Stamford, CT

Considered part of the New York metropolitan area, the Connecticut town of Stamford has an affluent, highly educated population of over 118,000. Though a large portion of Stamford's residents commute to New York City just 25 miles away, the city itself has a number of major corporations located within city limits. Money Magazine ranked Stamford the 46^th best place to live in the United States in 2006.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

• A movement to build up the downtown district began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and today Stamford has developed a thriving downtown with dozens of restaurants, bars, theaters, shops, visitor and resident services and art centers. Among the new developments, Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Trump condominium project are also being planned.
• Northern Stamford is known for woodsy, multi-acre estates.
• The shoreline is known for sought-after waterfront real estate, public parks, and beaches.
• Commuters appreciate being located on the New Haven Line of the Metro-North Railroad, which connects to New York City.
• The city is frequently listed among the nation's safest cities.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Though a rash of major companies has left Stamford because of the high real estate prices, the city remains the headquarters for many major corporations. Healthcare and professional, scientific, and technical services are among Stamford's top industries. Major employers include:

• World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE): a global sports entertainment company specializing in pro wrestling.
• Time Warner Cable: the national cable company operating in 27 states.
• Royal Bank of Scotland: the world-renowned international bank is opening new global headquarters in Stamford.

Other major employers include Pitney Bowes, Thomson Corporation, and UBS.

FAMILY FUN

• Cove Island Park: The 83-acre park is a popular place to visit, with sandy beaches for swimming, bird-watching spots, children's play area, rocky shoreline for anglers, and a collection of bluffs for visitors to explore. Affiliated with the park is the SoundWaters Community Center, a nonprofit organization that provides environmentalism and nature programs to visitors and local schools.
• Terry Connors Ice Rink: Connected to the Cove Island Park, the ice rink is available for ice skating.
• Ferguson Library: Branches include the Main Branch, Harry Bennett Branch, South End Branch, and Weed Memorial and Hollander Branch. The library hosts workshops, readings, and other events throughout the year, including free summer movie screenings.
• The Stamford Observatory: This is home to the 22-inch telescope maintained by the Fairfield County Astronomical Society.
• Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens:. The Bartlett has 91 acres to explore with hiking and walking trails among Connecticut's tallest trees.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Stamford Theater Works: Located in a red barn on what was once the campus of Sacred Heart Academy, the theater group is in its 19th season.
• Bow Tie Cinemas: These are two separate movie theaters with a total of 15 screens that play first-run films.
• Avon Theater Film Center: This is a non-profit theater that plays independent and classic films.
• Stamford Symphony Orchestra: The orchestra puts on five classical performances, three pop, and one youth show every year at the Palace Theater in Stamford.

EDUCATION

• Branches of Sacred Heart University
• University of Connecticut
• University of Bridgeport

LOCAL MEDIA

• Stamford Advocate
• The Stamford Times
• Stamford Magazine