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 Here?
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.
Who is Downtown Best For?
- NYC commuters who want easy Metro-North access without NYC rents
- Hybrid and remote workers who want more space without losing city energy
- Young professionals who want walkable dining, parks, and nightlife
- People who want waterfront access without living in a resort town
- Those who prefer a real downtown that’s active but not overwhelming
- Anyone who wants more home for the money compared to Manhattan or Brooklyn
Why is it more affordable?
Stamford may not be cheap compared with many U.S. cities, but it’s definitely more affordable than New York City and competitive with other desirable commuter hubs in the region.
Typical rents in downtown can fall above state norms, especially for luxe buildings with skyline views and amenity programs, but they remain meaningfully below comparable Manhattan or Brooklyn rents. For many residents, the trade-off of a shorter commute, nearby transit, robust local shops and dining, and a vibrant downtown experience can make the cost feel worthwhile relative to NYC living.
Beyond rent, the cost of everyday life is one of the reasons people find Stamford workable long-term.
Groceries, casual dining, coffee, and everyday errands are generally more reasonably priced than in Manhattan, and the walkable downtown means you can often skip daily driving, parking, and transit costs. Weeknight dinners, takeout, fitness studios, and drinks tend to feel closer to “city-lite” pricing rather than big-city sticker shock. The ability to walk to parks, shops, entertainment, and the train also reduces expenses in ways that add up over time.
What's Day-to-Day Life Like Downtown?
It’s urban without feeling overwhelming—more relaxed than Manhattan, more dynamic than most suburbs. You get a true downtown, real transit access, and waterfront escapes all within a few minutes of home.
Enjoy morning coffee runs near Bedford Street, walks through Mill River Park, errands around Summer Street, and easy trips in and out of Grand Central from the Stamford Transportation Center.
Weekdays follow a commuter rhythm, with Metro-North trains coming and going and office towers around Washington Boulevard and Tresser Boulevard filling and emptying. Evenings and weekends shift toward dinner on Bedford Street, shows at The Palace Theatre, and time along the Harbor Point boardwalk or at Cove Island Park when the weather’s good.
Is is 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.
Do You Need a Car if You Live Downtown?
Not necessarily. Downtown Stamford is highly walkable, and many people get around easily on foot, by train, or by bus—especially if they commute to NYC. That said, having a car can be convenient for trips to the beach, nearby towns, or shopping outside downtown.
With our on-site parking garage available right in the building at Vela, you can come and go without circling the block or worrying about street parking.
Does Stamford Have Any Waterfront Access?
Yes — and it’s one of Stamford’s biggest (and most underrated) advantages.
Stamford sits directly on the Long Island Sound and offers real, usable waterfront access just minutes from downtown. Places like Harbor Point feature a walkable boardwalk lined with parks, marinas, and restaurants, while Cove Island Park and Cummings Park offer beaches, walking trails, open lawns, and water views that feel more like a coastal town than a commuter city.
What makes Stamford special is how easy this access is: you can go from downtown streets and restaurants to the shoreline in just a few minutes by car or bike. For kayaking, walking, picnicking, or just being near the water, the Sound is a genuine part of everyday life here.
Is Downtown Safe?
Yes. Downtown Stamford is generally considered a safe place to live, especially compared to many other city centers. It’s active, well-lit, and busy throughout the day and evening, with regular foot traffic around the train station, parks, restaurants, and main streets. Like any city, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings, but most residents feel comfortable walking around downtown as part of daily life.
What’s Near Vela?
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, 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.
