New Canaan is located in southwestern Fairfield County. This location presents an ideal in both environment and urban access and is within minutes of several pleasant beach and boating facilities in nearby towns. New Canaan dedicates much space to natural preserves and recreation areas. Swimming facilities, tennis courts, public parks, playgrounds and picnic areas are in abundance for public use. Waveny Park has 400 acres of meadows and woods for jogging and picnics. On the grounds is located an art gallery, playhouse and the manor house for special occasions as well as the Lapham Community Center.

The New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF), founded in 1977, focuses on meeting the changing needs of our community and enhancing the quality of life for all Town residents. The Foundation’s comprehensive knowledge of the community enables us to make a difference by funding high-impact initiatives addressing a broad range of local needs. Philanthropic giving enlivens our sense of community and connects our lives with others. NCCF partners with donors of all levels and provides unique services to help make their giving meaningful, personal and effective. Learn more about YOUR New Canaan Community Foundation at: www.newcanaancf.org or by calling us at 203-966-0231.

The New Canaan Nature Center is a not-for-profit environmental education center that encompasses 40 acres of diverse habitats including meadows, woodlands, marshes, ponds, an orchard and several gardens. Two miles of trails, as well as the interactive Visitor’s Center, greenhouse and animal collection, are open to everyone to enjoy throughout the year. The Nature Center hosts educational events and programs for their members and the entire community throughout the year. Other programs include horticulture, birding and other adult-oriented programs, a nature-based pre-school, summer camp, birthday parties school programs and more. Facility rental is available. Visit www.newcanaannature.org or call 203-966-9577.

New Canaan is chiefly known for its lovely residential sections. The community is one of the most prestigious suburbs in the New York City area. Spacious grounds, beautiful homes and luxury condominium complexes typify the dwellings to be found here. The downtown business area offers over 100 shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Historic houses, several dating to the Colonial era, are sprinkled throughout New Canaan.

The New Canaan Library is open 7 days a week (6 in summer) and offers an excellent selection of books, periodicals and videos. Visit the library’s website at  www.newcanaanlibrary.org The library’s main phone # is 203-594-5000.

The New Canaan Historical Society offers tours of many of their buildings, including the 1825 Town House where the Society offices are located as well as a library, a costume museum, and a replica of a 19th-century apothecary shop. Other tour stops include the 1764 Hanford-Silliman House, the Tool Museum, and the John Rogers Studio and Museum (a registered National Historic Landmark.) The Society has maps for driving tours of historic residences. The Historical Society’s website is www.nchistory.org and their phone # is 203-966-1776.

Public School System: Excellent schools with high state ratings. Over 95.4% of graduates continue their education in colleges and universities. Three elementary schools, one middle and one high school. Special education programs and several adult education classes available. New Canaan’s per pupil expenditure in 2009-10 was $17,032.   2010 SAT Scores:  Math 610; Critical Reading 585; Writing 601. These scores earned us the Number 1 place in the state.

Parochial and Other Schools: K-8 Catholic elementary school. Private elementary and high schools. Several nursery schools and a Day Care Center.

Local Newspapers: The New Canaan Advertiser, an award-winning weekly has been published since 1908.  The New Canaan News-Review is a more recent edition.

Religion: There are 30 different churches, temples and other religious organizations in or very close to New Canaan whose activities are announced in the local paper.

Medical Facilities: Hospitals are located nearby in Stamford, Norwalk and Greenwich, CT. The Silver Hill Psychiatric Hospital is in New Canaan. There is town volunteer EMS service with a “fly” car, and all police vehicles carry defibrillators.

Recreation: New Canaan offers an abundance of year-round recreation activities: 14 tennis courts, a town pool, two ponds for skating, playgrounds, picnic areas for public use, and a town-sponsored recreation program, offering youth and adult athletic leagues. Mead Memorial Park has baseball fields, a pond for ice skating and tennis courts. Kiwanis Park has a town public pond with a beach. There is a private golf course and a community YMCA.

Public Transportation: Commuter rail service via Metro North to all points. A local “Getabout” van serves the elderly and the handicapped.

Social Organizations: Rotary International, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Masons, Kiwanis, Boy and Girl Scouts, Historical Society, Garden Club, League of Women Voters, Women’s Club, Lapham Community Center, Arts & Crafts Society, VFW, Theater and Art societies.

Accommodations: The Roger Sherman Inn.

Restaurants: A wide variety of cuisines are served in nearly 30 different establishments.