The community of Peekskill has a colorful past -- literally. The former industrial town's Peekskill Chemical Works, founded in 1864, eventually became the company that invented Crayola crayons. Actors Mel Gibson, Paul Reubens (aka Pee-wee Herman) and Jackie Gleason have all resided in town, and the 1980s sitcom “The Facts of Life” is based on a now-defunct all-girls boarding school in the community. As with many manufacturing towns, Peekskill went through an era of decline, but it is now on the rise, thanks in part to its proximity to New York City. “Peekskill was declining for a period,” says Realtor Bobby Villone of RE/MAX Classic Realty. “Now it’s making a comeback.”
There is even a boat and kayak launch here at Riverwalk in Peekskill.
In Peekskill there are many local shops and stores to choose from.
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Trains and buses to NYC
Residents in the area enjoy the spectacular vistas of the Hudson River, its rich history dating back to 1816 and convenient commute to Manhattan. “The best part of Peekskill is the downtown area and the commute to New York City,” Villone says. The Big Apple is about an hour-long train ride from the Peekskill station. Those who choose to drive to New York City, which is 41 miles away, can expect a commute of 45 to 90 minutes. The Bee-Line Bus System provides local public transportation.Residents in the area enjoy the spectacular vistas of the Hudson River, its rich history dating back to 1816 and convenient commute to Manhattan. “The best part of Peekskill is the downtown area and the commute to New York City,” Villone says. The Big Apple is about an hour-long train ride from the Peekskill station. Those who choose to drive to New York City, which is 41 miles away, can expect a commute of 45 to 90 minutes. The Bee-Line Bus System provides local public transportation.
Homes near the Peekskill station
Housing styles in Peekskill include older colonials and princess colonials (some dating back to the 1800s), Tudor-style homes, condos and co-ops. Housing prices range from $115,000 to $1 million, and the average home value is $475,000. Median lot sizes are 11,000 square feet. Nearly 60% of residents own their home. Villone says many residents value living as close to the Peekskill station as possible.
All types of homes are represented in Peekskill, like this colonial styled home.
This Tudor styled home is just one example of the types of homes that make up Peekskill.
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Walking to Peekskill schools
Kids in Peekskill attend schools in the Peekskill City School District with a C-minus grade from Niche. The pipeline starts at Hillcrest Elementary School, rated a C-minus. Peekskill Middle School has a 10-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and Niche ranks the school a C. Peekskill High School, known for its dramatic arts program, has a C rating. Villone says many of the schools are within walking distance from the neighborhood.
Peekskill High School was established in 1929.
Peekskill Middle School has 754 students in grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
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Community parks, hiking and mountain biking
There are nearly 10 parks in Peekskill. Riverfront Green Park, Annsville Preserve Park and Fleischmann Pier all offer stunning views of the Hudson River. The 1,500-acre Blue Mountain Park provides opportunities to hike Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain, mountain bike, fish or enjoy nature.
Pugsley Park is a passive 'vest pocket' park in downtown Peekskill.
Depew Park is a gem hidden in plain sight in the middle of Peekskill.
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Farm-to-table fare is Apropos
The Abbey Inn & Spa, which overlooks the Hudson River, was formerly the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary’s convent. Locals and visitors flock to the Abbey for special events, relax in luxury or enjoy a meal at Apropos Restaurant & Bar, a farm-to-table, Michelin Guide-recommended eatery. For a more casual dinner, the Taco Dive Bar is where patrons can choose from 10 different styles of tacos. Locals can grab a chicken salad wrap or a liverwurst hero at Baisley’s Deli on Hudson Avenue.
The NY Firehouse Grille is considered the best sports bar in Peekskill.
The Taco Dive Bar is located in the Riverfront Green in Peekskill, NY.
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Markets and the Paramount Theatre
Downtown Peekskill is home to the community’s farmers market, flea markets and the Paramount Theatre, a popular destination for live music and performing arts. “Downtown is very walkable — not Manhattan walkable, but still walkable,” Villone says. Downtown is also where residents can find local shops and restaurants. Peekskill Historic Waterfront lets visitors view street art exhibitions and sculpture gardens and peruse the many storefronts and cafes. The waterfront is also home to the Lincoln Depot Museum and the Peekskill Yacht Club. Shopping in the community is done at the Beach Shopping Center, which includes a Stop & Shop, Advance Auto and several other stores and restaurants.
The streets in Peekskill have recently been repurposed to outside dining areas.
The Paramount Hudson Valley Theater is a landmark for performance arts in Peekskill.
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