Move to NY Suburbs: New Canaan

Established in 1801, New Canaan began as a place for wealthy New Yorkers to build their summer residences. Now, it is considered one of the most charming towns in New England, with a quaint downtown that draws people from nearby areas to find trendy boutiques and top notch restaurants. Elm Street is considered the heart of downtown and from there you can walk up and down small alleyways to find hidden gems.

With approximately 20,000 residents, New Canaan is known for its town pride and community-centered approach. Here you can find sidewalk sales, summer festivals and outdoor concerts. The town is also home to some of the most beautiful and well-kept parks, recreational areas and cultural exhibits, offering plenty for residents to do and explore.

Unlike its Fairfield County neighbors, New Canaan is located entirely inland with no access to the Long Island Sound, but its verdant beauty is second to none. Residents enjoy some of the most pristine parks in all of the area, including Mead park, which offers endless recreational activities including a baseball field and playground, and Waveny Park, which is a local favorite with trails, sporting fields, picnic areas, tennis courts and a swimming facility. And while you may feel that you are worlds away, New Canaan is still only a short ride to the city, with an express train that can get you to Grand Central in under an hour and 15 minutes.

New Canaan also attracts many young families due to its highly rated public school system. The New Canaan school district is consistently ranked the top in the state.

Want to Explore Before You Buy?
BROWSE VACATION RENTALS IN NEW CANAAN

We always recommend spending some time in a neighborhood before you start looking at houses. You can browse through some local vacation rentals at the link below. And If you'd like to spend a weekend here, we're happy to share our favorite spots to explore and even set you up with an itinerary.

The Ursini Team participates in the VRBO Affiliate Program. If you book a reservation through this link we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

In recent years, New Canaan has drawn an influx of buyers searching for everything from smaller townhouses and starter homes to large estates on spacious lots. You can find a classic colonial home or modern masterpiece within walking distance to fine restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, a movie theater, and interior design shops. Surrounding town, you can find a mix of newly built luxury townhouses that could cost as much as $3 million, as well as more modest condos, ranging from $350,000.

New Canaan is also known for its collection of beautiful mid-century modern houses, with some of them listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the famous Phillip Johnson’s Glass House, located on a beautiful 49-acre campus.

At a Glance

The Lifestyle

Sophisticated yet relaxed with a community-focused vibe

The Appeal

Located off the beaten path with access to renowned public schools

The New Canaan Market

A variety of offerings including iconic architectural homes