Ben Franklin Gardens Condos in Norwalk, CT

Ben Franklin Gardens Condos for Sale

Ben Franklin Gardens is a small condominium complex with only 39 units, and that size works against buyers who are waiting for the right moment. Turnover here is limited. MLS records show 23 sales over roughly a decade, which averages out to fewer than three units changing hands per year. When a unit does come to market, it moves. The 2025 sales closed between $212,000 and $227,000 on one-bedroom, one-bath layouts of 612 square feet, and none of them sat for long. Active availability changes quickly at a complex this size. If you are watching Norwalk CT condos in this price range, Ben Franklin Gardens is worth monitoring closely. Contact The Engel Team for current availability and off-market leads.

Recently Sold at Ben Franklin Gardens

MLS records show 23 confirmed sales at Ben Franklin Gardens, with closed prices ranging from $76,000 to $345,000 across the full history. The median sale price across all recorded transactions is $150,000, but that figure includes sales dating back to 2016 and 2017 when the market was materially different. The more relevant benchmark is recent activity. In 2025, three units closed: APT 25 at $212,000 in January, APT 23 at $227,000 in July, and APT 21 at $225,000 in October. All three were 1-bedroom, 1-bath units at exactly 612 square feet, which puts the 2025 price per square foot in the range of $346–$371.

The only 3-bedroom unit in the recent sales record is Unit 34, which closed at $345,000 in June 2022 at 1,224 square feet. Unit 17, another 3-bedroom, sold for $198,000 in July 2020. Those two data points define the range for larger units, though both are now several years old and the market has moved since. Buyers pricing a 3-bedroom unit at Ben Franklin Gardens today should treat those figures as a floor, not a ceiling.

About Ben Franklin Gardens

Ben Franklin Gardens is a 39-unit condominium complex at 135 Flax Hill Road in Norwalk, CT. The building was constructed in 1990, which puts it in a generation of Norwalk condominiums that were built during a period of significant residential expansion in the city. The complex is ranch-style in character, meaning no elevator and no high-rise configuration. At 39 units, it is smaller than most comparable complexes in the Norwalk market, which contributes to a tighter community feel and, practically speaking, fewer units competing for buyers’ attention at any given time. The Flax Hill Road location places it in the South Norwalk corridor, accessible to the Norwalk train station and the Route 7 and I-95 grid. This is not a waterfront condominium. Flood zone considerations are not the primary due diligence concern here, unlike complexes closer to the harbor.

Homes and Layouts at Ben Franklin Gardens

Ben Franklin Gardens offers two unit types based on MLS sales history: 1-bedroom, 1-bath units at 612 square feet, and 3-bedroom, 2-bath units at 1,224 square feet. The 1-bedroom units account for the overwhelming majority of recorded sales, 21 of 23 transactions in the MLS record. The 3-bedroom units are exactly double the square footage of the 1-bedrooms, which suggests a straightforward floor plan configuration rather than a wide variation in layout. The ranch style means single-floor living with no stairs within the unit, which suits buyers who prioritize accessibility or prefer a simpler layout over vertical square footage. Parking details and outdoor space allocations are not confirmed in MLS data and should be verified directly with the association or a listing agent before making an offer.

What Buyers Need to Know

HOA fees at Ben Franklin Gardens have ranged from $190 to $244 per month based on recorded sales. The three most recent 2025 closings show fees of $220, $220, and $232, which suggests the association has been managing modest, steady increases rather than large jumps. Annual property taxes on the 1-bedroom units have ranged from approximately $1,844 to $2,735 depending on the year of sale and assessed value at the time. The 3-bedroom unit that sold in 2022 carried a tax burden of $3,318 annually.

Because the building was constructed in 1990, buyers should request a current reserve fund study before closing. Buildings from this era frequently face deferred capital expenses around the 30-to-35-year mark, including roofing, siding, parking surface repairs, and mechanical systems. A healthy reserve fund is the difference between stable monthly fees and a special assessment that arrives 18 months after you close. Ask for the most recent reserve study, the current reserve fund balance, and any history of special assessments in the past five years.

Resale value at Ben Franklin Gardens has improved meaningfully since 2016, when units were trading at $76,000–$91,000. The 2025 sales in the $212,000–$227,000 range represent a near-tripling of value over roughly nine years. That trajectory supports resale potential for buyers entering now, but the small unit count means future pricing is sensitive to condition, finishes, and timing. A unit in original 1990 condition will trade at a discount to one that has been renovated. Buyers should inspect each unit individually rather than assuming uniform condition across the building.

Rental rules, pet policy, and owner-occupancy ratios are not confirmed in public MLS data. If you are purchasing as an investor or need flexibility on rental use, verify the association’s rental cap and any waiting list requirements before going under contract. Owner-occupancy ratios also affect conventional financing eligibility, so confirm this figure with your lender early in the process. The resale package from the association will include the current rules, financials, and any pending litigation, and it should be reviewed by your attorney before the inspection contingency expires.

Buying or Selling at Ben Franklin Gardens

Ben Franklin Gardens sits at a price point that has real demand in Norwalk. The broader Norwalk CT real estate market has a town-wide median near $660,000, and one-bedroom condominiums in the $212,000–$227,000 range draw first-time buyers, downsizers, and investors who want Norwalk access without the entry cost of a single-family home. Inventory across Norwalk dropped roughly 10.6% in early 2025 compared to the prior year, and the overall median sale price has softened in recent months. That combination of tighter inventory and price softening means buyers have slightly more negotiating room than they did in 2022 and 2023, but well-priced units at small complexes like this one still move without extended time on market.

If you are considering a purchase at Ben Franklin Gardens, The Engel Team can provide a current comparable analysis, flag any units in pre-market status, and walk you through the association financials before you make an offer. If you own a unit here and are evaluating timing, the 2025 sales give you three strong recent comps, which is a better pricing foundation than most small Norwalk complexes can offer. You can also browse the broader Norwalk homes for sale inventory to understand how condominiums at this price point compare to entry-level single-family options in the same market. Contact The Engel Team to discuss valuation, offer strategy, or listing preparation specific to Ben Franklin Gardens.

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