Westport

Westport offers a blend of coastal beauty and vibrant community life, beckoning families and individuals seeking its unique lifestyle. The town's outstanding school system, impressive coastline, and architecturally captivating neighborhoods serve as initial draws. That said, it's the enduring sense of genuine community warmth and togetherness that keeps people rooted in Westport.

EDUCATION

Westport, part of Westport Public Schools, boasts an exceptional educational system. Staples High School, lauded as a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the US Department of Education, earned the distinguished title of “Exemplary High Performing.” 

Equally impressive, Westport's middle schools—Bedford Middle School and Coleytown Middle School—hold the top two spots in the state rankings. Bedford Middle School received the esteemed Blue Ribbon Award in September 2009. The town is home to five elementary schools catering to students from K-5. 

Noteworthy private institutions, such as Greens Farms Academy and Pierrepont School, enrich the educational landscape. Greens Farms Academy, situated within the 1920s Vanderbilt estate overlooking Long Island Sound, is a K-12 private preparatory school. Pierrepont School, established in 2002 on Sylvan Road, is a private K-12 institution tailored for gifted students.

AMENITIES

Residents of Westport can enjoy the extensive public library and community theater or join soccer and golf associations. 

The Longshore Club Park Golf Course is a top recreational destination offering a challenging golfing experience against the stunning backdrop of the Long Island Sound. This municipal course is a 5,800-yard gem that winds along the coastline, providing players with breathtaking views of the Sound as they navigate through well-designed fairways and meticulously kept greens. Its strategic design, incorporating both water hazards and mature trees, presents an exciting yet fair challenge. Additionally, the facility boasts a pro shop, practice areas, and professional instruction. The venue also hosts events and tournaments.

Westport offers a vibrant community atmosphere with top attractions like the renowned Westport Country Playhouse. As a historic theater, it has a rich legacy of showcasing top-tier performances, including classic and contemporary plays, musicals, and events that captivate audiences. 

The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts is an enchanting open-air performing arts center. In the heart of the town, this inviting venue hosts an array of live music, dance, and performing arts events during the warmer months. Visitors gather on the lawn, enjoying high-quality performances that range from jazz to classical, rock to world music, fostering a sense of unity and joy. 

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) features an impressive collection of contemporary artworks, highlighting thought-provoking pieces across various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations, and more. It serves as a platform for emerging and established artists, offering exhibitions that challenge perceptions and ignite conversations on modern-day issues. The museum also hosts educational programs, artist talks, and community events. 

The Westport Weston Family YMCA provides an array of programs and facilities to foster health, fitness, and community engagement for individuals and families of all ages. The YMCA offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment, swimming pools, group exercise classes, and sports facilities catering to various interests and fitness levels. Beyond physical health, the institution supports social well-being by organizing events, workshops, and activities that promote a sense of belonging.

Furthermore, the Westport Library is a vibrant intellectual hub within the town. Renovated in recent years to meet the demands of a modern community, the library provides an extensive collection of books, multimedia resources, and digital services. The library often hosts educational programs, art exhibitions, author talks, and children's activities to encourage lifelong learning and creativity. 

The town also cherishes its local sustainability and agricultural initiatives, as evident in the Wakeman Town Farm. This farm serves as both an educational resource and a working farm, fostering a connection between the community and sustainable food practices. It often hosts workshops and youth programs aimed at promoting environmental awareness and healthy living.

For those seeking fresh and locally produced goods, the Westport Farmers Market is a hub of activity. Set in the heart of the town, the market provides a platform for local farmers and artists to showcase their fresh produce, crafts, and culinary creations. It's a gathering place that fosters a sense of community while supporting regional growers and businesses.

OUTDOORS

Westport residents enjoy access to three beaches within the area (Compo, Burying Hill, and Old Mill), along with Sherwood Island State Park, Connecticut's inaugural state park. Sherwood Island is perfect for picnicking, swimming, fishing, and observing the abundant marsh life

Compo Beach sprawls across 29 acres and features a vast sandy shoreline hugging the Long Island Sound, nestled alongside the Saugatuck River. The beach encompasses two sand volleyball courts and a spacious wooden playscape. Situated adjacent to the Ned Dimes Marina, it provides a range of amenities for a complete beachside experience.

The Saugatuck River offers an idyllic setting for water enthusiasts keen on rowing, kayaking, and paddleboarding adventures. Kayakers and rowers can leisurely paddle along the winding river, taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, paddleboarding has gained popularity on the Saugatuck River, providing a serene platform for balancing on the water while taking in the natural beauty and wildlife that flourish along the riverbanks.

The Town of Westport is fortunate to have access to the waters of Long Island Sound, making boating a popular activity for many. There are two marinas maintained by the Town of Westport: the Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach and the E. R. Strait Marina in Longshore Club Park.

LIFESTYLE

Life in Westport, CT, is a harmonious blend of coastal tranquility and community togetherness. Residents enjoy the lovely landscapes, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, all set against the backdrop of a town that values sustainability, arts, and a high quality of life. Westport boasts a lively commercial district, presenting a variety of specialty stores, delectable dining options, the Westport Country Playhouse, and a range of recreational organizations to explore.

Winslow Dog Park in the heart of town is a popular spot for your fuzzy pals, with a picnic space, walking trails, and an expansive, shaded open area for dogs to run around and play.

COMMUTE TIME TO NYC

Westport is only 55 miles from New York City, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to drive. Residents can commute via the Metro North line from Westport to New York’s Grand Central Terminal, which averages about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

 

REAL ESTATE MARKET OVERVIEW

The Westport real estate market in 2023 experienced stable prices with a modest increase in the average sales price for single-family homes to $2,380,204, which is a slight increase of 0.65% from the end of 2022. However, there was a significant reduction in sales, with a 24.8% decrease in closed sales and only 327 homes sold in 2023. The inventory of homes for sale also saw a notable drop, decreasing by 40.3% from the beginning of the year to just 46 homes. Despite these changes, the average market time for homes remained consistent with previous years. Additionally, rising interest rates, peaking at over 8% in October 2023, impacted the market dynamics significantly​​.

 

CURRENT REAL ESTATE MARKET 

As of January 2024, the median list price for homes in Westport is $2,874,500, indicating an increase from the previous month. The market action index, which compares the rate of sales against inventory, is hovering around 41, suggesting a slight seller's advantage in the current market. This means that while there has been some stabilization in prices, they are likely to resume their upward trend if the current market conditions persist. The inventory is quite low, with only 46 homes available, and homes are spending an average of 95 to 109 days on the market before being sold​​.

The Westport real estate market offers a diverse range of luxury homes, catering to different preferences and lifestyles. The market segments show a broad spectrum in terms of pricing, size, and amenities. For instance, the top segment of the market has homes priced around $5,199,999, with an average of 8,246 square feet and typically 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms. These properties are often situated on 1 to 2.5 acres of land. In contrast, the lower segment of the market includes homes priced around $837,450, featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with an average size of 1,675 square feet on 0.25 to 0.5-acre lots. This segmentation highlights the variety in Westport’s luxury real estate offerings, with options ranging from large, expansive estates to more modest yet elegant homes​.