Historic community boasts commutability and local shopping
The rolling hills of Monroe, a small town in Orange County, New York, hold a tapestry of rich history. The town’s past dates back to the early 1700s, when the Southfields community in the Ramapo Valley was developed. George Washington and his Continental Army passed through the area in 1777 during the Revolutionary War, and Southfields was later renamed to honor another president, James Monroe, whose name continues as the moniker of the community. Long a rural area, Monroe was a center of horse racing and dairy farming — the town prides itself on being the founding location of Velveeta cheese and the locally known Liederkranz cheese. The town continued to evolve and the introduction of bus links to the New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal resulted in Monroe’s suburbanization in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, Monroe’s colonial-style homes, thriving local businesses and picturesque parks still celebrate the historic community’s storied past, drawing in those seeking to be close enough to New York City but not too close and who see their own future living in the suburban setting.
Aerial perspective of Monroe, NY.
An old fighter jet is on display at Crane Park in Monroe, NY.
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An architectural mix of homes, from historic to modern
Colonial-style homes recall Monroe’s 18th-century origins and midcentury bi-level and split-level homes remain from the town’s initial suburbanization. Recently built townhomes and ranch-style residences, along with grand Colonial Revival-styles in gated communities, express this town’s continued growth. “You have a nice mix of different housing,” says local Realtor Jennifer Loprieno of Rand Realty. “Homes built in the 80s and 90s are good quality material, you have colonial-styles with brick facades and older bi-level homes, and you have historic homes scattered about.” Monroe’s homes tend to sell for between $500,000 and $1 million, a range that reflects the diversity of Monroe’s housing stock and living experiences.
A stone colonial style house in Monroe, NY.
A condominium townhouse community in Monroe, NY.
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Woodbury Commons Outlet Mall attracts shoppers
While a small town, Monroe has a vibrant retail scene at its heart, from an iconic local movie theater to popular local restaurants. “There is a huge influx of city people who come for the shopping,” Loprieno says. “Because it’s so close to Woodbury Commons, which is a huge discount outlet, Monroe is the place to go for shopping.” The outlet mall features brand names such as Pandora, Nike and more. In Monroe, Captain’s Table offers seafood specialties and classic American dishes in a nautical atmosphere. Empire Diner invites customers to enjoy the old-school diner experience, showcasing fresh pies at the entrance and serving up hearty breakfasts and many other entrees inside its vintage interior. Grocery options include Stop & Shop and ShopRite of Monroe.
The Empire Diner in Monroe, NY.
ShopRite of Monroe is where most residents do their grocery shopping.
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Recreation and sports within Monroe's unique parks
Plenty of green spaces offer recreational opportunities. For athletic fields, locals head to the baseball diamonds at Mary Harriman Park or the football field and playground at Smith’s Clove Park. Crane Park is one of the most unique parks in Orange County. Founded in 1921, this park not only features picturesque floral displays, but also a decommissioned F-86 fighter jet that has been an object of visitors’ fascination since the 1960s. “There are also private tennis clubs and golf courses. Some are associated with the high-end developments that have their own clubs,” Loprieno says.
Locals head to the baseball diamonds at Mary Harriman Park for athletic fields
The walking paths at Crane Park in Monroe, NY.
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Highly ranked education options
The Monroe-Woodbury Central School District serves kids in the area. Earning an A-minus overall from Niche, the district is ranked the fifth-best public school district in Orange County. Students may attend Pine Tree Elementary School before advancing to Monroe-Woodbury Middle School, both of which receive B-plus scores. Monroe-Woodbury High School gets an A-minus and has historically ranked among the state’s top 150 public high schools. The high school also ranks highly for its athletics programs, which sits at the ninth-best spot in the state, according to Niche.
The exterior of Pine Tree Elementary in Monroe, NY.
Monroe-Woodbury High School in Central Valley has 2,353 students.
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Commuting to Manhattan by car or train
Monroe commuters may drive into New York City via the Palisades Interstate Parkway or catch the bus from neighboring Harriman; both options land travelers in the heart of Manhattan in approximately an hour. “More and more people are coming to Monroe because of the convenience to the city and shopping for commuters,” Loprieno says. “It’s an easy commute and that’s the biggest draw to the town.” The closest international airport is New York Stewart International Airport, 15 miles north.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Monroe, NY sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Monroe, NY over the last 12 months is $510,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 6 Autumn Lane, a charming Monroe retreat set on 2.3 private acres surrounded by nature. This inviting home offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, along with a large open living room ideal for gatherings. The beautifully updated kitchen features granite countertops, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a cozy eat-in area with views of the scenic outdoors. Enjoy the peaceful setting
Welcome to 19 Turnberry Court, a spacious and beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome located in the prestigious Mansion Ridge gated golf community. With over 3,100 sq. ft. of finished living space, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience.Step onto your covered front porch, which leads to an inviting entryway off the large formal dining
MONROE-WOODBURY SCHOOLS!!! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Contemporary Colonial, perfectly situated in the highly desirable Town of Monroe and within the award-winning Monroe-Woodbury School District. This home is just minutes from the Village of Monroe, offering local restaurants, shopping plazas, and scenic parks. With convenient access to Route 17M, Route 6,
Welcome to 6 Autumn Lane, a charming Monroe retreat set on 2.3 private acres surrounded by nature. This inviting home offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, along with a large open living room ideal for gatherings. The beautifully updated kitchen features granite countertops, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a cozy eat-in area with views of the scenic outdoors. Enjoy the peaceful setting
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$1700 / 1Br Apartment for Rent (Monroe, NY). Rolling Hills Condominium Complex, located off 208 in Blooming Grove, NY. 1 bath, plenty of closet space and a balcony. This unit comes with 2 parking spots. The complex offers a pool for the residents to enjoy. The complex is very accessible and has shops within walking distance. Unfortunately no dogs/catsMust provide current credit
MONROE-WOODBURY SCHOOLS!!! Check out this rental opportunity nestled in the Village of Monroe and in the Monroe-Woodbury School District. This home is a short drive to local eateries/restaurants, shopping centers, medical facilities, near schools, parks and close to most major highways including Interstate 87 and Route 32. Location is just the start, check out the amenities this home has to offer
Just an hour from downtown NYC, this spacious country home offers the perfect retreat for families or friends. Whether you're soaking in the jacuzzi-style bath or enjoying the warm grass beneath your feet, this property is designed for ultimate relaxation with loved ones. Secluded and private, yet only a 5-minute drive to the charming town of Monroe, this home offers both tranquility and
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