Everybody knows everybody in Oakville
Oakville, a community within the Waterbury area, has a cohesive small-town feel. “Everybody knows everybody here,” says Sam Smith, who works for Tony & Sons Seafood. “There are a few new people that come in, but most have been here for a long time.” Along the hilly streets of Oakville, well-preserved homes from the mid-1900s and newly built traditional-style houses sit under the shade of tall oak and maple trees. Small businesses and restaurants provide hubs for meeting with friends and convenient spots to stock up on essentials. An active theater community and a Little League keep residents busy. Those looking for outdoor recreation can find several golf courses and acres of state forest nearby.
Grabbing groceries from LaBonne's Market and lobster from Tony & Sons Seafood
Oakville residents have their pick of locally owned restaurants and shops to support. There are several pizza restaurants and Chinese takeout spots throughout the area, but residents can also find unique spots such as Island Rootz Cuisine, which serves Jamaican oxtail and jerk chicken. Roma Ristorante Italiano, which was named the best Italian restaurant in Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine, offers homemade desserts and traditional Italian dishes paired with wines. In addition to nearby restaurants, community members can grab groceries from small specialty markets. The Oakville European Market carries imported olive oils and canned goods. Tony & Sons Seafood is the source for lobster and clams. For general shopping, people can head to LaBonne's Market or drive about 7 miles to the Stop & Shop in Waterbury. The Old Pin Shop, a former factory, is now home to small businesses, including Lasting Brass Brewery and Legends of Superheros comic book store. Locals can pick up a new outfit at Marshall’s near Watertown High School, or drive about 6 miles to the Brass Mill Center in Waterbury, which is the nearest shopping mall.
Night Out in Watertown
In downtown Watertown, there are few annual events. “In summer, there is a little festival called Night Out in Watertown,” Smith says. “It’s a big block party with live music. They shut down Main Street, and businesses sent up tents to sell food.” Around St. Patrick’s Day, locals and visitors can participate in the Shamrock Shuffle road race, and there is a Memorial Day parade each year along Main Street.
Oakville housing options
Homes in the Oakville area often list between $280,000 and $350,000. Buyers may find a three-bedroom ranch-style house from the 1960s or a Cape Cod from the 1930s in this range. Split-level residences are also common in the Oakville community. First-time homebuyers or those looking for more affordable housing may find one-bedroom condos listed for under $100,000, and historic residences in need of serious updates may sometimes go for around $150,000. New traditional homes with four bedrooms and around 2,500 square feet of living space may sell for around $550,000.
Watertown Public Schools serve Oakville students
Local children may begin their education at John Trumbull Primary School, which teaches students from kindergarten through second grade. For third through fifth grades, they may attend Polk Elementary School. Both schools are rated B-minus on Niche and have student-teacher ratios of 14-to-1. They will then continue to Swift Middle School, which also gets a B-minus. At Watertown High School, students can participate in the school’s drama program, take Advanced Placement courses and play sports such as ice hockey. Watertown High gets a B-minus as well.
Oakville is close to Mattatuck State Forest
Oakville residents have many opportunities to stay active and involved in their community. There are a few parks within the city, such as Sylvan Lake Park, and Black Rock State Park and the Mattatuck State Forest are about 4 miles from town, giving them thousands of acres of forest to hike and explore. Golfers will find several courses within a 4-mile radius, including Crestbrook Golf Course and Watertown Golf Club. Local children can play baseball or softball with the WaterOak Little League. Adults can visit the Steel Beach Gym to stay fit or take martial arts classes at CT Combat Training Center, where they can learn Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In addition, those who enjoy theater can enjoy performances by the Phoenix Stage Company.
Transportation options around Oakville
CT Transit buses stop throughout the community, making trips to Waterbury and around Watertown and Oakville. There is a commuter train that runs to and from Grand Central Station in New York City on weekdays. The trip takes approximately three hours each way; it leaves from the Waterbury Station, which is less than 5 miles from Oakville. The nearest major airports are Tweed-New Haven Airport, about 42 miles away, and Bradley International Airport, approximately 48 miles away. Bristol Hospital is the closest medical facility with emergency services; it is 15 miles east and takes around 30 minutes to drive to. State Route 8 passes Oakville; it's a four-lane, divided highway that links to Interstate 84.
Ice storms in winter and relatively low crime
Oakville, as well as the rest of Litchfield County, is prone to ice storms, per the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each winter, residents prepare their homes and cars for the season. According to the CAP Index, crime rates in Oakville are lower than the national average.
Photography Contributed By
Collin Quinlivan
