Town Profile: Westport

A vibrant oceanfront community just 47 miles from New York City, Westport is well known for its exceptional schools, renowned arts community, lively downtown and outstanding recreational facilities.

An easy commute to New York on a direct Metro North rail line, Westport is an involved community. Education comes first to Westport's 26,400 residents, and it shows. Not only was Westport rated the #1 town by CT magazine in 2011, but SchoolDigger rated Staples High School the #3 High School in Connecticut in 2013.

Westport's 20 square miles boasts impressive oceanfront and riverfront recreational facilities. At beautiful Compo Beach, kids wade into the mild bay, scamper on the sand-side playscape, skate at the enclosed skate park, and lunch at Joey's By The Shore. The public ocean-side golf course, Longshore, is a challenging beautiful links course. In addition to golf, Longshore is also home to three public pools, an ice-rink in winter, paddle tennis and 9 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts – and there are 12 all-weather tennis courts throughout town. Longshore also offers a sailing school for kids and adults, and across town, you can stroll through Winslow Park, Westport's dog park.

Westport is more than its outstanding schools and beautiful recreational facilities. The renowned Westport Country Playhouse – Joanne Woodward, acclaimed actress and long-time Westport resident, was artistic director from 2000-2005 – delivers fantastic theatre right in town. The Westport Arts Center and the Westport Public Library both host many famous artists and authors, and there's live music just about every summer night at Westport's Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts.

Just an hour from New York City, Westport offers families educational excellence along with recreational and cultural opportunities in a beautiful, ocean-side setting.