Stamford

Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, located about 34 miles (55 kilometers) northeast of New York City, spanning approximately 52 square miles (135 square kilometers) of land and water along Long Island Sound. The city shows a mix of residential neighborhoods, business districts, and waterfront areas with parkland along the shoreline.

The land was originally inhabited by the Siwanoy people who called it Rippowam before English settlers arrived in 1640 and named the area after Stamford in Lincolnshire. The coastal location and later railroad connections encouraged growth from a small settlement into a modern city.

The Palace Theatre presents performances by the Stamford Symphony Orchestra, Connecticut Grand Opera, and Connecticut Ballet throughout the year. The cultural scene also includes a lively restaurant and gallery district where locals and visitors regularly gather for evening dining and art events.

The city offers more than 150 restaurants and 130 retail shops in Stamford Town Center, with direct train connections available to New York City and Boston. The downtown area and waterfront are easy to explore on foot, while reaching other neighborhoods is more convenient by car.

Every Thanksgiving, the city hosts one of the largest helium balloon parades in the United States, drawing over 100,000 spectators. This event has grown since the 1980s into a popular local tradition that brings people from across the region together.

Location: Western Connecticut Planning Region

Location: Fairfield County

Inception: 1641

Elevation above the sea: 7 m

Shares border with: Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Pound Ridge, North Castle

Website: https://stamfordct.gov

GPS coordinates: 41.09667,-73.55222

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:39