Greenwich, Connecticut

By TravelNE, on January 31st, 2011

Greenwich Town Hall

Located in the farthest southwest corner of Connecticut, Greenwich is often referred to as “The Gateway to New England.” Bordering New York, Greenwich is less than 40 miles from Grand Central Station by express train. With a geographic area approximately twice that of Manhattan, four exits connect the town to I-95. Route 1 (Boston Post Road) and the Merritt Parkway are also major routes to the town.

Named for Greenwich, England, the town was founded in 1640 and declared a township in 1665. What is now Greenwich Point was once called “Elizabeth Neck” in recognition of its owner, Elizabeth Fones Winthrop, daughter-in-law of John Winthrop, founder and first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Greenwich was named 12th among Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live in the US in 2005 and was also noted as having the highest median household income in 2005 by the magazine. Home to many hedge funds and financial services companies, Greenwich attracts many daily commuters by car, train and bus.

Not only a nice place to live, Greenwich is also a nice place to visit. The lively downtown area features upscale shops and boutiques, and casual and fine dining spots abound. Cultural attractions include the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, the Greenwich Choral Society, and the Bruce Museum of Arts and Sciences. With four beaches, numerous parks, a golf course and a skating rink, visitors can choose from any number of recreational activities.

Greenwich Weather

July is usually the warmest month with temperatures ranging between 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 83 degrees Fahrenheit in July, and January is usually the coldest month with temperatures averaging 21 degrees Fahrenheit to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation levels are relatively constant from month to month. February is typically the driest month (3.24 inches on average) and March is the wettest month (4.73 inches on average).