One of the many things the state of Connecticut is known for is its beaches lining the Long Island Sound. With sparkling waves and rocky coves, boating and kayaking, fishing and sightseeing, these stunning Connecticut beach towns are top-tier. There are lots of beachfront towns to check out in Connecticut, whether you’re moving to the state or hoping to live by the coast.
But if you’re not sure where to start on your hunt for the best Connecticut beach town, we’re here to help. Redfin has put together a list of 14 awesome beach towns in Connecticut, from Greenwich to Norwalk. Let’s dive into some of Connecticut’s top beach cities, listed in alphabetical order, so you can find the right place for you.
#1: East Lyme
East Lyme, CT homes for sale
East Lyme, CT apartments for rent
Starting off our list is East Lyme. About 18,600 people live in this coastal Connecticut town. You’ll find there are plenty of beaches to explore such as Attawan Beach, Hole in the Wall Beach, Giants Neck Beach, McCook’s Beach, and Niantic Beach. Living in East Lyme, you can explore Rocky Neck State Park, hike along the Ravenswood Trail, and check out Nehantic State Forest.
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#2: Fairfield
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Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,200
Fairfield, CT homes for sale
Fairfield, CT apartments for rent
Another one of Connecticut’s great beach towns to consider buying a home in is Fairfield, home to 62,100 people. There are plenty of beaches to visit like Fairfield Beach, Jennings Beach, Sasco Beach, South Pine Creek Beach, and Southport Beach. You can also visit one of the nature preserves like Brett Woods Open Space or Riverside Drive Open Space, check out one of the museums, or explore the charming downtown.
#3: Greenwich
Median home price: $1,700,000
Greenwich, CT homes for sale
Greenwich, CT apartments for rent
Located along the border of New York state, Greenwich is home to about 62,400 residents. There are lots of beaches to explore on a warm Connecticut day like Fords Beach, Harbor Point Beach, and Hawthorne Beach. Make sure to enjoy the day at one of the many parks like Bruce Park or the Greenwich Audubon Center, visit one of the museums, or explore Greenwich’s downtown.
#4: Guilford
Guilford, CT homes for sale
Guilford, CT apartments for rent
Home to beautiful beaches like Barbara Pine Memorial Beach, Chaffinch Island Park, and Jacobs Public Beach, there are countless places to spend a beach day. About 22,200 people live in Guilford, where you can also visit Lake Quonnipaug, check out Chaffinch Island State Park or GLCT Westwoods, and stop by the shops and restaurants downtown.
#5: Madison
Madison, CT homes for sale
Madison, CT apartments for rent
The charming coastal town of Madison has about 18,100 residents, making it a great place to consider moving to. You’ll find stunning beaches like Circle Beach, East Wharf Beach Park, Garvan Point Beach, Hammonasset Beach, and West Wharf. In Madison, you can explore the waterfront Hammonasset Natural Area Preserve, go on a hike, or grab a meal from one of the great local restaurants.
#6: Milford
Median home price: $440,000
Milford, CT homes for sale
Milford, CT apartments for rent
With 50,500 residents, Milford is a great beach town in Connecticut to consider moving to. Some beaches you can visit are Bayview Beach, Fort Trumbull Beach, Gulf Beach, Milford Point, Silver Sands Beach, Walnut Beach, Wildemere Beach, and Woodmont Beach. There are also plenty of activities to do in this coastal city. For example, you can visit Charles E. Wheeler Wildlife Area, explore the charming shops and restaurants downtown, or check out one of the many green spaces, among many other local favorites.
#7: Mystic
Median home price: $391,500
Mystic, CT homes for sale
Mystic, CT apartments for rent
With a population of nearly 4,800, Mystic is a magnificent beach town to live in. There are plenty of beaches to explore like Williams Beach Park. If you find yourself moving to this village, make sure to stroll through the Mystic River Historic District, tour the Mystic Seaport Museum, and explore Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center.
#8: New London
Median home price: $245,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,150
New London, CT homes for sale
New London, CT apartments for rent
In New London there are beautiful beaches such as Green Harbor Beach, Ocean Beach, and Pequot Point Beach, great for taking in the water views. Once moving to New London, you’ll want to check out the New London Harbor Lighthouse, explore Fort Trumbull State Park and Museum, and take the ferry to Fishers Island.
#9: Norwalk
Median home price: $572,500
Norwalk, CT homes for sale
Norwalk, CT apartments for rent
Roughly 91,200 people live in Norwalk where you’ll find beaches like Bayley Beach, Calf Pasture Beach, and Shady Beach Park. Other popular things to do in Norwalk include grabbing a meal from one of the waterfront spots, visiting one of the many museums like Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, and checking out downtown Norwalk.
#10: Old Lyme
Old Lyme, CT homes for sale
Old Lyme, CT apartments for rent
The waterfront city of Old Lyme has a population of 7,400 and there are many beaches to spend time outside at, like Poverty Island Beach and Soundview Beach. There is plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend, like exploring the Great Island Wildlife Area or Ferry Landing State Park, touring the Florence Griswold Museum, and hiking along one of the trails.
#11: Old Saybrook
Median home price: $382,000
Old Saybrook, CT homes for sale
Old Saybrook, CT apartments for rent
In Old Saybrook there are lots of beaches to explore if you decide to move to this quaint oceanfront town. Some of these beaches include Chalker Beach, Cove Beach, Great Hammock Beach, Harveys Beach, and Knollwood Beach. Old Saybrook is home to 10,100 residents and you’ll find a variety of other activities like visiting one of the many nature preserves and exploring the downtown area.
#12: Waterford
Median home price: $400,000
Waterford, CT homes for sale
Waterford, CT apartments for rent
There are plenty of beaches to explore in Waterford – perfect for a day outside. Some well-liked places are Ocean Beach, Town Beach, and Waterford Beach. If you’re looking to do something a little different make sure to explore Harkness Memorial State Park, spend the day at Stenger Farm Park, and grab a bite at a local restaurant.
#13: West Haven
Median home price: $316,250
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,170
West Haven, CT homes for sale
West Haven, CT apartments for rent
Next up on our list is West Haven. There are lots of beaches to check out if you decide West Haven is the coastal town for you. Make sure to visit Bradley Point Park, Oak Street Beach, Oyster River Beach, Rocky Beach, Sea Bluff Beach, and South St. Beach. In this town of 55,300 people, you can also visit the Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary or one of the many waterfront parks, and spend the day at Maltby Lakes.
#14: Westport
Median home price: $400,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,295
Westport, CT homes for sale
Westport, CT apartments for rent
With about 28,100 residents, Westport is a cozy beach town to consider moving to. If you’re looking to spend the day at the beach you can head to Burying Hill Beach, Compo Beach, Old Mill Beach, Sherwood Beach, and Southport Beach. Or if you’re looking to check out the town of Westport, you can also stroll through the downtown area or spend the day at Sherwood Island State Park. In addition to these beach towns, there are plenty of affordable places to live in Connecticut.
Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in Connecticut. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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