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Stamford is the second-largest city in Connecticut with a population of over 130,000 and is the fastest-growing city in the state with a rapidly growing millennial population. The FBI also ranks Stamford as the safest city in New England and the 11th safest city in the United States, while WalletHub ranked Stamford the 8th Most... Read More

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, drinking and dining at the bars Downtown, or hiking the scenic trails of North Stamford, you’ll quickly find that there is never a dull moment in this city. 

The Stamford Town Center mall boasts 130 shops including J. Crew, H&M, Macy's, Saks off Fifth, and Brooks Brothers. It also features a pedestrian-friendly restaurant row which includes The Capital Grille, Peter Chengs, Plan B Burger Bar, The Cheesecake Factory, and Pieology. 

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. 

One of the most anticipated events of the year, [email protected] is an outdoor summer concert series in Stamford’s Columbus Park that brings in big names each year, such as Cee Lo Green, Plain White T's, Third Eye Blind, Sugar Ray, and much more. [email protected] runs an impressive six Thursday concerts in a row, ensuring that there's always time to see a few after work.

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!

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Facts about Stamford

Town/City Established:

  • Town Founded in 1641
  • City Incorporated in 1893
  • Town and City consolidated in 1949

Named From:

  • Named after a town in Lincolnshire, England.

County:

  • Fairfield

Notable Citizens (past and present):

  • Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of Mount Rushmore
  • Gene Wilder, actor and comedian
  • Stephen Sondheim, musical composer, and lyricist
  • Cyndi Lauper, singer, and songwriter
  • Meat Loaf, singer, and songwriter
  • Jackie Robinson, baseball legend
  • Bobby Valentine, baseball manager
  • Mort Walker, comic artist
  • Vince McMahon, professional wrestler, and founder of WWE
  • Christopher Lloyd, actor and comedian
  • Joe Lieberman, United States Senator
  • William F. Buckley, Jr., founder of National Review
  • Benny Goodman, big band leader
  • Gilda Radner, comedian, and wife of Gene Wilder
  • Reuben Nakian, renowned sculptor
  • Vivian Vance, actor and comedian
  • J. D. Salinger, author

Top Five Attractions:

  • Stamford Museum & Nature Center
  • Bartlett Arboretum
  • The Palace Theatre
  • Mill River Park
  • Harbor Point Marina

Annual Visitor’s Events:

  • Stamford Restaurant Week, February & August
  • [email protected], outdoor summer concerts, June-August
  • Art in Public Places, June
  • Harbor Point Annual Car Show, June
  • Farmer's Market, June-November
  • Wednesday Nite Live, June-August
  • SoundWaters HarborFest, August
  • Exhale Yoga Yam at Harbor Point, September
  • Arts & Crafts on Bedford, September
  • Giant Balloon Inflation Party, November
  • Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular, November
  • Heights & Lights, December

Quality of town/city:

  • Stamford is the second-largest city in Connecticut with a population of over 130,000 and is the fastest-growing city in the state with a rapidly growing millennial population. The FBI also ranks Stamford as the safest city in New England and the 11th safest city in the United States, while WalletHub ranked Stamford the 8th Most Diverse City in America in 2017.

While You're in the Neighborhood