above: (left) Dawn Coppola owns Humbled Coffeehouse and the adjoining boutique. (center) Kelsi Nyman at one of her local networking events. (right) The Dichter family moved here in 2020. – Photos: Dichters family by Stephanie Elliott Photography; others contributed
Stamford is a city of contrasts. A place where change is constant, yet the bonds that unite its people remain strong, often surprising those who settle here. At the heart of this is a community reshaping itself, where personal journeys mirror the city’s growth, creating a living, breathing mosaic of experiences.
In this piece, we explore Stamford through the eyes of those who call it home, each with a unique perspective: a family who left the hustle of New York City in search of space and a return to their hometown roots, a longtime local reflecting on the city’s evolution, and a young professional who has found in Stamford the perfect blend of career opportunity and personal balance. These stories reveal the true core of a city like Stamford: one where growth and change coexist with the people who knew it as just a small town—an evolution of character and community, shaped by those who’ve witnessed its transformation firsthand.
THE PROFESSIONAL
Kelsi Nyman
When Kelsi Nyman moved to Stamford, she started sharing her experience online—an NYC, 20-something-transplant figuring out life in a new city. The response was overwhelming. “So many other women reached out, saying they were going through the same thing,” says Nyman. That realization inspired her to start hosting local events, helping others navigate the transition and build connections. What started as a way to document her own journey quickly became a platform for community.
Beyond the lifestyle, Stamford has given Nyman a real sense of belonging. Moving from New York came with its adjustments—finding favorite coffee shops, discovering go-to dinner spots and figuring out where to spend weekends. But through her growing network, she found herself not just settling in, but actively shaping the experience for others in the same boat.
Now feeling completely at home, Nyman balances her remote marketing job in fashion with exploring everything Stamford has to offer—restaurants, boutiques, happy hours and waterfront views included. “Stamford still has that city feel without being as intense as NYC,” she says. “It’s full of young professionals, has an easy commute, and it offers so many career opportunities.” Whether she’s working from Third Place, grabbing coffee at Winfield or heading out for a night downtown, she loves the walkability and vibrancy of her new home.
Her advice for newcomers? Give it time. “Winter can be tough, but summer here is incredible,” she says. “There are free events in Harbor Point, outdoor dining everywhere, and being by the water is amazing.” And most importantly—put yourself out there. “You won’t meet new people from your couch!”
LOCAL FAVORITES
BEST-KEPT STAMFORD SECRET?
Taj Halal—it’s a nice spot for a quick, healthy bowl.
GIVE A STAMFORD SHOUTOUT:
The Pure Barre Stamford community—can’t wait for the new studio space!
DESCRIBE STAMFORD IN ONE WORD:
Vibrant
MUST-VISIT PLACE FOR NEWCOMERS?
Crab Shell or Prime—both are on the water.
BEST SPOT FOR A NIGHT OUT?
Tiernan’s is a great Irish pub and restaurant.
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THE LONGTIME LOCAL
Dawn Coppola
For Dawn Coppola, Stamford is more than just home—it’s where her life has unfolded in extraordinary, unexpected ways. A lifelong Stamford resident, Coppola faced a turning point in 2011 after a near-fatal car accident left her rethinking everything. At the time, she was a single mother of three, navigating the demands of corporate America while trying to hold her family together. But the accident forced her to pause and reevaluate her life.
Years later, while working on a puzzle titled “Hope,” Coppola had a dream about opening a coffeehouse. It was vivid, clear and unshakable. That dream eventually led her to a cozy space in Springdale, a neighborhood she never expected would become the heart of her next chapter. She opened Humbled Coffeehouse on the anniversary of her accident, fittingly located on Hope Street. “I just knew in my heart this was the place,” she recalls.
For Coppola, the coffee shop and adjoining boutique, House of Humbled, is not just a business. “It’s a place where people put their phones down and are personal and intentional,” she says. From morning regulars to newcomers seeking a warm smile, the space has become a cornerstone of the community.
Her faith and resilience are woven into every detail, but it’s the people of Stamford who inspire her daily. “The gratitude and support from this community have been overwhelming,” she says. In turning personal tragedy into a place of comfort and joy, Coppola has given Stamford a gift—a reminder that even from life’s hardest moments, something beautiful can grow.
LOCAL FAVORITES
GIVE A STAMFORD SHOUTOUT:
Mr. Rich Wilson, our favorite neighbor!
WHICH LOCAL DINER HAS THE BEST BREAKFAST?
Lakeside Diner
DESCRIBE STAMFORD IN ONE WORD:
Dynamic
MUST-VISIT PLACE FOR NEWCOMERS:
Humbled, of course.
BEST PLACE TO FEEL CONNECTED TO NATURE IN STAMFORD:
Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens
THE FAMILY
Hayley and Ryan Dichter
Growing up in Stamford, Hayley Dichter has fond memories of weekends spent with her dad at Lakeside Diner, enjoying breakfast together and soaking in the small-town charm of their community. Little did she know that one day she would return to the city with her husband, Ryan, and their growing family, to give her children the same sense of connection to this place she’s always called home.
“I truly never thought I would leave the city,” Dichter says, thinking back on their decision to move from Manhattan. After years of city life, the pandemic pushed Hayley and Ryan to reassess what mattered most. In June 2020, they came to Stamford for a two-week stay—and ended up staying the whole summer. By October, they had moved into their new home.
For Hayley, returning to Stamford was more than just about proximity to family—it was a chance to pass on the traditions that had shaped her upbringing. “I want my kids to have the same experiences I had here,” she says. For Ryan, a Colorado native, the move to Stamford felt like a natural fit, offering a small-town vibe with easy access to New York City for his work as a licensed realtor in both New York and Connecticut. “I grew up in a small town, and Shippan gives me the best of both worlds,” Ryan says. “The biggest difference is the water. In Colorado, it’s all about the mountains, no matter the season. Here, it’s all about the waterfront, and I love that.”
Now, the Dichter family enjoys creating their own traditions—whether it’s paddleboarding on the water, fall trips to the Stamford Nature Center, or visiting local parks. But for their daughter, Teddy, a perfect day is seeing Peppa Pig come to life at the Palace Theatre—“That’s a big deal in our house.”
LOCAL FAVORITES
GIVE A STAMFORD SHOUTOUT:
Dr. Cahill at Coastal OB/GYN
BEST-KEPT STAMFORD SECRET:
Alex W Studio is a private hair boutique. (@alex.wstudio)
FAVORITE PLACE FOR NEWCOMERS:
With kids, Angel Land. For adults, Cafe Silvium.
FAVORITE EATS:
Brennan’s, Casa Villa, Sunny Daes
DESCRIBE STAMFORD IN ONE WORD:
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