Lying near the southwestern border, Danbury is one of Connecticut's most historical and charming small towns. With excellent schools, a superior quality of life and plenty of outdoor recreation nearby, it is no secret that many residents in Fairfax County are finding fantastic Danbury apartments for rent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population in the area was more than 80,000, the perfect size for a family that wants to be part of a warm, welcoming community.
Danbury was settled in 1684 by eight families that came from nearby Norwalk and Stamford, and many of the streets in the historical downtown district are still named after them. There was quite a debate on what to name the town, but the new residents eventually settled on Danbury, after a city in England. During the colonial period, Danbury became an important center of trade with a strong agricultural region that shipped goods to New York and the West Indies.
After the Revolutionary War, the city became the hat-making capital of New England. By 1800, more hats were made in Danbury than another other place in the United States. To make hats you need lots of water, so residents in the area built seven reservoirs to provide waterways to the 56 local hat factories and shops in town. Toward the latter half of the 19th century, the community became well known in the area for the Great Danbury Fair, a popular meeting place for horse races, baked goods and prize-winning vegetables. The manufacturing section also displayed the finest hats in the city as well.
After hats grew out of fashion with men and women in the mid-20th century, Danbury reinvented itself into a modern city with fantastic public transportation and runways, as well as a population of many cultures speaking more than 40 different languages.
The largest private employers in the area include Cartus, Boehringer Ingelheim and the financial services offices of GE Capital. Corporations like Goodrich, TREX Medical Corporation and Keane all make their home here as well, according to the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials. Since Danbury is situated on Interstate 84, it is positioned for long-term growth. Finding an apartment in Danbury near this major thoroughfare may be wise since it can take you to several locations throughout the city.
By far, the most popular institution in the area is Western Connecticut State University. Located on two sprawling, beautiful campuses in Danbury, this 4-year school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. With an enrollment of more than 6,000 students, this school has everything you need to pursue your career.
Because of its boom in population growth and job opportunity, Danbury has a cost of living index that is higher than the national average. According to information from city-data.com, the 2009 median gross rent in the area was $1,212 per month. However, the median household income increased more than $9,000 per month from 2000 to 2010, so many residents in the area should be able to live affordably.
One of the most exciting things to do in the Danbury area is to follow the Connecticut Wine Trail. With the state's cool climate and rich soils, the area around Danbury has become one of the most exciting and fastest growing wine regions in the country. Driving through this coastline will allow you to see the beautiful landscape of the Connecticut countryside and some interesting varietals like St. Croix, Cabernet Franc and Seyval Blanc.
To find your next rental apartment or house in Danbury, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.