An analysis of Connecticut’s residential real estate market using Zillow Home Value Index Data reveals the state’s most expensive neighborhoods as of December 2024.
These 25 areas represent the “worst” neighborhoods to buy in Connecticut – not because of any quality issues, but purely because homes in these locations come with the highest price tags in the state.
From Stamford’s upscale enclaves to the coastal retreats of Old Saybrook, these neighborhoods showcase significant price appreciation over the past decade, with some areas seeing values nearly double.
While these locations offer exceptional amenities – from waterfront access to prestigious schools and historic charm – their higher home values make them increasingly challenging for many buyers to access.
Let’s explore these premium markets and their evolution over the past ten years.
1. Guilford Center – Guilford
- 2014: $342,411
- 2019: $377,616
- 2024: $587,873
- 10-year growth: 71.7%
- 5-year growth: 55.7%
Guilford Center exemplifies New England charm with its historic green and colonial architecture, showing impressive value growth to nearly $588,000 in 2024. This historic district, centered around one of the largest town greens in New England, combines preserved 18th and 19th-century homes with vibrant local commerce. The neighborhood’s walkable downtown and proximity to the Connecticut shoreline make it a sought-after location for those seeking authentic New England character.
2. Springdale – Stamford
- 2014: $363,208
- 2019: $402,366
- 2024: $597,621
- 10-year growth: 64.5%
- 5-year growth: 48.5%
Springdale demonstrates steady appreciation with values climbing to nearly $600,000, showcasing Stamford’s growing appeal. This well-established neighborhood offers an ideal blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility. The area’s direct train access to Manhattan and mix of historic homes and newer developments attract both commuters and local professionals.
3. Harbor Shores – Norwalk
- 2014: No data
- 2019: $403,238
- 2024: $602,385
- 5-year growth: 49.4%
Harbor Shores has emerged as one of Norwalk’s premier waterfront communities, with values exceeding $602,000 in 2024. This coastal neighborhood offers residents easy access to Long Island Sound and Norwalk’s vibrant maritime activities. The area’s modern developments and water views create an attractive option for those seeking Connecticut coastal living.
4. Flax Hill – Norwalk
- 2014: $353,192
- 2019: $412,340
- 2024: $602,390
- 10-year growth: 70.6%
- 5-year growth: 46.1%
Flax Hill showcases strong appreciation with values increasing over 70% in a decade to exceed $602,000. This historic neighborhood features a mix of architectural styles from various eras, creating a diverse and character-rich environment. The area’s hillside location provides many homes with scenic views while maintaining easy access to South Norwalk’s dining and entertainment.
5. Broad River – Norwalk
- 2014: $378,357
- 2019: $418,320
- 2024: $603,639
- 10-year growth: 59.5%
- 5-year growth: 44.3%
Broad River demonstrates consistent growth with values reaching over $603,000, reflecting Norwalk’s strengthening market. This family-friendly neighborhood takes its name from the river that forms its western boundary. The area combines residential charm with convenient access to both local amenities and major transportation routes.
6. Old Saybrook Center – Old Saybrook
- 2014: $377,857
- 2019: $402,823
- 2024: $665,218
- 10-year growth: 76.1%
- 5-year growth: 65.1%
Old Saybrook Center shows impressive appreciation with values climbing to $665,000, highlighting the appeal of Connecticut’s shoreline communities. This historic downtown district offers a perfect blend of coastal New England charm and modern amenities. The neighborhood’s location at the mouth of the Connecticut River, combined with its historic architecture and vibrant main street, creates an idyllic setting.
7. Waterside – Stamford
- 2014: $448,520
- 2019: $482,712
- 2024: $670,165
- 10-year growth: 49.4%
- 5-year growth: 38.8%
Waterside represents Stamford’s evolving waterfront, with values reaching $670,000 and showing steady appreciation. This revitalized neighborhood combines its industrial heritage with modern development along the harbor. The area’s waterfront location and ongoing development make it increasingly attractive to buyers seeking an urban coastal lifestyle.
8. Belltown – Stamford
- 2014: No data
- 2019: $467,318
- 2024: $674,684
- 5-year growth: 44.4%
Belltown demonstrates strong recent growth with values approaching $675,000 in 2024. This established neighborhood offers a suburban feel within Stamford’s city limits. The area’s mix of housing styles and convenient location make it particularly attractive to families seeking good schools and easy commuting options.
9. Essex Village – Essex
- 2014: $414,973
- 2019: $423,762
- 2024: $709,312
- 10-year growth: 70.9%
- 5-year growth: 67.4%
Essex Village showcases remarkable growth with values exceeding $709,000, reflecting its status as one of Connecticut’s most picturesque maritime communities. This historic waterfront village maintains its 19th-century charm with well-preserved Federal and Colonial architecture. The neighborhood’s location on the Connecticut River, combined with its marina culture and historic character, creates one of the state’s most distinctive communities.
10. Turn of River – Stamford
- 2014: $472,285
- 2019: $496,821
- 2024: $728,289
- 10-year growth: 54.2%
- 5-year growth: 46.6%
Turn of River demonstrates steady appreciation with values reaching $728,000, highlighting Stamford’s strong suburban market. This primarily residential neighborhood offers a peaceful setting away from the urban core. The area’s larger lots and tree-lined streets provide a suburban oasis while maintaining easy access to downtown Stamford.
11. South Kent – Kent
- 2014: $440,132
- 2019: $436,763
- 2024: $771,866
- 10-year growth: 75.4%
- 5-year growth: 76.7%
South Kent shows dramatic recent appreciation with values surging to nearly $772,000, particularly in the past five years. This rural community, home to the prestigious South Kent School, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and academic tradition. The area’s rolling hills, pristine lakes, and proximity to the Appalachian Trail create an idyllic setting for those seeking a refined country lifestyle.
12. Newfield – Stamford
- 2014: $580,762
- 2019: $548,639
- 2024: $843,706
- 10-year growth: 45.3%
- 5-year growth: 53.8%
Newfield has seen values climb to nearly $844,000, with particularly strong growth in recent years. This established Stamford neighborhood offers a mix of residential styles and amenities. The area’s proximity to both corporate offices and retail corridors makes it especially attractive to professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
13. Lakeville – Salisbury
- 2014: $462,544
- 2019: $487,119
- 2024: $849,725
- 10-year growth: 83.7%
- 5-year growth: 74.4%
Lakeville demonstrates exceptional growth with values nearly doubling over a decade to reach $850,000. This historic village in the Berkshire foothills combines natural beauty with cultural sophistication. The neighborhood’s location near Twin Lakes and its mix of historic homes and lakefront properties make it a favorite for both full-time residents and weekend retreats.
14. Roxbury – Stamford
- 2014: No data
- 2019: No data
- 2024: $900,242
- Change: N/A
Roxbury emerges as one of Stamford’s premier neighborhoods with values reaching $900,000 in 2024. This sought-after area features larger lots and custom homes in a parklike setting. The neighborhood’s natural beauty and privacy make it particularly attractive to those seeking a suburban sanctuary within city limits.
15. North Stamford – Stamford
- 2014: $702,778
- 2019: $638,774
- 2024: $992,412
- 10-year growth: 41.2%
- 5-year growth: 55.4%
North Stamford shows strong recent appreciation with values approaching $1 million, highlighting its position as one of the city’s most desirable areas. This expansive neighborhood features larger lots and a more rural atmosphere than southern Stamford. The area’s winding roads, wooded landscapes, and prestigious homes create an exclusive enclave within the city.
16. Shippan – Stamford
- 2014: No data
- 2019: $687,714
- 2024: $993,153
- 5-year growth: 44.4%
Shippan represents Stamford’s premier peninsula, with values reaching nearly $1 million in 2024. This waterfront neighborhood offers stunning views of Long Island Sound and Manhattan’s skyline. The area’s mix of historic mansions and modern waterfront homes, combined with its beach clubs and marina access, creates one of Stamford’s most prestigious communities.
17. Marvin Beach – Norwalk
- 2014: No data
- 2019: $655,210
- 2024: $1,024,839
- 5-year growth: 56.4%
Marvin Beach shows impressive growth with values exceeding $1 million, reflecting the premium placed on Connecticut’s coastal communities. This waterfront neighborhood offers residents direct beach access and water views. The area’s combination of beach living and proximity to urban amenities makes it increasingly attractive to luxury buyers.
18. Groton Long Point – Groton
- 2014: $662,871
- 2019: $653,072
- 2024: $1,132,631
- 10-year growth: 70.9%
- 5-year growth: 73.4%
Groton Long Point demonstrates strong appreciation with values exceeding $1.1 million, particularly in recent years. This unique peninsula community offers a perfect blend of beach living and small-town charm. The neighborhood’s private beaches, yacht club, and summer community atmosphere create one of Connecticut’s most distinctive coastal enclaves.
19. Westover – Stamford
- 2014: $837,579
- 2019: $785,444
- 2024: $1,196,110
- 10-year growth: 42.8%
- 5-year growth: 52.3%
Westover shows consistent appreciation with values approaching $1.2 million, highlighting its position as one of Stamford’s premier neighborhoods. This established area features larger lots and a variety of architectural styles. The neighborhood’s excellent schools and park-like setting make it particularly attractive to families seeking upscale suburban living.
20. Palmers Hill – Stamford
- 2014: No data
- 2019: No data
- 2024: $1,219,719
- Change: N/A
Palmers Hill emerges as one of Stamford’s luxury enclaves with values exceeding $1.2 million in 2024. This elevated neighborhood offers many homes stunning views of Long Island Sound. The area’s mix of new construction and renovated estates, combined with its convenient location, attracts buyers seeking premium Stamford real estate.
21. Silvermine – Wilton
- 2014: $872,122
- 2019: $805,407
- 2024: $1,283,363
- 10-year growth: 47.2%
- 5-year growth: 59.3%
Silvermine demonstrates strong recent growth with values exceeding $1.28 million, reflecting its status as one of the area’s most artistic communities. This historic district, straddling Norwalk, New Canaan, and Wilton, centers around the famous Silvermine Arts Center. The neighborhood’s combination of natural beauty, historic homes, and cultural significance creates a unique and prestigious address.
22. Harborview – Norwalk
- 2014: No data
- 2019: $844,672
- 2024: $1,308,558
- 5-year growth: 54.9%
Harborview showcases Norwalk’s luxury market with values exceeding $1.3 million and strong recent appreciation. This waterfront neighborhood offers stunning views of Norwalk Harbor and Long Island Sound. The area’s modern condominiums and waterfront homes, combined with its proximity to South Norwalk’s dining and entertainment district, create an ideal setting for those seeking an upscale coastal lifestyle with urban amenities.
23. Southport – Fairfield
- 2014: $796,394
- 2019: $783,788
- 2024: $1,313,262
- 10-year growth: 64.9%
- 5-year growth: 67.6%
Southport represents one of Fairfield County’s most picturesque harbor communities, with values exceeding $1.3 million and showing particularly strong recent growth. This historic village, with its own train station and harbor, maintains its 19th-century charm through carefully preserved architecture. The neighborhood’s combination of antique homes, yacht clubs, and the prestigious Pequot Yacht Club creates one of Connecticut’s most distinctive coastal communities.
24. Riverside – Greenwich
- 2014: $1,474,688
- 2019: $1,479,544
- 2024: $2,279,855
- 10-year growth: 54.6%
- 5-year growth: 54.1%
Riverside stands as one of Greenwich’s premier neighborhoods, with values reaching nearly $2.3 million and showing consistent appreciation. This peninsular community offers residents multiple beaches and water access points along Long Island Sound. The area’s excellent schools, proximity to Manhattan, and mix of waterfront estates and family homes make it particularly attractive to New York City executives seeking a sophisticated suburban lifestyle.
25. Fenwick – Old Saybrook
- 2014: No data
- 2019: $2,064,147
- 2024: $3,516,928
- 5-year growth: 70.4%
Fenwick represents Connecticut’s most exclusive coastal community, with values soaring to over $3.5 million and showing dramatic appreciation since 2019. This historic borough, situated on a peninsula between Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, is one of the state’s most unique communities. The neighborhood’s collection of grand summer cottages, private golf course, and iconic lighthouse create an exclusive enclave that has attracted prominent families, including Katharine Hepburn, for generations.
