Formerly known as "Brass City," Waterbury thrived as an industrial center in Connecticut through the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, with factories across the Naugatuck Valley. However, industry in Waterbury diminished as the demand for brass declined in favor of cheaper materials like plastic and aluminum, and jobs were outsourced elsewhere. "By the '80s, things started to close up," says Wilson Lamas, local Realtor at Realty Group of New England. "There were a lot of blue-collar workers, but then the dynamic changed when all these factories closed down. Now it's more of a commuter location."
In the post-industrial era, Waterbury has reinvented itself as a comparatively affordable town within commuting distance of cities like Hartford and New Haven. The city today has about 115,000 people who enjoy venues like the restored Palace Theater, outdoor spaces like Fulton Park, and a variety of urban and suburban housing options. "It is a really beautiful city," Lamas says. "They're trying to revitalize and make things happen."
The Waterbury mural and the Union Station Building Tower shine bright in the afternoon sun.
The Soldiers Monument sculpture at the Waterbury Green greets Downtown Waterbury visitors.
Holy Land is an attraction that is a photographers paradise in Downtown Waterbury.
The Mattituck Museum should be on your shortlist of
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Cottages, Colonials and ranches among housing options
The median housing price in Waterbury is $250,000. Condo units typically cost between $100,000 and $250,000, while single-family homes usually cost between $200,000 and $400,000. Cottages and ranches built before 1950 represent the lower end of this range, while larger Colonial Revivals and some historic Victorian homes represent the pricier properties. Suburban neighborhoods within the town, like Bunker Hill and East Mountain, sit on hilltops with views of the surrounding rolling terrain, while downtown is down in the Naugatuck River Valley.
The Oronoke Road condos in Downtown Waterbury provide serene living a short drive from downtown.
Fairfield Avenue has a variety of home styles in Downtown Waterbury.
Fairfield Avenue has some classical New England homes like this standout in Downtown Waterbury.
Nichols Drive in Downtown Waterbury offers smaller homes with adorable properties.
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Working in healthcare and commuting from Waterbury
Interstate 84 crosses east-west through the town, and Route 8 crosses north-south. Locals can drive or take CTtransit buses, which serve routes around Waterbury and the region.
Saint Mary's Hospital and Waterbury Hospital employ several thousand people in the town. Many people commute to nearby cities like New Haven (25 miles south) or Hartford (30 miles northeast). Lamas says that some people also commute into New York City, about 95 miles southwest. Riders can take the train from Waterbury Union Station to Bridgeport and switch onto the New Haven Line to New York.
Waterbury experiences hot summers and cold winters. Winter temperatures are regularly below freezing, with occasional bouts of snow. "The weather really varies. The last couple of years we didn't get hardly any snowfall," Lamas says.
Route 8 runs right through the heart of Waterbury.
Saint Mary's Hospital is located right in the heart of Waterbury.
Waterbury Hospital is a very active and awarded medical center.
Platt park provides incredibly yearlong access to the Naugatuck River in Waterbury.
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Dozens of parks and a new greenway
Waterbury maintains over 30 public parks, golf courses and recreation centers across the city. These spaces include the Western Hills and East Mountain golf courses, three city pools and dozens of tennis courts and baseball fields.
Among the parks in Waterbury is Fulton Park, which has 70 acres of fountains, ponds and creeks among landscaped flowerbeds and trees for park visitors to explore. The park was designed in the 1920s by the Olmsted Brothers, prominent landscape architects who helped found the National Park Service.
In 2023, the city opened Platt Park, where visitors can access trails along the Naugatuck River and launch kayaks. The city plans to extend the Naugatuck River Greenway so that it eventually spans 45 miles along the riverfront, running from the town of Torrington through Waterbury to Derby.
Relax under the gazebo at Fulton Park in Downtown Waterbury.
Platt park in Waterbury is a brand new riverfront access point on the Naugatuck rail trail.
Waterbury Country Club is a private club a few minutes from Downtown Waterbury.
Library Park surrounds the Downtown Waterbury Library.
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Palace Theater downtown and community events
Downtown, Waterbury's Palace Theater hosts off-Broadway performances, concerts and private events in its nearly 3,000-seat Renaissance Revival-style theater that opened in 1922. For more entertainment, the Roller Magic indoor skating rink sits just off Harvester Road, and Lake Compounce Amusement & Water Park is a 20-minute drive away in Bristol. The town also hosts community events like Jazz Fest at Library Park's outdoor stage and the Greater Waterbury Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival downtown in September. Lamas says people also drive to other nearby cities like New Haven for more cultural options. "Waterbury isn't necessarily small, but if you want to diversify, you're close to major hubs," he says.
Waterbury’s Palace Theater is known for its stunning architecture and exceptional shows.
Lake Compounce in Bristol is the oldest amusement park in America.
Brass City Harvest brings the best of local farms to Waterbury's tables.
Join the fun at Waterbury’s annual Greek Festival for a taste of Greek culture.
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Italian restaurants and Brass Mill Center
Waterbury has several popular Italian restaurants, including La Tavola and D'Amelio's Italian Eatery on Highland Avenue and San Marino Ristorante Italiano downtown. Downtown has several more Italian and Dominican restaurants as well. Waterbury Plaza Center has big box stores like Target and Stop & Shop, and Brass Mill Center is the town's mall off Interstate 84.
Via Al Paraiso is a stand out latin restaurant on Grand Street in Waterbury.
Banana Brasil in Downtown Waterbury has a buffet that demands a visit.
Stop&Shop in Waterbury provides all the grocery needs.
Brass Mill Center in Downtown Waterbury offers a family-friendly shopping experience.
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Waterbury Schools with specialized curriculum
Waterbury's public school system has an overall C grade from Niche and teaches nearly 19,000 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade. In addition to the traditional curriculum, the district has specialized programs at schools like Waterbury Career Academy. This high school earns a B rating from Niche and has specialized programs in career pathways like healthcare and manufacturing. The Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School is an elementary school in the town with a Spanish-English immersion curriculum. It accepts students via a lottery and is not yet rated by Niche.
There are options for post-secondary education in Waterbury, as well. UConn's Waterbury branch is a public university with about 1,000 students. Post University is a private, for-profit school with about 2,000 in-person students.
Driggs School welcomes your child to education.
West Side Middle School serves middle school students.
John F. Kennedy High School sits on a safe and secure campus.
UCONN Waterbury is located on E Main St. across from the Palace Theater.
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Crime statistics for Waterbury
According to FBI statistics, Waterbury's violent and property crime rates are both consistently higher than national crime rates. The Waterbury Police Department reports that violent and property crime figures remained stable from 2022 to 2023.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
Photography Contributed By
Chris Mantz
Video By
Austin Lewis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marta Lisowska,
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On average, homes in Waterbury, CT sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Waterbury, CT over the last 12 months is $280,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Well maintained Ranch on a large corner lot in the highly desirable East End of Waterbury. Offering three spacious bedrooms, kitchen/ dining room and living room, one and half bathrooms. Step outside to enjoy the private fenced backyard, featuring a totally renovated in ground pool & patio perfect for relaxing/entertaining summers with family and friends; sunroom with windows that provide ample
Look no further! This charming 4-bedroom Cape nestled in the highly desirable Bunker Hill neighborhood, right on the Wolcott town line in Waterbury, CT is priced to sell! The home offers the perfect blend of comfort, character, and convenience. The versatile floor plan includes four generously sized bedrooms, offering plenty of room for family, guests, or a home office. Outside, enjoy a lovely
Welcome to this beautiful renovated Cape Cod-style home that perfectly blends charm, comfort, and modern upgrades. This move-in ready single family residence offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 1.5 stylishly updated bathrooms, thoughtfully designed for today's lifestyle. Step inside to discover a completely remodeled interior featuring a brand-new kitchen with modern finishes, updated bathrooms,
Welcome to the kind of home that feels tucked away, yet keeps you close to everything you love. Step inside and feel the warmth right away. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, modern cabinetry, and an open flow into the living room, where gleaming hardwood floors create a bright and inviting space for gathering, relaxing, and making memories.The main level offers two comfortable
Now offered at a new price, this charming Cape-style home in the Town Plot neighborhood features 6 rooms with flexible space for 3 to 4 bedrooms, beautifully remodeled home on a 0.27-acre lot. Just minutes from shops, restaurants, schools, and major highways, it perfectly combines comfort and convenience. Recent updates include a cozy back deck, a garage with direct basement access, and a bright,
Charming Cape-style home located in Waterbury's desirable Robinwood neighborhood. This 7-room home features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, offering a functional and comfortable layout. Enter through a welcoming vestibule into a spacious living room highlighted by hardwood floors and a classic brick fireplace. The living room flows into a bright sunroom-ideal for a home office, reading nook, or
Welcome to 136 Pearl Lake Rd - a rare opportunity to own a well-maintained ranch set on over an acre in Waterbury, including an additional lot with a peaceful flowing stream. This 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home offers approximately 1,701 sq ft of comfortable living space with hardwood floors throughout, a bright sunroom for year-round enjoyment, and a spacious living room with fireplace. The
Located in Waterbury's desirable Country Club neighborhood, this tastefully updated Colonial Home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, blending classic charm with modern appeal. This homes newer construction lends itself to an open floor plan, abundant with natural streaming light, enhanced with Thermopane windows/doors and gleaming hardwood floors. Double sliders open to a private, level, fenced
Welcome to this beautifully updated home located in the desirable East End of Waterbury! This move-in ready property offers comfort, efficiency, and charm throughout. Features include a newer roof, brand-new driveway, propane zoned heating, central air conditioning, and a tankless hot water heater for modern energy-efficient living. Inside, you'll find gleaming hardwood floors and many thoughtful
"Coming Soon" Welcome to 59 J Ryan Way in Watertown a stunning four-bedroom home thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and exceptional entertaining. Offering over 3,800 square feet of beautifully finished space, this residence makes an immediate impression from the moment you step into the dramatic two-story foyer. This expansive home features 11 well-appointed rooms, including four
"Coming Soon" Welcome to 50 J. Ryan Way, Watertown, a stunning, newly built 4-bedroom Colonial set on a beautifully level 0.95-acre lot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Watertown's newest subdivisions. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a dramatic two-story grand foyer that sets the tone for the rest of the home. The formal dining room flows seamlessly into a spacious
This lovely, well-cared for one-family home is conveniently located in a sought after neighborhood on a cul-de-sac near the Middlebury/Waterbury line, yet close to major highways, local amenities, and Post University, providing both convenience & leisure. With over 3,000 sq. ft. of living space, this home features generously sized rooms & the potential for 4 bedrooms. Your inviting approach
Welcome to this charming and well-built expanded Cape offering wonderful curb appeal and endless potential! This versatile home features 3-4 bedrooms and 2 full baths, blending classic character with comfortable everyday living. The inviting living room showcases a beautiful fireplace with custom built-ins, while the formal dining room offers a charming built-in hutch perfect for entertaining.
Builders, Investors take notice!! Two lots each 50x100 at end of dead end street. Being sold together. Lots are 39 and 40 on the City of Waterbury Assessors Map. Subject to Probate Court Approval.
Turn-key opportunity for both investors and owner-occupants! This spacious 2-family home offers strong income potential with separate utilities for each unit-ideal for maximizing cash flow or offsetting your mortgage. Each unit features washer and dryer hookups, adding convenience and long-term tenant appeal. The property includes a full basement and expansive attic space, offering additional
Spacious first-floor apartment available now, offering 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom in great condition. This well-maintained unit features fresh new paint throughout, creating a bright and welcoming living space ready for immediate occupancy. The apartment offers a comfortable layout with generously sized bedrooms, a functional living area, and a dedicated laundry room, providing added
Rivers Edge Apartment Homes offers a rare combination of quality, elegance, amenity and value that make it the premier gated community in the Waterbury, Danbury and New Haven areas. Designed with the charm of English Tudor architecture, Rivers Edge features meticulously landscaped grounds with beautiful flower gardens that offer you peace and serenity after a long day.
Welcome to this inviting second-floor, three-bedroom, one-bath apartment offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.** The modern, well-appointed kitchen is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, while the spacious dining and living areas are filled with natural light, creating a warm and airy atmosphere throughout. Step outside and enjoy your **private front porch**,
Virtual touring and by appointment, self-guided touring is available. Contact us today! Welcome home to Lakeview Apartment Homes in beautiful Waterbury, Connecticut. Our beautiful apartment home community is located in the heart of Waterbury just off of Highway 84. With easy access to Laser Planet, local parks, fine dining, great shopping, and entertainment hot spots, let Lakeview Apartment Homes
Welcome to this first-floor apartment located at 128 Franklin Street in Waterbury. This unit features three generously sized bedrooms and one bathroom. Conveniently located near local shops, public transportation, schools, and major routes, this apartment offers both comfort and accessibility.
Piping Rock Apartments in Waterbury, CT are located in a quiet but convenient location close to I-84 and Rte.8. Offering One Bedroom renovated apartment homes including Heat & Hot Water in your rent. On-site laundry and storage units. Apartments are fully applianced with range, refrigerator
FULLY RENOVATED,FOUR BEDROOM SECOND FLOOR UNIT. LIVING ROOM EATING KITCHEN COMBINATION. ONE FULL BATHROOM WITH THE TUB/SHOWER AND HALF GUEST BATHROOM. LANDRY ON THE MAIN FLOOR. NATURAL GAS AND CENTRAL AIR SYSTEM IN PLACE. CREDIT CHECK AND 2 MONTHS DEPOSIT REQUIRE BY THE LANDLORD
**Excellent Value, Convenient Location......** FREE HEAT AND HOT WATER are just a few of the reasons why Scott Gardens is Waterbury's most desirable apartment complex. Centrally located between Hartford and Danbury, our townhouses feature large applianced eat-in kitchens, hardwood floors, and tile baths. Just one look and you'll be hooked!FREE Heat & Hot Water!
Spacious 4 bedroom apartment located on the 3rd floor at 176 Pearl Street in Waterbury, CT. This bright and airy unit offers a flexible layout with generously sized bedrooms, perfect for comfortable living or shared occupancy. The apartment features a full bathroom, a large living area, and plenty of natural light throughout. Conveniently situated near local shops, restaurants, public
Welcome to Villa Square Apartments, a beautifully renovated property located in the desirable Town Plot neighborhood in the South-West End of Waterbury, CT. Our apartments come in a variety of sizes, ranging from efficiency units to large 2 bedroom townhouses. Each apartment has been fully renovated to offer modern amenities such as granite countertops, new appliances, and vinyl flooring,
Fully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment available for immediate rent. This unit has been completely updated with a brand new kitchen and bathroom, fresh paint throughout, and hardwood floors. It offers a great layout with tons of natural light and a really comfortable feel. The primary bedroom includes a private balcony, plus there's a front porch, back deck, and a yard you can actually use.
CALL FOR UP TO DATE AVAILABILITY. HEAT & HOT WATER INCLUDED! - Affordable 1 and 2 bedroom Units! The best kept secret in Waterbury!! Meridian consists of only 24 desirable units located at the end of a quiet residential neighborhood in the east end of Waterbury. All units have applianced kitchens, wall to wall carpets, A/C, large bedrooms, and ample closets. Heat & Hot Water included in Rent!!!
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