Living in Downtown Stamford
What’s even better than taking in those sweeping views of Stamford from the terraces at Vela? Venturing out to explore all that this highly walkable city has to offer. Living at Vela puts you right in the heart of downtown Stamford, giving you easy access to restaurants, parks, performing arts events, and so much more.
Here’s everything you need to know before you make a move to Stamford.
Where is Stamford, CT?
The city of Stamford is located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and is considered part of the New York metropolitan area. Stamford's proximity to New York City is one of its biggest advantages. Whether you have a hybrid work schedule that brings you to the office a couple times a week or you simply appreciate the access, living in Stamford allows you the best of NYC without the cost of NYC. Stamford lies about 30 miles north of Manhattan and is well-connected with public transportation options, including trains and buses, making it convenient to travel to nearby areas.
Why Choose to Live in Stamford?
Cost of Living: Like many places in the New York metropolitan area, Stamford's cost of living tends to be higher than the national average. However, it is comparatively less than living in NYC and can be a great option for commuters.
Employment Opportunities: Stamford is home to a diverse range of industries, including finance, technology, and healthcare. Several major corporations have headquarters or offices in the city, providing employment opportunities for residents.
Education: Stamford has a range of public and private schools, offering quality education options. Additionally, it's in close proximity to several well-known universities and colleges in Connecticut and New York.
Cultural and Recreational Activities: Stamford offers a vibrant cultural scene with theaters, museums, art galleries, and various cultural events throughout the year. Residents can also enjoy outdoor activities in parks and recreational areas, along with access to the Long Island Sound coastline.
A Quieter Pace, yet Close to NYC: Stamford’s a favorite for commuters who want the best of both worlds—a quieter, more spacious place to call home but still close to the buzz of the Big Apple. With its parks, waterfront spots, and expanding restaurant and arts scenes, Stamford offers a taste of city life without the full-on intensity. Plus, it’s a quick train ride to Manhattan.
What are the Demographics of Stamford?
Stamford’s population is around 135,000 people, making it the state’s second-most populous city, behind Bridgeport. A healthy city is a diverse city, and that’s what you’ll find in Stamford. The median age is around 37 years old, making this an excellent location for young families and professionals looking to establish themselves.
Is Stamford Good for Commuters?
Stamford's great for commuters, especially those heading to New York City. With the Metro-North’s New Haven Line, you can be at Grand Central in about 47 minutes, plus there's an Amtrak stop for trips up and down the East Coast. Local buses connect Stamford to nearby towns, and if you’re driving, I-95 and the Merritt Parkway make for convenient (if sometimes busy) routes. All in all, Stamford’s got a solid mix of transportation options that make it an appealing place for commuters who want easy access to the city while enjoying suburban life.
What’s Near Vela in Stamford?
Read on for a sampling of the spots that are turning Stamford into one of the metro area’s most desirable places to live.
Mill River Park - Right across the street from Vela, this riverside greenspace serves as one of the city’s favorite gathering spots. Warmer weather brings festivals, farmer’s markets, outdoor movies, and a summer concert series, while winter is all about ice-skating sessions on the outdoor rink and walking among the twinkling lights on the trees.
Bedford Street- Considered Stamford’s restaurant row and just a 10-minute walk from Vela, Bedford Street is lined with great spots to eat, drink, and gather. Locals especially love Bedford Hall Craft Kitchen and Bar) for its elevated comfort food, Fish Restaurant and Bar for fancier fare, and Remo’s for brick-oven pizza. For more ideas, check out our post on great places for dinner and delicious local coffee.
Stamford Center for the Arts (also called The Palace) - A 5-minute walk brings you to Stamford’s hub for performing arts, where you can catch comedy acts, concerts, ballet performances, and plays.
Stamford Metro North Station - Whether it’s for work or for fun, chances are you’re going to want to head into New York City now and then. Lucky for you, the Amtrak/Metro North station is an easy 11-minute walk from your apartment, and the ride to Grand Central takes just one hour.
Come Home to Vela
Enjoy being in (what we think are!) the best apartments in downtown Stamford, moments away from the neighborhood's shopping, nightlife, performing arts, and culinary scene. Since you’re only an 8-minute stroll from Metro North rail station (Vela also offers residents a shuttle service), it’s effortless to get where you want to go.
Modern new apartments at Vela bring style and space together with open layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, and modern kitchens, and more. And the amenities? Think a rooftop Skydeck with an outdoor bar, kitchen, BBQ, and fireside seating; a state-of-the-art fitness center; a solarium with reading nooks and skylights; and much more.
Give us a call or pay us a visit today to learn more about our residences and move-in specials. Walk-ins also welcome! We can't wait to show you around your new Stamford home.
