Waterbury Apartments and Rentals

Nicknamed the Brass City, Waterbury, Connecticut, was once an industrial powerhouse that provided much of young America with brass buttons and clocks. While times have changed and there is not much left of the former industry, the city still has much to offer residents.

People seeking Waterbury apartments for rent will find that the city of more than 110,000 people has some great restaurants, museums and shops, as well as a unique culture and feel.

Waterbury was originally settled in 1674 and was initially known as Mattatuck, after the Indian term for the area, Matetacoke, which "place without trees." By 1686 the area was renamed Waterbury and became the 28th town in the Connecticut colony.

The 1800s saw much change in the city as the brass and clock industries began to dominate the city. Brass manufacturing began mostly with buttons but over the next century and a half the products diversified as the times and needs of the population changed.

Waterbury was also heavily involved in the clock industry as many of the parts used in their construction were brass and made locally. By the middle of the 19th century, Waterbury Clock was making affordable, reliable timepieces that were sold throughout the region. The area was so well known for its clock making it was called "Switzerland of America." Waterbury Clock would go on to become Timex, which has its headquarters in nearby Middlebury.

People looking for rentals in Waterbury will find there are a number of places to live.

The Town Plot neighborhood is the site of the original settlement and is located in the southern part of the city. This area has many residential homes and a park, making it a good choice for families. Bucks Hill, in the north, is another area that has a fair amount of green space and open areas that make it a good place to live.

While the brass and clock industries are mostly gone from the area, there are still a number of employment opportunities for those who live in the area, particularly in the healthcare field.

Waterbury Hospital is the city's second largest employer with 2,100 people on its payroll. St. Mary's Hospital is number three on the list with 1,590 employees. Waterbury itself is the largest employer in the city, with 3,670 employees, according to its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2011.

There are also a number of universities in Waterbury. Post University - which was founded in 1890 - has about 800 undergraduate students who can choose from more than 20 programs. The University of Connecticut also operates a branch campus in Waterbury.

Finding apartments for rent in Waterbury, Connecticut, isn't much of a hassle and those seeking such accommodations should find that there are many properties to choose from.

According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent in the city from 2008 to 2010 was $845.

There are a number of things to do for people who live in Waterbury. A visit to the Timexpo museum will give people an inside look on how the city became famous for its clocks. Stopping by the Mattatuck Museum will allow people to experience a broader history of the region. In addition, there are a number of golf courses in the city and surrounding area to keep those interested in the sport occupied.

Another attractive feature of Waterbury is that it is the northernmost stop on one of the branches of the Metro-North Railroad, connecting the city to New York City.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Waterbury apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.