Rowayton

 

With only 3,000 residents, Rowayton prides itself on small-town living. Whether you’re shopping in the town center or enjoying time on the beach, chances are you’ll be greeted with a friendly ‘hello’ from a fellow neighbor.

 

Spanning two square miles, Rowayton is a small coastal village just 40 miles from New York City. The town has a rich oystering and lobstering history and was a popular homestead for both fishermen and captains. Today, Rowayton residents enjoy this charming town’s sparkling beaches, locally-owned restaurants and proximity to Manhattan.

 

Rowayton shines in the summertime with boaters congregating on the Five Mile River and Long Island Sound. Sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding are just a few waterfront activities residents enjoy.

 

Neighbors and friends frequently meet up at the beach for a day of fun or congregate at Pinkney Park to enjoy a Shakespearean play. The Rowayton lifestyle is often described as laid-back and casual while enjoying the perks of having a tight-knit community.

 

You may think this beachy town thrives in the summer, but winter can be just as fun. People bundle up and gather at the local elementary school pond for ice skating, hockey games and impromptu parties with fire pits and lots of food.

 

Nowadays, you’ll find not only antique Victorians but also new colonials and Cape Cod-style homes. Property sizes range from 0.15 acres to 0.35 acres, so you’ll likely become good friends with your neighbors.

 

Bayley Beach is the perfect warm-weather meeting spot for young and old. You can head to the beach solo, but you’ll often end up at a neighbor or friend’s picnic table sharing snacks and laughs.