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Waterbury, CT

Frequently asked questions

Waterbury, CT

Waterbury is a city in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Waterbury had a population of 114,403 as of the 2020 Census. The city is 33 miles (53 km) southwest of Hartford and 77 miles (124 km) northeast of New York City. Waterbury is the largest city in the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region and the second-largest city in New Haven County.

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Waterbury had large industrial interests and was the leading center in the United States for the manufacture of brassware (including castings and finishings), as reflected in the nickname the "Brass City" and the city's motto Quid Aere Perennius? ("What Is More Lasting Than Brass?"). It was also noted for the manufacture of watches and clocks (Timex).

The city is alongside Interstate 84 (Yankee Expressway) and Route 8 and has a Metro-North railroad station with connections to Grand Central Terminal. Waterbury is also home to Post University and the regional campuses of the University of Connecticut, University of Bridgeport, Western Connecticut State University as well as Naugatuck Valley Community College.

The land was originally inhabited by the Algonquin bands. According to Samuel Orcutt's history, some Puritan residents of nearby Farmington "found it expedient to purchase the same lands from different tribes, without attempting to decide between their rival claims." The original settlement of Waterbury in 1674 was in the area now known as the Town Plot section. In 1675, the turbulence of King Philip's War caused the new settlement to be vacated until the resumption of peace in 1677. A new permanent location was found across the river to the east along the Mad River. The original Native American inhabitants called the area "Matetacoke" meaning "the interval lands." Thus, the settlement's name was Anglicised to "Mattatuck" in 1673. When the settlement was admitted as the 28th town in the Connecticut Colony in 1686, the name was changed to Waterbury in reference to the numerous streams that emptied into the Naugatuck River from the hills on either side of the valley. At that time, it included all or parts of what later became the towns of Watertown, Plymouth, Wolcott, Prospect, Naugatuck, Thomaston, and Middlebury.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.0 square miles (75.0 km²), of which 28.5 square miles (73.9 km²) is land and 0.42 square miles (1.1 km²), or 1.46%, is water.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of Waterbury's community. Saint Mary's Hospital provides comprehensive medical services, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare. Start your fitness journey at the Waterbury YMCA which offers a range of fitness classes and a swimming pool. Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness offer comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For a more specialized workout, visit Edge Fitness Clubs. Yoga enthusiasts can find peace and flexibility at The Network Yoga. Relax and rejuvenate at Simply Nirvana Day Spa.

Top sites in Waterbury, CT are Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury Green, and Holy Land USA Waterbury.

Population: 114,990 (2023). ZIP code: 06701. Area codes: 203, 475. Elevation: 270 ft (82 m). Area: 28.94 sq mi (74.97 km²).

FAQs

Is Waterbury, CT a town or city?

Waterbury, city, coextensive with the town (township) of Waterbury, New Haven county, west-central Connecticut, U.S., on the Naugatuck River. Positioned along the Naugatuck River, the area has evolved into a diverse community with a rich cultural heritage. Over the years, Waterbury has become known for its array of attractions, appealing to both residents and visitors alike. These attractions include historical sites, cultural institutions, and recreational amenities, contributing to the city's vibrant character and appeal.

What is the Waterbury, CT crime rate?

With a crime rate of 32 per one thousand residents, Waterbury has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 31. Waterbury is the fifth-largest community in Connecticut.

What is Waterbury, CT famous for?

By the 1920s, more than a third of the brass manufactured in the United States was made in the Naugatuck Valley, and Waterbury came to be known as the “Brass City". Its skilled workers turned out screws, washers, and buttons; showerheads and alarm clocks; toy airplanes and lipstick holders; and cocktail shakers. “Waterbury was an industrial city,” Ray Leopold said. “A gathering place for some of the best mechanical, industrial talent probably in America.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Waterbury

Britannica

Neighborhood Scout

PBS

Mattatuck Museum

Waterbury Green

Holy Land USA Waterbury

Saint Mary's Hospital 

Waterbury YMCA

Planet Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Edge Fitness Clubs.

The Network Yoga

Simply Nirvana Day Spa

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.