Wilton, Connecticut is comprised of 26.8 square miles, 55 miles from Manhattan. Settled in the early eighteenth century, and incorporated as a town in 1802, this once sleepy farming community is today an extremely desirable suburb and home to approximately 16,000 people. Many are commuters, who work in New York, Stamford, White Plains and other nearby cities. Those who take the train into Manhattan have the advantage of being able to park at the Wilton Main and Cannondale stations without paying for a special permit.
The four designated historic districts of Wilton feature superb examples of early American architecture, and the town historical society vigilantly fights to protect the remaining examples of Wilton’s proud heritage. The majority of homes are zoned for one or two acre lots, although there are condominium and apartment complexes. Small shopping malls, which are confined to limited areas, allow residents local access to everything from designer clothing to Hollywood’s latest offerings, and numerous corporate offices along the bustling Route 7 add to the tax base.
Rolling, wooded hills crisscrossed by centuries-old stone walls and scenic ponds and a thriving local economy are the hallmark of Wilton, Connecticut. It is New England at its most picturesque.
The Wilton Library is one of the town’s primary cultural resources. Not only does its catalogue exceed 120,000 volumes of books, tapes and periodicals, but it also organizes monthly trips to New York theaters and museums. Additionally, the Library sponsors on-site literary seminars, art exhibits, classes, slideshows and more. On pleasant summer evenings, the sound of jazz can be heard coming from Merwin Meadows Park. And for over sixty years, the Wilton Playshop, distinguished as one of the longest continually running community theaters, has helped emerging directors and playwrights bring their works to the stage.
Wilton Real Estate Reports
Schools
Wilton has two schools serving kindergarten through second grade, a 3-4-5 school, one middle school and one high school. There are currently just over 4,100 children in the Wilton Public School system.
Miller School and Driscoll School serve children through second grade. While each has its own principal and administrative staff, they are physically connected by the schools offices and library. There are approximately 1000 students in both schools, with between seven and eight sections per grade. These schools pride themselves on providing for special needs children as well as the gifted.
Cider Miller School serves children in third, fourth and fifth grades. There are 20-22 children per class.
Middle Brook Middle School houses grades six through eight. The curriculum covers languages, science, mathematics, social studies, computer and art. There is a program for gifted students as well.
Wilton High School allows gifted students to choose from eleven advanced placement classes in English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages and art. An acclaimed language program offers French, Spanish, German, Russian and Latin. Over the past five years, more than 91% of Wilton High graduates have continued on to higher education.
Recreation
Whether it’s the wealth of activities provided by the Wilton Family Y, with its numerous indoor and outdoor pools, full gym and fitness center and playing fields, or the perennial family favorite, Merwin Meadows Park, with its spring-fed swimming pond, picnic facilities and playground, Wilton has something for everyone. It even has Connecticut’s only national park, Weir Farm. The sixty-acre estate of American Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir, is open year-round. Visitors come to see the artist’s studio and home as well as hike the miles of walking trails. The Woodcock Nature Center, another destination for those who appreciate the outdoors, is a preserve offering educational classes and activities. During the summer, children from 4-10 years old may attend summer camp here.
Equestrians and golfers in Wilton and the surrounding towns are partial to the Wilton Riding Club and the Rolling Hills Country Club. And tennis enthusiasts can use the courts in the athletic complex by Middlebrook School or the town courts by the high school or those at the private Four Seasons Racquet Club, which also has a seasonal swimming pool.
There are eight recreational parks in Wilton: Bradley (83 acres), Cherry Lane (50 acres), Horseshoe (6 acres), Quarry Head (32 acres) Schenck’s Island (13 acres), Town Forest (188 acres), Wild Duck Preserve (16 acres) and Weir Farm.
Culture
The Wilton Library is one of the town’s primary cultural resources. Not only does its catalogue exceed 120,000 volumes of books, tapes and periodicals, but it also organizes monthly trips to New York theaters and museums. Additionally, the Library sponsors on-site literary seminars, art exhibits, classes, slideshows and more. On pleasant summer evenings, the sound of jazz can be heard coming from Merwin Meadows Park. And for over sixty years, the Wilton Playshop, distinguished as one of the longest continually running community theaters, has helped emerging directors and playwrights bring their works to the stage.
