History and convenience mesh in this vibrant riverside village
Famed American author and Hudson River Valley resident Washington Irving may have mentioned Tarrytown, New York, in his spooky tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but this lively and much-loved riverside village is far from scary or sleepy. "Tarrytown is a vibrant, eclectic river town with cute shops and restaurants, bars and music," says Sherry Wiggs, a Realtor with Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate. "There's always something going on in Tarrytown. I sell a lot in the river towns, and it's probably one of my favorites." Tucked along the eastern bank of the Hudson River roughly 25 miles north of New York City, the community boasts a historic downtown district, a charmingly varied housing inventory and commutability to Manhattan, appealing to homebuyers looking for a lifestyle that blends a small-town feel with modern-day conveniences.
A diverse housing stock along the water
Tarrytown’s eclectic mix of housing stock ranges from late 19th-century picket-fence-wrapped Folk Victorians to modest midcentury split-levels. Co-ops in multi-family buildings offer smaller living spaces, while sleek, contemporary riverfront condominiums with updated amenities provide luxurious living with breathtaking waterside views. Home sizes vary from 500 to 4,200 or more square feet, with one to five bedrooms, and list prices typically range from $160,000 to $920,000 for homes inland, while waterfront homes may cost between $1.5 million and $3.2 million. Due to Tarrytown’s location and popularity, homes don’t stay on the market for long. "Tarrytown is currently a super aggressive, low-inventory market," Wiggs says. "If a property is priced anywhere it needs to be, it's gone in a few days.”
Strong academics and college prep in Tarrytown schools
Students in the area can attend schools within the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns. Kids may begin their education at the A-minus-rated John Paulding School for kindergarten and first grade before advancing to W.L. Morse School and Washington Irving Intermediate School, both receiving B-plus scores from Niche. Sleepy Hollow Middle School earns an A-minus, while Sleepy Hollow High School earns an A. The high school is often lauded for its exceptional college prep, and graduates go on to study at esteemed institutions, including Binghamton University and New York University.
Historical attractions and riverside recreation
The area’s storied past is celebrated through some of its attractions and historical sites. Literature fans can visit Washington Irving’s Sunnyside estate to delve into the writer’s life and his path to becoming one of America’s first internationally renowned authors. The nearby Lyndhurst, a palatial, 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion once owned by railroad magnate Jay Gould, draws history buffs to its 67-acre grounds. Movie buffs may recognize the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow, located just north of Tarrytown, as the one in the cinematic version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The 17th-century stone church and its cemetery draw thousands of visitors annually. The historic Tarrytown Music Hall beckons music lovers to its 843-seat, Queen Anne theater that dates back to 1885.
Riverside parks beckon recreationists to its fields, including Losee Park and Pierson Park. A hilly expanse along the water, Pierson Park houses the Tarrytown Recreation Fitness Center and the Tarrytown Community Pool, and also features walking paths and a playground. The Tarrytown Riverwalk, which runs from the Lyndhurst Mansion to the expansive Cuomo Bridge, features 51 miles of paved pathway and impressive water views. The wooded trails of nearby Rockefeller State Park Preserve provide a peaceful weekend respite from daily life.
A vibrant downtown district's offerings
Locals and visitors alike are drawn to Tarrytown's historic yet lively downtown with its blend of unique specialty stores, coffee shops, eateries and music venues housed in charming 19th-century brick buildings. Along Main Street, the heart of downtown, folks can browse family-owned stores like the Flying Fingers Yarn Shop and Goldberg Hardware, where locals have been outfitting their DIY projects since 1904. Local restaurants also reflect the community’s charm, including Tarry Tavern and the award-winning Mint Premium Foods. "Mint is a great little place," Wiggs muses. "They sell cheeses and other gourmet foods, but it's also a restaurant."
Commutability to Manhattan
Weekday commuters relish the convenience of Tarrytown's Metro-North railroad station. "Tarrytown station is a big hub for trains going into the city," Wiggs says. The Hudson train line connects commuters to Grand Central Station in just over an hour. Proximity to major thoroughfares, including Interstate 287 and Interstate 87, further links residents to the wider metropolitan area.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
Collin Quinlivan
