A diverse foodie village, a historic family-centric district in the Queen City of the Sound, and water lovers’ heaven in Mamaroneck.
Port Chester Waterfront
Long known as a destination for immigrants (from Ireland, Italy, and Poland in the early 20th century, and from South and Central America today), Port Chester draws some residents with its diversity. The other major draw is its status as a foodie destination, with hot spots like Mario Batali’s Tarry Lodge and Tarry Market, Sonora, and bartaco, as well as authentic ethnic eateries representing Peru, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. The renovated Capitol Theatre, and the retail/entertainment center known as the Waterfront provide plenty of (walkable) leisure options for residents. A mixed housing stock, low median home sale prices, and plenty of rental options (including newish luxury developments like The Mariner) make the Waterfront area popular with younger Westchesterites.
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Port Chester Hall is in a historic train station and houses the county’s first beer garden. |
Rochelle Park-Rochelle Heights Historic District, New Rochelle
As the first New Ro neighborhood to claim historic-district status, the combined Rochelle Park-Rochelle Heights area holds a special place in the city. Rochelle Park was the third planned residential community in the US (circa 1885) and merged with the adjoining Rochelle Heights ’hood to form the historic district in 1986. The 276-home area is known for its diversity and as the former home of the legendary actress and civil rights champion Ruby Dee. The area’s central hub is The Boulevard, a broad thoroughfare divided by The Lawn where the neighborhood association holds plant sales, potlucks, barbecues, and Halloween parties. Century-old trees, large lots, and wide streets characterize the lovely area.
Shore Acres & Orienta Point, Mamaroneck
These two neighborhoods take full advantage of Mamaroneck’s position at the edge of the Long Island Sound. On the eastern side of Mamaroneck Harbor is Shore Acres, a community of roughly 200 homes that is known for leafy residential streets and proximity to the water. Residents can join the Shore Acres Point Corporation for access to its clubhouse, pool, beach, and boating facilities. The estate of Robert Ripley of Ripley’s Believe It or Not is there, and so is the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. Water lovers will also appreciate Orienta Point (which was once known as “Hollywood in the East,” thanks to director DW Griffith’s film studio in the neighborhood), a neighborhood with a wide range of homes—everything from small ranches to sprawling Mediterranean-style complexes.
Harbor Island Park is the largest in Mamaroneck. |