The Allure of Darien: New Constructions and Proximity to Manhattan

While the allure of living in the city is still a desirable option for millions, there comes a time when even life-long New Yorkers want to escape the hustle of the city and settle in the suburbs. The suburban numbers are continuing to grow, as many from the boroughs are actively seeking a calmer life with much more greenery and less traffic. In recent years, the Darien, Connecticut, community has been a beacon for some who have sought this change in their lives.

The popularity of Darien has resulted in a higher demand for available housing and has prompted new construction in different areas of the community. If you are looking for a new home outside of the city while retaining proximity to Manhattan for your career, exploring Darien’s offerings might be your best bet for a new life.

You’ll find that the daily commute into the city could be less than you think. If you drive your own vehicle from Darien to Manhattan, you can expect a drive time of around 45 minutes. Of course, this will depend on a variety of factors, construction, closures, and accidents chief among them.

But what if you don’t want to drive? Parking and traffic alone are enough to change many people’s minds about taking their car to work. For those who want to avoid these hassles, there’s the train,

It can take a bit longer to travel to Manhattan by train, but on days that traffic is heavy, you’ll find that it can actually take a little less. Expect the average commute to Manhattan by train to take a little less than 55 minutes.

The Corbin District is the perfect marriage of new construction and picturesque greenery, combining to produce a modern neighborhood with a classical feel. When development of this district was planned out in 2019, it was designed to be a walkable micro-community in a reimagined downtown. The lifestyle that the Corbin District offers its residents is unique to the other newer developments in Darien. Here, you’ll find many shops, restaurants, and entertainment options that give the downtown district a real city feel, minus the city problems.

The Corbin District was built to be much more than just a place for commerce and entertainment. There are many newly built residences within the neighborhood’s boundaries. Ranging from apartments to condos, you’ll find a dwelling to your liking in a place that is referred to as where New York meets New England.

This spot opened in 2021, offering new Darien residents the opportunity to live in a brand-new mixed development hot spot in the community. It’s a smaller-scale version of the Corbin District, emphasizing smaller, more affordable units. Though the Darien Place doesn’t have the number of nightlife, restaurant, or entertainment options that the Corbin District does, the people who call the Darien Place home love it for the quaintly modern lifestyle it lends.

The old Norton Heights Shopping Center was demolished several years ago to create a new mixed-use development incorporating homes with office spaces and upscale retail. Due to open by the end of 2021, the Norton Heights of the future had to be put on hold. Issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 all but put the brakes on this eagerly anticipated project. But there is new hope that construction will be resuming soon.

Last year, Darien First Selectman Monica McNally shed light on some behind-the-scenes actions involving the stalled project. The approval for the new development was passed through the city’s Planning and Zoning Committee, helping to pave the way for the project's next phase.

If you are seeking luxury apartments in Darien, look no further than the newly developed Darien Commons. This hot new set of structures offers the most sought-after amenities for condo living, with the promise of upscale retail and fine dining only a few short steps away.

Residents can enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center open 24 hours a day. A communal kitchen is another great amenity at Darien Commons, part of a large but comfortable community room. It’s a great spot to gather with friends, family, and neighbors or to meet new people at one of the many events sponsored by management throughout the year.

Darrien Commons has been professionally landscaped, the greenery's beauty matching the design's opulence. A stroll through the grounds might take you to one of the BBQ pits on the property or underneath an elaborately designed trellis.

You’ll find a well-stocked lending library at Darien Commons, too. It’s a great spot to unwind after a long work day or a place to catch up with your reading on your day off.

The decision to relocate is never easy and should always be carefully considered and strategized. Navigating the new construction market alone can be pretty challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the community. To ease the process, teaming up with an experienced real estate agent is recommended. A seasoned professional like Rachel Walsh has intimate knowledge of Darien and will make the journey to finding your next home a seamless and stress-free experience.