Westport is a great town for young kids, teenagers and their parents. It’s pretty good for empty nesters too. There are plenty of thngs to do, and plenty of places to do them.
But if you’re college-age?
Hannah Portman — a Westport native, Greens Farms Academy graduate and current Boston University junior — just spent a summer here. She reports:
Many of my college friends didn’t grow up in areas like Westport. Often when I tell them where I’m from, or describe Westport, I can see it register: They realize I’m lucky.
Their first reactions are usually something like, “Westport has the best shopping!” Or, “It’s so pretty there!”
Hannah Portman (2nd from left) and friends, at a Westport 4th of July party.
Having lived here my whole life, I think I started to overlook the great qualities of Westport. I always understood I was privileged to grow up in such a beautiful town. But it wasn’t until I left for college that I truly understood what I had left behind.
I always feel safe here, even walking home from the beach at 11 p.m. I love walking Soundview Drive and saying “hi” or “good morning” to the people I pass, whether I know them or not.
I love how much dedication the town puts into events like the annual fireworks and the various festivals downtown.
The fireworks is one event that draws Westporters of all ages together.
Westport’s sense of safety goes beyond just the physical. It’s a place where people can genuinely be themselves, which isn’t a given in a lot of communities. You can have a protest downtown and it’ll stay peaceful, without fear of violence or backlash.
I think Westport does a great job creating a welcoming environment to all generations. But when it comes to my specific demographic — young adults –there’s still room to grow.
At school, especially in a city like Boston, there’s constant stimulation. Restaurants are open until 2 a.m.. There are late-night spots to hang out, and endless things to do.
There’s always a place to go with friends, an activity to participate in. Of course I don’t expect that same energy from my small coastal hometown. But I do think there could be a bit more.
Main Street has plenty of stores. But Hannah Portman would like to see more variety. (Photo/Hannah Portman)
For example, the cost of a good time in Westport is not sustainable for a college student on their own budget.
It’s always fun to go downtown, do some shopping, and grab something to eat, but every time I do, I spend more than I budgeted. There aren’t any affordable hangout spots. Growing up, places like Rye Ridge Deli and Westport Pizza were cheap, easy options to hang out with friends. Now, it feels like GG & Joe is one of the only spots left with that vibe.
Hanging out — with friends or work — at GG & Joe. (Photo/Hannah Portman)
I often find my friends and I heading to nearby towns like Fairfield, where places like Firehouse Deli and Colony Grill serve as both a spot to eat and hang out.
The same goes for nightlife. Most restaurants close by 11. If you want to be around other 20-somethings you’re going to areas like SONO, or even into the city. Late nights in Westport usually means a backyard, or someone’s car at Compo.
There are ways to make Westport more inclusive and exciting for young adults. The Levitt Pavillion, for example, has so much potential. It’s a great space, right in town, with free shows in the summer. But when I look through their calendar, it’s rare I find something that really excites me.
Most bookings are catered toward adults or children. It’d be great to see them bring in some DJs or indie bands that appeal to my crowd.
A recent Levitt Pavilion audience. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Similarly, the Westport Library hosts great events and speakers, but they seem geared toward older and young audiences. If they brought in authors or creators that my friends and I follow, it could become another draw for young adults, and further differentiate Westport as a cultural center.
I know Westport already offers some leadership opportunities through groups like the Youth Commission and Toquet Hall, but most of these are geared toward high school students. For those who have left for college but still consider Westport home, there’s no clear space to get involved. That’s the gap I’m talking about.
Of course, it’s not all on the town. A lot of it comes down to my generation stepping up. We need young voices in Westport’s leadership that can represent our age group, and work with the programming in the community to help shape a community we want to participate in.
Westport is great, and I wouldn’t want to have grown up anyplace else. There’s so much to love as a 20-year-old, but there’s also room for growth.
The infrastructure is already here. Now we just need representation and initiative to make it even better.
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com. Thank you!)
