Stamford
Settled by Puritans in 1640 as part of the New Haven Colony, Stamford was first known as Rippowam before it was rechristened the following year. First an agricultural center, Stamford became a bustling shipping port by the 1700s, giving rise to mills and industry along the coast. Today, it's the third-largest city in Connecticut, with nearly 130,000 residents and a thriving business economy.
Stretching 52 square miles from the Long Island Sound to the New York State border, Stamford offers an attitude and energy level to match everyone's needs — from bustling downtown amenities and waterfront parks and marinas to the new Harbor Point developments and quieter northern reaches.
Stamford offers easy access to every possible amenity and service. Numerous shopping centers provide everything from big box stores to luxury boutiques, and restaurants run the gamut from family-friendly to five-star fine dining. Excellent parks, country clubs and tree-lined country lanes keep the ambiance tranquil and inviting.
Stamford residents take advantage of the area's natural beauty at local parks, including waterfront Kosciuszko and Cummings parks and the lush Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens. Chelsea Piers operates an elite 400,000-square-foot sports complex here, and the Sterling Farms public golf course is the pride of the city. In the downtown and Harbor Point areas, a free trolley, water taxis and pedestrian promenades add excellent accessibility.
The birthplace of the Yale lock and Schick razor companies, Stamford is an impressive employment center featuring eight Fortune 1000 companies and several major corporate offices. With a significant financial services sector, the city is also the Tri-State area's largest financial district outside New York City. Meanwhile, The Village — a new work/play innovation space — underscores the area's appeal to tech startups and media companies.
In addition to great parks and amenities, Stamford offers an array of events and festivals for every interest. Music lovers will want to check out the famed Alive@Five festival and The Piano Project. Bedford Street welcomes Brews on Bedford, Arts & Crafts on Bedford and Bark in the Park, and foodies won't want to miss the Spring Street farmers market, StrEATeries and Hey Stamford! Food Festival events.