Waterbury

Waterbury

Located in southwestern Connecticut in vibrant New Haven County, Waterbury offers the excitement of a bustling urban center within the natural beauty of the region. Originally settled in 1674 as the colony of Mattatuck, the city now known as Waterbury was officially incorporated in 1853. The area has a rich history as a major industrial center, with factories powered by the nearby Naugatuck River making the city famous for manufacturing clocks and brass. In fact, Waterbury’s metal industry was once so world-renowned that it became known as “the Brass Capital of the World” during the 19th century, and remains known as “the Brass City” to this day. The town has also been home to numerous notable figures throughout its history, including scientist Robert Gallo, photographer Annie Leibovitz, and actor Dylan McDermott.

Conveniently situated along several major expressways, Waterbury has easy access to transportation throughout the area. Route 8 runs directly through town, leading to Torrington to the north, and Naugatuck and Bridgeport to the south. I-84 is a multi-lane highway that also passes through the city center, leading to Hartford to the northeast, and Danbury to the southwest, while also providing a connection to Massachusetts and New York. Just south of the area, Route 68 leads east to Cheshire, Durham, and Middletown. Meanwhile, Waterbury is also home to a Metro-North railroad station, allowing travelers to reach downtown Manhattan in just over two hours.

Today, Waterbury offers an exciting variety of activities and attractions. Learn about the city’s history at the Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center, then enjoy the outdoors by strolling through Library Park, the Waterbury Town Green, the Harrub Pilgrim Memorial, or visiting the historical oddity that is Holy Land USA – a religious-themed park near I-84 that fell into disrepair and has since become a local landmark. Catch a show at one of the city’s famous performance venues, including the Palace Theater and Seven Angels Theatre, then see a baseball or soccer game at Municipal Stadium. Dine on an eclectic mix of cuisines at local eateries like Sultan’s Turkish Restaurant, Diorio Restaurant & Bar, and Brass City Bistro, or go shopping at the countless stores in the Brass City Mall. With so much to see and do, and set against the natural beauty of the Naugatuck River Valley, Waterbury is ideally suited for any type of lifestyle.