Danbury, CT Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Danbury, CT: What You Need to Know

Danbury lies along the Still River in western Connecticut. It earned the nickname Hat City in the 19th century because of its successful hat industry. Western Connecticut State University is located in the city.

Job Opportunities

Danbury’s proximity to New York City, 69 miles away, makes it attractive to businesses. Danbury is in Fairfield County, which boasts of a diverse economy with thriving advanced manufacturing, financial services, professional services, and health care industries. The biggest employers in Danbury include Praxair Inc. (industrial gases), Danbury Hospital, FuelCell Energy, Odyssey Logistics and Technology, and Western Connecticut State University. The 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, a unit of the U.S. Army Reserve, is based in Danbury.

Schools

Western Connecticut State University serves 5,642 students in two campuses in Danbury: a 34-acre main campus downtown and a 364-acre campus called Westside. Founded in 1903, the university offers 41 undergraduate degrees concentrated into 36 majors. There are 108 other colleges and universities within 50 miles of Danbury.

Are There Any Tourist Attractions in Danbury, CT?

Candlewood Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and swimming. The manmade lake is Connecticut’s largest lake, with 65 miles of shoreline and a depth of 30 feet to 85 feet. About 150 fishing tournaments are held at the lake annually. You can go camping and hiking in the areas surrounding the lake. Visiting the Danbury Railway Museum downtown is like stepping back in time. The museum is housed in the former Union Station, circa 1903. It features a research library and a collection of artifacts pertaining to railroading in New England. Behind the museum, you’ll see an extensive railyard with over 60 pieces of locomotives and equipment.

Is it Expensive to Live in Danbury, CT?

Connecticut is one of the most expensive states to live in America. Danbury, home to 84,694 people, is no exception. The city’s cost of living rate and housing costs are 29.7% and 14.7% higher than the national average respectively. The good news: food cost is 13.2% lower than the national average. The median gross rent is $1,466. Connecticut residents pay 3% to 6.99% in income tax and 6.35% in statewide sales tax. 

How Did Danbury Get its Name?

English settlers named the city after Danbury, England, in 1687, but it was incorporated much later in 1702. The city served as a supply depot for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. In 1780, Zadoc Benedict started making three hats a day. He was the first hatmaker of record in Danbury, paving the way for the city’s hat industry. By 1887, 30 factories in Danbury were making about five million hats a year.