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Description of Greenwich, CT. While Greenwich is a single town, its various districts offer great diversity. Central Greenwich is quiet and urban, 'a city with trees', as some call it. Old Greenwich, to the East, has small lots with older houses near the water and a relaxed, 'California' lifestyle. Riverside is less casual, with picture perfect homes and large waterfront estates. 'Back country" Greenwich to the North offers two- and four-acre zoning and large country estates that may run many times larger than this. Byram and Glenville to the West offer more diverse lifestyles and more affordable housing opportunities. Educational FacilitiesEducation is a priority in Greenwich, with more than forty percent of the adult residents having completed at least four years of college. The town has over 30 private preschools and nursery schools, a parochial school, six private day schools and one boarding school in addition to its nationally recognized, public school system. Given a recent influx of international business executives and their families, almost forty languages are spoken by the student population. The Japanese School is a private school addressing the linguistic and educational needs of that special population segment.
The Continuing Education program attracts 6,600 students each year with over 450 course offerings. Colleges and universities in the region, such as The University of Connecticut (Stamford), Yale University, Fairfield University, and the nearby New York Universities offer a variety of college level options. More than three-fourths of the public school students go on to four-year colleges. Cultural EventsGreenwich offers a wide array of cultural opportunities for both the participant and the audience, with its own Philharmonic, an Arts Council, several art societies, two choral societies, choirs and specialized singing groups, dance groups and active theater associations. The Bruce Museum houses collections of fine art, Indian and colonial relics, and natural history exhibits. The museum has visiting exhibitions, lecture programs and an extensive children's program. The Greenwich Library provides a well-rounded center with its lectures, films, art gallery exhibits and lending libraries of books, records, art and films. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the Library was remodeled during 1999 at a cost of $25 million, including the computerization of many of its facilities. Greenwich's central location also encourages travel to the cultural facilities of the region from Broadway in NYC to Long Wharf in New Haven. Recreation Recreation facilities are an attraction for many new residents. Town facilities include four boat marinas, five community centers, four beaches (two of them on islands and reached by town-operated ferries). Numerous private clubs and associations offer riding, golf, tennis, boating, swimming and skating. Clinic and competition programs are sponsored by the town's Recreation and Parks Department and nonprofit organizations.
Sports team abound in all seasons, both in the schools and in towm-wide programs for soccer, baseball/T-ball, football and lacrosse. Skating and hockey are popular. Sailing is a major activity for many, both young and old alike, with boats as small as Optimists and Lasers, or as large as J's and Sonars. Houses of WorshipThough the Congregational Society of Greenwich was formed as the established church under the 1665 township patent-provision, Greenwich now has dozens of public places of worship of all faiths and denominations. In addition to numerous Protestant churches, there are ten Catholic churches, as well as four synagogues.  Medical Facilities Health needs of the community are served by Greenwich Hospital, a non-profit association affiliated with Yale University School of Medicine and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The hospital, with 296 beds, offers general and specialized medical and surgical care. In September 1999, an almost complete re-building of the Hospital was completed, including all new facilities, improved security, and indoor parking. The Town's Department of Health offers a full range of education programs.
Independent living facilities are offered at the near-by Edgehill on the border with Stamford, where one can buy a living unit with whatever level of service one might require. A joint venture between Stamford Hospital and Marriott, Edgehill opened in late 1999 and is now almost at capacity. Assisted living and intensive care are offered as and when needed. More traditional, nursing home facilities are offered at four other locations within Greenwich, including Laurelton, The Mews, and Nathaniel Witherell House.
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