Suburban Side-by-Side

Greenwich and Rye

In this side-by-side, we’re comparing Greenwich, Connecticut and Rye, New York. Many buyers look across both of these towns as they share comparable qualities, with the three main features being location, schools and lifestyle. So let’s dive a little bit deeper into each of these towns to understand the similarities and differences between living in Greenwich, CT and living in Rye, New York.

The Location

Rye and Greenwich are located very close to each other, with Greenwich being the most western town in Fairfield County, CT and Rye located in the northern part of the Sound Shore. Greenwich has four distinct neighborhoods (Greenwich, Cos Cob, Riverside and Old Greenwich), each with their own zip codes. Many people who are looking in Rye, NY also consider central Greenwich due to its location on the Long Island Sound and other similar factors discussed below.

The Lifestyle

Living in Rye NY: Sophisticated + Quaint


Rye, NY is a stylish and alluring suburb influenced by the Long Island Sound. There is a rich history, being the childhood home of one of the country’s Founding Fathers, John Jay. Rye offers a quaint downtown with many upscale restaurants and conveniences that attract many homebuyers from New York City, but also has a variety of mom-and-pop shops that the locals love. With golf clubs and boating clubs, Rye offers a prominent country club lifestyle and a strong sense of community. Rye also provides a wealth of recreational opportunities, with 14 miles of coastline, beautiful nature parks and wildlife preserves, and Playland Park, a landmark attraction that draws people from all over the county.

Living in Greenwich, CT: Sophisticated + Lively

In Greenwich, you’ll find sophisticated amenities surrounded by stunning shorelines. There are 32 miles of coastline with 4 different beaches, two of which are accessible by ferry. Like Rye, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors with over 4,000 acres of parkland. Greenwich is charming yet convenient, offering a small-town feel with easy access to shopping, dining and transportation. One of the most popular spots is what locals refer to as “The Avenue”, a classy strip that runs through town and has upscale boutiques and restaurants. And there’s no shortage of cultural events - from art shows to museums, there’s always something to explore in Greenwich.

Commute: Both of these towns are desirable for those looking to commute daily into New York City. In Greenwich, you can take the express train to get to Grand Central in about 50 minutes. In Rye, you can get to the city in about 40 minutes.


Taxes: Generally, Westchester County, NY has higher taxes than the neighboring towns in Fairfield County, CT. As a very broad estimate, you might expect to pay around $7,000 in taxes on a $1 million home in Greenwich, and about $13,000-$18,000 in taxes in a $1 million home in Rye, but this will vary depending on the specific property.


Housing Styles:  In Greenwich, you’ll find many historic colonials and elegant estates. In Rye, you’ll see a diverse mix of colonials, stone manors, tudors and capes.


Schools: According to Niche.com, Both Greenwich public schools and Rye public schools are ranked A+, with Greenwich being ranked fifth best district in the entire state of CT. 

Market Comparisons

To view our market comparisons and learn more about the real estate market in Greenwich and Rye, sign up for the recording here.


If you’re wondering whether you should live in Greenwich, CT or want to learn more about the Rye, NY real estate market, reach out to us today to get started on your home search in the NYC suburbs.

Brought to you by
Brittany & Christa

We're not your typical real estate agents. As former city dwellers, we appreciate the qualities that make city lifestyle so unique, from the convenience of walking to your favorite restaurant or corner store to the vast and diverse cultural and entertainment activities. But we’ve also experienced the challenges and frustrations that are motivating you to seek change. During our transition from the city to the suburbs, we had the same thoughts, concerns and questions, prompting us to create a better way to navigate the suburban home buying journey for others.  

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