Haverstraw Village has a proud history of diversity and inclusion
Haverstraw Village is a tight-knit community along the Hudson River, where the residents are as diverse as the local homes and scenery. "I love the village – I love everything about it," says Betzaida Vericain, associate broker with Q Home Sales, who was born and raised in the area. "The community calls you back, and there's so much loyalty." Initially a Dutch settlement, the area was on maps of North America under the name Haverstroo as early as 1616. In the 1800s, more than 40 waterfront brick-making factories gave the area the nickname 'Bricktown" and brought in a large population of African American workers. When the factories closed, homes became available for a new demographic, and a huge migration of Hispanic residents settled in the 1950s. Today, about 67% of the residents are Hispanic. "We tend to help each other, and it's very close-knit,” Vericain say. “We always welcome new people coming in, too."
Local traditions highlight the area’s culture
The community gathers regularly for farmers markets, holiday events and cultural celebrations. "Back in the day, we had three parades [for different ethnic groups] … But we combined all the parades into one that takes place in August," Vericain says. "It's for the whole community, rather than just for Dominicans or Puerto Ricans." One regular event that keeps growing is the Dancing Under the Stars event in the Village Hall parking lot.
Housing ranges from modest bungalows to high-end condos
The area is densely populated, and homes from three centuries are tight together along rolling hills. Bungalows, Cape Cods and small Colonial Revivals range between $340,000 and $470,000, while larger ranch-style homes, bi-levels, Colonial Revivals and limited New Traditional homes sell for $480,000 to $670,000. "We still have a lot of older homes and people who work hard to maintain their character," Vericain says. Multi-family homes with American Foursquare and Victorian cottage designs range between $480,000 and $960,000. Queen Anne Victorians, Federal Revivals and Italianate-style homes are also in the area, though none have sold recently. Condos and townhouses sell for $200,000 to $690,000, with the newest and most expensive at the Harbors at Haverstraw. "They're on a higher scale," Vericain says. "They're not affordable for a small village person… but we love that they're here." She explains that the condos help alleviate taxes for the rest of the village, and the community is now more diverse because of who is moving in. "It's not all Spanish anymore," she says. "Now we play Aerosmith when we're dancing under the stars." Homes are at moderate risk from flooding and may require additional insurance.
The school district offers extended care programs for busy parents
According to the most recent census, Haverstraw Village has many young residents, almost 30% under 18. "Kids, kids, kids everywhere you go," Vericain says. Children can attend North Rockland Central School District schools, beginning at West Haverstraw Elementary School, rated C-plus. Haverstraw Elementary School for fourth through sixth grade is rated C, and Fieldstone Middle School earns a C-plus. North Rockland High School is rated B. In partnership with the local YMCA, the district offers before and after-school programs for elementary-aged students. Parents can drop off their students as early as 7:00 a.m. and pick them up as late as 6:00 p.m. "There are so many kids with parents who work later," Vericain says.
Nature lovers enjoy shoreline trails and nearby state parks
Set in the Hudson River Valley and right along the water, Haverstraw Village has close access to some impressive outdoor areas with mountain and river views. "All the nature out here is just beautiful," Vericain says. The community has two miles of public shoreline along the Hudson, and a stretch of the Hudson River Greenway Trail extends south from the village. Bear Mountain State Park has hiking trails, mountain biking areas, fishing ponds and lookout points. The 5,200-acre park also has a swimming pool, an ice rink and a zoo. Back in town, Bowline Point Park is a popular spot for recreation and relaxation, with an aquatic center, fishing docks, a playground and sports courts.
Local dining and shopping reflect the area’s ever-changing population
Downtown Haverstraw Village has locally owned restaurants, ethnic grocery stores and specialty shops. Many restaurants, like Union Restaurant & Bar Latino, serve Latin foods, reflecting the area's population. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is a multi-million-dollar project that aims to improve walkability, build up the area's outdoor recreation and restore the Haverstraw Brick Museum. ShopRite and Aldi are within a mile, and fast-food chains, banks, auto shops and retailers are along Route 202.
Commuters can travel by bus, car, ferry and train
A ferry connects Haverstraw Village to Ossining , and a commuter train from Ossining heads to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Manhattan is about 36 miles south by car – about an hour drive without traffic. U.S. routes 9W and 202 go through the village, with Transport of Rockland's 91, 95, and 97 bus routes stopping throughout. About 20 to 25 trains pass through daily, carrying freight. Montefiore Nyack Hospital is about 8 miles south, and LaGuardia Airport is about 38 miles away.
![Heather Haggerty]()
Written By
Heather Haggerty
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Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
