Located within the New York Metropolitan county of Fairfield is the Connecticut town of Stamford. With a population of over 120,000, the fourth largest in the state, Stamford is home to a diverse cultural mix of people. Not only that, but Stamford homes, like Lagrange NY homes, are considered by many to be some of the biggest real estate jewels in the area.

While homes in smaller cities like Old Greenwich and Cos Cob sell at an average of between $865,000 and $935,000, the current median selling price in Stamford runs at around $460,000. Though many might say this is simply a reflection of the current economic downturn, prices have dropped only 10% since last year, and prices then had just dropped from a 10 year peak of $550,000. To find deals like that, one would have to search residential real estate in Mississauga north of the border.

Some Stamford residents have felt the pinch a bit tighter than others during the current real estate slump. Popular neighborhoods such as Springdale, Belltown, and Glenbrook have seen selling prices slide to the average Stamford $460,000, while neighborhoods like Newfield, Westover, and Turn of River have seen recent climbs, though yearly numbers are still down around 8%. Still, prices for quality Stamford homes are comparable to most condo real estate in Toronto, giving you an idea of why Stamford is considered such a gem within the New York Metro area.

Since Stamford is a forty five minute commute to New York City via the Metro North Railroad, those who don't mind the early mornings have the opportunity to buy an affordable home in one of the country's safest communities. Much like Toronto residents buying homes for sale Oshawa, those who want to raise a family outside the core of the Big Apple but don't want to leave the business opportunities of it behind can settle in Stamford for half the price of a New York City home.

To look at the numbers, one would assume that Stamford was not as high class as surrounding areas such as Greenwich and New Caanan. After all, these towns are considered extremely wealthy and, unlike most North York homes for sale, sell on average between $1.3 million and $1.6 million. However, one might be surprised to learn that North Stamford has been ranked among the wealthiest areas in the U.S., and the average household income there far outweighs those of Greenwich and New Caanan, while the average selling price sits just under $1.1 million.

Some of the best property in Stamford can still be found at a fair price. The Cove, which is settled along Long Island Sound, boasts some of the best coastal property in the city selling on average around $800,000, though more affordable housing can still be found close by. Neighborhoods like Newfield, Turn of River, and Westover boast an average sales price of $500,000. When you put it all in perspective, it's easy to see why Stamford is such a real estate gem.