SOUTHBURY, Connecticut 06488

Southbury is a delightful town comprised of rural country areas, friendly suburban neighborhoods and intriguing historic districts. Attractively located a short distance from major business and commercial centers, and home to numerous fine establishments of its own, Southbury offers the best of all worlds. This true domain of New England at it's best is within 100 miles of New York City and 150 miles of Boston.

Southbury features several distinct villages of historic note that add to the New England character of the town. Historic Main Street North, once a Pomperaug Indian trails, showcases the fine architecture of the town's first homes. The Bullet Hill School is also on Main Street North. It is one of the oldest school buildings in the country, operating from 1689 to 1942 and used today as a unique classroom where students experience a typical nineteenth century school day.

Its Russian Village was designed by the son of Leo Tolstoy and settled by immigrants fleeing the Russian Revolution. The community is rich in cultural history and encompasses St. Sergius Chapel, the center of all nineteenth century village activity. Scattered throughout the historic areas and across the countryside is an attractive variety of homes in many styles and sizes.

The students of Southbury attend their own elementary and middle schools in town, and share a high school, also located in town, with neighboring communities. Special education and evening classes for adults supplement a solid education. A lively community spirit is evident in the civic and cultural organizations of town. A Youth Commission, Council on Aging and other clubs see to the needs of all residents. A Cultural Arts Committee offers exciting musical and dramatic performances throughout the year, and an Arts Festival each May.

The town's population is 18,567. It covers 40.9 sq. miles. Although the town was originally settled by 1673, it took over 100 years for the town to be incorporated from Woodbury in 1787. Mill industry thrived here because of abundant waterpower, especially along the Pomeraug River. Commerce then increased when the Main Street became a link of the Woodbury Turnpike in 1795. By the time the railroad came through in 1881 the town was already a regional center of trade and light industry. One characteristic specific to the loyalty was that tradesmen here such a shoemakers would travel to their customers rather than maintain a shop - a practice referred to as "whipping the cat." Today the town remains rather rural because it has a relatively large area for its population.

As of the census of 2000, there are 7,225 households, and 4,833 families residing in the town of Southbury. In the town the population is spread out with 22.8% under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 26.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 46 years. For every 100 females there are 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 82.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $61,919, and the median income for a family is $81,109. Males have a median income of $62,460 versus $40,750 for females. The per capita income for the town is $32,545. 4.9% of the population and 1.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 2.3% of those under the age of 18 and 5.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Southbury compared to Connecticut state average:

• Median household income above state average.
• Median house value above state average.
• Unemployed percentage below state average.
• Median age above state average.
• Renting percentage significantly below state average.
• Length of stay since moving in significantly below state average.
• Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher above state average