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 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Southbury, CT over the last 12 months is $380,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 246 Heritage Village #A! This easy-to-get-to and GPS friendly Sherman Unit is one of the most spacious in the complex. Enter your end unit and step into the foyer. To the right we have space for a table in your eat in kitchen. The peninsula island with newer cabinets and granite countertops is perfect for entertaining. All appliances are new! A refrigerator with ice maker, stove/oven
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this beautifully maintained and updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Ethan Allen end unit, nestled in the heart of Heritage Village 55+ community. This lovely ranch-style condo enjoys a private location with a short walk from the garage, situated at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac on Grove Pond Lane. With its move-in-ready status, this unit features
Experience luxury living in the award-winning Heritage Village with this beautifully renovated Sherman model in THE HILLTOP S area. VERY SHORT LEVEL WALK WITH NO STEPS! PRIVATE PATIO WITH PARK LIKE LEVEL GROUNDS. This 2-bedroom, 2-full-bath home has been fully transformed with brand-new finishes throughout. Enjoy the elegance of engineered wood flooring and tiled flooring in both baths, complete
Step into this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the sought-after Heritage Village-where every detail has been refreshed and it's move-in ready. From the attached 1-car garage to extra parking right at your door, convenience is just the beginning. Heritage Village is a premier 55+ community known for its charm, energy, and lifestyle-where neighbors become friends and every day
Fabulous opportunity at this "Franklin" model in 55+ Heritage Village! The condo offers a spectacular location with a short level walk from the garage and a private patio looking onto lawn and woods. All this in the Hilltop neighborhood, near pickleball courts and a heated pool! Inside the spacious living and dining rooms offer two sliders and a wood burning fireplace. Upstairs are two bedrooms a
Picture perfect 3 bedroom ranch in excellent condition, almost like new! One level living makes this a very convenient way of life. Very nice and open floor plan with natural light coming through. Spacious kitchen with pantry and wooden cabinetry. The living room has a door leading to the 2nd floor which will allow for expansion easily. Could be a great office, exercise room or extra bedrooms.
Completely remodeled and everything is ready for you to move in! Very cozy and comfortable home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, attached garage and a beautiful, spacious back yard abutting farmland. The hardwood floors have been refinished and look lovely. There is great cabinet space in the kitchen. There is a door from the kitchen leading to the side yard, perfect for summer grilling! Laundry hook ups
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.
Imagine living in a picturesque cape, nestled on 8 acres of park-like property in the highly sought-after town of Southbury, offering a prime rental opportunity. This custom-built 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2,642 sq ft haven provides many additional multipurpose rooms, including an expansive room with private stairs above the garage. The generously sized living room features wide plank hardwood
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