Orangeburg is a well-situated hamlet near the Hudson River
Located 20 miles north of New York City in Orangetown, the hamlet of Orangeburg has suburban homes, highly rated schools and proximity to scenic parks along the Hudson River. Commuters have several ways to get into Manhattan, and towns like Westchester are just across the Mario Cuomo Bridge, making Orangeburg a relaxed yet accessible place to call home. “We’re known for our proximity to everything. For people commuting, especially to Westchester, somewhere in Jersey or the city, it’s such a central location,” Says Jennifer Sirkowa, associate broker at R2M Realty, Inc. She also recommends buyers take a look at other parts of town. “If you’re thinking of moving to Orangeburg, also check out the neighboring hamlets: Tappan, Blauvelt, or if you want to be closer to the Hudson River, Piermont,” Sirkowa says. “You have a bit of different character in each of the different hamlets.”
Suburban home styles from the 20th century
Most properties in Orangeburg were built in the mid- to late-20th century, with popular styles including split-level, bi-level and traditional. Homes sit along wide, residential streets shaded by mature trees and typically range from $660,000 to $810,000. There’s also a handful of condos that usually sell between $210,000 and $330,000. Most homes in Orangeburg are not in a flood zone, but there are some properties around Sparkill Creek with an elevated risk, particularly during hurricanes or heavy rain events.
Students attend the highly rated Orangetown Central School District
Orangeburg is one of the hamlets in South Orangetown that’s zoned for the South Orangetown Central School District. The district earns an overall A-plus Niche rating. William O. Schaefer Elementary School serves kindergarten through second grade and has an A Niche rating, while Cottage Lane Elementary School earns an A-minus and serves third through fifth grades. Students continue to A-rated South Orangetown Middle School and A-plus-rated Tappan Zee High School. The high school offers students about 60 extracurricular groups to participate in, including Italian Club, Aquaponics, Handbell Choir, Science Honor Society, Discussion Club and Ping Pong Club. The area also has higher education institutions, including Dominican University and St. Thomas Aquinas College.
Entertainment at the Palisades Center and local dining nearby
The Palisades Center, a sprawling shopping mall about 3 miles north, has hundreds of businesses. “It’s an entertainment destination,” Sirkowa says. "There’s a ton of activities in it. Go karting, you can do golf simulation, bowling, the movie theater.” The mall’s shopping and dining options include major chains like The Cheesecake Factory, Barnes & Noble, Target and Starbucks.
There are popular locally owned businesses nearby as well. Sirkowa describes The Rail Trail Cafe & Mercantile as “everyone’s favorite breakfast spot,” and Del' Arte Restaurant off state Route 303 serves Italian food in a dimly lit atmosphere that’s perfect for date night. State Route 303 has more restaurants, too, plus basics like Stop & Shop. Orangeburg is also home to Van Houten Farms, a garden center that also sells local eggs, meats, honey and seasonal produce.
Many recreation options, with hiking on the river
Tallman Mountain State Park has trails through the woods and overlooking the Hudson River. “Part of it’s paved, so it’s easy to go with somebody with mobility issues. And a lot of people take their dogs there,” Sirkowa says. The park is also home to the public Tallman Beach and Pool Club. Several other nearby parks, including Blauvelt State Park and Hook Mountain State Park, have more hiking trails with scenic river views, and the public Broadacres Golf Club is also in Orangeburg. Veterans Memorial Park, which is open only to town residents, has amenities including a dog park, athletic fields, a large playground and a splashpad in Orangeburg.
Getting to Manhattan and Westchester from Orangeburg
Orangeburg residents are close to amenities around the region. “You can be right over the Jersey border in five minutes, the Mario Cuomo Bridge in 10 minutes, the city in 20 minutes, and we’re one of the gateways of the Northern Hudson Valley,” Sirkowa says. Commuters into New York City can take the Palisades Interstate Parkway if they’re driving, or take a bus from the park-and-ride lot at the Palisades Center. The closest Metro North commuter rail stop into Manhattan is just across the Hudson River in Tarrytown. Others commute across the river to Westchester, which has several hospitals, including the Westchester Medical Center. Montefiore Nyack Hospital is also just 4 miles north. LaGuardia Airport is less than 25 miles away.
![Faith Wakefield]()
Written By
Faith Wakefield
![James Leynse]()
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
