Made of cast-iron, the Riverside Avenue Bridge is undoubtedly the most significant landmark in Riverside. It's the only one of its kind in Connecticut and one of the few cast-iron bridges still in operation in America. Its subtle charm and elegance embody the beauty of this town.
Home to 8,416 people, the neighborhood of Riverside is technically within the town of Greenwich
Made of cast-iron, the Riverside Avenue Bridge is undoubtedly the most significant landmark in Riverside. It's the only one of its kind in Connecticut and one of the few cast-iron bridges still in operation in America. Its subtle charm and elegance embody the beauty of this town.
Home to 8,416 people, the neighborhood of Riverside is technically within the town of Greenwich. Located in Fairfield County, Riverside is not too far from New York City. While you shouldn't expect the town to sizzle the same way the Big Apple sizzles, it still sizzles, just in a different way. Featuring a close knit community, proximity to the harbor, green space, quality transportation and infrastructure, and wonderful niche shopping, Riverside is a solid location within one of the nation's most bustling regions. Additionally, landmarks like the Samuel Ferris House add a touch of old charm to this forward-pushing area. The old, the new, and the cool is what you get in Riverside. It's advised to enjoy everything about this town, from the historic architecture to the fusion cuisine.
As you have probably just learned, you can't go wrong living in Riverside. A super low crime rate has only added to this area's popularity. Hence, before you search for rental properties in Riverside, you must get familiar with the way things work here. You can't just hop off a boat at Greenwich Cove and nab a home like you're Captain Hook or something. You know better than that.
Renters Must Prepare
A low amount of available pads and a renter-occupancy rate of just 18.4% make Riverside a difficult market to navigate. As G.I. Joe would say, half the battle is knowing such things. The other half is formulating a game plan to ensure you get something suitable for yourself. Going out in this market without a game plan is like navigating the high seas without a GPS.
Look When the Market is Moving
Riverside typically experiences more market activity from June through August as this is the common time to move if folks must do such. If you come in winter, you may have the market all to yourself, but that market won't feature many available pads. If you aren't bound by personal matters, arrive in the summertime.
Start Looking Before Your Arrival
Many folks start their search for apartment rentals roughly one to two months before they make their transition to Riverside. If you can, do the same. If you have even more time, then start now if you can. The lesson here is the earlier you can start looking, the better. Send emails and call appropriate people, and be ready to move in by the time you get to Riverside. Arrange to tour a few pads once you arrive, and quickly select the one you like most. Don't let anything sit in this market, or else somebody else will be sitting in the rental home that had your name on it.
Don't Be Picky
If you are fixated on apartment complexes, you are missing out on a good deal of the Riverside housing market. While it's very possible to get an apartment or condo for rent within a managed community, detached houses account for 83.4% of homes in Riverside and are thus your most available option. Search all types of real estate, and see what's out there. In a tough market like this, you have to look at all possible options. The good thing is that Riverside is pretty much all nice, regardless of what you rent or where you rent in town.
Be a Standout Applicant
If you are searching for studio apartments for rent and stumble upon one you really like, it would be a shame if you didn't have the necessary cash and info to secure it at that moment. If you want to show your seriousness and reliability, bring that checkbook, have copies of needed personal info, and prepare a credit report. Be ready to pay one or two months' rent to the landlord as well as the deposit. Give the landlord or staff a list of landlord references and show a bank statement. By doing all this, you prove your trustworthiness and your ability to pay for a place. That will make you look like the perfect tenant. It will also guarantee you can rent that place as all that info and dough is needed for the lease contract.
Look Before You Sign
Like a lot of Connecticut towns, historic homes abound. Also, nearly half of the homes in Riverside were built before 1960, and while most possess a cool colonial feel, you still should inspect from ceiling to floor for problems. It's worth noting that the high majority are in great shape, but it's always best to be cautious. Look past the exquisite exterior and beautiful interior. Check major things like electrical wiring, air conditioning, and plumbing. The last thing you want is to get shocked by a bad socket and have a new hair style you didn't choose.
Technically a neighborhood of Greenwich, Riverside has various pockets within its limits. Where you do want to be? You can live close to Interstate-95, near the harbor, or by the train station. What do you need in your life? Establish that and choose your Riverside 'hood accordingly.
Greenwich Cove: Right by the water, this mostly residential area is great for boating. While being mostly car dependent, easy going streets and access to the rail line make biking and taking public transit convenient. Some neighborhood highlights include Greenwich Point Park, the Riverside Yacht Club, and lots of houses. Don't forget about the ocean views too!
Central Riverside: Right near the rail station heading to Grand Central, the central neighborhood is near Binney Park, Innis Arden Golf Club and the Old Greenwich section. This is a good spot to live if you need to get to New York City often and if you enjoy green space. The neighborhood is somewhat walkable, as stores like Noble International Foods are right in the area.
Lockwood Lane / Connecticut Turnpike: By far the most vibrant area of town, this neighborhood is near the highway and the action on East Putnam Avenue. Dine at the Baang Cafe and Bar, sip on wine at the Eleven14 Kitchen, and shop at several different stores. If you want to live in a happening social spot, this is the spot. It is also the most walkable neighborhood in Riverside, by far and away.
The question is this: do you need a car? The answer is no, but life would be more convenient with one. The Riverside rail station is within walking distance and ensures you can get in and out with ease. Cycling within town is very manageable as well.
Overall, though, the majority of residents love using their vehicle.
The Riverside lifestyle can be laid-back like a reggae song or it can be upbeat like club techno. The thing that's great is that you set the music. If you want relaxation, read a good book and take in the views of Captain Harbor. If you want action, take a sailboat out on those waters, play a round of golf at Greenwich Country Club, or party at Louie's Restaurant Bar. Shops like Greenwich Music, Estate Treasures of Greenwich, and Cigar Gallery guarantee you can buy anything from antiques to keyboards. If you want more, just go fulfill your wildest fantasies in New York City. When you just want to stay at home, you can do that too, as Riverside boasts a great residential atmosphere. If you ever need to contemplate, just stroll down Riverside Avenue and soak in your new town's scenery. As you walk by other folks and across the Riverside Avenue Bridge, you'll realize this: Riverside is a time-honored neighborhood in Greenwich that loves cast-iron, is proud of its history, and is focused on living well today. Knock on that cast-iron and life in Greenwich will flow the way you need it. You get it? It's not knock on wood in Riverside. It's knock on cast-iron.
