Westfall has rural land and new developments along the Delaware River
Westfall Township, on the far northeast corner of Pennsylvania and just across the New York and New Jersey borders, balances its rural appeal with growing development and commutability to the New York City region. Commercial and residential buildings line Interstate 84, but most of the community’s land is undeveloped, with only the occasional home tucked away in the woods. “We have a big transient population as far as folks that are working in neighboring states,” says Robert Llewellyn, Westfall Township Chairman. “The big draw for this area is it’s close enough to the city, but it’s a rural area. There are a lot of outdoor activities.”
Port Jervis has a commuter line to New York City
Port Jervis, a small city bordering Westfall just across the New York state line, has a commuter rail stop going into the New York City area. Port Jervis is the last stop on the line, which extends about 75 miles outside of New York. “We’re the very far edge of the commuting circle around NYC; I would say probably 30% of people [in Westfall] commute to the city area for work,” Llewellyn says. That region is home to several major airports: Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Interstate 84 also goes through Westfall, connecting drivers across state lines.
Expanding infrastructure supports growth
The township continues to improve and expand its services to residents as more people move in. “We’re in the planning stages of expanding the central sewage. We have central water and natural gas provided in certain areas,” Llewellyn says. He also notes that Westfall Township is one of the few communities in the area with a municipal police department. “We have exceptional emergency services. Westfall and Matamoras borough share Eastern Pike Regional Police Department.”
Diverse living options along the Delaware River and I-84
Homes have been constructed throughout the 20th and 21st centuries in Westfall, and new residences continue to be built. “There are two or three housing developments in construction now or planned,” Llewellyn says. Apartment complexes, townhouses and Craftsman-inspired single-family homes just off of Interstate 84 are among the properties built since 2020. Bi-level, ranch-style and traditional homes are also found throughout the township. Houses usually sell for between $300,000 and $900,000, while townhouses have sold for between $315,000 and $575,000.
Hiking, kayaking, hunting and outdoor activities
The Delaware River snakes along the eastern edge of Westfall. Locals can canoe and kayak down the winding waterway among the rolling, green mountains. Camping and fishing are also popular. Thousands of acres of game land border Westfall. Hunting and hiking are common pastimes in the region’s stretching expanse of forests and wetlands intersected by creeks and waterfalls. That said, some parts of town, especially around the river, are in a flood zone.
Delaware Valley School District has diverse course options
Children attending public schools typically begin at Delaware Valley Elementary School, which has a B-plus rating from Niche. They continue to Delaware Valley Middle School and Delaware Valley High School, which also earn B-pluses. Students attending Delaware Valley High School have many course options, including dual enrollment in partnership with six different local colleges, 28 different Advanced Placement classes and career & technical education pathways. Career pathways include marketing, healthcare occupations, culinary arts, automotive and more.
Big box stores off Interstate 84 and local dining nearby
Westfall has businesses off Interstate 84. “Westfall has the largest commercial district in Pike County,” Llewellyn says. Options include big box stores like Walmart Supercenter, Lowe’s Home Improvement and ShopRite, as well as chain restaurants like Wendy’s and Wayback Burgers. The bordering communities of Matamoras and Port Jervis have more local dining options. A popular choice is Two Rivers Grille in Matamoras. This contemporary sit-down restaurant serves American dishes, including soups, sandwiches, burgers and steak. Port Jervis is also home to Bon Secours Community Hospital.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
