Darien 71 Excellent
Darien Livability #93 ranked city in Connecticut#7,164 ranked city in the USARanks better than 75% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Darien

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

What's it like Living in Darien?

Darien, Connecticut is a moderately-sized city with a population of 22,334 residents. At 92%, the majority of the Darien population is White; this is followed by 5% Asian and 1% Black. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Darien might be a good fit as 70% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 61% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. An important consideration when living in Darien is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 35 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Darien, Connecticut. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Darien, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, employment, housing and more.

Darien has a livability score of 70/100 and is ranked #84 in Connecticut and #6,677 in the USA. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Darien ranks well for crime (A+) and education (A+). Regrettably for Darien, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Darien shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 32 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Darien schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 85%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Darien an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Darien is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Darien come in at $2,186,446, which is 346.6% higher than the Connecticut average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Darien, the home price to income ratio is 7, which is 52.2% higher than the Connecticut average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Darien

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Darien?

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      Darien transportation information

      Statistic Darien Connecticut National
      Average one way commute35min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work57.7%78.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.9%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit26.7%4.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.3%2.9%2.8%
      Working from home8.7%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Darien, CT data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.