New Canaan is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, 12 miles northeast of Greenwich, 36 miles west of New Haven and 48 miles northeast of New York City. The population was 19,738 according to the 2010 census. In 2008 New Canaan had the highest median family income in the country.Considered part of Connecticut's Gold Coast, New Canaan is known for its excellent Connecticut public school system, its wide range of architecture from the Harvard Five modern homes to historic New England colonials and farms, as well as many stately mansions and tended estates, plus a signature town center with premiere shopping, classic boutiques, an elaborate display of lights for the Holidays.