment sectors for those who live in Norwalk include health care, social assistance, and professional and technical services. In addition, several companies are headquartered in the city, including Xerox Corporation, Pepperidge Farms and Booking Holdings, the parent company of brands like Booking.com and OpenTable.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Norwalk is 6.35%.
Yes, Connecticut has a state income tax.
Norwalk Hospital is a 366-bed acute care and academic medical center that offers a wide range of health care services to Norwalk residents. In addition, there are several other hospitals and providers in nearby New Haven and Stamford.
Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities in Norwalk, several higher education institutions are within driving distance.
Weather in Norwalk, CT
Average Temperatures
63 High / 42 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
53 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
31 Inches
Quick Facts about Norwalk, Connecticut
- Median Home Value
- $449,401
- Median Property Tax
- $4,012
- Total Population
- 90,885
- Average Commute
- 21 min
- Median Household Income
- $110,618
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,553
Map of Norwalk, CT
Norwalk, CT: Where to Live Now
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