Somers Township transformed from lake retreats to full-time homes
Somers Township had its earliest settlers in the 1700s but gained traction as a summer retreat in the 20th century. As early as 1920, New York City residents would head north from the hot and crowded city for Somers' fresh air and quiet atmosphere. "They had lake houses that were strictly seasonal," says Lee Kader, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Partners who has lived in Somers since 2003. "It had that lake community, weekender feel. Some neighborhoods [in Somers] still have that feel, and then there's newer communities with 3,500-square-foot modern homes." No longer just a summer destination, the area has more than 21,000 residents living in modern homes, with access to highly rated schools and convenient commuter options. Somers has expanded, but the township retains its quiet natural beauty and close-knit community. "When you come to Somers, you become friendly with the other families in your kids' grades," Kader says. "There's a strong sense of community."
Community pride in America’s first circus elephant
In the early 1800s, Somers’ resident Hachaliah Bailey purchased an elephant that was one of the first ever in the United States. Named "Old Bet," the elephant became the main attraction of the Bailey Circus – the first American circus with an elephant that later became the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Today, the town commemorates Old Bet with The Elephant Hotel housing the town hall, and the local high school student athletes called the Tuskers.
Prices vary from $360,000 condos to $2.3 million estates
Somers has a mix of about 7,000 condos, lakefront properties and homes on large, wooded lots. "There's a calm and relaxed atmosphere in Somers," Kader says. "There's a nice suburban feel. It's quiet." Cape Cods, bungalows and small ranch-style homes sell for $400,000 and $700,000. New Traditional homes, bi-levels and split-levels range between $650,000 and $1 million. The biggest homes of the area – farmhouses, Modern Craftsman mansions and Colonial Revival estates on many-acre properties – range between $1 million and $2.3 million. Condos from the 1970s through today house many of the area's retirees. " Heritage Hills has about 2,600 condos. And 20 years ago, it was a 55-plus community," Kader says. That has since changed, and all ages are welcome. "It has a clubhouse and five pools, so it's still attractive to the older population," Kader says. Older and smaller condos range between $360,000 and $600,000. New Traditional and Modern Craftsman condos from the past few decades and older styles with more bedrooms or end-units range between $620,000 and $1.4 million.
Local schools are top-rated and known for athletic excellence
Somers Central School District earns an overall grade of A by Niche. Primrose Elementary School is rated B-plus, and Somers Intermediate School is rated A-minus. Somers Middle School earns an A, and Somers High School earns an A-minus. The school is among the top-rated public schools for athletes in New York and offers almost 30 different boys, girls and coed sports. "The high school football team is very highly rated, and they've won a few state championships over the past few years," Kader says. Boys' lacrosse, girls' softball and soccer teams are also top-performing.
Metro-North trains and Interstate 684 lead to the city
According to Kader, many residents commute to the business districts in New York City and Danbury , Connecticut. The Harlem Line of Metro-North Railroad stops at nearby Goldens Bridge and Purdys stations. "Commute time to the city is about an hour on the express train," Kader says. "It could be an hour and ten, depending on which train you get. But it goes to Grand Central Terminal, the city's main hub." Interstate 684 is nearby, and Manhattan is about 45 miles away by car. LaGuardia Airport is about 50 miles away. Northern Westchester Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital are both close.
Community parks and indoor clubs support youth recreation
Muscoot Recreation Area, Angle Fly Preserve and Koegel Park are just a few areas for outdoor recreation in Somers, popular for fishing and hiking. Reis Park is a traditional community park with baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer fields and playgrounds. Upon discovering she couldn't bear children, a local woman donated the park's land, creating a place for children to play in her name. Somers has indoor volleyball and wrestling clubs for kids who want to get ahead in their sports, and the Somers Library has many activities for kids, parents and senior citizens.
The quiet area has growing dining choices and shopping nearby
More restaurants are coming to the town, but the area remains residential and suburban. "We have select restaurants, but it's not a big nightlife community. It's more of a quiet town," Kader says. "We have our pizzerias, which we like. The Burger Barn is a staple, and Prime Pub [Somers] has been a nice addition." DeCicco & Sons Somers is a high-end grocery store in town, and more grocery stores, department stores and restaurants are a short drive east in Yorktown Green Shopping Center. Jefferson Valley Mall has clothing retailers and fast-food chains, east on U.S. Route 6.
![Heather Haggerty]()
Written By
Heather Haggerty
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Chris Mantz
