Downtown Torrington is home to the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, which trains ballet dancers and whose company performs in the Warner Theatre: a 1,700 seat auditorium restored in 2002 to its original 1931 glory.
What could be better than moving into your dream home? How about moving into your dream home in your dream town! Torrington, CT, has the distinction of being named America’s number one Dreamtown by BizJournal. It has a thriving downtown area that is being revitalized as we speak. Main Street will be second-to-none when it is finished, offering shops and entertainment for the entire community, just like a Main Street is meant to be.
Living in Torrington
People are tired of big city living, but they don’t want to be stuck way out in the ‘burbs. They are missing the cozy community of Small Town, USA, but they don’t want to give up the benefits of urban life. Enter Dreamtowns – a marvelous compromise that brings the best of both worlds into one mini-metropolis. In Torrington, CT, you can enjoy national entertainers at the Warner Theatre, which was built by Warner Brothers in 1931. The city boasts its own ballet company and the largest Lodge of Elks in the Northeast.
Torrington’s Neighborhoods
There are about 36,000 people distributed over ten neighborhoods, all of which enjoy a healthy economy and rental homes at reasonable costs. Traffic in Torrington is light and easily navigated, which makes it a pleasure to travel through the city.
Newberry Corner – If you love historical homes and you want to keep rent prices low, Newberry Corner is right for you. There are plenty of rental properties available, some in what used to be single-family Victorian homes. The streets are lined with small apartment buildings, and there are stores, bodegas, and small restaurants on many corners.
Burrville/Drakeville – A high vacancy rate and low, low rental prices make the Burrville/Drakeville area a great choice if you are making a fast getaway from your current home. Your apartment will be small – a studio, perhaps, and if you are lucky you can find one- or two-bedroom apartments. However, there are a large number of three- and four-bedroom homes for rent, which might be just right for larger families or groups of students.
Goshen Road/Weed Road Area – Renting an apartment in the Goshen Road/Weed Road neighborhood is a little tougher, but if you can do it you will be thrilled with your choice. Prices for rentals are roughly the same as in Burrville/Drakeville, but you will have better access to shopping and services.
New Litchfield Street/Peck Road Area – If you are looking for a nice neighborhood with a solid mix of owner-occupied homes and renters, this is the spot for you. There are a variety of apartment and rental homes available, from studio apartments to four-bedroom single family houses. The prices are slightly higher here, but not enough to scare you away, and there are plenty of vacancies when you get here.
Torringford – This is the neighborhood where all the cool people live, which means you are going to have a hard time finding a spot. Reasonable rent, easy access to all of the conveniences of city living, and a quick commute make this one of the most desirable areas in Torrington. The best advice is to get to Torrington, then start making friends. One of them is sure to be able to connect you with a vacancy in Torringford sooner or later.
New Harwinton Road/Fairlawn Drive Area – Though the prices around New Harwinton Road and Fairlawn Drive are a little higher, the large number of students explains the lack of rental housing available. Many are sharing apartments or houses to keep living costs down, so your best bet to find a place is to check out ads for roommates and housemates wanted.
East Main Street/Charles Street Area - The larger apartment complexes in this neighborhood give it a little more of an urban feel. Unfortunately, if you were counting on a rental in this area, you might be out of luck. Reasonable rents and great access to shopping and services makes it popular, so it is pretty hard to find anything available.
Torringford Street/Hayden Hill Road Area – If you need a lot of space and you are willing to spend a bit more, you will find just what you need around Torringford Street and Hayden Hill. Reasonable rental prices and a fairly good selection of three plus bedroom homes mean a great spot for families. Unlike other parts of the city, there is some new construction available if historic properties aren’t your thing.
Winsted Road/Kennedy Drive Area – Think eclectic when you think of Winsted Road and Kennedy Drive. This part of the city has an urban feel, with many different types of homes to choose from. It can be hard to find a place for rent in this area, so if this is the spot you want, start your search for apartments early.
McDermott Avenue/North Elm Street Area – For a community primarily made up of renters, the neighborhood around McDermott Avenue and North Elm Street makes the most sense. There are plenty of apartments available – all sizes – and the prices are good. The best part is, you can probably walk to work.
Torrington, CT, has all of the excitement and sophistication of a major city with the homey community atmosphere of a small town. When you couple that with affordability, you have a winner.