Welcome to the City of Stamford

In a city as spirited, lively, and diverse as Stamford, there is always something to do. Whether you’re walking the 19 miles of shoreline, dining at the restaurants Downtown, or hiking the scenic trails of North Stamford, you’ll quickly find that there is never a dull moment in this city.

Stamford is Connecticut’s third largest city with a population of over 129,000. Stamford has an impressive number of corporate headquarters, three of which are 2018 Fortune 500 companies, and eight are Fortune 1000. The dense number of corporate headquarters is unrivaled in the state, an incredibly uncommon achievement for a city of its size. Stamford is a city rich in cultural diversity that features a rapidly growing tech startup community, a strong healthcare system, top-tier schools, an unemployment rate well below the federal and state level, and residential options for all ages and income levels. 

Things to Do in Stamford

There are more than 150 restaurants throughout the city, six major hotels, and 18 movie screens. Stamford has over 40 parks and recreational areas, many include access to Long Island Sound. They may feature a marina, tennis courts, softball fields, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, skating rink, picnic areas, fishing, and more. Mill River Park has become a mini Central Park in the heart of Downtown Stamford with various events throughout the year in a beautifully landscaped park. Science and nature lovers can enjoy the Stamford Museum & Nature Center and the Bartlett Arboretum. 

The Palace Theatre is home to world-renowned performers, major off-Broadway musicals, the Stamford Symphony Orchestra and the Connecticut Grand Opera and the Connecticut Ballet, the state’s professional ballet company. The Avon Theatre is an “art cinema” featuring the best in independent and art nouveau films on two screens.

Stamford’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the largest helium balloon parades in the country, drawing over 100,000 spectators annually. It features award-winning marching bands, eye-catching floats, large colorful balloons, and guest appearances. It’s great fun for the whole family!

Transportation

Stamford is often called the “Gateway to Connecticut” given its proximity to New York City with Metro North express trains to Grand Central in 48 minutes. Amtrak Acela Express trains run to Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, Newark International Airport, and Providence. The Stamford Transportation Center also features Greyhound, Peter Pan, and CT transit buses as well as taxi and corporate shuttle services. This connectivity has allowed Stamford to break the “commuter city” stigma and allows people to commute both to and from Manhattan, New Haven, Greenwich, and Westchester NY. Stamford is the second busiest Metro North Station on any line and on any day of the week, only after Grand Central Terminal. 

The vibrant nightlife, events, and quality housing allows Stamford to attract young people who desire a higher quality of life. The great schools, unique neighborhoods, and extensive employment opportunities enable Stamford to keep them once they start families and businesses.