With easy access to Manhattan, award-winning schools, and countryside and ocean-front properties available, Greenwich, Connecticut remains a premier commuter town to New York City, say local Realtors.

"Greenwich continues to enjoy its status of being the premier town located just over the New York border in Fairfield County, Connecticut," says Realtor Rosanne Nelson. "It is often the discriminating buyer's first choice because of its easy access to Manhattan (a 30-minute train ride into Grand Central), its award-winning schools, its beautiful beaches, waterfront communities and rolling back-country estates."

Nelson explains, "The population of Greenwich exceeds 60,000 residents. The town encompasses over 48 square miles and consists of several small villages including: Greenwich proper, Old Greenwich, Riverside, Cos Cob and Glenville. These villages have their own shopping areas, schools and most have train stations. 'The Gateway to New England' is conveniently located 28 miles from mid-town Manhattan, yet presents a panorama of natural beauty and picturesque charms. You will enjoy all aspects of country living here, from its waterfront coastline dotted with sailboats, through mid-country sprinkled with protected conservation land and riding trails, to back country's rolling hills studded with polo fields, horse farms and grand estates. The average home sale price in Greenwich is just under $2 million and can range up to in excess of $26 million dollars. Homes in Greenwich range from condominiums, to attractive New England colonials, to impressive estates and waterfront properties. Prices have moved up once again this year with interest rates still holding and inventory still very tight. If a property is well priced and desirable it will often accept many bids in the first few days. So, the expert's advice to serious buyers is to be ready with a focused idea of what you are looking for and your financing in place so you will be able to make an offer quickly when you find the right house."

Says Realtor Kaye Lewis, "The 2004 Greenwich market has started out very strong. For the first time in several years, we are experiencing multiple bids and buyers are being 'gazumped' again. Now's the time, due to continuing low interest rates, for buyers to arrive ready to buy, offering cash (and with pre-approvals available from lenders, any offer they make can be classified a 'cash deal') and as clean an offer as possible. Sellers should be aware that buyers still expect value, but with currently low inventory levels, properties are going to contract in less time and with prices close to list price. Now's the time to get your home on the market if you're thinking of selling in 2004."

"Greenwich offers one of the lowest tax rates in the region," offers Realtor Pamela S. Cunconan, "nationally recognized public and private schools, express commuting from the railroad, parkways and airports, exceptional waterfront facilities, outstanding parks and sports facilities, private golf, yacht and country clubs, state-of-the-art libraries, and excellent social and cultural centers. It is no wonder that Greenwich residents share such a feeling of pride in this special town."

About the market, Cunconan says, "The spring market has sprung! We are experiencing a very active first quarter market with more than 286 new residential listings on the market since the first of the year. Over 112 properties have gone to contract and 117 have closed. Many properties are receiving more than the asking price. All indicators point to this being another active year."