New Rochelle, NY

A part of New York's Westchester County, the city of New Rochelle lies on the Long Island Sound and includes several small islands in the sound itself. Within close proximity to New Rochelle are Pelham, Eastchester, Scarsdale, Mamaroneck and the New York City metropolitan area.

Originally settled by Huguenots from France, New Rochelle now has roughly 73,000 residents, making it the seventh most-populated area in New York.

New Rochelle is famous for its beautiful waterfront and its burgeoning downtown district. The area is also renowned for being one of the country's best places to raise children.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

New Rochelle is currently experiencing a housing boom due to its close proximity to New York City. It is considered one of the nicest suburbs of New York. Neighborhoods and districts of New Rochelle accommodate around 26,900 houses, out of which more than 26,000 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, half are owner-occupied and half are occupied by renters.

Downtown New Rochelle has a very historic feel, yet meets the demands of the modern lifestyle. The downtown has recently undergone a major renovation and now features an entertainment complex, New Roc City, which has an indoor ice-hockey arena, mini-golf, go karts, an arcade restaurants and a supermarket.

Many restaurants, movie theaters, drugstores, bookstores and schools are located close to the center of the city, and the downtown area offers residents a small-town, community environment that also features distinctive architecture. Many office buildings and apartment buildings are located here.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Some of the biggest industries for the residents of New Rochelle include education, health and social assistance, and construction. New Rochelle has an unemployment rate of 6.9 percent.

Some of the largest employers include Sound Shore Medical Center of Westchester, Iona College, German Masonic Home Corporation and Surf Club.

FAMILY FUN

Below are the parks, lakes and nature areas within the city of New Rochelle:

Parks:

• Hudson Park
• Hudson Park Beach
• Five Islands Park
• Davenport Park
• Flowers (City) Park
• Lief Erickson Park
• Neptune Park
• Stephenson Park
• Feeney Park
• Roosevelt Park
• Pinebrook Park
• Maplewood Park
• Hartley Field
• Eddie Foy Park
• Lemke Park
• Seacord Park
• Sycamore Park
• VFW Tot Lot
• Lincoln Park
• Library Green
• D'Onofrio Park

Lakes:

• Beechmont Lake
• Carpenter's Pond
• Glenwood Lake
• Huguenot Park (Twin Lakes)
• Paine Lake

Nature Areas:

• Leatherstocking Trail
• Ward Acres
• Colonial Greenway
• Davenport Neck Bird Sanctuary

COMMUNITIES

The New Rochelle Council of the Arts: The New Rochelle Council of the Arts is a nonprofit organization that services the community through theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures and a concert series. The organization receives financing from the City of New Rochelle, corporations, foundations and grants.

FOR VISITORS

• Columbia Island: Once referred to as Little Pea Island, Columbia Island is a small island located between David's Island and Pea Island.
• Execution Rocks Lighthouse: Constructed in 1849, the Execution Rocks Lighthouse is located in the middle of the Long Island Sound. It includes a 55-foot tall tower and the home of the grounds keeper.
• Huckleberry Island: Home to a bird colony, Huckleberry Island is a 10-acre island owned by the Huckleberry Indians. The island is underdeveloped, with 12-acres of land that features rocks, soil and trees. It is considered one of the only places in the county where a large collection of migratory animals live naturally.
• Leland Castle: Located on the College of New Rochelle, Leland Castle is a 19th-century Victorian stone castle that is a National Historical Site. It also houses an art gallery.
• St. John's Wilmot Church: This historic church recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. Known as "the little white church on the hill," St. John's Wilmot Church is the oldest church in use in New Rochelle and is considered a Westchester County Historical Landmark.
• Thomas Paine Cottage: A historical site where Thomas Paine once lived, the cottage contains items owned by Paine and features rooms that recreate what life was like during the Revolutionary War Period. The cottage also features educational programs, tours and various displays from New Rochelle's history.
• Trinity-St.Paul's Episcopal Church: Located in downtown New Rochelle, Trinity-St.Paul's Episcopal Church is registered as an historic place under the National Register of Historic Places. It features remarkable architecture from the 18th century.

EDUCATION

• The College of New Rochelle: The College of New Rochelle is the largest women's Catholic college in the United States. It is known for its School of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, and its Graduate School, which is co-ed.
• Iona College: A Catholic college that offers studies in business and the arts and sciences.
• Monroe College: Monroe College is a well-known liberal arts school that offers students various certificates, as well as associate, bachelor's and master's degrees.

GETTING AROUND

New Rochelle is located near major highways including Interstate 95, Boston Post Road and the Hutchinson River Parkway.

New Rochelle has access via the Metro North to New York City's Grand Central Station and to Penn Station via Amtrak. It is approximately 30 minutes away from Manhattan.