During the late 1700s, Danbury, Connecticut, made a name for itself as a millinery center. Danbury was called "The Hat City" in recognition of its first prosperous industry, born in 1790 thanks to the efforts of entrepreneur Zadoc Benedict. The local hat industry prospered here until the 1950s. The name stuck, although Danbury has greatly diversified its industrial base since then, adding high-tech, publishing, pharmaceuticals, engineering and health care, to name just a few.

Danbury enjoys not only a strong and diverse regional economy, but also a top-notch public school system, numerous parochial schools and proximity to quality higher education (Western Connecticut State University is located here). Danbury further established itself as a leader in education when the city opened a preschool program for handicapped children, beginning a progressive chapter in education. The city's educational resources, of course, contribute a large pool of qualified candidates to corporations, many of whom are based in and around Danbury.

Despite its growth in the business arena, however, Danbury maintains a quaint, small-town quality, due in part to its natural resources. The city is home to Candlewood Lake, Connecticut's largest lake, which is approximately 14 miles long and has blessed this region with more than 60 miles of shoreline. One of Candlewood's "fingers" points into Danbury, providing residents with access to fishing, boating, swimming and just simple relaxation. Along the west shore of Candlewood Lake are Pootatuck State Forest and Squantz Pond State Park. This area, comprised of more than 170 acres, is where nature lovers go fishing, boating and canoeing, as well as hiking, biking and even scuba diving. Kenosia Lake also provides opportunities for fishing, boating and wildlife-watching. Perhaps even more than water sports, however, Danbury residents love golf. Richter Park in Danbury has been rated one of the United States' top 50 city golf courses.

Much like other towns and cities in New England, Danbury's past is as fascinating as its present. Scott-Fanton Museum is a tribute to Danbury's rich history. On the museum's grounds, you'll find Rider House, built in 1785 and containing numerous period furnishings that capture the flavor of late 18th century Connecticut; and Dodd Shop, constructed circa 1790, and containing a historical exhibit of Danbury's early hat industry. Head to the Danbury Railway Museum for a trip back in time to a restored railway station containing some 30 historic engines and cars (a big hit with children). If it's shopping you're after, head to Danbury Fair Mall, which houses more than 200 stores. Or, if you're up for a fast-paced day trip to the shopping mecca of the United States, the Big Apple is just 95 minutes away from Danbury.

Many of Danbury's historic homes have been well preserved -- particularly those located along the banks of beautiful Candlewood Lake. These lake homes provide refuge both for full-time and weekend residents. Because Danbury's population continues to grow due to its diverse regional economy, residential construction has continued at an almost nonstop pace. The result is a broad inventory of historic homes, new condominiums and single-family homes, and apartment complexes. The city's population, much like its housing stock, is diverse. A large variety of ethnic backgrounds have settled here, and household incomes vary greatly from lower-middle-class to very wealthy. Danbury's homes are known for being considerably less expensive than in other regions of Fairfield County, another draw for prospective residents.

In an article published in the New York Times in March, reporter Eleanor Charles stated that early that month, Danbury had approximately 101 homes for sale listed at under $300,000. Only 46 were listed at more than $300,000. These prices, according to Charles, indicate that most existing homes for sale in Danbury are older -- good news for incoming residents seeking a bit of history. However, in the same article, Allyson J. Bernard, a partner at Danbury brokerage Real Estate Professionals, stated that the vast majority of incoming residents want new homes, not old ones. The desire for new construction, coupled with Danbury's shortage of available land (local environmentalists have successfully lobbied for restrictions on some of the land that remains), has caused lot prices to skyrocket. The resulting "bidding wars," according to Bernard, has sparked an odd phenomenon, as developers construct larger and larger homes to make up for the pricey lots on which they build. As more and more companies choose to base themselves here, their top executives and hot new recruits don't bat an eye at Danbury's raising new-home costs.

The Hat City contains the well-preserved relics of history and the mad rush of urban progress within its borders. As new corporations continue to settle here and the population continues its upswing, the big question is whether history and progress will collide.

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Published: August 2, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.