Quiet suburbia, busy downtown and Metro-North service in New Castle
Set 39 miles northeast of New York, New Castle Township is a charming corner of Westchester County. "There's no one way to describe New Castle as a whole — it's the town and governing body of different districts," says Melissa Colabella, a Realtor at Compass Greater NY with over 11 years of experience. Much of the town's activity centers around the hamlet of Chappaqua, which offers a walkable downtown, community events and direct Metro-North service. The hamlet of Millwood is more residential, offering a quieter living experience. "You can live in a very private area, yet still be 60 minutes to Manhattan," Colabella says.
No cookie-cutter homes in New Castle Township
New Castle Township's housing market is broad and varied. "There's a lot of history here in Westchester County," Colabella says. "But you can also find new construction and everything in between."Many single-family homes are Colonial Revivals, farmhouses or raised ranches, dating to the mid-to-late 20th century. Rather than traditional subdivisions, many homes are situated in secluded enclaves or along tree-lined roads with ample space between neighbors. Some properties feature manicured lawns, while others feel more naturalistic, framed by mature pines and native plantings, such as wild bergamot. On the outskirts of town, custom-built estates and renovated historic homes sit on multi-acre lots, often including amenities like private pools and multi-car garages. "None of these homes are cookie-cutter," Colabella says.Prices start around $450,000 and climb as high as $8.3 million. Most single-family homes sell between $700,000 and $1.2 million, while larger properties typically range from $1.3 million to $1.8 million, depending on size and features.
Chappaqua Central School District receives all A's from Niche
New Castle Township is part of multiple school districts, including Chappaqua Central School District, which is rated A-plus and ranked the second-best school district in Westchester County by Niche. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade may start at Douglas G. Grafflin School before moving to Seven Bridges Middle and Horace Greeley High — all are rated A-plus. The latter is a National Blue Ribbon School and boasts a successful athletics department, with numerous championship titles, including a three-peat of the NYSPHSAA New York State Swimming Championship from 2022 to 2024.
Bagels, books and bunnies in downtown Chappaqua
While New Castle's neighborhoods are sleepy and peaceful, downtown Chappaqua is where the community really blossoms. "People go to socialize," Colabella says. "You're not going to find big-box stores — everything is mom-and-pop-owned." Mornings might start with artisanal coffee and cinnamon donut muffins from Susan Lawrence, or a stop by The Bagel Emporium of Chappaqua to pick up a dozen. For lunch, Green & Tonic offers vegan burgers and superfood smoothies for the health-conscious, while Pizza Station serves up indulgent specialties, including fried chicken pizza. Basso by PXK offers an elegant setting to enjoy housemade pastas and curated wines for a special night out. Frannie's Goodie Shop satisfies dessert cravings with over-the-top sundaes loaded with cake chunks.Downtown's also lined with everyday essentials and specialty shops, from fitness studios and barbershops to boutiques and longtime favorites like Scattered Books, home of the famous bookstore bunnies. "One of them is named ‘Meatball,’” Colabella says. Butcher cuts and pantry essentials are covered by Chappaqua Village Market, with Whole Foods nearby for a broader selection. On weekends, the Chappaqua Farmers Market includes farm-fresh treats, live music and family-friendly games. "It's not just a place to buy produce," Colabella says.
Sports at Gedney Park and adventures in Pruyn Audobon Sanctuary
New Castle's parks are lush and expansive, offering plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors. Gedney Park is a favorite, featuring baseball diamonds, a soccer field and dog-friendly hiking trails. In winter, the park's pond freezes for ice skating, and the hills fill with sledders. Near downtown, the New Castle Recreation Field is a go-to for picnics, with a playground and basketball court close by. Chappaqua Pocket Park feels like a hidden garden downtown, offering a serene setting to relax surrounded by foliage. For a deeper escape into nature, the Pruyn Audubon Sanctuary features wooded trails, a butterfly garden and an arboretum, where birdwatchers may spot eastern bluebirds.
Chappaqua Children's Book Festival and annual tree lighting
New Castle Township maintains a steady calendar of community events, many of which are centered in Chappaqua. In September, the Chappaqua Children's Book Festival invites dozens of authors to town for Q&As and storytime. "People can explore different books, meet the author … and get their kids excited about reading," Colabella says. Residents also look forward to seasonal traditions, such as the tree lighting at the historic Greeley House, accompanied by carolers and Santa.
Commuting to NYC via the Taconic State Parkway and Harlem Line
Most residents drive to get around New Castle Township, and the Taconic State Parkway grants direct access to NYC. Commuters may also take the Harlem Line from Chappaqua station into the city. Downtown is pedestrian-friendly, featuring sidewalks, bike lanes and Bee-Line bus stops. Northern Westchester Hospital is 5 miles away. Westchester County Airport is a 10-mile drive, and LaGuardia Airport is 34 miles away.
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Franklin Abreu
