Who is Moving to Darien and From Where?

Bordering the tranquil waters of the Long Island Sound, Darien is a delightful town in Connecticut dating back to 1820. As a residential community largely contained within thirteen square miles, Darien is home to approximately 22,000 residents. Located only a train ride away from the unparalleled opportunities and cultural experiences of New York City, the town is ideal for folks who want a peaceful residential experience without forgoing the benefits of a major metropolitan city.

To consider who is moving to Darien CT real estate and from where we must first review residents’ places of birth. Information from the 2019 US Census demonstrated 88% of residents of Darien CT real estate were born in the United States, with 34% of those in Connecticut. The remaining 12% of residents were foreign-born, of which approximately 8% are naturalized citizens, and 4% are non-citizens such as green card holders, international students, and the like.

Of naturalized citizens, the majority came from Asia (35%), Europe (approximately 34%), and Latin America (approximately 22%). For non-citizens, the majority came from Europe (approximately 43%), Asia (approximately 25%), and Latin America (approximately 16%).

Couples with children are particularly drawn to the area and Darien homes for sale for the excellent school system and family-friendly community. According to The Darien Times, in April 2021, the local high school was ranked as the top school in the entire state – up from third place in the previous year. Darien High School has also scored at #100 in the list of STEM high schools in America and #201 out of all 18,000 public schools in the nation.

Darien, CT real estate residents also enjoy convenient access to New York City’s plays, concerts, and sporting events – all just under forty miles away with access via car or an hour-long train ride to the magnificent Grand Central Station. Darien itself is also home to plenty of experiences for residents to enjoy in their free time, including museums, historic properties, an aquarium, and well-maintained local parks and beaches.

 

Museum aficionados interested in Darien homes for sale are sure to appreciate the Geary Gallery, which features a frequent rotation of month-long exhibitions showcasing a wide variety of artists. Meanwhile, history buffs will enjoy the stunning Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, Bates-Scofield House, Scofield Barn, and the Mather Homestead.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion – an extraordinary example of Second Empire country home architecture built between 1864 to 1868 – will re-open for tours in April 2022. The Bates-Scofield House and Scofield Barn are maintained by the Darien Historical Society as the Museum of Darien, an impressive cultural establishment that offers its own exhibitions and guided tours in addition to its workshops and other events throughout the year. Finally, the Mather Homestead is a historical building dating back to 1778 that is known for hosting multiple events, including valentine's flower arranging, homesteading 101, and more.

Avid readers and new residents of Darien CT real estate are sure to enjoy a visit to the Darien Library, which opened back in 1894. The library is a popular highlight of the area with over a thousand visitors daily and is considered one of Connecticut's busiest of its kind. The library is especially popular for its event schedule, which includes over a thousand activities annually, including classes, author visits, storytime, and even concerts! A center of literature, culture, and community, the Darien Library is central to the town's sense of identity and is a treasured facility by all residents.

 

The nearby Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT offers visitors, including those interested in Darien homes for sale, the chance to get up close and personal with over three hundred and fifty animal species across seventy-five exhibits. Visitors particularly enjoy animal encounters which are coupled with a Q&A session about a specific species and then the excitement of the twice-daily seal feeding demonstrations. Visitors should note tickets must be purchased in advance, and hours run from 10 AM to 5 PM daily. With the sheer variety of aquatic life it has on display, this aquarium is a must-visit for everyone.

 

 

Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the lush greenery of the parks and beaches nearby Darien CT real estate, including Cherry Lawn Park, Pear Tree Point Beach, Tilley Pond Park, Weed Beach, and the Salt Cave.

Cherry Lawn Park sprawls across nearly twenty-eight acres and invites visitors to play at the tennis courts, basketball court, or playground, wander the walking trails, or engage in a lively game of softball with friends and family. Pear Tree Point Beach covers eight acres with two beaches, a boat ramp, and a concession stand. The beach is also home to the local Darien Boat Club – another opportunity to build community with neighbors who share your hobby.

Tilley Pond Park also comprises eight acres and has lovely lit walkways along the pond and benches to rest and enjoy the scenery. Weed Beach offers visitors both fun in the sand and other activities, including tennis, paddle tennis, and outdoor exercise equipment as part of the fitness trail. For a decidedly unique experience, head over to the town’s very own Salt Cave. Self-described as “an oasis of peace, calm, and serenity,” guests are treated with guided breathing sessions enhanced with salt vapors, massage treatments, and more in this distinctive venue.

Buyers interested in Darien homes for sale should note the available inventory has lingered below forty home listings since July of 2021, which attest to how competitive the market is. The Median list price has fluctuated for the past two years, which is attributed to the lack of inventory. This has allowed larger, higher-priced properties and small, low-priced properties to skew the median.

The median list price for single-family homes hovered around $1.4 million from August through December of 2021, but prices varied beforehand from January to July, with a peak of $2.4 million in April and a low of $1 million in the middle of summer. As of now, sellers should be pleased to see the median days on the market for Darien CT real estate dropped from a two-year high of 378 in November 2021 to a mere twenty-seven in January 2022. This is similar to the median days on the market seen from February through June of 2021, so accepted offers should be able to close quickly.

If you want to learn more about who is moving to Darien or about Darien CT real estate, contact Becky Munro for expert guidance every step of the way.