Incorporated in 1787, Southbury, Connecticut, provides modern conveniences while preserving its bucolic feel. “We have four exits on a major highway, but we’re still able to maintain a very homey atmosphere,” says Southbury First Selectman Jeff Manville. He’s a lifelong resident whose great-grandfather was the town’s first doctor. “When they get off the highway, citizens feel like they’re home right away.” Southbury provides high-value housing, considering its distance to significant commuter destinations. New Haven, Hartford and New York City are all within about 50 miles. “People have found the standard of living was worth the time it took to get to New York,” Manville says. Homebuyers are also drawn to the town’s highly rated school system, award-winning Main Street and various outdoor amenities.
From Italian eats to grass-fed burgers
While Southbury brims with rural charm, there's plenty of convenience and recreation within the town limits. Main Street has an excellent array of eateries, like Laurel Diner. This retro roadside stop serves all-day breakfast and lunch and is often swarmed on weekends. “Years ago, I could easily get breakfast on Saturday or Sunday morning. Now, you’ve got to wait in line — it’s a big hit. All their hamburgers are made from grass-fed beef. They buy their beef from my farm!” Manville says. Down the road, Mercato Italian Kitchen and Bar serves small plates like truffle parmesan fries and Italian classics like robiola and burrata. It's right next to the Riverview Cinemas 8, where visitors watch mainstream Hollywood fare from cozy recliners. Locals can grab groceries from two supermarkets in town: Stop & Shop to the north and ShopRite to the south.
Mercato Italian Kitchen & Bar serves small plates and classic Italian entrees in Southbury.
Burgers with grass-fed beef are a specialty at Laurel Diner in Southbury.
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Riverside parks and athletic facilities
The Housatonic River flows alongside Southbury to the west, eventually draining into the Long Island Sound. Along the river are several outdoor destinations, including Bent of the River Audubon Center. Hikers can traverse about 15 miles of wooded and meadowed trails in this 700-acre nature sanctuary. Settlers Park fills 68 acres in north-central Southbury with athletic facilities, a playground and a community garden. Visitors can also fish on the Pomperaug River.
Bent of the River Audubon Center features hiking trails along the Pomperaug River in Southbury.
Settlers Park in Southbury has a playground and multiple athletic fields.
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Condos, Colonial Revivals and custom builds
Nearly 20,000 people live in Southbury in a variety of residential communities. One of these, the Russian Village Historic District, was founded in 1923 as a sanctuary for Russian immigrants fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution. Another, Heritage Village, is one of the country's largest and oldest 55-and-over communities. Water features and trails run throughout this 1,000-acre community, which features over 2,500 condominiums. These start at around $200,000 for two-bedroom units. Detached homes in Southbury include many Colonial-style and New Traditional constructions, plus some larger custom or historic houses. The median home price is about $575,000, which could buy a four-bedroom Colonial Revival nearing 2,400 square feet. Prices top out at around $1.75 million for a seven-bedroom early-1900s Victorian build on nearly 4 acres.
You will find two-bedroom condos in the Heritage Village retirement community in Southbury.
Colonial Revival homes such as this one are common in Southbury.
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Some of Connecticut's best public schools
Southbury is served by the Pomperaug Regional School District 15, which has an A-minus rating on Niche. It’s particularly lauded for its academics, teachers and college prep. Students can attend one of four elementary schools, including Gainfield Elementary, and two middle schools, including Rochambeau Middle. They eventually progress to Pomperaug High School, which offers a variety of educational pathways. These include career and technical education pathways and a fine arts program. The school also has robust athletics programs; it's common to see community support on game nights for all its teams. Gainfield Elementary, Rochambeau Middle and Pomperaug High all have A-minuses from Niche. “There are also very good private schools within close distances if you should choose,” Manville adds. These include The Frederick Gunn School, a nearly 175-year-old boarding and day school about 9 miles north of town.
About 350 children from Southbury attend Gainfield Elementary School.
About 1,100 teens attend Southbury's Pomperaug High School.
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Convenient for commuters and day-trippers alike
While there is plenty to do in town, Interstate 84 runs through the center of Southbury, so commuting for work or play is easy. Realtor Marian Van Egas of Berkshire Hathaway New England Properties says it’s a popular area for New York commuters. "It's more of a rural area with suburban neighborhoods and excellent conveniences," Van Egas says. "We have it all." Manville adds that Southbury is conveniently located for day trips to the Berkshires and other New England landmarks.
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