The town of Highlands rests quietly on the lower Hudson Valley, with the Hudson River hugging the eastern edge and Bear Mountain State Park enveloping the southern section. These natural escapes provide outdoor adventures, with vibrant deciduous trees making for scenic views in the spring, summer and fall. And historic sites nicely complement the old-world charm of the area’s storefronts and inns. The United States Military Academy, West Point, and its accompanying training zones take up a portion of the town’s landscape. The rest of Highlands is made up of the village of Highland Falls and the Hamlet of Fort Montgomery, where a significant American Revolution battle took place. “You’re only 45 minutes to Manhattan, depending on what time you go and where you’re leaving from,” says Lauren Muller, Broker with Howard Hanna Rand Realty. “And a big advantage is the easy access to Palisades Parkway, which is a direct route to the George Washington Bridge into the city.”
A tank is showcased outside of the military West Point Museum in Highlands.
The great Bear Mountain Bridge unites both shores of the Hudson River in a breathtaking setting.
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Spending a day at Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park is a destination for all ages, conveniently in the southern region of Highlands. There are trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing and swimming access at the several lakes and rivers throughout the park. An ice-skating rink opens from October through March, and an outdoor swimming pool cools visitors during the warmer months. Also in the park is a small zoo, where paved trails pass exhibits of native wildlife that are unable to live on their own in the wild. A merry-go-round features hand-painted and hand-carved seats of some of these animals, including black bear, bobcat and Canadian goose. The park itself is free to access, but there are small fees for parking and some of the park features. "Perkins Drive goes through Bear Mountain, which is a beautiful motorcycle ride,” Muller says. “There are views that could make you cry. The lower Hudson Valley, in general, is just beautiful.”
Bear Mountain State Park is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Bear Mountain Pool is the perfect summer escape for families seeking relaxation in the sun.
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Military sites at West Point and Fort Montgomery
While residential homes are situated along the Hudson River, the majority of Highlands’ topography is property of West Point. Some areas are reserved for cadet training and shooting ranges, while other areas are open to the public. Long Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, open to Highlands residents only, is open during the summer months and features a swimming beach into the lake with a lifeguard on duty. The Victor Constant Ski Area, open in the winter, brings skiers and snowboarders up a small mountain on a ski lift. On the south side of Highlands, the Fort Montgomery Museum, part of a National Historic Landmark, overlooks the Hudson River. This area was built as a military defense against the British army in 1776, and while the fort was destroyed during the Battle of Fort Montgomery, it slowed down the British enough for the American Continental Army to gain momentum and finish out the Revolutionary War.
Cozy homes and spacious abodes along the Hudson River
Homes on the river vary between newer townhomes and single-family houses originally built in the early 1900s. Multifamily properties with attached garages range between $150,000 and $450,000, depending on the square footage, which typically stays within 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, and how recently they were built. Victorian-era colonials with quaint green yards and detached garages are common, while other styles for stand-alone properties include ranch-style, split-level, midcentury modern and Cape Cod. Some homes include privacy fencing and in-ground pools, generally in the Fort Montgomery subdivisions. “Highland Falls has more of a village feel, but a lot of families who have kids at West Point buy homes there. There aren’t a lot of hotels, while Fort Montgomery has large sprawling homes that go up the mountain,” Muller says. “Some even have porches that overlook the river.” Single-family homes range from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet in size and between $250,000 and around $850,000 in price. “And a lot of families move to Highland Springs who have kids at West Point,” she adds.
Discover the charm of living in cozy townhomes tucked away in the hills of Highlands.
Traditional homes stand as a beloved architectural style in Highlands.
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More outdoor fun at Roe Park
Smaller-scale community parks within Highland Falls include Roe Park, where there are athletic fields, courts and a playground. “It’s a very popular park with a pool and a lake. It’s an active park, but it’s also calm,” Muller says. “They do different annual events there. The Fourth of July celebration is a big one.” In Fort Montgomery, Brooks Lake Park also features athletic and play areas, as well as an off-leash dog park. And Mine Dock Park on the Hudson offers kayak access to the river.
Brooks Lake Park is a serene green space that offers a tranquil escape with its lush landscape.
Hosting seasonal events and gatherings, Roe Park becomes a hub of local festivities.
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Scholar athletes at James I. O’Neill High School
Students in Highlands usually attend kindergarten through second grade at Fort Montgomery Elementary, which receives an A-minus grade from Niche, and third through eighth grade at Highland Falls Intermediate School, graded a B. James I. O’Neill High School receives an A Niche grade and is identified as a School of Excellence by the NYSPHSAA, an association that recognizes schools where at least 75% of athletes are scholar-athletes. This high academic achievement continues beyond high school, as several students from J.I.O. go on to attend the prestigious West Point Academy next door.
Fort Montgomery Elementary School
Highland Falls Intermediate School
James I O Neill High School serves students in the Outlying Orange County community.
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Dinner with mountain views and Main Street eats
There are local storefronts and eateries in the town, but larger excursions typically take place outside of Highlands. “There’s no big industry of any kind,” Muller says. “Fort Montgomery doesn’t even have mail delivery. It’s a little bit of a step back in time, with antique shops and historic-looking stores.” Bear Mountain Pizza serves pies with creative toppings in a lodge-like setting with outdoor patio space. Richie’s is a bar and grill where patrons receive full bar service and dine on hearty dishes. North in the Highland Falls area, the walkable Main Street has restaurants that offer cuisines from sushi and Mexican to gyros to pizza. Also on Main Street is Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where inside is a thrift shop with clothes, baby items, furniture and more. There are a few corner markets for quick grocery runs, and bigger hauls can be made 10 miles north in Vails Gate, where there’s Hannaford and ShopRite. “You can also drive about 15 minutes into Monroe to get to shops like Target and the Woodbury Commons outlets,” Muller adds
Indulge in the flavors of Sushi King restaurant on the bustling Main Street in Highlands.
Hacienda Restaurant offers a delectable selection of freshly made Mexican dishes with a twist.
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Cruising Palisades Parkway into the city
U.S. Route 9 West runs through Highlands, connecting to Palisade Parkway, which brings commuters right into New York City in about a 50-mile drive. “Some professionals are moving in because it’s very convenient to the Garrison Train station, right across the Bear Mountain Bridge,” Muller says. “The train goes into the city in less than an hour.” For further travel, the New York Stewart International Airport is about 15 miles north.
Photography Contributed By
Elma Kukaj
Video By
Luke Mancari
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