South End Neighborhood – Comprehensive Outline

1. Location and Boundaries

• The South End is a prominent neighborhood/section in the City of Waterbury, Connecticut.
• It lies southeast of Interstate 84, directly south of the downtown district1.
• Bordered by the Naugatuck River to the west and the Mad River to the east.
• Adjacent neighborhoods include Town Plot, Brooklyn, and Washington Hill10.

2. Map of the South End Neighborhood

• The South End is clearly marked on official Waterbury neighborhood maps, with its core area encompassing the streets listed below10.

3. Streets in the South End Neighborhood

• Major and minor streets include:
  • Market Street
  • Benedict Street
  • West Liberty Street
  • Jewelry Street
  • Washington Avenue
  • South Main Street
  • McMahon Street
  • Franklin Street
  • Mill Street
  • Denny Street
  • Pond Street
  • East Clay Street
  • West Clay Street
  • Bond Street
  • Bank Street310

4. Water Features

• The Naugatuck River forms the western edge of the South End.
• The Mad River runs near the eastern border of the neighborhood110.

5. Physical and Geographic Features

• The South End is a densely populated urban neighborhood characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
• The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, with river valleys shaping the area1.

6. Existence and Origins

• The South End developed as Waterbury expanded southward from its original settlement.
• Historically, it became home to waves of immigrants, especially French-Canadians, who shaped its early character1.

7. History

• The South End was once a thriving industrial and residential district, home to many of Waterbury’s factory workers.
• St. Anne’s Church, built in 1922, became a cultural and spiritual center for French-Canadian immigrants.
• Over time, the area diversified, welcoming Latin American and other communities.
• The neighborhood has faced economic challenges, including factory closures and urban blight, but remains resilient through community initiatives1.

8. Other Names and Identity

• Commonly referred to as "the South End" or "South End District."
• Sometimes called "French Hill" in reference to its historic French-Canadian population1.

9. Demographic Profile

• Population: Approximately 43,721 residents, with a slight female majority1.
• Home to one of Waterbury’s most diverse populations, including significant French-Canadian and Latin American communities.
• Contains about 17,173 homes, with a mix of owner-occupied and rental properties18.

10. Culture and Community Life

• Known for a strong sense of neighborhood loyalty and community spirit.
• The South End’s cultural landscape reflects its immigrant roots, with traditions maintained by French-Canadian, Latin American, and other groups.
• St. Anne’s Church remains a focal point for community events and cultural celebrations1.

11. Reputation and Perception

• The South End is recognized for its resilience and community pride, despite economic challenges.
• Locals describe it as walkable, family-oriented, and rich in holiday spirit, though a car is often needed for broader city access6.

12. Safety and Public Services

• Like many urban neighborhoods, the South End faces issues with blighted buildings and abandoned factories.
• Community policing and revitalization efforts are ongoing to improve safety and quality of life18.

13. Parks and Recreation

• Washington Park is a major green space in the South End, featuring a playground, basketball court, picnic area, walking trail, and a community garden4.
• The park serves as a hub for recreation and community gatherings.

14. Significant Structures and Landmarks

• St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church: A French Gothic Revival landmark, built in 1922, with twin 100-foot spires and a rose window. It is one of Connecticut’s largest and most architecturally significant churches, serving the French-Canadian community1.
• Historic factory buildings, many now vacant, reflect the area’s industrial past.

15. Business and Economy

• The South End’s economy was historically based on manufacturing, with many residents employed in local factories.
• Today, the area contains a mix of small businesses, retail, and service industries, though economic revitalization remains a focus due to past industrial decline1.

16. Housing and Architecture

• The neighborhood features a variety of housing types, from multi-family homes and apartment buildings to historic single-family residences.
• Many structures date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the area’s growth during Waterbury’s industrial boom.

17. Schools and Education

• The South End is home to several public and private schools, serving the neighborhood’s diverse student population.
• Recent initiatives focus on upgrading school facilities and expanding educational opportunities1.

18. Neighborhood Organizations

• Numerous community development groups and workforce teams are active in the South End, working to address blight, support residents, and promote neighborhood revitalization1.

19. Partners and Supporters

• The neighborhood benefits from partnerships with city agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations, including those based at St. Anne’s Church and Washington Park.

20. Neighborhood Highlights

• St. Anne’s Church and Washington Park are central to the neighborhood’s identity.
• The South End’s vibrant multicultural atmosphere and community events set it apart within Waterbury.

21. Online Presence

• Community groups and the City of Waterbury provide information and updates about the South End through official websites and social media.

22. Famous and Noteworthy People from Waterbury

1. There are no known famous and/or noteworthy people who were born in the South End Neighbohrood.

Sources:

1 Wikipedia: South End (Waterbury)
3 WaterburyLife.com: Streets
4 Briotti Group: Parks in Waterbury
5 FamousBirthdays.com: Waterbury, CT
6 Trulia: South End Neighborhood Guide
8 NeighborhoodScout: South End
9 WaterburyLife.com: Notable People
10 Waterbury Neighborhoods Map
11 i95 Rock: Five Famous Faces from Waterbury

South End Neighborhood News Archive

South End District
South End Neighborhood
April 24, 2025
Hit-and-Run on Baldwin Street
A 44-year-old man was critically injured in a hit-and-run on the 500 block of Baldwin Street just before 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. Police quickly arrested a teenage suspect. The vehicle involved fled the scene, but authorities later located it.

South End District
South End Neighborhood
​1 dead, 3 seriously injured in multi-car crash
2024.12.29

South End District; Washington Hill Neighborhood
Career service in underserved neighborhood gets financial boost
article; 2024.08.01

• NBCConnecticut

​

South End District
South End Neighborhood
Police investigating after man's body pulled from river in Waterbury
NBCConnecticut; article; 2024.04.26

South End District
South End Neighborhood
Man hospitalized after shooting in Waterbury Tuesday morning
NBCConnecticut; article; 2023.12.05

South End District
South End Neighborhood
Police Investigate Shooting, Crash
​WFSB Hartford; video, article; 2023.09.06

South End District
South End Neighborhood
Waterbury business owner arrested, along with 7 others, after drugs found in store
CB Appliance Sales and Repair; Guns and Drugs Found
fox61.com; video, article; 20230217
Eight arrested during drug raid
(registercitizen.com); picture, article; 20230218

South End District
South End Neighborhood
$6.3M Mill Street Park Opens in October 2023
(rep-am.com)  20220720 Subscription Required