Danbury, CTBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Danbury is home to a charming downtown, excellent schools and a thriving arts community, and residents have easy access to New York City. Danbury’s endless roster of things to do and its relative affordability make it the perfect place to settle down and plant roots.
Danbury, CT, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Located in Western Connecticut, Danbury combines almost everything associated with a major city with a cozy New England feel. Danbury has many dining, entertainment and shopping options and offers something fun for the nearly 87,000 people who call the city home, so it’s easy to see why the city is one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Coupled with all of the entertainment options to choose from are the city’s parks, lakes and trails that make it easy to get out into nature. Seriously. Danbury residents mean business when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. The Ives Trail Greenway runs partly through the city and connects to Danbury’s Wooster Mountain State Park, Tarrywile Park and Wiedel Meadows. Golfers can head to Richter Park Golf Course, a 118-hole, Par 71 course with an Edward Ryder design. If you’ve got a four-legged friend, check out Bear Mountain Reservation, a 140-acre park that is pet-friendly and has hiking trails of various lengths and routes, including one leading to Candlewood Lake. Along with other public parks in Danbury, Lake Kenosia Park makes for a nice picnic spot. It has benches, a spray park, a playground and soccer fields (permit required).
Danbury is also linked to the Metro-North Railroad, with its own branch having to-and-from stops, including Bethel, Wilton and South Norwalk, and by car via Route 7 and I-84. And even though it’s easy to get out of town, there’s plenty to do right at home. As a result, Danbury residents don’t have to head to neighboring New York for a fun day or night out. Instead, catch a show at either Musicals at Richter or the Palace Danbury Theatre. A love of sports is also fairly common in Danbury, and Danbury Sports Dome is the perfect place to hone your skills.
Danbury is ultra-family-friendly and offers plenty of ways to keep the kiddos entertained. The Danbury Ice Arena offers public skating and hockey programs, with some being youth-related. It’s also home to the Danbury Hat Tricks ice hockey team. In addition, Thrillz Adventure Park offers families some friendly competition through various obstacles, including a rolling log, a slippery slide and a 3D rock climbing wall.
The quality of life here is unparalleled, and whether they are working hard or having fun, Danbury residents wear many hats. No, seriously. Danbury’s nickname is “Hat City,” which originated from the city’s hat-making industry that grew so much by the 1850s that Danbury was referred to as “The Hat Capital of the World.”
Danbury, CT Quality of Life LivScore
Danbury, CT Top Categories
Economy
Health
Safety
Danbury ranks highest for economy, health and safety.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Danbury, CT
The weather patterns reflect New England’s typical four seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The average highs and lows are 82°F and 60°F (summer) and 38°F and 21°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Danbury is approximately 49 inches, with the heaviest snowfall in January and February.
The average annual rainfall in Danbury is around 50 inches, with July being the wettest month.
Danbury averages 202 sunny days a year.
Candlewood Lake, the largest manmade lake in Connecticut, runs through Danbury and is a popular spot during the summer. Candlewood Town Park is an 11-acre beachfront venue with a boat launch, picnic tables and playgrounds. Or stretch your legs along one of the 21 miles of trails at Tarrywile Park.
Danbury Weather
202 days
Average Annual Sun
50 inches
Average Annual Rain
49 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Danbury, CT
The Danbury Farmers’ Market runs seasonally (late June through late October) on Saturdays at the Danbury CityCenter Green. Or browse through the stacks at the Danbury Public Library and see the Sybil Ludington Statue, which depicts this young American Revolutionary War heroine on horseback.
The Danbury Railroad Museum tells the history of railroading with a collection of railroad artifacts and objects, including model trains and photographs and a rail yard full of locomotives, passenger cars and cabooses. The rail yard has regularly scheduled train rides and special-themed excursions. Also, try duckpin bowling at Danbury Duckpin Lanes, a longtime alley with video games and a concession stand.
Those looking to shop locally can find great reads at The Booksmiths Shoppe, which carries old and new titles. If you’re looking to outfit your business, All Things & More Pop Up Boutique provides a showroom for small businesses, with services and products such as homewares and accessories.
Rein Oysteria’s happy hour offers specials on a selection of wines by the glass, draft beers and cocktails. Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub and Restaurant have drink and food specials Tuesday through Friday. Also, Mariposa Taqueria’s happy hour happens Wednesday through Friday, with specials on their tacos and margaritas.
The Local and State Economy in Danbury, CT
Danbury’s diverse economy is made up of several major industries, including health care, manufacturing and retail. In addition, several major companies call Danbury home, including Ethan Allen Interiors and FuelCell Energy.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Danbury is 6.35%.
Yes, Connecticut has a state income tax.
When choosing a health care provider, Danbury residents have several to choose from, including Danbury Hospital. Danbury Hospital is part of the Western Connecticut Health Network, and the 371-bed teaching facility has a Level II Trauma Center.
There are a couple of colleges and universities in Danbury, including Western Connecticut State University and Naugatuck Valley Community College.
Quick Facts About Danbury, CT
- Median Household Income
- $79,322
- Median Home Value
- $352,565
- Average State Property Tax
- $6,153
- Total Population
- 86,897
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,320
- Average Commute
- 20.98 minutes
Danbury is one of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks partly to its excellent health care options and robust local economy. Learn more about living in Danbury or how to test-drive a city before you move there. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
