White Plains vs Stamford? Are you trying to decide whether to move to White Plains in Westchester County, NY or to Stamford in Connecticut? Should you move to White Plains, NY? Or should you move to Stamford, CT?
Both cities are 18 minutes away from each other and although they are in different states, they are very similar in many ways.
Below we will compare White Plains, NY to Stamford, CT. We will pay close attention to things that matter- compare the cost of living, commute to NYC, walkability, proximity to beaches, and the restaurant scene.
White Plains vs Stamford
White Plains, NY
White Plains is a vibrant and diverse city in Westchester County, New York. It serves as the Westchester County seat and is home to a bustling downtown area with shops, restaurants, and high rises.
White Plains offers a mix of urban and suburban living, making it an attractive choice for families, young professionals, and seniors alike.
Check out: The Truth about Living in White Plains, NY
Stamford, CT
Stamford, CT is a city in Connecticut’s Fairfield County. It is a city with a mix of suburban and urban neighborhoods, some with picturesque views of the Long Island Sound.
The downtown is urban with high rises, shops, and restaurants. Similar to White Plains, it’s also an appealing place to live for families, young professionals, and seniors.
Find out what it’s like to live in Stamford, CT. Check out our interview with Harbor Point Resident, Lauren Seib
Median Sale Price of Homes: White Plains, NY vs Stamford, CT
The median sale price of homes in Stamford is a little higher than in White Plains, NY. According to Redfin, the median sale price of homes in Stamford, CT is $575,000.
While the median sale price of homes in White Plains is a little lower at $509,000.
Demographics: White Plains vs Stamford
White Plains has a population of around 58,000 people, with 18.8% of the population being children under the age of 18, and 17.4% of the population being 65 years of age or older. Approximately 55.7% of the adult population in White Plains is single.
Stamford is a much bigger city with a population of approximately 135,000 people, with 19.7% of households having children under the age of 18. Around 37.7% of the adult population in New Rochelle are single.
Based on the demographics data, White Plains seems to attract more singles while Stamford seems to have a larger population of married households.
Find out what it’s like to live in White Plains. Check out our interview with a White Plains mom.
Commute to NYC
White Plains is conveniently located on the Metro-North’s Harlem Line, with express trains taking approximately 39 minutes to reach Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan.
White Plains is an express MTA stop so there is a high frequency of trains at the White Plains station– you will not have to wait long at the platform to board a train!
Stamford is also an express MTA stop. It is served by the Metro-North’s New Haven Line. The fastest express train from Stamford to Grand Central during peak times is 53 minutes.
One good thing about Stamford is it’s a transportation hub. Aside from the Metro North trains to NYC, Stamford is also an Amtrak station so you can catch the train to Boston and Washington DC!
Compared to Stamford, the commute from New York City to White Plains is a lot shorter.
It’s 15 minutes faster to take the train from White Plain vs Stamford. This may not seem like a lot but it is because that is 30 minutes round trip!
Find out what it’s like to live in Stamford. Check out our interview with a Stamford mom.
Proximity to Beach
If you’re a beach lover, you’ll find Stamford to be a fantastic place to live, as it’s nestled right along the beautiful Long Island Sound. Residents get to enjoy stunning waterfront views and fun-filled beach days at the four beaches in Stamford, CT.
With lots of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, and fishing spots, Stamford beaches have something for everyone.
On the other hand, White Plains is located a bit further inland, which means no beaches within the city itself. However, White Plains residents have access to beaches. It is a 14-minute drive from White Plains to the beaches in Rye.
So, if having a beach in your backyard is a must-have, then Stamford with 4 beaches, is definitely the way to go! However, if you don’t mind driving to a nearby town, then White Plains is a good choice too!
Check out: Best Beaches, Pools and Splash Pads in Stamford, CT
Walkability
When it comes to strolling around town, both Stamford and White Plains are walkable.
Both White Plains and Stamford have walkable downtowns so you can easily walk to shops and restaurants. Plus you can also walk to the train stations.
If being able to walk everywhere is important for you then you should consider the downtown areas at both White Plains and Stamford.
Find out what it’s like to live in Stamford: Check out our interview with Stamford mom of 3
Restaurants
When it comes to the restaurant scene, both Stamford and White Plains have plenty to offer, each with its own unique flavors and dining experiences.
In White Plains, you’ll find a diverse selection of restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining. The city has a variety of cuisine options, including Italian, Mexican, Japanese, and more.
In fact, White Plains is home to Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, TVB by: Pax Romana.
White Plains is also a few minutes drive to other Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants- Rafele Rye in Rye, Cafe Alaia in Scarsdale and Burrata in Eastchester.
Stamford is also similar to White Plains with a wide variety of dining options. Bedford Street in Stamford has a bustling restaurant scene. The city is home to a variety of cuisines.
Plus Stamford is just a few minutes away from the restaurants in Greenwich.
Both White Plains and New Rochelle are similar in terms of having a lot of restaurants and diverse dining options. No matter which city you choose, you’ll be sure to find a tasty meal to satisfy your cravings!
Check out our Guide to Michelin Restaurants in Westchester County
Cost of Living: White Plains vs Stamford
Compared to other towns, White Plains and Stamford are affordable places to live in the New York suburbs. According to our cost of living calculators, it costs a family of four $10,980.55 a month to live in White Plains while it costs $10,959.57 a month for a family of four to live in Stamford, CT.
Both costs of living are comparable.
Find out how we did the math: White Plains Cost of Living Calculator and Stamford Cost of Living Calculator
Conclusion: White Plains vs Stamford
Both White Plains and Stamford are very similar. They both offer a combination of an urban and suburban lifestyle, with walkable downtowns, similar home prices and comparable cost of living.
The main difference is the commute to New York City. Living in White Plains will give you a faster commute to New York City. While if you live in Stamford, your commute to NYC will take longer because Stamford is further away. If commuting to NYC is important, then White Plains is a better choice for you.
Another difference is that Stamford is on Long Island Sound so if you are looking for homes with waterfront views and you want beaches right in town, then Stamford may be right for you.
Still can’t decide? We suggest you house hunt in both White Plains and Stamford. Spend a day in each city- take a stroll around downtown, eat at the restaurants, and get a feel for what it’s like to live there. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
Check out: White Plains vs. New Rochelle