Sign In Register
Benjamin James living

Is Naugatuck getting better or worse?

Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a 27-year-old chef and Honestly, I think it's
16 upvotes

11 Replies

Ethan Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Pine Hills for 9 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And healthcare can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Mia Torres
underrated comment
26 upvotes
Arianna Campbell
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
John Castillo
bump
21 upvotes
Paisley Alvarez
yeah no that's not right
21 upvotes
Easton Reyes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's underrated for what you get.

Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in finance. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.

People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.

Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Joseph Allen
it depends on the neighborhood
13 upvotes
true_evan13
good to know, thanks
8 upvotes
alice_soul
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Riverside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Lucy G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is solid in most areas.
4 upvotes
Emmett Wood
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value housing market, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.

My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
1 upvotes
← Back to Naugatuck Community