About Rowayton CT
The picturesque village of Rowayton lies at the mouth of the Five Mile River, adjacent to Darien, CT on the Long Island Sound. Rowayton is officially the Sixth Taxing District of the city of Norwalk, and has nearly 4,000 people living in approximately 1,500 households. Rowayton retains its charming village-like character and easy ambiance with a waterfront downtown that includes a volunteer fire department, Rowayton Seafood Restaurant, fresh fish market, Rowayton Pizza, River Cat Grill, Rowayton Market, Brendan's 101 - an ice cream/sandwich shop, a wine shop, cleaners, post office, Rowayton Hardware/General store, marine shops, yacht brokers, boat yards, and several real estate offices.
Rowayton is unique in that you can walk almost everywhere, and people do so while exchanging friendly greetings along the way.
Pinkney Park is a favorite place to view the boats on the Five Mile River as it makes its way to the Long Island Sound. It is also the site of the annual "Shakespeare on the Sound" production in the summer, as well as the summer concert series, and the River Ramble festival.
Rowayton shows its true colors in Spring/Summer with the Memorial Day parade, 4th of July fireworks at Bayley Beach. "Martini party" on Belle Island, reggae concerts at the beach, kids bands in the park, and Bayley beach filled with kids in the playground and in the water. Residents also chip in for Spring clean-up on "Trash Bash" day. Driving through Rowayton you will see people dog-walking, biking, running, stroller pushing and hanging out in front of the Rowayton Market. There is a unique sense of community that is hard to imagine being so close to NYC!
Homes are varied and prices range from the $600's-$700's to well over $5 mill for a spectacular home right on the water. Most lots are not large, and the town attracts people who prefer to walk and engage with their neighbors and the beautiful waterside setting.
There is something for everyone in Rowayton with organizations and activities like: the Civic Association, Library, Arts Center, Gardeners Club, Historical Society, Rowayton Parents' Exchange, Power Squadron and Yacht Club, Paddle Tennis club, Tennis at Bayley Beach, Summer Sports Camp at Bayley Beach, and several private yacht and sailing clubs to name a few. The Community Center boasts a teen center, an open space for dog walking and socializing, and summer Friday Farmer's market.
Brief History
Rowayton was founded by farmers and fishermen in the 1600's and was a major oystering center in the 1800's. The oysterman prospered and built large Victorian homes along Rowayton Ave. In the 1920's summer homes were built along the river and beaches, and the boating/sailing community began to develop into the suburb that it is today
Accessibility
Rowayton is an easy 1-hour commute to NYC via Metro North from Rowayton train station and easy access to both I-95 and the Merritt Parkway.
NY Times Article