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Pearl River

Pearl River

Located in Rockland County

$765,959 Average Value
$398 Average Price per Sq Ft
18 Homes For Sale

A hamlet for nature enthusiasts and commuters, near the Hudson River

Pearl River is one of several Rockland County hamlets clustered together on the Hudson River, hugged by Harriman State Park to the west and Bear Mountain to the north. The town’s location in this mix is prized by homebuyers for its proximity to urban centers. “It’s a place for nature enthusiasts,” says Lauren Muller, a broker at Howard Hanna Realty. “We’re bordering New Jersey, but it’s an easy commute to Manhattan. The George Washington Bridge is about 20 miles away.”

More than 16,000 people live here and the median age is 40. Railroads and manufacturing are part of Pearl River’s past. But today the focus has shifted from industrialism to tourism and professional services. Blue Hill Plaza is an office complex with big name tenants like Verizon, and in 1972 it presented the county with its first skyscraper. Pfizer’s former campus on the north side has been turned into the New York Center for Innovation, a complex for biotech firms and startups. In 2018, the town hired an economic and tourism advisor, to help transition industrial zones around the train station into housing. Officials want Pearl River’s image to be a transit-forward town, where commuting spaces, living spaces and walkable restaurant rows exist in harmony.

Veterans Park truly shines in the warmer months, providing an abundance of space for everyone.
Veterans Park truly shines in the warmer months, providing an abundance of space for everyone.
The Pearl River train station serves commuter rails on the Pascack valley line.
The Pearl River train station serves commuter rails on the Pascack valley line.
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Cape Cods and split-levels, plus larger modern traditional styles

Cape Cods and split-level homes form the backbone of the housing market here. These midcentury styles were on display in exterior shots for “Norby,” the first ever color television series, about a banker in Pearl River. But there are larger styles that take inspiration from colonials, as well as modern traditional homes — some of which can be from the 2020s. “You can find large properties here,” says Muller. It’s not uncommon for some homes to start at 2,000 square feet and reach over 4,000 square feet. Of course, prices reflect that: The local median of $640,000 is more than the national median. But to homebuyers, that can be a deal compared to what’s nearby. “It’s way more affordable than Westchester,” says Muller, referring to the county on the other side of the river. And then, with respect to neighboring hamlets, she says: “Parts of Nyack to the north can be pricey because of the views.”

There are gorgeous modern split level homes available in Pearl River.
There are gorgeous modern split level homes available in Pearl River.
Moderate Cape Cods can found on the market in Pearl River.
Moderate Cape Cods can found on the market in Pearl River.
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Pearl River Union Free School District earns an A-minus

The Pearl River Union Free School District earns an A-minus rating overall from Niche. Franklin Avenue Elementary and Pearl River Middle are both Blue Ribbon schools, and they too earn an A-minus rating overall. Private education options include Saint Margaret, a Catholic institution serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Franklin Avenue Elementary in Pearl River has an overall Niche grade of -A.
Franklin Avenue Elementary in Pearl River has an overall Niche grade of -A.
St. Margaret School in Pearl River, NY, has 236 students in grades PK and K-8.
St. Margaret School in Pearl River, NY, has 236 students in grades PK and K-8.
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Golf and other sports around Lake Tappan

Pearl River’s prime recreation spot is comprised of two destinations, separated by Lake Tappan. On one side, there’s Veterans Memorial Park, which has athletic facilities, a playground, a dog park and a pond to walk around. On the other side is Blue Hill Golf Course, a 27-hole course that makes liberal use of lake scenery. More lakes can be found at Harriman State Park — in fact, over 30 of them. Just 15 miles away, the park also has extensive trails and campsites. For no-frills leisure time, Pascack Brook Town Park on the west side offers open space for strolling and, as the name suggests, a brook for fishing.

Play a round of golf at Blue Hill Golf Course in Pearl River.
Play a round of golf at Blue Hill Golf Course in Pearl River.
Enjoy the tranquil lake on a warm day that Veterans Memorial has to offer
Enjoy the tranquil lake on a warm day that Veterans Memorial has to offer
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A walkable downtown full of restaurants and breweries

Retail and dining happen downtown, specifically along Central Avenue and Main Street, which intersect. Several watering holes are clustered around the train station, whether that’s the Pearl River Hotel with skee-ball and billiards or Defiant Brewing Company with its numerous barbecue platters. Next to the public library on Central is Joe and Joe, which offers modern interpretations of Italian classics in a white tablecloth setting. For a longer night out, Louie’s on the Avenue serves high-end steak and seafood dishes in a Victorian home. Larger chains include CVS and Shop Rite.

Pearl River's Main Street has a cute and vibrant scene.
Pearl River's Main Street has a cute and vibrant scene.
Several watering holes are clustered around the train station in Pearl River,  NY.
Several watering holes are clustered around the train station in Pearl River, NY.
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Officials want the train station to be a centerpiece

Trains from the Pearl River station reach Manhattan in about an hour and 15 minutes during busy times. Drivers can get there in about an hour using the Palisades Interstate Parkway or the Garden State Parkway. Transport of Rockland, simply known as TOR, is the area bus system. The 93 bus in particular runs between downtown Pearl River and Sloatsburg, a village about 15 miles west. Suffern is a stop along the way, opening up more retail options. “That’s a bustling walkable town,” says Muller.

A decrease in overall number of crimes

According to Rockland County police, the county experienced a decrease in overall crime between 2021 and 2022. Violent crime did not fall by much, but property crime decreased sharply.

Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
John Georgiadis
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John Georgiadis
Tyler Hall
Video By
Tyler Hall

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michael Kubala, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
4,193
Number of Homes for Sale
18
Median Year Built
1956
Months of Supply
1.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,759
Below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,728
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,426
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
14,810

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    352 Holt Dr, Pearl River, NY 10965

    $1,198,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,800 Sq Ft
    • 352 Holt Dr
    • New 11 days ago

    We proudly present another fine new home by SMK Home Builders, one of Rockland County’s most respected builders for more than 30 years. Designed by a renowned local architect specifically for this one third acre parcel, this custom built Colonial offers approximately 2,800 square feet of thoughtfully planned living space. The home features four spacious bedrooms and two and one half bathrooms,

    Agent Photo
    Russ Woolley
    Wright Bros Real Estate Inc.
    (329) 208-2897
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  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 10AM - 1PM

    40 Captain Esposito Ln Unit 17, Pearl River, NY 10954

    $879,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,021 Sq Ft
    • 40 Captain Esposito Ln
    • Unit 17

    Experience the next level of active adult living in the beautifully designed Endicott floor plan by Toll Brothers—where sophistication, comfort, and convenience meet. This exceptional new construction home offers a thoughtfully crafted layout ideal for modern living, with a luxurious primary bedroom on the first floor for effortless everyday comfort. Showcasing professionally selected,

    Thomas Jacovino Toll Brothers Real Estate Inc.

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  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 10AM - 1PM

    122 Captain Esposito Ln Unit 7, Pearl River, NY 10965

    $925,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,252 Sq Ft
    • 122 Captain Esposito Ln
    • Unit 7
    • New 4 days ago

    Experience the best of active adult living in the highly sought-after Maycomb floor plan by Toll Brothers—where luxury, comfort, and lifestyle come together beautifully. This stunning new construction home features a spacious primary bedroom on the first floor, offering the convenience and ease today’s buyers demand. Showcasing professionally curated finishes inspired by a decorated model, this

    Thomas Jacovino Toll Brothers Real Estate Inc.

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Pearl River Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
16,803
Median Age
44
Population under 18
23.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$126,233
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$154,858

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.3%
College Graduates
50%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
11''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

20 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Pearl River