Waterbury

Named for its many waterways, Downtown Waterbury is split by the Naugatuck, a 40-mile-long river that empties into the Housatonic. The town’s nickname of Brass City is referenced more often, though. Once the brass capital of the world, the industry has long left the area, but its legend lives on at places such as the Brass Mill Center local shopping mall, Brass City Bistro and Brass City Raceway. “Waterbury is an urban city, but you know your neighbors here. You see the same people every day, but there is such diversity and culture here,” says Head of Adult and Information Services at Silas Bronson Library, Jessie Svedrovic. “We have a lot of different celebrations, traditions and events here, making it a very vibrant and dynamic area.” The neighborhood is undergoing a renewal, including reimagined commercial spaces, museum additions and a variety of new dining options. Downtown Waterbury is revitalizing and restoring its shine, and though they say, “all that glitters is not gold,” it just might be brass. Shopping and dining options are plentiful in Downtown Waterbury. For groceries, many small markets and specialty stores are available, but most locals head to Save A Lot, Aldi, Walmart and Target for a one-stop shop. Several shopping centers are located throughout the area, including Brass Mill Center, which is home to retailers like T.J. Maxx and JCPenney, as well as several chain restaurants. Svedrovic says that there are many restaurants, big and small, throughout the neighborhood. A growingly popular Dominican spot, La Cazuela, is known for its extensive menu and friendly staff. Many locals rave about Banana Brasil on Main Street, where customers say the staff is like family and the Brazilian barbecue is delicious. Another option, Brass City Bistro, also known as BCB, is a locally owned spot that offers Continental-Italian cuisine. Svedrovic says that there is always something going on in Downtown Waterbury. One popular event, The Gathering, is a fall celebration where vendors from all over the world spotlight ethnic food, dancing and cultural performances. Locals can also look forward to jazz festivals in the fall, parades and festivals during Hispanic Heritage Month and year-round events hosted by the Afro Caribbean Cultural Center. Other establishments are open for daily activities, such as axe throwing and go-karting at Brass City Raceway. For more low-key entertainment, locals can see a show at The Palace Theater, a restored Renaissance Revival theater also used by the Waterbury Arts Magnet School for its events and productions. A slew of architectural styles dot the Downtown Waterbury map, though $100,000 to $400,000 Cape Cods, colonials and ranch styles are the most common single-family homes. Multi-unit properties, condos and smaller rowhomes are also popular two-to-three-bedroom options that often range from $80,000 to $250,000. Over half of the Downtown Waterbury population rents in lieu of owning property. Monthly rent typically falls between $1,000 and $2,000, though larger options can reach $3,000. For those looking to remodel or rebuild land, there are more affordable lots that continue to pop up around the city. While sidewalks are common, the walkable and bikeable parts of the neighborhood remain near parks and more commercial streets, such as Union or Main. Many Connecticut cities have a town green, and Waterbury Green, a rectangular grass space, sits in the town center, serving as an outdoor spot in the middle of the urban core of the neighborhood. Other parks are also available, such as Hamilton Park, which features plenty of shaded spaces, athletic fields and a swimming pool. Svedrovic says that one of the most popular outdoor spaces is Fulton Memorial Park, known for its “quiet, peaceful atmosphere, and it spotlights a fountain.” Here, residents can be found exercising, picnicking or just taking a moment to relax. Downtown Waterbury is conveniently centered around major thoroughfares, Connecticut Route 8 and Interstate 84. Public transportation is available via the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) bus stops throughout the neighborhood, though most residents get around by car. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has a train station in the neighborhood, with lines along the Metro-North Railroad through New York and Connecticut. For air travel, Tween New Haven Airport is closest, about 40 miles away, though the commute often takes only about 40 minutes. Residents have access to health care clinics and the Waterbury Hospital for medical needs. Students in the area are zoned for Waterbury Public Schools (WPS), which is known as the first district in Connecticut to enforce a dress code. WPS consists of about 30 schools, most of which are elementary, divided by smaller areas. Children in the heart of Downtown Waterbury may attend Driggs Elementary and West Side Middle, which both score C-minus grades on Niche. John F. Kennedy High scores a C-plus and provides many opportunities for clubs and activities, including robotics, student council and band. There are also over 30 private school options serving Waterbury, including kindergarten through Grade 12 option, Chase Collegiate School, which has a student-teacher ratio of 5-to-1. Noise levels can be relatively high near the center of the neighborhood. Major roads, such as Main Street, Route 8 and I-84 have the highest sound score, and areas become quieter with distance.