Wilton

Wilton Homes For Sale

THE TOWN

The town of Wilton, with a population of about 18,000 is located north of the coastal commuter corridor and above the Merritt Parkway in Fairfield County.

Wilton buyers tend to prioritize schools above all. The high-performing school system, a nexus of community life, is a primary draw for buyers who can do without the water-centric lifestyles and convenient Metro-North New Haven Line stops enjoyed by neighboring suburbs to the south.

And while Wilton’s property tax rate is considerably higher than those in nearby Westport, Darien, and New Canaan, $1 million doesn’t buy nearly as much house in those towns.

To live happily in Wilton, you should enjoy driving. Houses are spread out on large lots across 27 square miles. And unless you live near the town center, walking can be dangerous because of the absence of sidewalks on the many scenic but narrow winding roads.

Most families car pool, and the school bus system helps. Some well-traveled routes, such as Ridgefield and Belden Hill roads, are known for handsome historic homes and stone walls. Wilton has preserved much of its architectural heritage in five town-designated historic districts. But elsewhere, four-bedroom colonials on two acres predominate.

Wilton has two train stations — one at Wilton Center and the other farther north at Cannondale, a historic district. Wilton is on the Danbury Branch line, and most trains require a transfer to the New Haven Line at South Norwalk. The trip to Grand Central takes about 90 minutes at peak times on through trains, and 10 to 20 minutes longer on trains requiring a transfer. A monthly pass is $343, discounted if bought online.