Rowayton is a community defined by waterfronts and composed of many small neighborhoods. Because properties are small, usually less than 1/2 acre, neighborliness is a condition of the Rowayton lifestyle. Although the village covers only 1.28 square miles, with a population of about 4,000, it boasts plenty of open space to keep its residents from feeling crowded. Bayley Beach is the town beach, complete with pavilion, snack bar, picnic tables and tennis courts. Neighborhood associations maintain beaches for their residents. Pinkney Park is a treasure: a spacious property bordering the Five Mile River with an historical 1820 farmhouse housing the Rowayton Historical society. Many events are held there including Shakespeare on the Sound and a weekly farmers' market during the summer. On Highland Avenue, the stables of an old estate have been converted into a library and community center. Rowayton functions as an independent village but is formally known as Norwalk's 6th taxing district. Taxes are collected by the City, but Rowayton's are returned to the village and disbursed to support services and facilities not provided by Norwalk. Many Rowayton volunteers make possible an amazing schedule of events including the Memorial Day Parade, a summer concert series, Fourth of July fireworks, the River Ramble, a Labor Day swim meet, a Christmas pageant and many others. The Rowayton Fire Department is a volunteer group. The Rowayton Arts center, Rowayton Historical Society and Rowayton Garden Club all add flavor to the village. The Five Mile River, separating Rowayton and Darien, is one of the best protected harbors on Long Island Sound with many slips and moorings. There are several boat yards as well as the Rowayton Yacht club, Roton Point Club and DownUnder - a popular kayaking spot. Real Estate prices in Rowayton are among the highest in Norwalk. Rowayton was founded in the late 1600's by farmers and fishermen. It was a major oystering center in the 1800's with many of the lovely Victorian homes having been built by prosperous oystermen. Summer beach communities developed in the 1920's and 1930's. Now Rowayton is a suburb with an easy commute to New York, offices for local businesses, vibrant boating, tennis and paddle tennis facilities and an active downtown all wrapped in the atmosphere of a traditional New England village.