Central location, vintage charm, lots of housing options, commuter friendly – just some of the reasons residents choose to make Glenbrook their home. Bordering Darien to the east, Springdale to the north, Cove to the south and downtown Stamford to the west, many of the tree lined streets are within walking or biking distance to the train, restaurants, schools, shops and Stamford’s vibrant downtown-or a very short car ride. Truly a small suburb of Stamford!
Glenbrook Post Office on Courtland Avenue – 1912
In 1866, Joseph Whitton purchased a 20-acre tract in New Hope, as the area was originally called. The New Canaan railroad was built five years later, passing through the center of Whitton’s land. Whitton laid out streets, including Cottage Avenue, Union Street, and Railroad Avenue. In the 1870s, New Hope residents decided they wanted a name more pleasing to the ear and came up with “Glen-Brook.” Until the 1960s Stamford’s now large neighborhoods, like Glenbrook, were often looked on as individual, unofficial towns, and residents would write their mailing addresses using the name “Glenbrook, Conn.” instead of “Stamford, Conn.” In the 1950s, the train station was moved from a spot near the Courtland Avenue overpass (on the New Haven line) to its present location a bit to the northwest on the New Canaan line.
The area became very popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s and many homes were built during that era. The vintage charm of these homes resonates for today’s buyers, who love the details and quality of that period. Living close to the city center is also making a comeback for people who want conveniences within arm’s reach and not the maintenance and additional expenses that come with living on larger lots in more remote locations. If living in single family home isn’t your cup of tea, Glenbrook offers many other options for a lifestyle that might suit your needs; townhomes, condominium complexes, and rentals ranging from new construction apartment buildings to flats in multi-family homes are also available.
If you want to search out unique items to decorate your living space, take a trip to United House Wrecking, which has become something of a Stamford institution. Conceived as a demolition business, United House Wrecking started collecting old bricks, lumber, odd doors and leftover pieces of furniture from homes that were, shall we say, “passed their prime”. This popular and distinctive store is located on Hope Street in a 43,000 square feet emporium filled with salvaged antiques, architectural remnants, and more recently, new furniture and custom made items were added to the mix. It’s been at the Glenbrook location since 1988 and attracts customers from far and wide who like to browse the immense space in search of the perfect find.
If you’re a NYC commuter, Glenbrook is certainly on your list of places to live in Stamford. The New Canaan Branch of Metro North stops in Glenbrook and has direct routes to New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. Five thru trains leave Glenbrook each weekday morning starting at 5:45 am and in about 50 minutes you will arrive in Midtown. There is also quick and easy access to I95 to the South and the Merritt Parkway to the North.
My Stamford CT Home 