Welcome to the home page of the City of Stamford, Connecticut. Use the navigation tab at the top of each page to browse through business statistics, park and recreation information, an overview of the public schools, city history and more. What makes Stamford special? Stamford, settled in 1641, is a lively diversified community with incredible potential. Strategically located in southwest Connecticut on Long Island Sound, Stamford is unique in its rich cultural opportunities. The town contains an elaborate shopping mall, numerous restaurants boasting various ethnic foods as well as American cuisine, a modern rail system, public transportation, outdoor concerts, and many other recreational activities throughout the year. Stamford is also proud to host a spectacular parade in its downtown area just before Thanksgiving which features giant helium balloons and marching bands. Additional attractions include: the Stamford Rich Forum, the Palace Theater, the Stamford Center for the Arts, the Stamford Symphony, the Connecticut Opera, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, and the American Ballet. This abundance of entertainment, recreation, and intellectual opportunities presents Stamford residents with an unequaled quality of life. What does Stamford offer families? The Stamford Public Schools rear over 15,000 students and produce many award winning scholars. Five magnet schools give parents choices when making decisions about their child's education. 57 languages are spoken throughout. In addition to public schools, there are several prestigious private schools in Stamford and the surrounding area. A branch of the University of Connecticut is also located in Stamford, offering opportunities for higher education in fields such as business. Our city's library is comprised of four branches and a traveling bookmobile. Moreover, with dozens of houses of worship catering to multiple faiths, Stamford offers a diverse religious environment in which families may practice their beliefs freely. As a major residential community within the New York metropolitan region, Stamford has a population of roughly 117,000 and is still expanding. The diverse community ranges from multi-acre homes in the wooded sector of North Stamford to beautiful shores and beaches in the southeastern portion, and houses the headquarters of several major corporations including AC Nielsen, Clairol, Hyperion Software, Pitney Bowes, UBS Warburg, and Xerox.