Watertown has a small-town feeling and walkable downtown
Just northwest of Waterbury, Watertown is a sprawling neighborhood with a bustling, walkable downtown, large homes with well-manicured lawns, highly rated schools and abundant park space. “It’s a small-town environment,” says Ken Demirs, a Realtor and sales manager at Regency Real Estate. He’s lived in Watertown for 45 years, has sold homes here for 25 years and serves as vice chair on the Town Council. “Believe it or not, it’s still affordable. Around the towns that we’re surrounded by, I think we’re probably one of the cheaper when it comes to property taxes.”
A wide range of home prices for historic houses, new builds and condos
Colonials, Cape Cods and hi-ranches are common in Watertown. Closer to the little downtown, Colonials and simple Stick Victorians often date to the 1800s. “You’ve got a mix of the old Victorian houses and new construction,” Demirs says. “We’ve got a new 55-and-older community being built up now.” This variety results in a wide range of prices. Small fixer-uppers occasionally dip into the $200,000 range, but most houses start closer to $300,000 and max out at around $850,000. Large estates with land are rare but can occasionally go for up to $4 million. Watertown also has condos, which typically cost between $180,000 and $520,000. The median home price in Watertown is $360,000.
Public and private school options in Watertown
Watertown’s public and private schools all serve as major draws for potential homebuyers. Niche gives the Watertown School District a B-minus. Children attend John Trumbull Primary School, which has a B, from pre-kindergarten through second grade. They can then attend Judson Elementary, which has a B-minus, Swift Middle, which has a B, and Watertown High, which has a B-minus. The high school’s career and technical education program teaches classes on topics like marketing, video production and graphics.
The Taft School is a renowned private school, earning an A-plus from Niche and making its list of top five private high schools in the state. Founded in 1890, the historic school takes day and boarding students and is known for its rigorous academic programs. Holy Disciples Catholic School is also located in Watertown. Split into two campuses, it teaches pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, but doesn’t have a rating from Niche.
Kayaking and abundant hiking, Leatherman’s Cave and golf courses
Much of Watertown’s north side is taken up by protected forests. “There’s hiking and there are a lot of little lakes for kayaking,” Demirs says. The 444-acre Black Rock State Park has miles of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous, and it has brooks, a lake and a pond where people can swim, fish or kayak. There are also spaces for camping and picnicking in the park. Nearby, the Mattatuck State Forest spans over 4,500 acres and is also popular for hiking. One of its most popular trails leads to Leatherman’s Cave. The hike is uphill, which can make it a little more intensive, but taking it from the other end makes it shorter and easier.
Veteran’s Memorial Park is one of Watertown’s many more developed parks, offering athletic fields, a basketball court and a playground. Many of its smaller parks have little lakes, and Watertown Dog Park is large and grassy, though it can get a bit muddy right after it rains. Watertown also has opportunities for golfers. Watertown Golf Club is a private club with a championship 18-hole golf course. Crestbrook Golf Course is a public 18-hole course that also has tennis courts and a public swimming pool during the summer.
Restaurants and shopping along Main Street, winery and local farms
At the center of Watertown, Main Street is lined with shops and restaurants. ThaiBowL Thai Restaurant is known for its pho, and Fino Wood Fired Pizza & Bar is a popular spot for dinner and drinks. Restaurants aren’t limited to downtown, though. One of the area’s most popular, Uncommon Grill, is off the main drag. It’s known for its creative burgers. Hawk Ridge Winery is also among Watertown’s favorite spots. “It’s pretty popular on the weekend; if you don’t get there early you won’t get a spot,” Demirs says. “You just head over, set up your chair or your blanket and hang out.”
Farms in Watertown often put up farm stands or have “pick your own” produce areas. “There’s still a lot of farming here, a lot of active farms,” Demirs says. “We’ve got four or five farms that have been operating forever, so you’ve got plenty of fresh produce and a farmers market every weekend.” For other groceries, Watertown has Adams Hometown Market, LaBonne’s Market, and a Stop & Shop.
Easy access Route 6 and Route 8, major cities about an hour away
Residents have easy access to U.S. Route 6 and state Route 8, which both run through Watertown. Downtown Waterbury is less than 8 miles away, and the nearest hospital, Waterbury Hospital, is about 5 miles away. New Haven, which is the home of Yale University, is 30 miles away, a trip that takes just under an hour. Connecticut’s capital, Hartford, is only a little farther away at about 38 miles, but getting there still typically takes about an hour. Bradley International Airport is about 48 miles away.
Seasonal events highlight the Watertown calendar
Watertown's event calendar includes seasonal happenings like Watertown Fall Festival, with live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities. And Santa's Holiday Light Parade begins on Main Street and serves as the official kick-off to the holiday season in Watertown.
Heavy rain can cause minor flooding
The brooks threading through Watertown can overflow after heavy rain or severe storms, which are more common during hurricane season. Hurricanes rarely hit Connecticut, and when they do, they’re usually weakened. Regardless, heavy rains sometime flood roads and cause them to shut down.
Written By
Christina Norwood
