While it may be close to New York City, Stamford’s unique local culture has an identity all its own. Music is big, with the Stamford Center for the Arts, the Stamford Symphony Orchestra, and numerous outdoor music events packing the entire calendar. The free Harbor Point Trolley System runs downtown routes every day of the week, making it easy to get around without having to hunt for parking. Beautiful waterfront areas such as Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary serve up lovely scenic views. Consistently named one of America’s safest cities by the FBI, Stamford is a great community for families.

Stamford presents a compelling case to those on the apartment or house hunt. There’s an incredible mix of long-standing homes and luxurious, ultra-modern apartments available to renters, especially in the ever-developing downtown district. Foodies and night owls should stick close to Broad Street and Elm Street, where the biggest concentration of restaurants and bars are.