Why Stamford Works

I get a bewildered when I'm out in New York and tell people that I live in (gasp) Stamford, Connecticut. They are confused....and almost offended that I could dare live above 96 Street. Eventually their shock and dismay turns to masked pity...and eventually sympathy. As a sort of defense, I explain I grew up in New York and spend lots of time here (39 minutes on Metro-North) but work and other obligations make it most feasible to occupy “The Town That Works.” Now they look at me as a traitor. It’s the ultimate disappointment when you meet someone in a bar in New York and then the inevitable, “where do you live” question comes up. Needless to say, trekking downtown is considered a hike up for some, never mind between exits 6 and 10 on 1-95. Quickly, it’s time to hit the bar for another drink.

A solid nightlife, shockingly trendy restaurants give the town a surprisingly charming and livable allure. A diverse population leads to an interesting downtown area with lots of great food and shopping. Throw in a few theaters that draw the likes of Kathy Griffin, Bill Cosby and Dennis Miller, and you’ve got yourself a borderline city. Hell, there’s even an Apple Store here now. I take pride in my town; it's hardly a booming metropolis but it's personality, good food and fun nightlife are top notch.

Hey, at least it’s not Milford.