[Halloweenbabie]

I'm looking for a house in the Danbury area (under 300k) and need to know the better but affordable areas of Danbury. I recently looked in the Shelter rock area and that was nice. My only concern was there is a sewage plant nearby. Any concerns about the Shelter Rock area? I'm also commuting from Norwalk. Any suggestions?

[jdhall1]

You maybe get one or two days a year that the smell gets up the hill. I have several clients that live in the area and no complaints. The city has added onto the school due to growing enrollment. The area is convenient, and a mix of single family & condos. The area is good option for $300,000. The market is very active in that the price range for single family homes and little more stable for condos.

[Halloweenbabie]

Sounds good because that was one of my concerns. How is the crime rate in that area? Seems like a decent area?

[jdhall1]

Danbury does rank consistently as the safest city in state of it's size and one of the safest in the country per FBI stats. As far as neighborhood specifics, if you were concerned specially, consult with the local police department.

[Lalalally]

I wouldn't worry about the crime as much as I would the smell, because when it does smell, it's pretty nauseating. . Had a friend who lived over that way, and we spent many a night out on the deck, but honestly it was no big deal ever and really not noticeable. There are a handful of days -- usually the hot, humid ones, with a slight breeze, that the smell will make you want to upchuck in your mouth a little bit though. I've encountered that only in the Homes Goods parking lot a couple of times. Jdhall is right -- they are few and far between. Regarding crime -- there are a couple of sketchy areas in Danbury, but no part that is downright dangerous. And I don't consider that section to be one of the sketchy ones. Good luck

[eric51]

Check out the Great Plain area. Close to Route 7 with Stew Leonard's, good restaurants , auto dealers, Kohl's and other stores. Decent access to I-84. Housing prices are in your range. Two good elementry scholls in Shelter Rock and Great Plain.

Very safe area as is most of Danbury.

We lived in the area for about 30 years and raised three boys there. Our second son and his family now live in the Great Plain area. And our son communtes to Norwalk.

[jp03]

Originally Posted by Lalalally

I wouldn't worry about the crime as much as I would the smell, because when it does smell, it's pretty nauseating. . Had a friend who lived over that way, and we spent many a night out on the deck, but honestly it was no big deal ever and really not noticeable. There are a handful of days -- usually the hot, humid ones, with a slight breeze, that the smell will make you want to upchuck in your mouth a little bit though. I've encountered that only in the Homes Goods parking lot a couple of times. Jdhall is right -- they are few and far between. Regarding crime -- there are a couple of sketchy areas in Danbury, but no part that is downright dangerous. And I don't consider that section to be one of the sketchy ones. Good luck

Its rarely noticeable..if ever.

[Stylo]

Would also look at Bethel, especially for a Norwalk commute. Would also consider Shelton/Stratford/Milford.

[eric51]

I will add that the tax base in Danbury is extremely stable. Excellent balance between corporate tax base and property tax base. Ecomonically, Danbury is one of the few positives in CT.

And if you get the chance, talk to Mayor Mark as he is known - Mayor Mark Boughton. He was born and raised in Danbury, taught social studies at Danbury High. His father, Don, served one term as mayor of Danbury. He is a great guy. I have known him for many, many years.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Would also look at Bethel, especially for a Norwalk commute. Would also consider Shelton/Stratford/Milford.

I was going to ask the OP why Danbury and then suggest Bethel. Generally closer to Norwalk and better performing upper level schools but also likely a bit pricier. Worth it IMHO. Jay