Connecticut’s Gold Coast has drawn attention from families looking to move out of New York City or to find a summer home for weekend waterfront living for centuries. While Greenwich has always historically received the most attention from New Yorkers for its easy access to the city, real estate expert Elizabeth Altobelli, an agent with William Raveis, says with more work-from-home options in business today, many of Manhattan’s luxury buyers who work five-day-a-week jobs are exploring alternative communities farther up the coast at various price points. “If you go further up the coastline it’s still gorgeous,” says Altobelli. Andrew Whiteley, real estate agent with Team AFA at William Raveis in Fairfield, says New York buyers have always made up about 30 percent of sales, but what was mostly weekend and summer home buyers is growing to include more year-round residents. “The trend of work from home and fewer mandatory office days have allowed former daily commuters to enjoy our lifestyle and wonderful schools year round,” says Whiteley. Each of these popular waterfront towns offer their own blend of coastal charm and amenities. We sat down with Altobelli to find out what sets each one apart. We’ve also rounded up a few coastal properties currently on the market that offer waterfront living in beautifully appointed spaces.
Fairfield
Fairfield’s downtown is known for its walkability. “There’s restaurants, cafés, there’s always events going on for families or just for kids or adults,” says Altobelli. Outdoor summer concerts are always on the calendar in warmer months, both downtown and at Jennings Beach. “Jennings Beach, directly off Old Post Road down South Benson to Craig, overlooks the waterfront and offers access to many neighborhoods with tiny twists from street to street,” says Altobelli. She recently represented a client selling a new custom-built home with lots of modern smart-home technology, an outdoor shower and rustic pine hardwood floors. The community has a marina, parks and playgrounds, and a launch for stand-up paddleboarding and sailboats. “It’s a beach getaway right in town for a year-round resident or seasonal visitor,” she adds.
531 Fairfield Beach Rd., Fairfield, CT
Price: $3,950,000
Contact: Christi McEldowney, 203-520-0248
Southport
This historic enclave, which is part of the town of Fairfield, has its own vibe. Originally known for its onion fields, Southport has been a small seaport village since 1639. Today, much of its historic beauty has been preserved, and it continues to provide walkability to the harbor and the central green. “Trek over to Pequot to the local market, community gathering space with revolving town events, pharmacy, post office, and grab a nosh at the Horseshoe,” says Altobelli. “It is filled with old-world charm all around you, with the faster-paced Downtown Fairfield right up the road.” Whiteley’s current listing on Harbor Road sums up the charm of Southport: a blend of amenities, historic charm and modern amenities, but is unique among waterfront properties, not only in Fairfield but up and down the east coast. “Rose Hill has always been one of the most iconic homes in Southport Village….The house has one of the most magical views,” says Whiteley. “People not familiar with Southport are blown away by the picturesque views of the harbor, Country Club of Fairfield, golf course and Long Island Sound. The property also has one of only 20 or so private docks in Southport Harbor allowing easy access to the sound.”
385 Harbor Road, Fairfield, CT
Price: $16,000,000
Contact: Andrew Whiteley, William Raveis Real Estate, 203-255-6841
Westport
Long home to a number of high-profile celebrities like Michael Douglas and the late Paul Newman, Westport blends urban sophistication with the quaint charm of small-town living. A lively arts community, including Westport Community Theatre, the Westport Arts Center (now the Museum of Contemporary Art), the internationally known Westport Country Playhouse and the Westport Museum for History and Culture among others, draws new and seasoned talent to the community. Compo Beach, luxury shopping destinations and lots of restaurants provide plenty of entertainment as well. “It’s a really avant garde style of town so that’s definitely one thing I love about Westport,” says Altobelli.
260 HIllspoint Road., Westport, CT
Price: $13,500,000
Contact: Elizabeth Steffen, Higgins Group, 203-434-2578
Westbrook
This little shore town has a large coastline draws a mix of visitors and locals who call Westbrook home. In Middlesex County, just up the line from the Gold Coast of Southern Connecticut, the vibe is a bit more casual. Take a historical walking tour to explore the town’s history. For boaters, there are six marinas to choose from
“Westbrook offers little quaint streets, golf courses, townwide events, beach houses, seafood restaurants and a public beach,” says Altobelli. “There are so many nooks to explore.”
40 Chapman Ave., Westbrook, CT
Price: $1,900,000
Contact: Bonnie Foster and Robin Linares
William Pitt Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, 860-662-1138
