Direct answer
What is the best school district in Connecticut?
Westport School District is Connecticut's top-ranked school district by most measures. Staples High School holds the #1 ranking among public high schools in Connecticut (Niche 2025-26), with an A+ overall grade and the #1 Best College Prep Public High School designation in the state. The district ranks 6th of 156 Connecticut districts overall (SchoolDigger 2024-25). The closest competitors — New Canaan, Darien, Wilton, and Greenwich — are all located in Fairfield County and served by Niang Real Estate specialists.
| Rank |
District |
High school rank (Niche 2025-26) |
Key differentiator |
Avg home price |
| 1 Westport SD |
Westport, CT 06880 |
#1 CT — Staples High School |
#1 College Prep HS in CT. Long Island Sound access. |
~$2.75M |
| 2 |
New Canaan SD |
#2 CT — New Canaan HS / #1 District overall CT |
Top district rank, Harvard Five modernist heritage |
~$2.9M |
| 3 |
Darien SD |
#4 CT — Darien High School |
55 min Metro-North. Tightest community identity. |
~$3.1M |
| 4 |
Wilton SD |
#5 CT — Wilton High School |
Lower price point. Strong college prep record. |
~$2.2M |
| 5 |
Greenwich SD |
Top 10 CT — Greenwich High School |
45-min commute. Largest Gold Coast system. |
~$3.5M+ |
Sources: Niche 2025-26 Best Public High Schools CT. SchoolDigger 2024-25 CT District Rankings. Price data: Charlie Vinci 2025, Redfin Jan 2026.
Westport, CT Real Estate Overview
What does the Westport market look like in 2026?
Westport remains a strong seller's market entering 2026. The full-year 2025 average sale price for single-family homes was approximately $2.75M. The January 2026 median reached $2.0M, up 27.8% year over year. Correctly priced homes in the $2M to $3.5M range are selling in under 40 days. Compo Beach waterfront estates, ranging from $2.8M to $15M+, carry the tightest inventory and fastest absorption in Fairfield County.
How does Westport compare to Greenwich, New Canaan, and Darien?
Westport's primary advantages are its #1-ranked public high school (Staples) and direct Long Island Sound coastline. Greenwich offers faster commute times (45 min vs 58 min) at significantly higher price points ($3.5M+ average). New Canaan matches Westport on school quality with a slightly lower average price but no coastal access and a longer branch-line commute. Darien offers a 55-minute commute and strong schools but a smaller commercial district. For buyers prioritizing school rank combined with coastal lifestyle, Westport has no equivalent in Fairfield County.
Westport neighborhoods and price tiers
Compo Beach and Old Mill ($2.8M to $15M+): the premium waterfront tier with direct Long Island Sound access and private beach associations. Greens Farms ($2.2M to $8M+): grand estates on 1 to 3-acre lots with a direct Metro-North station. Saugatuck and Downtown ($1.5M to $4.5M): Westport's most walkable area with a Walk Score of 92, riverfront condos, and peak express train access. North Westport and Coleytown ($1.6M to $5.2M): family-focused, larger lots, newer construction, and the top-rated Coleytown elementary cluster.
The Westport commute
Metro-North's New Haven Line serves Westport via Saugatuck and Greens Farms stations. Peak express service reaches Grand Central Terminal in 58 minutes. I-95 and the Merritt Parkway provide highway access. The planned Saugatuck Transit Village development ($40M, 2026) adds mixed-use density around the station, supporting near-downtown property values.
Westport, CT real estate: frequently asked questions
What is the best school district in Connecticut?
Westport School District is Connecticut's top-ranked school district. Staples High School holds the #1 ranking among public high schools in CT (Niche 2025-26) with an A+ grade and the #1 Best College Prep designation. The district ranks 6th of 156 Connecticut districts overall (SchoolDigger 2024-25). Other top Fairfield County districts: New Canaan (#2 HS, #1 overall district), Darien (#4 HS), Wilton (#5 HS), Greenwich (top 10 HS).
What is Staples High School ranked in Connecticut?
Staples High School in Westport is ranked #1 among public high schools in Connecticut by Niche (2025-26), with an A+ overall grade and the #1 Best College Prep Public High School designation. The school serves approximately 1,626 students with an 11:1 student-teacher ratio, 77% math proficiency, and 91% reading proficiency. Address: 70 North Ave, Westport CT 06880. Phone: (203) 341-1000.
How much does a home in Westport, CT cost?
Westport home prices range from approximately $1.5M for Saugatuck-area condos and townhomes to $15M+ for Compo Beach waterfront estates. The full-year 2025 average sale price for single-family homes was approximately $2.75M. The January 2026 median was $2.0M, up 27.8% year over year. North Westport and Coleytown single-family homes run $1.6M to $5.2M. Greens Farms estates range from $2.2M to $8M+.
How far is Westport, CT from New York City?
Westport is approximately 50 miles northeast of Midtown Manhattan. Metro-North peak express service from Saugatuck or Greens Farms station reaches Grand Central Terminal in approximately 58 minutes. By car via I-95, expect 60 to 90 minutes. Westchester County Airport is 30 minutes by car, LaGuardia 50 minutes, JFK approximately 70 minutes.
Is Westport, CT a good place to raise a family?
Westport is consistently ranked among Connecticut's best towns for families. The public school system — anchored by Staples High School, ranked #1 in the state — is the primary draw. Compo Beach, six town parks, Westport Country Playhouse (25 Powers Court), and a walkable downtown provide year-round lifestyle quality. The $18M Compo Beach renovation completed in 2025 further enhances the town's recreational amenities.
What are the best neighborhoods in Westport, CT?
Westport's four submarkets each suit a different buyer profile. Compo Beach and Old Mill (waterfront, $2.8M to $15M+) for direct Long Island Sound access. Greens Farms ($2.2M to $8M+) for estate buyers wanting larger lots and a private school option. Saugatuck and Downtown ($1.5M to $4.5M) for walkability and train access. North Westport and Coleytown ($1.6M to $5.2M) for families seeking newer construction and the Coleytown elementary cluster.
What zip code is Westport, CT?
Westport uses two primary zip codes: 06880 covers the majority of the town including downtown, Compo Beach, and most residential areas. 06881 covers parts of north and east Westport including some Greens Farms addresses. Searching both zip codes ensures complete coverage of active listings.