Thinking about a move to Westport but not sure which neighborhood fits your lifestyle? You have great options, from sandy shoreline blocks to quiet, wooded streets with larger lots. In this guide, you will learn how each area differs on homes, lot sizes, schools, commute patterns and day-to-day feel so you can focus your search with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Westport at a glance
Westport is a coastal town on Long Island Sound with about 27,000 to 28,000 residents. You will find beaches, riverfront recreation, an active arts scene and a lively downtown with shops and restaurants. Westport Public Schools serve the entire town, with multiple neighborhood elementary schools and Staples High School for grades 9 to 12.
For commuting, the Metro-North New Haven Line stops at Greens Farms, Westport and Saugatuck stations. Typical travel times to Grand Central run about 50 to 70 minutes depending on the train. By car, I-95 and the Merritt Parkway offer regional access, with Post Road and local routes connecting neighborhoods. Everyday recreation includes Compo Beach, Sherwood Island State Park and the Saugatuck River.
Compo Beach and Compo
Homes and lots
Compo Beach and the surrounding Compo area offer a mix of classic seaside cottages, renovated shingle-style homes, contemporary rebuilds and some waterfront condos. Lots are smaller near the shoreline, with somewhat larger suburban parcels as you head inland toward Compo Road.
Schools and access
Homes in this area are served by Westport Public Schools. Elementary assignments vary by location, so it is smart to verify the current boundary map with the district.
Commute and transit
You are a short drive to downtown and the Westport station, with straightforward access to I-95 and key local roads.
Lifestyle snapshot
This is beach-centered living with walking, swimming and boating front and center. You are close to town parks, Compo Beach Park and the Longshore recreation area, plus dining and shopping downtown.
Saugatuck and Saugatuck Shores
Homes and lots
Along the Saugatuck River and harbor, you will find waterfront homes, renovated boatmen’s houses, shingle-style properties, custom contemporaries and some riverfront condos and townhomes. Waterfront parcels tend to be smaller and oriented to views and dock access, with modest suburban lots a bit inland.
Schools and access
The neighborhood is served by Westport Public Schools. Many blocks offer easy access to downtown and amenities.
Commute and transit
This area places you close to the Westport station and within walking distance of restaurants and shops in many cases. Marinas and boat access support an active boating lifestyle.
Lifestyle snapshot
Expect a blend of urban and suburban feel. You get riverfront scenery, dining options and convenient access to the train.
Downtown Westport
Homes and lots
Downtown offers condos, townhomes and smaller-lot single-family homes, with historic properties in nearby blocks. You will also see modern infill and renovated interiors.
Schools and access
Downtown homes participate in the town’s public school system. Elementary assignments vary by block.
Commute and transit
This is the most convenient area for walking to shops, cultural venues and the Westport station. Limited local bus service exists, though many residents still rely on cars and rail.
Lifestyle snapshot
If you want a walkable environment with cafes, boutiques and cultural institutions like the playhouse and library, downtown delivers.
Greens Farms
Homes and lots
Greens Farms is known for estate homes, colonials, shingle-style houses and contemporary new builds, with some preserved farm and woodland parcels. Larger lots are common, including many 1 acre or more and select estate-size properties.
Schools and access
Greens Farms Elementary often serves this area, subject to current boundaries. Proximity to the Greens Farms Metro-North station is a commuting advantage.
Commute and transit
You have access to the Greens Farms station on the New Haven Line and convenient routes to I-95 and the Merritt Parkway via local roads.
Lifestyle snapshot
This is a quiet, suburban setting that can feel more rural in places. It appeals if you value privacy, larger lots and proximity to open space.
Coleytown
Homes and lots
Coleytown offers a mix of Colonial, contemporary and mid-century homes on tree-lined streets, with many larger single-family houses. New construction and substantial renovations are common. Lots are frequently larger, ranging from three quarters of an acre to several acres in some pockets.
Schools and access
Coleytown Elementary is a neighborhood anchor. As with all of Westport, verify the current elementary boundary map if a specific school is a priority.
Commute and transit
Many streets are car-oriented for station access, with reasonable drives to Westport or Greens Farms stations and to the Merritt Parkway and I-95.
Lifestyle snapshot
Expect a residential, family-oriented setting with mature trees, established neighborhoods and access to parks and school facilities.
Long Lots and Northeast corridors
Homes and lots
This area features traditional mid-century colonials and ranches, newer subdivisions and some modern infill homes. Lots are mostly suburban, often from a quarter acre to one acre, with variation by street.
Schools and access
Long Lots Elementary is commonly associated with this area, with middle and high school assignments managed townwide at the district level.
Commute and transit
Many residents drive to Westport or neighboring rail stations. Highways are accessible by local routes.
Lifestyle snapshot
You get a quieter suburban feel than downtown and the beach zones while staying within easy reach of town amenities and schools.
Price and market expectations
Westport is one of Fairfield County’s higher-priced markets. In general:
- Waterfront and beach-adjacent homes sit at the top of the pricing spectrum.
- Estate areas like Greens Farms and parts of Coleytown command premiums for acreage and privacy.
- Downtown condos and smaller infill homes often offer relatively lower entry points than waterfront or estate properties.
Inventory and prices change quickly. If you want current neighborhood-level figures, request an up-to-date market snapshot before you begin touring.
Commute tradeoffs
- If a shorter train commute matters, focus on homes within easy reach of the Greens Farms, Westport or Saugatuck stations. Downtown and Saugatuck are the most walkable to the train.
- If you drive, Coleytown and Greens Farms can be convenient for the Merritt Parkway and I-95, depending on the exact street.
- Plan around peak-hour traffic on Post Road and I-95 access points when comparing locations.
School planning tips
- Westport Public Schools are a central draw for many buyers.
- Elementary assignments are neighborhood-based and can shift as enrollments change. Always check the district’s current boundary maps and confirm with the registrar.
- Staples High School serves the whole town for grades 9 to 12.
Walkability and everyday errands
- Downtown and Saugatuck offer the highest walkability for daily errands, dining and the train.
- Compo Beach and Saugatuck Shores shine for recreational walkability along the water, with a more seasonal vibe in winter.
- Greens Farms, Coleytown and Long Lots favor a car-oriented lifestyle with larger lots and quieter streets.
Zoning, taxes and projects
Before planning a renovation or new build, review Westport zoning rules for setbacks, lot coverage and accessory dwellings with the Planning and Zoning department. Check tax details and current mill rates with the Town Assessor. For shoreline properties, confirm any permitting needs and local regulations.
How to choose your Westport fit
Use this quick checklist to narrow your search:
- Commute: Do you want to walk to the train, or is highway access the priority?
- Lot size: Do you prefer a compact lot near amenities or more acreage and privacy?
- Walkability: Do you want cafes and shops within a short stroll, or a quieter residential setting?
- Budget: Are you aiming for beach proximity, estate living or a more attainable downtown or inland option?
- Schools: Which elementary zone aligns with your needs, and have you verified the current map?
- Recreation: Is daily beach access or boating important, or do you prefer parks and trails nearby?
- Project scope: Will you renovate or build, and have you checked zoning and permitting steps?
Your next step
Every block in Westport tells a slightly different story. If you want help matching that story to your goals, let’s talk about your timing, budget and must-haves, then build a touring plan focused on the right streets. Reach out to the Marion Filley Team for a tailored neighborhood consult and current market snapshot.
FAQs
Which Westport neighborhoods offer the easiest beach access?
- Compo Beach and Saugatuck shoreline areas place you closest to Long Island Sound and beach amenities.
How long is the train ride to NYC from Westport?
- Typical Metro-North travel times to Grand Central are about 50 to 70 minutes depending on the train and time of day.
Where can I find larger lots in Westport?
- Greens Farms and many parts of Coleytown often feature larger parcels, including properties of one acre or more in select areas.
Which areas are most walkable to shops and the train?
- Downtown Westport and Saugatuck offer the most walkable access to dining, shopping and the Westport station.
How do elementary school assignments work in Westport?
- Elementary zones are neighborhood-based and can change, so confirm the current boundary map and assignment with Westport Public Schools before you make an offer.
