Stamford 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Stamford, CT is a fantastic location for those looking to buy a home in a 55+ active adult community. Stamford's is just an hour's drive from New York City but it's own downtown area is also filled with great restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The city also has several parks and nature preserve for hiking, biking, or just enjoying views of Long Island Sound. Stamford offers an enjoyable blend of suburban living with easy access to the largest city in the country, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of both worlds. The Connecticut Tourism Office, Stamford Chamber of Commerce, and the Stamford Downtown websites offer information for those looking to visit or move to the area. 

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Stamford, CT is an expensive location with a cost of living that is about 41 percent higher than the national average. Housing costs are the primary expense in Stamford, with the median home price coming in at around $554,100, which is significantly higher than the national median home price. Groceries prices are generally in line with the rest of the country but healthcare, utility, and transportation costs are 16 to 27 percent higher than the national average.

Property taxes in Connecticut are high, Stamford is located in Fairfield County where property taxes average 1.3 percent of a property's fair market value. There are some property tax credits for low income seniors. Connecticut's state income tax ranges from 3 to 7 percent depending on income and filing status. Connecticut has recently changed their tax code so that pensions and annuities are not taxable for most seniors and soon distributions from IRAs will follow the same rules. Connecticut currently taxes social security although that will be phased out by 2026. Sales tax in Connecticut is 6.35 percent.

Climate and Geography 

Summers are warm and humid in Stamford, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. The city experiences occasional heat waves, with high temperatures reaching into the 90s. Winters in Stamford are cold, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-40s Fahrenheit. The city receives an average of around 30 inches of snowfall per year, with occasional blizzards that can dump significant amounts of snow. Stamford experiences around 50 inches of rainfall per year, with the wettest months being July and August.

Stamford is located on the coast of Connecticut, with easy access to Long Island Sound. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The area's natural beauty and proximity to the coast make Stamford a fantastic place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Stamford is surrounded by a beautiful coastline, rolling hills, and forests. The city is located on Long Island Sound, which offers plenty of opportunities for water-based activities such as boating and fishing. The city also has over 100 parks and open spaces, including the beautiful Mianus River Park, which boasts over 400 acres of hiking trails and scenic vistas. There are opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Stamford's mix of natural beauty and urban amenities makes it a fantastic location for residents who want to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Stamford, CT is a vibrant city with a wide variety of recreational activities, cultural events, and shopping opportunities. Golf, racquet sports, hiking, and biking are just a few of the many activities available for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Sterling Farms Golf Course
• E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course
• Stamford Indoor Tennis Club
• Shippan Racquet Club

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• Mianus River Park
• Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens
• Cove Island Park
• Stamford Harbor

Museums and Historical Sites

• Stamford Historical Society Museum
• Stamford Museum and Nature Center
• Hoyt-Barnum House
• The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

Performing Arts

• The Palace Theatre
• Curtain Call Inc.
• Stamford Symphony Orchestra
• Stamford Center for the Arts

Shopping

• Stamford Town Center
• High Ridge Shopping Center
• Ridgeway Shopping Center
• Harbor Point

Parks and Gardens

• Cove Island Park
• Cummings Park
• Mill River Park
• Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens

Festivals and Fairs

• Bartlett's Annual Craft Beer & Chili Weekend
• Alive@Five Outdoor Concert Series
• Stamford Art Festival
• Blues & Views Festival

Health and Wellness 

Stamford offers many health and wellness support opportunities for 55+ active adults. Stamford Health is the leading health system in the region and provides world-class care. It includes Stamford Hospital, a Level II Trauma Center, a nationally recognized Stroke Center, and a Center for Excellence in Orthopedics and Spine Care. 

For those interested in fitness and self-care, Stamford offers many options, including numerous fitness centers, yoga studios, and meditation centers. There are several parks and green spaces where residents can go for a walk, jog, or bike ride, such as the Stamford Nature Center and the Scalzi Park. Farmers markets are also popular in Stamford and offer easy access to many healthy food options, including fresh, locally grown produce.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Stamford is a wonderful location for those who are considering retirement. With a variety of recreational activities, cultural events, and beautiful scenery, there is something for everyone. If you're visiting the area to see if it's a good fit for you, here's a two-day itinerary to get you started.

Day One

Morning 

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Oo La La, a French bakery and cafe located in downtown Stamford. 
• After breakfast, take a stroll through Mill River Park, a beautiful park with walking trails, a carousel, and a river.

Afternoon

• Spend your afternoon at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, which features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a working farm. You can also take a hike on one of the trails that wind through the 118-acre property.
• Enjoy lunch at Mecha, a popular noodle bar known for its homemade ramen. 

Evening

• For dinner, head to Coalhouse Pizza, which offers a wide selection of craft beers and delicious pizza made with fresh ingredients.

Day Two

Morning

• Start your day with a cup of coffee from Lorca Coffee Bar, a cozy cafe in the heart of downtown Stamford. 
• Take a drive to Cove Island Park, which offers beautiful views of the water and plenty of space to walk or bike.

Afternoon

• Enjoy lunch at Seasons Eats which serves a variety of sandwiches and salads made from local in season ingredients.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to tour some of the local 55+ communities and get a feel for the retirement lifestyle in Stamford.

Evening

• For dinner, head to Bartaco, a lively restaurant with a menu of Mexican-inspired dishes and creative cocktails.

Getting to Stamford, CT

Stamford, CT is easily accessible no matter where you are coming from: 

By Car

Stamford is located off of I-95 and the Merritt Parkway, making it easily accessible from several directions. If coming from New York City, take I-95 North and exit at #8, or take the Merritt Parkway (Route 15) and exit at #35. If coming from Boston, take I-95 South and exit at #9.

By Train:

Stamford is a major transportation hub served by Amtrak, Metro-North Railroad, and the Shore Line East commuter rail. The Stamford Transportation Center is located downtown and offers connections to New York City, Boston, and other locations throughout the Northeast. Amtrak offers direct service to Stamford from various cities along the East Coast, including Boston, New York, and Washington D.C.

By Air:

The closest airport to Stamford is the Westchester County Airport (HPN), located in White Plains, NY, which is about 30 minutes away by car. The airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue, with direct flights to several cities throughout the United States. Other nearby airports include John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which are both about an hour away by car. Both airports are served by most major airlines.