Norwalk has just been named
No. 29 among the best places for families to live in America by Fortune Magazine.
"To me, it didn't come as a surprise. I've lived in Norwalk my whole life, and I know what a wonderful community it is," said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling.
Rilling says he's proud to call Norwalk his home and proud of the recognition Norwalk is getting from Fortune Magazine.
"They looked at our affordability, our location, all the things we have available to people who want to come here, multigenerational families, we have something for everyone," said Rilling.
Norwalk has the Maritime Aquarium, Calf Pasture Beach, Stepping Stones Museum and Stew Leonard's for starters - and even the Norwalk Oyster Festival.
"Crime is really low in the area. It's gotten lower each year," said Rilling.
Norwalk schools have a more than a 92% graduation rate.
Business is booming, even during the pandemic and after.
There's accessibility to train service and great parks.
"Fortune analyzed nearly 1,900 cities across the U.S. to come up with Fortune's 50 best places to live for families," said Fortune health and wellness reporter Alexa Mikhail.
Mikhail says the magazine looked at one place in every state using several categories.
"From access to health care to education and even resources for seniors," said Mikhail.
Fortune also looked at diversity and inclusion.
"I think we're very progressive, we're moving in the right direction, and as I said people are so upbeat to me it’s gratifying," said Rilling.
Norwalk also has some of the best oysters in the world, and News 12 Connecticut is based in Norwalk.
Danbury made Fortune's top 100 list.