Greenwich, a large New England town of 60,000 residents, conveniently located on Connecticut's southern border, is within easy access of New York City and the many recreational areas of Connecticut, New York and New England. The 50 square miles within Greenwich's boundaries include a landscape of great variety, from its Long Island Sound shoreline with beaches and offshore islands to its woodlands and open, rolling countryside. Not only has the town's location contributed to its desirability as both a residential community and business center, but it also has shaped its history.

History of Greenwich's Founding

Government

The first town in the state to adopt a Representative Town Meeting (RTM) form of government, Greenwich is divided into 12 districts with elected representatives in proportion to the numbers of registered voters in each district. Though the influx of registered voters in the 1930's made the traditional open town meeting impractical, the legislative body (RTM) of 229 members is one of the largest in the state. The other principal governing bodies are a three-person Board of Selectmen and the bipartisan Board of Estimate and Taxation. The First Selectman is the only salaried official among these governors. The numerous boards and commissions which oversee the business if the town consist of volunteers appointed by the governing units.

Learn more about Greenwich Government

Education

As might be expected, with more than 40% of the adult residents having completed at least four years of college, education is a priority in Greenwich. The town has over 30 private preschools and nursery schools, a parochial school, six private day schools and one boarding school in addition to its nationally recognized school system. Almost forty languages are spoken by the diverse student population. The Continuing Education program attracts 6,600 students each year with approximately 488 course offerings. Colleges and universities in the region, such as The University of Connecticut, Yale, Fairfield University, and the nearby New York Universities offer a variety of post-secondary program options. More than three-fourths of the public school students go on to four-year colleges.

Download the State of CT Strategic School Profile for Greenwich (pdf format)

See a list of schools in Greenwich

Cultural Opportunities

Greenwich offers a wide array of cultural opportunities for both the participant and the audience with its own Philharmonic, an Arts Council, several art societies, a choral society, choirs and specialized singing groups, dance groups and active theater associations. The Bruce Museum houses collections of fine art, Indian and colonial relics, and natural history exhibits. The museum has visiting exhibitions, lecture programs and an extensive children's program. The Greenwich Library provides a well-rounded center with its lectures, films, art gallery exhibits and lending libraries of books, records, art and films. Greenwich's central location also encourages travel to the cultural facilities of the region from Broadway to Long Wharf.

View Library and Museum Information

Recreation

Recreation facilities are an attraction for many new residents. Town facilities include four boat marinas, five community centers, four beaches (two of them on islands and reached by town-operated ferries. Private clubs and associations offer riding, golf, tennis, boating, swimming and skating. Clinic and competition programs are sponsored by the town's Recreation and Parks Department and nonprofit organizations.

Learn more about recreation opportunities in Greenwich

Houses of Worship

Though the Congregational Society of Greenwich was formed as the established church under the 1665 township patent provision to "procure and maintain an orthodox minister," Greenwich now has dozens of public places of worship of all faiths and denominations.

Review a list of places of worship in Greenwich

Health

Health needs of the community are served by Greenwich Hospital, a non-profit association affiliated with Yale University School of Medicine and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The hospital, 296 bed unit, offers general and specialized medical and surgical care. The Town's Department of Health offers a full range of education programs.

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