Darien, Connecticut is a charming hamlet on Long Island Sound with easy access to Manhattan by train. It is a popular choice for New York City residents who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city but still enjoy the benefits of living in a well-connected, suburban community.
The town is a diverse place with residents of many different backgrounds, ethnicities and religions. In the past, it was a mostly white Protestant community but now, the town is increasingly multi-ethnic with a growing number of people reporting speaking another language at home.
A thriving business district, a burgeoning real estate market and an influx of new families has contributed to the town’s strong growth. The redevelopment of the commercial strip on Post Road is one of the main drivers of this trend. The sidewalks are repaved, lighting installed, benches and spruced up storefronts added to the mix.
Local shops and restaurants serve a wide range of consumers and are located in a variety of buildings throughout the town. These include specialty food and gourmet stores, an antiques gallery and a coffee shop.
Shopping in Darien is a pleasure, and it is a great place to spend time with friends or family. The village has many restaurants, including a number of fine dining establishments. There are also several grocery stores and a large number of convenience stores and banks.
The town is served by two Metro-North trains – Noroton Heights and Darien – that link the town to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The trains run hourly, with frequent service to Manhattan.
There are eleven parks in the town, two public beaches and the private Tokeneke beach club. Three country clubs, including the first organized golf club in Connecticut, a riding and racquet club, the Darien Boat Club, and the Noroton Yacht Club are also popular for recreation.
Various sports are available for both children and adults, including soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming, fishing, and golf. Darien is also a popular destination for scouting and has several active scout troops.
Darien is a very safe place to live with a low crime rate and no reported deaths from violent crime in the last few years. Despite its small population, Darien has been named a “Top Safety Town” by the National Safety Council for several years.
As of 2011, the town has a population of just over 30,000, and is served by a school system that includes five elementary schools, middle school and high school. It is a part of the Darien Public Schools District.
The town’s public school system is ranked among the best in Connecticut and has been named the top-rated high school in the state by U.S. News and World Report in 2019.
The town’s scout program has also expanded with the addition of a scout post for both boys and girls, Post 53. There are about 20 boys and girls who train from their freshman year of high school to become members of the post.
