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Things You Should Know Before Moving to Waterbury, CT

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While the city was well known for producing a plethora of brass buttons and timepieces, Waterbury has since switched gears from being a motivating industrial force - but that doesn't mean it lacks when it comes to living there. Over 110,000 people call Waterbury, Connecticut home.

There's a wide range of residential areas and things to do all throughout the city, and it's waiting for you if you choose to find out for yourself. Having trouble making a decision on whether or not to move to Waterbury? Let the information in this guide help lead you to an informed decision. And if you do decide to move, get a free quote here at Movers.com and get started on your move!

 

Waterbury Climate

The city is located in New Haven County and is mostly land with a small percentage of water. The area is characterized as humid continental, and sees hot, humid summers with cold, snowy winters. The average highs in winter months (between December and February) are usually between 35 and 40 degrees, but can drop to the low 20s.

During spring, the average highs are in the high 50s to mid 70s, and summers are generally in the low to high 80s.

Waterbury Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods in the area are plentiful and mostly residential, with diverse cultures creating colorful collections of communities scattered all throughout the city.

The Downtown Waterbury area has a nostalgic feel with a mix of historic architecture and New England skies as a backdrop. You'll find plenty of restored historic facades on strips of local shops and movie theaters. The city has taken many necessary steps to preserve the physical history and culture in the area while rejuvenating it economically.

At the west end of the city, Town Plot Hill has many Italian restaurants and delis in addition to other Italian-American owned businesses. It was also the original settlement of Waterbury in 1674, which is commemorated with the Harrub Pilgrim Memorial statue. Other small residential areas include Fair Lawn, Long Hill, East Mountain, South End and Waterville.

Registering Your Car

Upon moving to Connecticut, the state gives you 60 days to transfer your vehicle registration to a Connecticut one. Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and emissions test is required. You will need a copy of this test, your out of state title, an application for registration, proof of insurance and proper identification when going to the DMV to register your car.

Once you are an official resident of Connecticut, you will have 30 days to transfer your out of state license to Connecticut. You'll need to present your out of state license when you make the change, and it must not be expired for more than two years. Before you are issued your license, a vision test will be administered - road tests may be waived based on the licensing agent's discretion. You will have to bring multiple forms of identification, fill out an application form along with an application fee, and pay a license fee of $72 or $84 dollars, depending on how long the license will be valid for.

Waterbury Schools

Waterbury Public Schools serves the city for public education, with over 18,000 students in the district and eight high schools both public and private. These high schools include John F. Kennedy High School, Waterbury Arts Magnet School, Sacred Heart High School and Wilby High School. There are over 30 schools grades K-12 total in the district, and over 1,500 teachers.

For colleges and universities, Waterbury has: Post University, a private college, the University of Connecticut Waterbury Campus, Naugatuck Valley Community College, and regional campuses for Western Connecticut State University and University of Bridgeport.

Waterbury Employment

As of February 2013, Waterbury's unemployment rate tipped over 13 percent, while Connecticut's state rate stays closer to 8.5 percent. The area's economy is comprised of manufacturing, service industries and corporation headquarters. American Bank of Connecticut, Webster Financial Corp and Hubbard-Hall, Inc. are all headquartered in the city.

Some of the city's top employers are: the City of Waterbury, Waterbury Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital and the State of Connecticut. Education and health service jobs make up over 14,000 employees, while transportation, trade and utilities follow close behind with over 13,500 employees.

Living Costs in the City

Depending on the city you'll be moving from, you may see an increase in living costs here. The overall cost of living is about 7 percent higher than the national average - which is lower than many bigger metropolitan cities like New York City or San Diego. Apartments begin at approximately $750 per month for a one bedroom, and increase up to $1,500 or more, varying based on the size of the apartment, location and amenities included in rent. The average listing price for homes in the city is approximately $125,000; however, some homes are listed with prices up to $800,000.

Utility costs in the city can vary considerably, but the average single-family household spends approximately $400 a month on gas and electric. The average monthly cost for all expenses, including entertainment and travel, is approximately $5,000 per month.

Waterbury Moving Resources

Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Waterbury, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Connecticut. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:

Waterbury Transportation

If you're a commuter in need of public transportation, Waterbury has multiple options to help make your daily travel the least of your worries. City buses run from the city center at Exchange Place to many different neighborhoods thanks to CT Transit. Metro-North Railroad runs multiple times a day to and from Bridgeport with connections to New York City via the Grand Central Terminal.

For personal vehicle transportation, you'll mainly be traveling via Route 8 and Interstate 84, both of which are located on the William W. Deady bridge downtown.

Culture & Contemporary Life

Whether you're looking for a family day out on the town or just some leisure time in the city's green parks, Waterbury has something for everyone. The Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center preserves the area's past while looking into the future with its diverse exhibits and collections with both national and regional significance. To learn more about the area's history with brass, head over to Timexpo: The Timex Museum with the history of Timex all the way back to the 1850's.

You'll also find plenty of diverse restaurants, shopping areas and historic buildings in both Downtown Waterbury and other residential neighborhoods. The city has paintball venues, yoga classes and ski areas with zip lines if you're into a more active lifestyle. Try out martial arts or body combat classes as well. If you have children, the Seven Angels Theatre prides itself on educating children through theater, with several productions going on throughout the year. There's also Fulton Park, a 70-acre park with two large ponds complete with playgrounds, walkways, basketball courts and a baseball field.

Waterbury Relocation Tips

  • Unemployment in Waterbury is high - make sure you secure a job before relocating, as you may have a hard time finding employment once you get there.

     

  • Be prepared to dress for the weather, especially if you're coming from a climate that is a more consistent temperature. Buy heavy coats and scarves as well as shorts and flip-flops.

     

  • Do plenty of research on your neighborhood before considering purchasing a home, and if you can, go out and visit your potential home or apartment before you make your move.

Jenna Farmer  Posted by Jenna Farmer on May 7, 2013

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