A Connecticut town on the smaller side, Watertown is the home to a population of about 21,700 with a population density of 772 per square mile (which is on the lower side compared to other CT areas). This population possesses a racial demographic of 92% White, 3.7% Hispanic, 1.7% Asian, 1.3% Black, 0.2% Native American as well as a median age of 46. In terms of comparison to Connecticut as a whole, the median household income was slightly higher ($82,822 vs. $74,186) and the unemployment rate was slightly lower (4.0% vs. 4.2%). Watertown, CT is arguably a tight-knit community with having only one high school and one middle school – that a majority of the youth residents attend – as well as one token “Main Street” that is home to the local grocery stores, restaurants, small shops, etc. Watertown is also home to one of New England’s most prestigious boarding schools, The Taft School, which offers a wide variety of benefits to the community such as facilities that are used by the local athletic teams (even two ice hockey rinks in a region that it would be difficult to find rinks otherwise), students and faculty that contribute to the local businesses, as well as providing employment opportunities for members of the community.

From my experience, most of Watertown’s residents give their physical health some high level of priority in their lives. Aside from the inevitable McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and G’s Burgers (with an attached Carvel), a majority of the dining options on Main Street are fairly healthy locally run businesses such as Mangia with Gigi and Mike (probably the most popular spot in Watertown, famous for their salads and paninis), The Buddha Bistro (my personal favorite that has the most delicious healthy options), or even heading to the local farmers market for a snack during the summer and fall months. Members of the Watertown community also appear to enjoy exercising on a daily basis, whether than be playing tennis on the courts at Taft, going to yoga class at The Ohm Center, or getting in a hard workout at the local CrossFit.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, many of these resources have become unavailable to the people of the Watertown community. All of the gyms, establishments that offer different forms of exercise classes, and even the Taft facilities have been closed in order to slow the spread of the virus. Moreover, even though a number of restaurants are remaining in business by offering takeout or delivery options, it has been difficult for all of the Watertown restaurants to stay open during this time.

On the brighter side, I have never seen so many people going on runs or walking their dogs outside – staying at least 6-feet apart, of course!

*Data obtained from “Watertown, Connecticut.” Watertown, Connecticut (CT 06795) Profile: Population, Maps, Real Estate, Averages, Homes, Statistics, Relocation, Travel, Jobs, Hospitals, Schools, Crime, Moving, Houses, News, Sex Offenders, www.city-data.com/city/Watertown-Connecticut.html.