Norwalk is a coastal Connecticut city located 40 miles from New York, New York. Just northeast of Stamford, it is accessible by I-95 and the Merritt Parkway. Metro-North trains stop in South and East Norwalk, making the one-hour commute to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan very easy. Amtrak stops in Stamford and Bridgeport put Washington, DC and Boston, Massachusetts within easy reach.
Many apartments for rent in Norwalk are close to the water. Its Long Island Sound coast is jagged with coves, peninsulas and tidal creeks. In many ways it feels like a proper New England town: The harbor is busy, the fish is fresh and the town hosts an annual oyster festival. Picturesque areas, such as Rowayton, feel far removed from metropolitan New York City. Artsy South Norwalk, dubbed SoNo, has hip restaurants, bars, shops and the annual SoNo Arts Celebration. Inland, there's Cranbury Park, 272 lush acres with woodland trails and disc golf. The Silvermine neighborhood, which borders New Canaan, dates back to 17th century and boasts several historic buildings.
If the local beaches aren't enough, you'll find plenty more up the coast. Within 150 miles there's Block Island, Rhode Island; Little Compton, Rhode Island; and Long Island's North Fork. Head north for weekend getaways in the Hudson Valley, Litchfield County and the Berkshires.
Norwalk was long seen as a relative bargain compared to the neighboring towns of Darien and New Canaan, but that is changing. With its great location and quality housing stock, Norwalk is a hot market right now. It's not as competitive as some northeast rental markets, but it's still a good idea to nail down a lease when you find a good spot.