By Liz Levison
The past few years have been a season of big change for me. My husband and I bought our first home and welcomed two children, and like many young families, we started thinking more intentionally about where we wanted to build our life.
I grew up in Greenwich, but it wasn’t until I had a family of my own that I fully appreciated everything the town has to offer. Seeing it through the lens of a parent gives you a completely different perspective.
When I speak with first-time buyers now, especially families making the move from New York City, I find myself coming back to that same idea. Greenwich is not just a place you move to. It is a place you grow into.
You can shape your lifestyle in a way that is hard to find elsewhere
The topography of Greenwich is very special. It offers a variety of lifestyle choices.
In one town, you can live by the water in a Nantucket-style neighborhood, tucked away in what feels like Vermont backcountry surrounded by trees and quiet roads, or walking distance to a vibrant downtown that feels like city living.
That range allows families to find the setting that fits how they want to live. Not only today, but as their routines evolve.
It is more diverse and dynamic than most people expect
It is a bigger town than people think, and every neighborhood has its own personality. That individuality creates a sense that you can truly find your place here.
My husband grew up in Brazil, so being somewhere international and welcoming was important to us. One of my favorite things is walking down Greenwich Avenue and hearing different languages and meeting people from all over the world.
For many families coming from the city, that sense of global energy continues here in a more grounded way.
There is a real sense of community in the everyday moments
While Greenwich is big, it also feels small in the best way.
You’ll walk into a coffee shop and see a parent from the pickup line or run into someone you know from the park or a sports team. Those everyday moments make it easy to build connections and create a sense of community. It is not something you have to force. It happens naturally through the rhythm of daily life.
The outdoors becomes part of how you live, not something you plan around
We are a very active family, so access to the outdoors played a huge role in our decision to stay here.
Between the parks, beaches, trails, golf courses, and easy access to tennis and pickleball courts, there are endless ways to get outside and enjoy the town year-round.
Being outside becomes part of your routine – after school, on weekends, even in between everything else. That accessibility changes how you spend your time as a family.
The schools give families confidence for the long term
Of course, the schools are another major draw for young families.
Knowing that there are excellent public and private school options gives parents a lot of confidence as their kids grow. It allows you to think beyond the immediate move and focus on what the next several years can look like for your family.
You have access to more than just one town
We are foodies at heart, and this ended up being more important to us than we expected.
Greenwich itself has incredible restaurant options, but one of the things we love most about living here is how quickly you can be somewhere completely different. Within 20 to 45 minutes, you can drive to another town or into New York City and experience a totally different dining scene with amazing food.
Variety and accessibility has been a game changer for us. You have the calm and space of Greenwich, with the ability to tap into something more dynamic whenever you want it.
What I tell every family at the end of the conversation
Greenwich offers a little bit of everything, but more importantly, it allows you to experience those things in a way that feels balanced.
For young families looking for great schools, access to nature, a diverse and welcoming community, and an incredible overall lifestyle, it is a place that supports you at every stage.
And for me, having grown up here, left, and then made the decision to come back, it is a choice that feels even more meaningful the second time around.
Julie Knows Greenwich
Team JGB at Compass
Julie Grace Burke – jgb@compass.com – 203-253-0648
Liz Levison – liz.levison@compass.com – 646-785-9265