[ck96]

I am relocating my family and we really like Westport but we want to see other options first. We really like the size (could be a little smaller), nice homes, water, location, schools, and safety. Do you know any similar towns? Thanks

(ps does not have to be in connecticut)

[willow wind]

Look at New Canaan, CT, two towns to the west of Westport. Shore line town, superb schools. Westport has 27,000 people- New Canaan, about 19-20,000. However, Westport has always had a strong arts presence, giving it a cachet and vibe all its own.

Other than the half dozen or so largest cities in CT, you will find good to decent schools and safety throughout the state. The largest cities have typical urban issues.

It seems to me, though, that where you will be working is going to indicate to you where you will live. Unless you are retired, it's job first, then housing considerations. The CT economy is not better than anywhere else in the country at this time, unfortunately.

Other towns in CT you might like, but far from the super expensive, lower Fairfield county, gold coast would be Guilford and Madison in south central CT. Gorgeous, waterfront towns, very New Englandy in type with good schools. They're not inexpensive but far more affordable than lower Fairfield county. They are similar in population to Westport & New Canaan if size is a consideration..


Good luck

[mlassoff]

As a Westport native, in my opinion, while there are cities that compare demographically, few compare to the interesting engaged vibe in Westport.

New Cannan is NOT a shoreline town. While proximate to the coast it is not on the water and doesn't have a public beach (if I am not mistaken).

People who consider Westport frequently also consider Darien, which is a town with similar demographics and excellent schools.

[nico7]

Although most of these places are less ritzy than Westport, towns that come to mind are Burlington, VT, Portsmouth, NH, Portland, ME, and Amherst, MA. Possibly Newport, RI. These don't all have great schools, though.

Also, towns outside of Boston might fit. Lexington, Newton, and if you're looking for something on the water, Marblehead.

Have you toured shoreline towns in CT? You might want to research the specifics you're looking for and then visit them.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

As a Westport native, in my opinion, while there are cities that compare demographically, few compare to the interesting engaged vibe in Westport.

You mean snobby housewives, no good restaurants and zero nightlife? There are some qualities, but I have worked in Westport for almost 4 years and don't find it to be all that great.

Fairfield is similar and IMO a better town with a more down-to-earth attitude and more things to do. And cheaper!

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by mkiv808

You mean snobby housewives, no good restaurants and zero nightlife? There are some qualities, but I have worked in Westport for almost 4 years and don't find it to be all that great.

Fairfield is similar and IMO a better town with a more down-to-earth attitude and more things to do. And cheaper!

LOL, ah, Westport is not all that bad. A lot of the people who live there are very friendly and many of the women there hold high positions. Fairfield is a beautiful town though I find it to be snootier than Westport believe it or not. It's the town people move to who are priced out of Westport, so perhaps it's a bit of an inferiority complex.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

LOL, ah, Westport is not all that bad. A lot of the people who live there are very friendly and many of the women there hold high positions. Fairfield is a beautiful town though I find it to be snootier than Westport believe it or not. It's the town people move to who are priced out of Westport, so perhaps it's a bit of an inferiority complex.

Both have a snooty element. They are certainly both nice enough towns for the suburban lifestyle.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by mkiv808

You mean snobby housewives, no good restaurants and zero nightlife? There are some qualities, but I have worked in Westport for almost 4 years and don't find it to be all that great.

Fairfield is similar and IMO a better town with a more down-to-earth attitude and more things to do. And cheaper!

I disagree. I think your expectations are high for a suburban community and you are confusing living in a town verses working in a town. They are totally different. There are many good restaurants in Westport and who wants a nightlife where you want to raise a family? People are not paying top dollar to live in Westport because the town stinks.

As for similar towns, there really aren't a lot. Westport is unique. Shoreline towns in Connecticut to consider would include Fairfield, Darien, Greenwich, Branford, Guilford and Madison. Each of those towns are different from Westport but have some of the qualities that are similar to Westport. If I had to pick I would consider Guilford and Madison. Jay

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by ck96

I am relocating my family and we really like Westport but we want to see other options first. We really like the size (could be a little smaller), nice homes, water, location, schools, and safety. Do you know any similar towns? Thanks

(ps does not have to be in connecticut)

Madison(CT) always seemed like a "Westport Light" to me.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by mkiv808

You mean snobby housewives, no good restaurants and zero nightlife? There are some qualities, but I have worked in Westport for almost 4 years and don't find it to be all that great.

Fairfield is similar and IMO a better town with a more down-to-earth attitude and more things to do. And cheaper!

Fairfield is twice the size of Westport.

People don't live in Westport for nightlife. That's what the city is for. I find, in general, the people in Westport (now and when I lived there) to be pretty friendly and down to Earth. It seems like you are buying in to a stereotype that is more legend than reality. Sure there are snobby people in Westport. There are also snobby people in Trumbull....

As far as no good restaurants-- Are you insane? The Dressing Room is frequently recognized as one of the best in the state. Little Kitchen is great Chinese... River Grille, Black Duck, Postiano's, Acqua... Even the diner is decent. There really is something for everyone.