Just another city

“Stamford is just one big parking lot. I have driven through Stamford, Connecticut on I-95 and it’s a useless city and state. Massachusetts should just swallow it up and become one big state.”

“Have you been to Stamford other than driving through it on I-95?”

“No.”

That was a short conversation I had up in Montreal with a New Yorker this past winter. She was right. Driving through much of Stamford, you’ll encounter a lot of traffic and many bad drivers. You might as well own a helicopter or hop on a crowded train to easily get in and out of the city. But don’t judge a city by its highway.

If you dig deeper into the city, you will find a landscape with beaches and hiking trails filled with a diverse population. The downtown, once home to a high crime rate and run down buildings, has changed its image. Fine restaurants and festivals attract outsiders. Movies are being filmed in Stamford because of its unique architecture and state tax breaks.

Stamford has a rich history. A tight niche community hides behind the large corporate buildings. The city manages to stay clean and attract jobs through budget cuts and tough economies.

I was born and raised there. Many of my friendships and memories developed in the city of Stamford. I have seen it change over the years. The population has grown and more buildings have been built. Local markets and restaurants have given way to national franchises. What used to be a small town in the mid-20th century has become a mini Manhattan. It is starting to resemble Westchester County.

The small neighborhoods where everyone knew your name like Cove, Springdale and Glenbrook have given way to half a million dollar condominium complexes for commuters. High property taxes and living prices are driving many out of Stamford to cheaper towns in Fairfield County.

If you decide to travel beyond Stamford, you will find an even bigger headache. If you can get by the airline delays, cancellations, price hikes, long lines and cultural barriers then it could be enjoyable. Similar to if you get off I-95 in Stamford. It could be worth your while.

So what makes Stamford so special these days? Not that much. Many cities across the United States have the same environment. What makes this city different? It’s just another place that you drive by on the way to your final destination. It’s just another exit off of I-95. I guess that girl from New York was right.