Waterbury LGBTQ City Guide

Waterbury is a beautiful, friendly, Connecticut city located on the Naugatuck River about half an hour from Hartford and about two hours from New York City. It is a city full of diverse neighborhoods, friendly people, and much to see and do. Even better, it has a smaller, yet thriving LGBTQ community where all can find their place and feel at home. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Waterbury, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!

A Look at Waterbury’s History

Like many new England cities, Waterbury has a long and rich history. It was first inhabited by Native American tribes, and then by those who came over from England before the American Revolution. Waterbury was officially incorporated as a town in 1686, and eventually a city in 1853. Waterbury is named for its beautiful, abundant waterways.?Since its founding, it has been an important city of commerce and industry and remains so to this day. Throughout the years, Waterbury has grown in diversity, and today is vibrant, and thriving city with plenty of opportunities and much to see and do for all who call it home.

A Few Fun Facts About Waterbury?

• Waterbury is nicknamed the “Brass City” because it was once the center of the American brass industry.
• Waterbury has the highest concentration of Italian-Americans in Connecticut, with almost 20% of its population claiming Italian heritage.
• As a center of the brass industry, Waterbury was once an essential producer of watches, clocks, and other timepieces. Today, there is a museum dedicated to those timepieces and to Waterbury’s history that visitors can enjoy.

Read more fun facts about Waterbury here.

Waterbury’s LGBTQ Community??????????????????????????????????????

Waterbury is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:

PFLAG Waterbury

PFLAG Waterbury is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is a national support, education, and advocacy organization for LGBTQ people, as well as their families, friends, and allies. It is the largest grassroots-based family organization of its kind in the country. The stated mission of PFLAG is to help change attitudes and create an environment of understanding so that everyone can live in a world that is safe and inclusive, a mission that it tries to fulfill through support, education, and advocacy.

What's the Weather Like in Waterbury?

In Waterbury, residents can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. This means cold winters with moderate snowfall and hot, sunny summers, along with mild and pleasant spring and fall seasons. Temperatures typically reach an average high of 84°F in July, and an average low of 16°F in January. Waterbury gets 38 inches of rain and 37 inches of snow, on average, per year.

Can’t-Miss Events in Waterbury

Hartford Pride

If you live in Waterbury, you won’t want to miss this party. This annual celebration of the area’s LGBTQ community occurs just a short drive away in Hartford and is the perfect time to get together with friends and allies and celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the greater Waterbury area.

The Best Neighborhoods in Waterbury?

If you're considering moving to Waterbury, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Waterbury is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. Regardless of the neighborhood you choose, it is always advised to contact a Waterbury gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Waterbury is around $215,000.

Arts and Entertainment

Mattatuck Museum

The Mattatuck Museum is a treasure trove of more than three centuries of history of the Waterbury area, including many works of Connecticut’s best artists. It also houses a genealogical library and is run by the Mattatuck Historical Society. The museum hosts frequent events and has rotating exhibits. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day feeling inspired and having fun.

Palace Theater

The Palace Theater is registered on the National Register of Historic Places and is a stunning theater that puts on a wide variety of different shows including Broadway musicals, standup comedy nights, children's performances, and more. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a show for yourself!

Parks and Recreation

Library Park

Library Park is one of Waterbury’s most beautiful green spaces. It has a band shell that regularly hosts special events, plenty of trails that span the perimeter of the park, playgrounds, and plenty of spots to relax. It’s the perfect place to spend a beautiful day in Waterbury.

Hop Brook Lake

Hop Brook Lake spans communities in the Connecticut area including Naugatuck, Middlebury, and Waterbury. The lake is home to a 21-acre recreation pool for the public to enjoy, as well as trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.

Waterbury Nightlife

Chez Est

Chez Est, located just a short drive from Waterbury in Hartford’s South End, is?a popular video bar with great jukebox music that draws a diverse and eclectic crowd for many of its parties, which include regular drag shows and karaoke nights.

Contact a Waterbury Gay Realtor Today

If you're ready to make a move to Waterbury, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Waterbury, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Waterbury gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!