Residents love living in Westport, CT, for its beach access, waterfront properties, and great outdoor recreation. Westport offers several amenities to those in the area, although its location away from New York City and New Haven can make transportation challenging. Before starting your search for properties in the area, weigh the six honest pros and cons below.
Pros of living in Westport
The pros of living in Westport are many and varied. The outdoor recreation is easily accessible, as Westport is right on the beach and nearby several great parks. Shopping centers and the town’s arts and entertainment scene provide even more fun for those living there.
Outdoor recreation
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Westport offers three town beaches: Compo, Buying Hill, and Old Mill. Combined, the beaches provide miles of coastline across the town. Residents visiting Compo Beach can enjoy the 29 acres of parks open year-round, walk along the boardwalk, play sand volleyball, or relax and enjoy the sun. Burying Hill Beach is smaller at about two acres and is right next to a wildlife area, while Old Mill Beach is the smallest at 1.8 acres. The area has plenty of sandy shorelines for residents to walk along.
Westport also has many parks perfect for enjoying nature views. Areas like Grace K. Salmon Park are open all day, with views of the Saugatuck River. The Westport Library is stunning, and residents can walk along the lighted riverside walkway or enjoy the garden area bordering the riverwalk. Residents interested in a hike can explore the extensive walking trails of Newman Poses Preserve, which offers a more rough and rugged terrain for adventure.
The arts and entertainment
Those living in Westport also love its thriving arts and entertainment scene. Organizations like Westport Public Art Collections feature work in public spaces from notable artists across the country, globe, and local to the town. From smaller, independent galleries to large museums like the MoCA Westport, there’s plenty to view. A major entertainment center in the area is the Levitt Pavilion, an outdoor stage that features free access to performance art acts several times a year.
Luxury shopping
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Walking down Westport’s sidewalks or cruising down the streets, you’ll see the town’s several luxury shops, local boutiques, and more. Browse the luxury furs of Able Furs, an independent designer and retailer in Westport. Or stop by boutiques like Scout and Molly’s and shop for brands representing the leading edge of style. There's no shortage of shopping, from formal wear to house décor and toys for the children.
Cons of living in Westport
There are a few drawbacks to be aware of before living in Westport. Given its desirable destination, living and housing costs are more expensive than in other towns in Connecticut and across the country. Additionally, the commute can take relatively longer for those driving to work.
High cost of living
High living costs in Westport are unavoidable, as the city ranks well above the national average. Paying for everyday items like a phone bill, utilities, and grocery staples is a bit pricier, even by the state’s standards. However, these costs are more manageable with the town’s high median household income rates, especially compared to Connecticut rates overall.
Long commute
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Most residents in Westport own cars. Even with reliable transportation, the average commute for residents going to work is about 44 minutes. This is close to double the Connecticut average commute time of 27 minutes. Access to public transportation via the Metro North Train Station is possible, although a commute from Westport to NYC takes anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half. This, coupled with transportation costs that are 15% higher than the national average, may make a commute a serious obstacle.
Housing costs
The most significant obstacle for buyers interested in living in Westport is high housing costs. Housing costs in Westport are more than double the national average and rank high even compared to other towns in Fairfield County. Currently, the median sales price for single-family homes in the area is $1.6 million, a 27% decrease compared to last year. When searching for Westport luxury homes, consult a local agent who is familiar with local trends and can describe the market in terms of statistics.
Moving to Westport
Before moving to Westport, research the area to ensure it matches your lifestyle needs. Review the list below for a quick understanding of what life in Westport is like.
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Outdoor recreation abounds in Westport, from its three beaches with plenty of shorelines to the several parks with riverside views and hiking trails.
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It’s easy to admire the local art in the area with outdoor spots like the Levitt Pavilion with live performances and other art museums and galleries in town.
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Varied shopping provides residents with luxury items, local gems, wares, and services for any occasion.
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Westport living can be expensive, especially compared to the rest of the state and the nation. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities trend higher than state averages.
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The town is out of the way of larger cities like NYC, which makes commutes by car or train on the longer side. Planning extra time to get from place to place is a must.
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Housing costs are steep, which can be a dealbreaker for buyers who can’t accommodate increasing median sales prices in the area.
Ready to move to Westport?
Moving to Westport can be an excellent choice for buyers interested in a town offering several natural amenities, looking for a waterfront home right next to prime entertainment, or wanting to be near shopping centers with everything. However, managing longer travel times and higher living and housing costs can take time and effort.
If you have more questions about living in Westport or are ready to start your search, contact experienced agent Fatou Niang to help you. Fatou leverages her skills with Sotheby’s network to achieve the best results for her clients in the Westport area. Feel free to browse her testimonials and reach out online or by phone at your convenience.
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