Incorporated in 1787, Southbury, Connecticut, provides modern conveniences while preserving its bucolic feel. “We have four exits on a major highway, but we’re still able to maintain a very homey atmosphere,” says Southbury First Selectman Jeff Manville. He’s a lifelong resident whose great-grandfather was the town’s first doctor. “When they get off the highway, citizens feel like they’re home right away.” Southbury provides high-value housing, considering its distance to significant commuter destinations. New Haven, Hartford and New York City are all within about 50 miles. “People have found the standard of living was worth the time it took to get to New York,” Manville says. Homebuyers are also drawn to the town’s highly rated school system, award-winning Main Street and various outdoor amenities.
From Italian eats to grass-fed burgers
While Southbury brims with rural charm, there's plenty of convenience and recreation within the town limits. Main Street has an excellent array of eateries, like Laurel Diner. This retro roadside stop serves all-day breakfast and lunch and is often swarmed on weekends. “Years ago, I could easily get breakfast on Saturday or Sunday morning. Now, you’ve got to wait in line — it’s a big hit. All their hamburgers are made from grass-fed beef. They buy their beef from my farm!” Manville says. Down the road, Mercato Italian Kitchen and Bar serves small plates like truffle parmesan fries and Italian classics like robiola and burrata. It's right next to the Riverview Cinemas 8, where visitors watch mainstream Hollywood fare from cozy recliners. Locals can grab groceries from two supermarkets in town: Stop & Shop to the north and ShopRite to the south.
Mercato Italian Kitchen & Bar serves small plates and classic Italian entrees in Southbury.
Burgers with grass-fed beef are a specialty at Laurel Diner in Southbury.
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Riverside parks and athletic facilities
The Housatonic River flows alongside Southbury to the west, eventually draining into the Long Island Sound. Along the river are several outdoor destinations, including Bent of the River Audubon Center. Hikers can traverse about 15 miles of wooded and meadowed trails in this 700-acre nature sanctuary. Settlers Park fills 68 acres in north-central Southbury with athletic facilities, a playground and a community garden. Visitors can also fish on the Pomperaug River.
Bent of the River Audubon Center features hiking trails along the Pomperaug River in Southbury.
Settlers Park in Southbury has a playground and multiple athletic fields.
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Condos, Colonial Revivals and custom builds
Nearly 20,000 people live in Southbury in a variety of residential communities. One of these, the Russian Village Historic District, was founded in 1923 as a sanctuary for Russian immigrants fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution. Another, Heritage Village, is one of the country's largest and oldest 55-and-over communities. Water features and trails run throughout this 1,000-acre community, which features over 2,500 condominiums. These start at around $200,000 for two-bedroom units. Detached homes in Southbury include many Colonial-style and New Traditional constructions, plus some larger custom or historic houses. The median home price is about $575,000, which could buy a four-bedroom Colonial Revival nearing 2,400 square feet. Prices top out at around $1.75 million for a seven-bedroom early-1900s Victorian build on nearly 4 acres.
You will find two-bedroom condos in the Heritage Village retirement community in Southbury.
Colonial Revival homes such as this one are common in Southbury.
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Some of Connecticut's best public schools
Southbury is served by the Pomperaug Regional School District 15, which has an A-minus rating on Niche. It’s particularly lauded for its academics, teachers and college prep. Students can attend one of four elementary schools, including Gainfield Elementary, and two middle schools, including Rochambeau Middle. They eventually progress to Pomperaug High School, which offers a variety of educational pathways. These include career and technical education pathways and a fine arts program. The school also has robust athletics programs; it's common to see community support on game nights for all its teams. Gainfield Elementary, Rochambeau Middle and Pomperaug High all have A-minuses from Niche. “There are also very good private schools within close distances if you should choose,” Manville adds. These include The Frederick Gunn School, a nearly 175-year-old boarding and day school about 9 miles north of town.
About 350 children from Southbury attend Gainfield Elementary School.
About 1,100 teens attend Southbury's Pomperaug High School.
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Convenient for commuters and day-trippers alike
While there is plenty to do in town, Interstate 84 runs through the center of Southbury, so commuting for work or play is easy. Realtor Marian Van Egas of Berkshire Hathaway New England Properties says it’s a popular area for New York commuters. "It's more of a rural area with suburban neighborhoods and excellent conveniences," Van Egas says. "We have it all." Manville adds that Southbury is conveniently located for day trips to the Berkshires and other New England landmarks.
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Southbury, CT sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Southbury, CT over the last 12 months is $379,250, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to a professionally remodeled 3-bed/ 2 bath condo that perfectly blends modern elegance w/ everyday comfort. Featuring engineered hardwood floors throughout, recessed lighting & new fixtures, every inch of this unit has been thoughtfully upgraded. Redesigned spacious kitchen complete w/ quartz countertops, sleek white tiles, generous island, white farmhouse sink, pantry with pull out
A beautiful renovated kitchen and perfect privacy off the deck await at this 2bed/2bath condo in all ages Heritage Crest! This end unit gets lots of natural light and is sited at the edge of the community with nothing buts woods off the deck. Just up the street are the community pool and tennis courts. Inside the eat-in kitchen offers white cabinets, granite counters and stainless-steel
Welcome to this secluded Mark Twain-style end unit nestled in the highly sought-after Heritage Village, a vibrant 55+ community offering resort-style living. This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo features a detached 1-car garage and a thoughtfully updated interior. Step into the bright, modern kitchen with crisp white cabinetry, granite countertops, and a convenient pantry. Enjoy an abundance of
Fabulous complete renovation at this "Country House" in 55+ Heritage Village! Easy approach from nearby garage and lots of lawn and wooded privacy off the bluestone patio. The kitchen includes gorgeous wood cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. The living room is focused on fireplace with LP gas log. The dining area is in front of a slider offering views of the patio and
Welcome home to a professionally remodeled 3-bed/ 2 bath condo that perfectly blends modern elegance w/ everyday comfort. Featuring engineered hardwood floors throughout, recessed lighting & new fixtures, every inch of this unit has been thoughtfully upgraded. Redesigned spacious kitchen complete w/ quartz countertops, sleek white tiles, generous island, white farmhouse sink, pantry with pull out
Turn-key Colonial home in One of Southbury's Premier Subdivisions Impeccably maintained by the original owners since construction, this beautifully updated Colonial offers true move-in-ready living. Every major system has been thoughtfully upgraded, including new windows, mechanicals, and more. Outside, enjoy a stunning in-ground pool surrounded by stamped concrete patio, plus a three-season
Clean and move-in ready duplex on wooded lot. Large eat-in kitchen with oven/range, refrigerator and dishwasher. Living room with hardwood floors also on main level. Upstairs are two bedrooms and a full bath with shower/tub. Basement includes washer/dryer and plenty of storage. Oil baseboard heat. Kitchen and bath renovated in the past 5 years! No pets or smokers please.
A short distance from the center of historic South Britain sits the Judson Manville House. Built in 1835 it is an excellent example of the Greek Revival style. The brick home includes a wraparound covered front porch. The interior and mechanical systems underwent a complete renovation and restoration that was completed in 2024. Including the finished attic there is roughly 2800 sq/ft of space.
Are you looking for a weekend pied a terre or an easy, minimalist rental with nothing to do but move in? Here is a unique opportunity to rent a chic, fully furnished cottage that is currently used by the owners as a guest house. Located in a secluded parklike setting with views of a pond and gardens. Enter the front door to the great room which has been divided into a cozy sitting area and
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