An industrial past and a commuting present in northern Fairfield County
Danbury earned its nickname “Hat City” by being the largest hat manufacturer in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At one point, Danbury’s hat factories produced almost 5 million hats in a year. That specific industry declined, but the small city’s previously established manufacturing spaces are still in use. Furniture design company Ethan Allen is headquartered in Danbury, and industrial gas supplier Linde has a major operation in the area. The city of Danbury and Danbury Hospital are other major local employers.
The city’s position in northern Fairfield County, as Danbury is against the New York border, means that commuting to New York City is very common as well. “It’s a small city, with about 90,000 people, but there are a lot of rural areas,” says Lisa Bowman, a broker with Bowman Properties by Coldwell Banker Realty who has served the area for over 20 years. “You still feel like you’re living out in the country in a lot of ways, but you can easily get to New York City.” Compared to Fairfield County cities like Darien and Greenwich, Danbury is more affordable and much more culturally diverse; Danbury’s Latino population makes up about 31 percent of the city’s population. Danbury’s spacious lots, connection to Candlewood Lake, which is the largest lake in the state, and diverse food scene make for a dynamic atmosphere.
Danbury’s Memorial Day Parade honors military service with a festive community event.
Discover the gorgeous Tarrywile Park in the heart of Danbury.
Join the vibrant and growing community of Downtown Danbury.
Danbury is home to Ethan Allen, a leader in furniture and interior design.
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Boating, hiking trails and sports fields in Danbury
Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in the state, is a focal point for recreation, extending across five towns. At Lattins Cove Boat Launch, boaters launch watercraft to go fishing or sail around the lake. Candlewood Town Park has a small sandy beach, a playground and picnic areas along the water; season passes to enter the lake cost about $35 for Danbury residents. Bear Mountain Reservation has miles of forested hiking trails that meander near the waterway. Other public parks focus on athletic recreation; Rogers Park has baseball diamonds, volleyball courts and a multipurpose turf field.
Relax at Candlewood Lake, the focal point of recreation in Danbury.
Enjoy family fun in Danbury at Candlewood Town Park’s sandy beach and picnic spots.
Explore the Bear Mountain Reservation for scenic hiking trails in Danbury.
Take a stroll through Rogers Park in Danbury, with fields and courts for sports enthusiasts.
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Concerts, hockey games and community events on CityCenter Green
Downtown Danbury is the community’s gathering place for seasonal events, like the annual Light the Lights festival in early December, featuring a fire truck parade, holiday market and tree lighting. The Danbury CityCenter Green hosts a weekly farmers market and Halloween on the Green, where costumed kids gather candy as live music fills the air. The Danbury Ice Arena is the home rink of the Danbury Hat Tricks, the local Federal Prospects Hockey League team. Youth and adult rec leagues also practice and play here. Downtown, a circa-1920s performing arts theater called The Palace hosts a few concerts and film showings every month. The Ives Concert Park has free summer concerts that draw large crowds. “It’s a big outdoor amphitheater that you have to walk through the woods to get to, with your folding chair in tow, so it makes for a fun, immersive experience,” Bowman says.
Watch Downtown Danbury shine at the annual Light the Lights celebration.
Danbury Farmers Market offers the best of farm-to-table produce and products.
Catch the Danbury Hat Tricks in action at the Danbury Ice Arena.
The Palace Theater in Downtown Danbury hosts an array of events throughout the year.
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A large high school and two colleges in Danbury
The Danbury Public School District scores an overall B-minus rating from Niche and serves about 12,000 local students with 13 elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school. The high school has a student population of about 3,500, which makes it the largest public high school in New England. For post-secondary education, there’s Western Connecticut State University, which has a student population of about 4,400 students and offers more than 40 undergraduate degree programs, 18 master’s degree programs and two doctoral programs. The school has a larger downtown campus, and a Westside campus with a business center, athletic campus and performing arts center. “Since WestConn is a relatively small school, you don’t notice a large influx of students walking around, though the college does have a footprint in the community,” Bowman says. There’s also the Danbury branch of the Naugatuck Valley Community College in central Danbury.
Danbury Hospital, part of the Nuvance Health system, is near Western Connecticut State University. The medical center has advanced cardiac and vascular care and a Level III NICU department.
Explore the newly renovated Danbury High School.
Western Connecticut State University brings vibrant student energy to Danbury.
Explore higher education options at Naugatuck Community College's Danbury campuses.
The Danbury Hospital delivers top notch care in the heart of Danbury.
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New England homes at cheaper prices than other Fairfield County cities
The median listing price for houses in Danbury in 2024 was about $450,000, which is higher than the state median of $340,000, but lower than the median listing price in Fairfield County of about $700,000. Classic New England homes, some on small lots decorated with shrubbery, and others on spacious wooded plots with long driveways, are typical in Danbury. Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, ranch styles and bi-levels in muted cool tones, most of which were built in the mid-to-late 1900s, fill the city. In neighborhoods closer to downtown like Germantown, single-family homes can cost between $300,000 and $600,000. Similar houses on about an acre of land can cost as much as $900,000.
Like other cities in Fairfield County, Danbury saw an influx of people moving out of New York City during 2020, searching for more land and cheaper homes. “During COVID, people were willing to take anything. But now that prices have gotten a lot higher, buyers are getting pickier,” Bowman says. “The average buyer can’t afford to fix up a $500,000 to $625,000 house, so houses have to be in pristine condition to sell as fast as they were during the peak of COVID.” She adds that most properties will get multiple offers, but they won’t receive up to 10 in a week like they would in 2020.
Affordable housing and a vibrant community make Danbury a top choice for first-time buyers.
Danbury offers a mix of styles, from Cape Cods to Colonials, priced between $300k-$900k.
Spacious lots make Danbury perfect for homeowners seeking tranquility.
Danbury's proximity to NYC and affordable homes make it a prime choice for commuters.
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A popular shopping mall, diverse restaurant corridors
Shoppers are convenient to one of the largest malls in Connecticut; the Danbury Fair is a modern shopping center with fountains, contemporary lighting fixtures and a double-decker carousel. Along with department stores like Macy’s and JCPenney, there are popular retailers like Coach, Pottery Barn, L.L. Bean, Abercrombie and Fitch and J. Crew. Danbury also has big box stores like Walmart and Target, and grocery options include Stew Leonard’s, ShopRite and Aldi.
Restaurants are clustered around two main areas: along Mill Plain Road and on Main Street in downtown Danbury. “For a small city, there’s quite a diverse mix of restaurants,” Bowman says. She notes that diners can easily find Italian, Middle Eastern, Brazilian and Thai fare, along with a host of other flavors. Chuck’s Steak House is one of the best-known establishments in Danbury, as it’s been serving prime ribs and cocktails since the 1970s. Dolce Restaurant and Wine Bar is an elevated Italian restaurant, and Hanna’s Middle Eastern Restaurant and Market serves gyros.
The Danbury Fair Mall offers everything from Abercrombie to Pottery Barn.
Shop Rite has two stores conveniently located in Danbury.
Chuck’s Steak House, a Danbury icon since the 1970s, is known for it's steaks and salad bar.
Dolce Restaurant offers Italian cuisine and fine wines in the heart of Danbury.
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Commuter rails and Interstate 84 take residents to New York City
Commuters can board the Danbury Line on the Metro-North Railroad at the train station downtown, which stops in towns like Bethel and Wilton before it arrives in South Norwalk. “If you take the train directly in Danbury, you have to switch to the New Haven line in Norwalk if you’re traveling to New York City,” Bowman says. For a direct train ride to Grand Central Terminal, Bowman says that commuters will drive about 10 miles west to Brewster, New York, where they can board the Harlem line on the Metro-North Railroad. Since Danbury has direct access to Interstate 84, many will also commute by car to Fairfield County cities like Greenwich and Stamford or further south to New York City; Manhattan is about 60 miles south. U.S. Routes 202 and 7 also cross through Danbury. The Danbury Municipal Airport services commercial and private aircraft; the nearest international airport is LaGuardia Airport, 60 miles away.
Danbury experiences all four seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold winters. “We used to get a lot of snow, but in the last few years, we haven’t gotten a lot of winter storms,” Bowman says. “But when we do get snow, the city gets out there and clears the roads quickly.”
Decreasing crime rates in Danbury
Crime rates in Danbury are lower than state and national averages. According to FBI statistics, 1,080 violent crimes and 975 property crimes were reported in Danbury in 2023. Overall, crime dropped 8.5 percent in 2023.
Written By
Amanda Boivin
Photography Contributed By
Augusto Abreu
Video By
Tyler Belile
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Danbury, CT sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Danbury, CT over the last 12 months is $440,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Elegant Center Hall Colonial with Resort-Style Amenities Step into timeless elegance with this stunning center hall colonial, where classic charm meets modern luxury. A grand foyer welcomes you with a dramatic split staircase, setting the tone for the spacious and thoughtfully designed interior. The heart of the home is a gourmet kitchen, complete with granite countertops, tile backsplash, a wet
More than meets the eye couldn't be closer to the truth then it is here. A humungous home that does not share its secrets from the exterior. A true must see with a kitchen that has an industrial stove, granite counter tops, oak cabinets adjoining a sunroom and breakfast nook. For those who like to work from home there is a office attached to the primary suite features a stall shower with jacuzzi
Spacious westside retreat with lovely outdoor oasis. Welcome to this oversized raised ranch nestled in a desirable neighborhood. Set on beautifully landscaped property, fully fenced-in, this home offers exceptional space and comfort inside and out. Step into summer with your heated inground pool, surrounded by gardens, a tranquil pond with fountain and two sheds- a pool house and cedar storage
This Magnificent Ranch home has been meticulously maintained, and tastefully updated to preserve its original mid-century style. The home sits on a level 1/2 acre lot and is located on one of the most desirable streets in Danbury. The main level features an updated kitchen with granite counters, a center island, plenty of cabinets, TWO sinks, gourmet quality stainless steel appliances including
Welcome to this beautifully updated and spacious home located in the private, gated lake community of Lake Waubeeka-known as the "Hidden Gem of Danbury." This bright and airy home features cathedral ceilings, and a chef's dream kitchen with high-end appliances, quartz countertops, a large island, gas stove, and plenty of cabinetry. The open layout flows seamlessly to a private patio and backyard,
Welcome Home to Rivington luxury resort-style living in this impressive 2 bed/2 bath upper level end-unit, featuring an expansive open concept kitchen/living room/dining room living space. The kitchen is a chef's delight, equipped with stainless steel appliances, gas stove, quartz countertops and center island ideal for entertaining. The living room with slider door leads to outdoor covered
Move in ready, well maintained spacious 1 bedroom condo. Available for immidiate occupancy. Great location, close to everything, highways and shopping. Includes washer/dryer, 1 assigned parking spot and access to the pool.
Tri-level townhome in the desirable Villages at Timber Oak. Boasting over 2500 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a bright and airy open floor plan, spacious bedrooms, walk in closet in the primary bedroom with en suite bathroom. Huge finished basement, attached 2 car garage and private deck. Walkable luxury community is conveniently located and features clubhouse with gym, pool and tennis courts!
This newly renovated and freshly painted 1 bedroom / 1 bath unit includes an additional enclosed room with a closet, perfect for use as a second bedroom, den, or home office. It features luxury vinyl flooring throughout and recessed lighting in the bright and spacious living room. The kitchen offers plenty of cabinets and white appliances, complemented by newly installed recessed and stylish
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