Waterbury, ct

[Teacup9]

We are considering a move from NYC to Waterbury, CT. Besides the area feeling so rural to me now I was wondering how some popular mothering.comm topics would differ from my Brooklyn life.

Does anyone have information or experiences with no vax, selective vax peds? Extended nursing, homebirth friendly?

Home birth midwives, homebirth back up hospitals, natural friendly hospitals, birth centers and insurance legalities? We'd probably keep an NYC company plan but it is self funded and excludes homebirth so I've transferred to a subsidized healthy ny plan before. Not sure if CT has similar options. Also I'm not use to the idea of homebirth with emergency care so far away.

Raw milk options?

Organic produce?

Other food coops? I noticed trader joes is like 18 miles away.

What are the libraries like? Do they have activities, good stock, online requesting, etc?

Kid friendly activities, parks, museums, playgrounds, other indoor stuff?

Lessons like gymnastics, ice skating, etc?

Housing taxes are higher than in Brooklyn and from what I can tell Waterbury isn't doing well financially. How is that affecting those who live here? For instance I read that the city's snowplows are old and couldn't handle the last storm so well.

Any areas, neighborhoods, streets, shopping centers that are unsafe or should be avoided?

I am sure the job market is not great like the rest of the country and probably not like NYC but with a bachelors in English and typical office skills what part time, mommy type jobs are common in town?

Thanks much for your help. I have googled and looked at maps and even called one midwifery practice but it is hard for me to really understand exactly what areas and towns are drive able from Waterbury especially during the short time my kids are in school or the times between school and bedtime.

[Mialvarez341]

I was born in Danbury CT which is about 20 minutes from Waterbury, and you'll probably end up either taking the drive down there to have all your health needs met or make some serious changes. Waterbury is not really a city full of health conscious or concerned people. They're referred to as "the dirty water" by all the surrounding cities, as well as by themselves. It is a pretty dangerous city but if you're 100% decided to move there, be ready to drive a little ways out sometimes. Within 40 mins driving distance you'll find the town of new Milford (which is rumored to be a little racist but has gorgeous hiking areas and parks and is definitely a little more "crunchy") danbury (a quiet but nice city) ridgefield (same) and bethel (a small much more crunchified town).
Hope everything works out for you and your family during the move. Sorry I don't have more information on Waterbury itself- I spend most of my life trying to avoid going there :/ but if you need any specifics on danbury or any of the other cities and towns let me know