Darien’s Tokeneke Neighborhood: A Look at Its Famous Residents

Everyone knows Connecticut is packed with wealth, but some towns take it to another level. Greenwich and Darien, for example, act as ultra-wealthy enclaves inside the already rich cocoon of the state. And within those towns, there are neighborhoods that feel like even bigger bubbles of money.

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Tokeneke, in Darien, is one of those neighborhoods. According to a 2024 Forbes report, Tokeneke is the wealthiest neighborhood in all of Connecticut, boasting a mean household income of $588,687, a median household income over $250,000, and median home values north of $2 million. It’s the kind of place where private peninsulas and islands stretch into Long Island Sound, tucked between the Goodwives River and Noroton River to the west, and the Fivemile River to the east.

But Tokeneke isn’t just about money—it’s also been home to some seriously famous people. Over the years, actors, directors, journalists, and other stars have either grown up there or chosen it as their hideaway from the public eye. From Hollywood actors to award-winning directors and news anchors, Tokeneke has attracted talent as easily as it attracts wealth.

Here’s a look at five notable faces connected to Tokeneke and their ties to this exclusive Connecticut neighborhood.

Here are some additional information fun facts about Tokeneke

• Tokeneke started as a summer colony in the early 1900s, where wealthy New Yorkers, artists, and writers built summer homes. Over time many of these summer homes became year-round residences.
• Tokeneke has its own security features. The Tokeneke Association includes private constables who patrol the roads and enforce rules. Also, many of its roads are not town-owned, which means Tokeneke residents (via associations) maintain them.
• Founded in 1903 (formally incorporated in 1907), the Tokeneke Club sits on land between Butlers and Contentment Islands. It’s a classic waterfront social/beach club with a beach, swimming pool, tennis courts, cabanas, ballrooms, and many seasonal social events.
• Many parts of Tokeneke restrict non-resident access (roads, private associations), which gives it a reclusive feel despite being in a densely populated part of Fairfield County.

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