$574,671Average Value$403Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
A diverse, growing community in central Norwalk
Downtown Norwalk is the low-key core of the ever-evolving community of Norwalk, a small coastal city in Fairfield County. “Norwalk is a resilient place. Even in its early history," says Tony Parenti, a Norwalk Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway New England Properties who’s been serving the area since 1994. "During the Revolutionary War, the British set Norwalk on fire to try to lure George Washington out of West Point. To compensate the people who lost property in the fire, the government actually paid for them to relocate to a town in Ohio that they also called Norwalk." He tells of how a whole new group of people settled in Norwalk and made their homes in the early 19th century and adds that since the 1776 destruction, the town has endured more challenges that have given it character. The manufacturing industry flourished in the 1800s before factories shuttered throughout the 1900s, and a large flood in 1955 caused major damage. Despite challenges, Norwalk’s population has continued to grow and evolve, partially due to its location 50 miles northeast of New York City. “We just have a lot of different types of people who coexist and welcome newcomers here,” Parenti adds. The community’s commitment to growth and improvement is evidenced by local non-profit organizations like the Norwalk Art Space and the Norwalk International Cultural Exchange, which both strive to cultivate creative, welcoming spaces at Norwalk's core.
Condos, Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals on gridded streets
Downtown Norwalk’s central location and increasing population keeps the market moving quickly. “We got a lot of buyers when New Yorkers were fleeing the city during Covid,” says Dee Braaten, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty who’s served the area for over 24 years. “The homes are cheaper than other spots in Fairfield County, and Norwalk’s shopping districts keep taxes lower.” The neighborhood has condo buildings that were built throughout the 20th century; designs run the gamut between Tudor-inspired styles and contemporary shingled buildings. Condos are usually priced between $200,000 and $600,000. Single-family houses on green lawns with garden landscaping appear on gridded streets. Bungalows and Cape Cods from the early 1900s usually cost between $400,000 and $700,000, while Colonial Revivals and larger Capes from the later 1900s are within the $800,000 to $1.3 million range.
Many Colonial Revivals line the residential streets of Downtown Norwalk.
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Local restaurants and a popular mall near downtown
Downtown Norwalk is peppered with a diverse blend of local eateries, which often occupy century-old buildings. The Lime Restaurant is a health-conscious establishment serving falafel and blackened chicken wraps in a comfortable dining room decorated with blue gingham tablecloths. B.J. Ryan’s BanC House is a popular barbecue spot where diners order pulled pork and lobster rolls. Margaritas and small plates of elevated Latin dishes are popular at Alma Bistro, a contemporary Latin restaurant with a bright, organic interior. For groceries, shoppers head to regional supermarkets like City Market and Stew Leonard’s. There are a few small businesses along Main Street, but the largest retail district in the area is just south of Downtown Norwalk. South Norwalk’s The SoNo Collection shopping mall opened in 2019 and features modern lighting installations, bright murals and popular shops like Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, H&M, Aldo, Zara and Apple.
Stop & Shop is a go-to grocery store for families and individuals in Downtown Norwalk.
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Walking trails, museums and playground equipment at Mathews Park
Locals lounge in the small public parks around Norwalk, including Norwalk Green, a landscaped stretch of grass with a gazebo. It's next to the town hall, which hosts events like the annual summer concert series. Mathews Park is one of the larger recreational gathering points, where residents find the 19th-century Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, a sprawling Second Empire structure originally built for a railroad financier and now a striking museum. Along with a large playground called Devon’s Place and tennis courts, Mathews Park also has the Stepping Stones Museum. The educational children’s museum has hands-on exhibits and themed presentations. From Mathews Park, cyclists and joggers may join the Norwalk River Valley Trail, a multi-use pathway that currently goes for 8 miles, though there are plans to make it a 30-mile-long network to span numerous cities across Fairfield County.
In the summer, many leave the downtown area and head south to the coast, where they drive about 4 miles to popular spots like Calf Pasture Beach. “Norwalk residents can get an inexpensive beach pass at town hall, which is great because otherwise, it can be close to $50 to park,” Braaten says. “You can’t get people to stay away from Calf Pasture in the summer.” Beachgoers pack onto the sandy shores, go fishing from the pier or launch kayaks from the boat launch.
During Connecticut’s cold winters, people hang out at the Norwalk Public Library, which has a maker’s space with a 3D printer, embroidery equipment, a Cricut machine and a Virtual Reality headset. Bands often take the stage at District Music Hall, Downtown Norwalk’s historic music venue, which originally opened in 1915.
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Experience the charm of Norwalk's Cost at Calf Pasture Beach.
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Free art galleries and cultural festivals in Norwalk
Downtown Norwalk has a mix of small community events and large-scale festivals. “Norwalk has a large diversity of different cultures, so a lot of the events downtown revolve around cultural celebrations,” Braaten says. The Norwalk International Culture Exchange, or NICE, is a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs year-round and hosts an annual festival in July. NICE Fest has food stands and performances from groups like Kalpulli Aztec dancers, Indigenous drummers, Thai dancers, Ecuadorian folk dancers and Irish bagpipers. In September, the St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosts the Kefi Greek Festival, where residents sample baklava and enjoy traditional dances.
People may visit the Norwalk Art Space more frequently. The nonprofit organization has free galleries that highlight a diverse range of artists and creative mediums. The space’s resident and visiting artists teach free weekly art classes for preteens and teenagers, and local musicians host weekly guitar and choir lessons.
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Freese Park is a small park with a big atmosphere during Open Jam on Tuesday nights.
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Digital media studies at Norwalk High
Children might begin at Marvin Elementary School and advance to Nathan Hale Middle School. Both schools earn B-minus ratings from Niche. Norwalk High School, which has a B rating, serves older students. The high school offers various learning pathways, including a digital media and communications academy, where students can study graphic design, photography and video production.
Silvermine students graduate from Norwalk High School.
Marvin Elementary School in Norwalk serves students in grades K through 5th.
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Commuter trains, bus stops and walkable streets in Downtown Norwalk
Downtown Norwalk’s gridded residential streets have sidewalks, which lead to the restaurants and businesses on Main Avenue. Locals may also walk to the bus stops serviced by the Norwalk Transit District; the bus transit center is also in the neighborhood. Buses operate throughout Norwalk and take commuters to the train station. “People commute all throughout Fairfield County, but a good majority of commuters are heading to New York City,” Braaten says. “They might attempt to drive for a couple of weeks, but most people will end up taking the train since it’s faster.” South Norwalk and East Norwalk have train stations with park-and-ride garages; both stations are under 2 miles from Downtown Norwalk. Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven line departs from the stations every half hour, arriving at Grand Central Terminal in about 50 to 80 minutes. Drivers also have access to two major roadways; Interstate 95 goes 10 miles southwest to Stamford and 50 miles southwest to New York City, as does the Merritt Parkway. “You really need to get to know the flow of traffic around here. Sometimes, it’ll take you 30 to 45 minutes just to get to Stamford,” Braaten says. She adds that drivers will switch between Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway, depending on their destination and time of day.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Downtown Norwalk neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Norwalk
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Norwalk Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Norwalk, Norwalk sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Norwalk, Norwalk over the last 12 months is $460,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Highly desirable, Rolling Ridge Condominiums is a beautiful Tudor style complex located in the West Rocks area of Norwalk. Unit 312 is located in Building "I". This beautifully maintained ground-level end unit offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern updates. The large open-flow living room/dining area lead to an artfully designed kitchen. The spacious primary bedroom features a
Experience relaxed, modern living in this spacious three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath condo at 46 Sunrise Hill Rd, Norwalk. Step inside to find an inviting layout featuring a finished basement-ideal for extra living space, home office, or entertainment. Natural light fills airy rooms highlighted by hardwood floors and a cozy fireplace, creating the perfect setting for both comfort and gathering
Welcome to this inviting 4-bedroom, 2.1-bath single-family home offering comfort, space, and convenience in a sought-after location. The thoughtfully designed floor plan features a desirable first-floor primary suite with an adjoining office, ideal for today's work-from-home lifestyle. Enjoy gatherings in the bright living room with a cozy fireplace or relax in the expansive sun room overlooking
A house-it's a place where life feels easy and full of warmth. Sunlight pours through wide windows and across hardwood floors, filling each room with a natural glow. Every room also elegantly flows from one to another which is ideal for loved ones congregating and also having your own personal space. The kitchen is the heart of the home with granite counters, stainless appliances, and a cozy
Welcome to 133 Main Street Unit 5! Located in the middle of Norwalk's burgeoning West Wall Street area. This renovated condo offers charm and ease of living and a great canvas to personalize your living space. Conveniently located near great restaurants, parks, and entertainment, this property will serve as a great space for those needing to be within proximity to New York or the hubs of
Built in 1960, this charming residence hits the sweet spot and presents a rare opportunity to own a move-in ready home in a highly convenient location. The heart of the home is its updated kitchen, featuring newer cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops, flowing into an open floor plan -living/dining area with gleaming hardwood floors throughout, a full bathroom and 2
One bedroom Apartment in Norwalk Central at 84 Wall ST. Quiet secure location Asking $2,000.00 per month plus electric. Located convenient to exit 16 off of I95 and Route Seven Connection. Wonderful restaurants within walking distance. This unit has 710SF and is a 2nd floor walk up.
Studio Apartment in Norwalk Central at 84 Wall ST. Quiet secure location Asking $1,900.00 per month plus electric. Located convenient to exit 16 off of I95 and Route Seven Connection. Wonderful restaurants within walking distance. There are two 2nd floor walk up studios with 670SF or 506SF
Experience luxury redefined at Scribe, a thoughtfully designed apartment community in the heart of Norwalks vibrant West Avenue district. With 204 beautifully crafted residences and a remarkable collection of amenities rarely found in buildings of this size, Scribe offers the scale and sophistication of a premier propertywithout the crowds. From expansive social spaces to quiet corners to unwind,
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