Stamford, CT

Stamford Town Profile

Stamford was first known as Rippowam and then sold by the native Indians to the English settlers around 1640. As the area grew in population the name was changed to Stamford since eighty percent of all settlers were coming from the town of Stamford in Lincolnshire, England.

Today, the city is an exciting place to live, work, and play. Situated on the shores of Long Island sound the city is a combination of rolling hills, beaches, and woods. The city offers a combinati…

Stamford Town Profile

Stamford was first known as Rippowam and then sold by the native Indians to the English settlers around 1640. As the area grew in population the name was changed to Stamford since eighty percent of all settlers were coming from the town of Stamford in Lincolnshire, England.

Today, the city is an exciting place to live, work, and play. Situated on the shores of Long Island sound the city is a combination of rolling hills, beaches, and woods. The city offers a combination of comfortable New England living with a busy cosmopolitan center teeming with successful enterprise and cultural enrichment. Downtown residential and commercial districts are designed to provide a relaxed city feel with luxurious spaces, great restaurants, shopping and marinas.

The quality of life has attracted a wide range of businesses to Stamford. Since 1989, Money magazine reports that over 280 firms have relocated their headquarters here. Firms such as UBS and GE Capital make their home in downtown Stamford with the Royal Bank of Scotland soon to arrive. Currently close to 24 Fortune 500 companies create an economic strength that fosters a business climate where professional and entrepreneurial firms of all sizes thrive.

Minutes away from downtown’s business center are magnificent countryside and coastal homes. As one homeowner says, “I feel like I live in the country, but am in downtown Stamford in five minutes.” Panoramic views of Long Island sound are in the southern areas of Shippan, Cove and Dolphin Cove. Wooded areas and larger lots are seen in the North Stamford and Westover areas, with a wide variety of architectural styles throughout. Waterfront properties range from inviting cottages to stately residences.

Commuters enjoy the options that I-95, the Merritt parkway (Route 15), and three rail stations offer. Stamford’s upgraded downtown station provides rail travel to New York, Boston and Washington DC through Metro North, Amtrak and the Acela train service.

Stamford’s school system reflects a dedication to its children and an active community involvement. With over 13,000 students spread throughout the public school system, programs are designed to provide a strong academic foundation. There is a host of special services including early childhood and after school programs. There are many choices for private or parochial schools and four universities provide undergraduate and graduate studies.

Due to its location and terrain Stamford offers a wide range of cultural amenities and leisure activities. Spectacular town parks and beaches like Cove Island offer virtually every type of activity imaginable for young and old alike. In the harbor, private and charter fishing boats race to find the blues and stripers. The beaches provide room for picnics and organized games like softball and tennis tournaments, bocce, and basketball. There are two public golf courses that will prove challenging to the most accomplished players.

The Arts are generously supported and actively promoted with The Stamford Center for the Arts as a centerpiece for programming that includes world-class ballet, the symphony, theatre, comedy and the visual arts. Both the Rich Forum and the Palace Theatre provide year round theatre and touring entertainment. Visiting performers have included Patti Page, Whoopi Goldberg, Al Pacino, Smokey Robinson, James Galway, and Lily Tomlin to name just a few. Curtain Call at Sterling Farms also hosts wonderful community performances.

In short there is something for everyone in Stamford. It’s no wonder that the city’s motto is “The City that Works”.