Connecticut Valley (New Haven, Hartford, Waterbury: real estate, work, housing)

[jp03]

Can anyone give me their thoughts on the Connecticut valley area from Shelton up to Naugatuck? Contemplating a future move back to Conn and want to look at that area. My reason for moving originally was that Fairfield is way too expensive.

[skytrekker]

The Naugatuck River Valley in the past was a manufacturing center. The towns of Shelton, Ansonia, Derby, Naugatuck, and to a lesser degree Seymour all produced hardware type goods. Waterbury just north of Naugatuck was also a producer of many types of hardware, it is still known as the 'Brass City'.

These towns can be called 'post industrial' , all are in the process of redefining their identities and rebuilding their somewhat faded downtowns. Schools are decent, but not ranked as high as some of the more prosperous suburbs nearby. There are some nice neighborhoods with recently built and older housing stock of very good quality.

The river valley itself has some steep side hills and ravines down to the water in many sections from just north of where the river empties into the Housatonic river, north to almost Waterbury.

All these towns can be considered 'working class', with a smattering of new professionals moving up from Fairfield county, who are like you trying to find cheaper housing. Housing costs will be much lower then neighboring Fairfield county. These towns have a grittier' mill town' feel then the tonier towns of Fairfield county, such as Monroe to the west, or Woodbridge and Orange to the east in New Haven county.

Although cheaper housing can be found in Tolland county in eastern Connecticut.

[jp03]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

The Naugatuck River Valley in the past was a manufacturing center. The towns of Shelton, Ansonia, Derby, Naugatuck, and to a lesser degree Seymour all produced hardware type goods. Waterbury just north of Naugatuck was also a producer of many types of hardware, it is still known as the 'Brass City'.

These towns can be called 'post industrial' , all are in the process of redefining their identities and rebuilding their somewhat faded downtowns. Schools are decent, but not ranked as high as some of the more prosperous suburbs nearby. There are some nice neighborhoods with recently built and older housing stock of very good quality.

The river valley itself has some steep side hills and ravines down to the water in many sections from just north of where the river empties into the Housatonic river, north to almost Waterbury.


Thanks..I would be working in Trumbull so cant go too far east. Its still down the road a bit so we'll see what happens
All these towns can be considered 'working class', with a smattering of new professionals moving up from Fairfield county, who are like you trying to find cheaper housing. Housing costs will be much lower then neighboring Fairfield county. These towns have a grittier' mill town' feel then the tonier towns of Fairfield county, such as Monroe to the west, or Woodbridge and Orange to the east in New Haven county.

Although cheaper housing can be found in Tolland county in eastern Connecticut.

Thanks..I would be working in Trumbull so cant go too far east. Its still down the road a bit so we'll see what happens

[french4beth]

I would agree with skytrekker - Trumbull is outrageously pricey.

[jp03]

Originally Posted by french4beth

I would agree with skytrekker - Trumbull is outrageously pricey.

Thanks ...how about the Wallingford/ Hamden area?

[skytrekker]

Wallingford /Hamden will have real estate prices that are in line with the greater New Haven area- less then Fairfield county, but slightly more then the Hartford area.