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:
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On average, homes in Monroe, NY sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Monroe, NY over the last 12 months is $506,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 300 Mountain Lodge Road — a beautifully updated and move-in-ready bilevel home offering the perfect blend of modern comfort and functional space. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence is set on a serene and scenic lot, providing peace and privacy while still being just minutes from all Monroe has to offer. Step inside to discover a bright and spacious interior featuring a stylish
Build your dream home on this 5+ acre raw land with water and scenic views of Shadowmere Lake. Just off of Brower Rd on one side and Oak Rd on the other. This lot may be subdividable. Highly sought after location in Monroe with privacy and woods. Located within the Monroe/Woodbury schools and just 50 miles from the city makes this a great commuter location close to the bus park and ride, Tuxedo
Welcome to this 4-bedroom, 3 full bath raised ranch offering a flexible and spacious layout designed for comfortable everyday living. Hardwood floors run throughout the main level, adding warmth and character to the home's living spaces. The primary bedroom features a private en-suite bath, creating a quiet and comfortable retreat. Three additional bedrooms provide plenty of room for family,
Welcome to Lexington Hill! This 950 sq.ft. first floor condominium offers two spacious bedrooms, two full baths, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace in the living area. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet providing ample storage and a full bath, while the patio invites you to relax outdoors. With a washer and dryer conveniently in the unit, you’ll enjoy all the comforts of home. Lexington
This stunning contemporary Cape Cod offer's nearly 5,000 Sqft of living space on 2.1 Acres with Monroe Woodbury Schools. Perfect for a large or multi-generational families, this home features three spacious living/sitting/family rooms, gleaming hardwood floors, and a luxurious stone mantle with gas fireplace. The bedrooms are oversized including a primary bedroom with an en-suite. Four full
Welcome to Lamplight Village apartments! Surrounded by woods, Lamplight Village offers a family friendly environment that is still close to great local shopping and NYC. We have multiple floor plans from studios to three bedroom townhomes. All units include heat and hot water. Residents enjoy the many amenities including: dishwashers, convenient parking, private pool, playground and laundry
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