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
David Fiske,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Waterbury, CT sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Waterbury, CT over the last 12 months is $282,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this beautifully updated ranch tucked away on a quiet dead-end street. From the moment you step inside, the fresh, modern feel is impossible to miss. Brand-new hardwood floors flow throughout the main living spaces, complemented by fresh paint, modern lighting, and an abundance of natural light creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Continue into the beautifully updated eat-in
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated turn-of-the-century Colonial in Waterbury's desirable Bunker Hill neighborhood. Fresh exterior paint, a detached garage, level lot, and fully fenced backyard create the perfect setting for entertaining, outdoor play, or your furry family members. Inside, gleaming hardwood floors stretch from freshly painted wall to freshly painted wall that showcase the
Welcome home to this fully updated split-level gem, perfectly combining modern luxury with thoughtful functionality. Step inside to an airy, open-concept main floor designed for effortless living and entertaining. The stunning gourmet kitchen serves as the heart of the home, featuring pristine quartz countertops, sleek cabinetry, updated appliances, built in coffee bar and a seamless flow into
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
Welcome to 473 Pierpont Road, a beautifully remodeled home that combines modern updates with spacious, comfortable living. Every detail has been thoughtfully updated, offering move-in-ready convenience and style throughout. The home features generously sized rooms filled with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for everyday living and entertaining. The fully finished, livable basement
Welcome home to this beautifully updated ranch tucked away on a quiet dead-end street. From the moment you step inside, the fresh, modern feel is impossible to miss. Brand-new hardwood floors flow throughout the main living spaces, complemented by fresh paint, modern lighting, and an abundance of natural light creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Continue into the beautifully updated eat-in
Welcome to 159 Fieldwood Road, a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with flexible living space and great potential. The home features a bright living area with hardwood flooring, skylights, a fireplace, and generous natural light. The kitchen offers ample cabinet space, a center island, and tile flooring. The primary bedroom includes a full bathroom, while the room in basement can be used as an
Welcome to your new home! This charming 2 bedroom ranch offers comfortable living with a smart, functional layout. Enjoy a bright kitchen/dining area, hardwood floors, a cozy sunroom/porch, and an oversized lower level recreation room perfect for gatherings, hobbies, or extra living space. The home features extra insulation for improved comfort and efficiency, and a beautifully fenced, private
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated turn-of-the-century Colonial in Waterbury's desirable Bunker Hill neighborhood. Fresh exterior paint, a detached garage, level lot, and fully fenced backyard create the perfect setting for entertaining, outdoor play, or your furry family members. Inside, gleaming hardwood floors stretch from freshly painted wall to freshly painted wall that showcase the
Welcome to this charming Cape Cod home, ideally located on a picturesque, .96 acre lot on a quiet cul-de-sac. Offering 3-4 bedrooms, including a desirable main-level bedroom, full bath, and an updated kitchen with modern appliances. The cozy living room flows seamlessly into a lovely eat-in kitchen. Enjoy a beautifully landscaped and serene backyard with three storage sheds for an abundance of
Great starter home in a convenient Waterbury location! Welcome to 109 Edgewood Ave, a property perfect for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize. This home offers a comfortable layout with plenty of potential to make it your own. Enjoy the benefits of natural gas and a location on a city street with easy access to local amenities, schools, shopping, and major routes. The property also
Charming 1935 Cape situated on a rare .73-acre lot on Waterbury's West Side. Conveniently close to everything yet offering plenty of privacy-a true gem. The home needs a new roof and some repairs, but with the right updates, it could be your forever home. The main floor features a spacious living room with a fireplace, a primary bedroom, bath, formal dining room, and a large eat-in kitchen with
Can't find what you want? Why don't you just build it?! Town reports that you can build a spacious home up to 2,700 sq feet, plus a driveway! Create your CUSTOM private retreat at the end of this quiet dead-end street on Lonsdale. This building lot offers a rare combination of convenience and privacy, with minimal traffic and a more secluded feel - perfect for a custom single-family home. Public
Welcome to Unit D at 228 Oakville Avenue, a beautifully maintained townhouse-style condo offering comfort, convenience, and exceptional value in a desirable, commuter-friendly location. Heat and hot water are included in the HOA fee, providing added affordability and peace of mind. This spacious unit features a bright, inviting layout with generously sized rooms, updated finishes, and abundant
Charming and affordable 4-bedroom Cape set on a spacious corner lot with breathtaking views overlooking your additional building lot! Endless possibilities await as you create the ultimate outdoor retreat - with room for a pool, garage, workshop, home office, playscape, gardens, and more. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, vinyl windows, and a newer roof, providing a solid foundation to make
Spacious second floor apartment with off street parking for one car. Two bedrooms, Eat in Kitchen, one full bath. Hardwood floors in living room and dining room, Balcony off living room. Laundry hook up in basement. Two months security deposit credit and background checks are required along with a one year lease No evictions. Listing office to do credit check for all persons over 18 paid by
Feel right at home in our warm and inviting communityRivers 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
Nice 2 Bedroom Cape in the East End ,Can also be used as a 3 or 4 Bedroom, there is also a Possible 4th Bedroom / Family Room in the Basement. Tenant pays all utilities , 1 Car Garage
Comfortable Apartments in WaterburyWelcome to Lakeview! Nestled in the heart of beautiful Waterbury, Connecticut, our inviting community is just minutes from great shopping, dining and entertainment. Discover spacious apartment homes featuring five floor plans perfectly designed with your lifestyle in mind!Our comfortable apartment homes are equipped with beautiful kitchen cabinetry, large living
Welcome to this well-maintained second-floor unit in a multi-family property, offering comfortable living with a blend of classic charm and modern updates. The apartment features beautiful hardwood floors throughout the main living areas and an updated kitchen with modern finishes and plenty of cabinet space. The living area boasts large windows that provide a light filled space and lovely views!
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,
Third floor apartment with off street parking for one car. Two bedrooms, Eat in Kitchen, one full bath. Hardwood floors in living room and dining room, Balcony off living room. Laundry hook up in basement. Two months security deposit credit and background checks are required along with a one year lease No evictions. Listing office to do credit check for all persons over 18 paid by applicant.
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!!!
Come see this large unit featuring 4 bedrooms and 1 additional room that can be utilized as an office or extra living space. There is also a laundry hookup in the apartment. Located near highways, shopping centers, schools, and more.
Middlebury Crossing Apartments in Waterbury, CT are located in the Western Hills area boarding Watertown and Middlebury. The property is a community surrounded by a variety of trees and a serene atmosphere, ideal for walking. The amenities at Middlebury Crossing include a fitness center, clubhouse with WiFi and a seasonal pool. There are two floor plans and storage units are available. Apartments
Cozy and private one bedroom apartment on a second floor of a private house. The bedroom provides generous floor space, hardwood-style flooring, a ceiling fan and excellent natural light. The sloped ceilings give it character. Conveniently located with easy access to local shopping, dining, highway. A great opportunity for someone looking for an affordable and comfortable place live.
Welcome to Eastwood Terrace. Located in the historic Waterbury, CT this property has it all. We are located in a quiet neighborhood, on a dead end street. The property has been newly renovated in 2021-2022, featuring a beautiful lobby. With a brand new parking lot, beautiful hallways, and an elevator for your convenience, choose Eastwood Terrace as your new home.
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