Tired of the frenzied life of the big city?
Searching for a safer, more agreeable site in New England to call home?
The suburban, coastal city of Stamford, CT, could be just what you’re looking for.
From Stamford, you can easily commute to NYC for work or play, without having to put up with the hassle of living there.
Here are some pros and cons to consider before moving to Stamford, CT to help you decide if it’s a good choice for you.
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Pros of Living in Stamford, CT
Stamford is considered an excellent place to live for many reasons.
It’s by the sea, which is extremely appealing for many people.
People are also attracted to its green spaces, diversity, cultural amenities, and family-friendly environment.
Here are some of the pros of making Stamford your new home:
1. Opportunities for Employment
Stamford’s post-COVID economy is thriving with opportunities for employment steadily rising.
There are eight Fortune 500 companies in the city with the possibility of more joining them in the future.
The city also houses a number of large corporations, making it a flourishing financial district.
Jobs are available in financial management, real estate, IT, tourism, retail, telecommunications, healthcare, and other industries.
In 2023, average annual salaries ranged from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000.
2. Housing
Stamford offers an array of options for housing.
Whether you’re interested in an apartment, condo, single-family home, or waterfront estate, Stamford has it all.
For couples with children, there are beautiful colonial homes in family-friendly neighborhoods in Newfield and North Stamford.
Singles can rent an upscale apartment or condo in the downtown area to experience city life to the full.
There’s something for everyone in this coastal city, whether you’re interested in renting or buying.
3. Low Crime Rate
Safety is a big concern when choosing a place to live.
One of the biggest perks of living in Stamford is its low property and violent crime rate.
Stamford’s crime rate falls below the U.S. average and is lower than most cities its size across the country.
In fact, Stamford has been voted on numerous occasions as one of the safest places to live nationwide.
This suburban New England community could be the perfect spot to raise your family.
4. Education
Education is highly regarded in Stamford.
There’s no shortage of elementary, middle, and high schools in the city to educate your children.
Stamford’s schools are considered some of the best in the state.
Local residents are highly educated with 9 out of 10 adults having graduated from high school.
Approximately 50% of the adult population are college graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
The University of Connecticut, Sacred Heart University, and Tulane University are among the many prominent colleges in the area.
5. Cultural Diversity
Stamford is a multicultural city with large Irish, Italian, Haitian, and Polish communities.
If you’re into theater, music, or dance, you can get your fill at The Stamford Center for the Arts located downtown.
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center features a variety of unique exhibits, a planetarium, and a nature center with farm critters.
The city itself hosts a variety of cultural events, festivals, and concerts during the course of the year.
Stamford is also known for its amazing malls, trendy cafés, rooftop bars, and upscale restaurants.
6. Easy Commute to NYC
Stamford offers an easy commute to New York City for work or pleasure.
By taking the Metro North train, Stamford residents can reach the city within an hour.
As there are numerous express trains operating at all times, there’s little wait time.
Stamford is home to three Metro North train stations, giving you various options for your travels.
The addition of new parking structures to the train stations has greatly simplified parking to make your commute as smooth as possible.
7. Amtrak/Acela Services
Stamford also serves as an Amtrak station for travelers going to Washington DC or Boston.
In addition to traditional Amtrak services, the station offers Acela high-speed train rides to these locations.
Acela trains can travel up to 150 mph.
They come with free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat to keep passengers connected as they travel.
You can travel comfortably between Washington DC and Boston with intermediate stops in major cities like Baltimore, NYC, and Philadelphia.
8. Recreational Activities
There’s no shortage of recreational amenities in Stamford.
Outdoor buffs can enjoy such activities as biking, hiking, rollerblading, and golfing.
Athletic facilities like Chelsea Piers and Bobby Valentines offer ice skating, an indoor water park, tennis courts, baseball fields, and more.
Your family will love visiting the planetarium and playing with the farm animals at Stamford Museum & Nature Center.
As Stamford is a coastal city, you can also enjoy fishing, boating, crabbing, and other water sports.
There are also beautiful beaches to explore at Cove Island and Cummings Park.
Cons of Living in Stamford, CT
Stamford has its good points and its bad, like any city in the country.
As idyllic as living in Stamford may sound, there are some cons to consider before moving to this fair city.
By weighing the pros AND cons, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.
Here are some of the downsides of living in Stamford:
1. Cost of Living
Stamford is a fairly expensive place to live.
The cost of living exceeds the state average by 12% and the national average by 30%.
You’ll pay more than the national average for housing, utilities, food, clothing, and other necessities of life.
Even healthcare costs are higher here than in other parts of the country.
Financial security is a must to keep up with the high costs of living in Stamford long term.
2. Traffic
Driving in Stamford can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour.
Congestion on I-95 and other major highways can reduce travel to a crawl.
Winter driving can be hazardous due to roads covered by ice and snow.
Bad weather days can cause traffic to back up for miles.
Driving to and from NYC for work can be exasperating due to so many delays.
Your best bet is to commute by train to save yourself the frustration of traffic jams.
3. Housing Market
Stamford is an affluent city with high home costs.
In 2023, the median price of a home was approximately $600,000, almost double that of the national average.
Some neighborhoods are pricier than others due to their prestigious location.
Buying a home in Cove-Shippan or Harbor Point, for example, will cost you top dollar.
Many of these are waterfront homes that include private beaches within their residential property.
4. Rental Market
The rental market in Stamford is just as pricey (comparatively speaking) as buying.
Apartment rentals, on average, cost between $2,000 and $3,500, with studio apartments being the least expensive.
Stamford’s high rental costs are due in part to a housing shortage statewide.
Factors like apartment size, location, number of bathrooms, and amenities will determine its rental cost.
Sharing rental expenses with one or two roommates can help make living in Stamford more agreeable financially.
It also makes relocating easier as you’re not alone.
5. Property Taxes
Property taxes in Stamford are some of the highest in the state.
High property taxes coupled with the high cost of housing could put homeownership out of many people’s reach.
In 2023, the property tax rate for Stamford homeowners was 26.35 mills.
This meant homeowners paid $2,635 for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value.
A home valued at $500,000 would have property taxes of over $13,000.
In contrast, property tax rates averaged around 1-1.5% of a property’s value in other parts of the country.
6. Weather
Weather is an important factor to consider when moving to a new place.
Stamford weather leaves something to be desired.
The summers are hot and humid and the winters are snowy and cold.
If you’re coming from the South, be prepared to shelter in place when temperatures drop.
Heavy snow can bring transportation to a halt.
Being close to the ocean, Stamford is also at risk of tropical storms, heavy rainfalls, and hurricanes during late summer or early fall.
7. Flood Risks
Due to climate change, Stamford has experienced a rise in extreme weather over the years.
An increase in tropical storms and heavy rainfall increases the risk of flooding.
Hurricane Sandy in 2012 brought winds over 70 mph and flooding that caused extensive damage.
Over 60% of the city’s residents were left without power.
The cost of cleaning and restoring the city’s damaged infrastructure came to about $7 million.
8. Environmental Risks
Stamford is home to approximately 137,500 residents living within a 37-square-mile area.
This equates to approximately 3,700 people for every square mile.
Living in such a densely populated city could have repercussions on the environment.
There’s a risk of pollution of parks, beaches, and other natural environments as well as poor air quality due to increased car emissions.
Waste disposal could become a major problem due to overflowing landfills.
High energy consumption could lead to power outages.
Pros and Cons of Living in Stamford, CT – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Stamford, CT | Cons of Living in Stamford, CT |
|---|---|
| 1. Opportunities for Employment | 1. Cost of Living |
| 2. Housing | 2. Traffic |
| 3. Low Crime Rate | 3. Housing Market |
| 4. Education | 4. Rental Market |
| 5. Cultural Diversity | 5. Property Taxes |
| 6. Easy Commute to NYC | 6. Weather |
| 7. Amtrak/Acela Services | 7. Flood Risks |
| 8. Recreational Activities | 8. Environmental Risks |
Stamford Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Stamford Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stamford, CT known for?
Stamford is often referred to as “the city that works” due to having an industrial presence that keeps the economy humming.
Beautiful neighborhoods, parks, beaches, and a bustling downtown area add to the city’s attraction and make it stand out.
Is Stamford a wealthy city?
Stamford is considered the richest city in Connecticut.
The median household income in Stamford is approximately $93,000, compared to the state average of roughly $78,400.
How does Stamford rate when it comes to education?
Nine out of 10 residents are high school graduates and half of the city’s residents have completed a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
What amenities does Stamford offer?
Stamford is a modern city where you can find state-of-the-art shopping malls, fine dining, athletic centers, beautiful parks, and beaches.
Residents enjoy such cultural events as theater, concerts, festivals, stage dance, artistic exhibits, and more.
Is Stamford a diverse city?
Stamford has a population of approximately 137,000 people who come from different origins.
About 59% of the population are white, 12% African American, 8% Asian, and 21% from other races.
Mixed communities abound.
Stamford, CT offers a diverse and thriving community with plenty of job opportunities, cultural amenities, and recreational activities. However, the high cost of living, traffic congestion, and potential environmental risks are important factors to consider before making the move.