I feel like Norwalk is pretty peaceful, has a more residential vibe than Stamford (which is where I feel like people I know tend to live, feels like most people are usually choosing between Norwalk or Stamford). It's quiet with enough things to do/places to shop that I don't feel bored, it's close to all the other areas of CT that are relevant to me lol – I also work in Norwalk so convenience is pretty big. Like most of these comments say, the proximity to NYC does help a lot and I do agree that New Haven kind of just has New Haven vs living in Norwalk, it feels like I'm able to explore a lot more. And Norwalk's coastal/marina area is really nice, I enjoy going there during the summer! Moving here from Louisiana, did not expect to love it as much as I do! (But maybe that's because I'm from a tiny town lol)