This bucolic Hudson Valley suburb mixes growth with preservation
Anchored by the Taconic State Parkway and a few miles east of the Hudson River, Yorktown is a New York City suburb surrounded by lush parks and highly rated schools. Originally called Hanover, the settlement was rebranded as Yorktown in 1788 to honor the patriots’ decisive victory over the British in the Virginian town of the same name several years prior. The town’s motto, “Progress with Preservation,” reflects twin interests in both development and historical protection, with established farms and vintage homes still dotting the area. Conversely, in recent years, new shopping plazas have been rolled out to accommodate a growing population. “It’s become incredibly popular," says Douglas Dill, an associate broker with Houlihan Lawrence Inc. "People love Yorktown because of the local businesses and parks, and the nearby reservoir makes the south side of Yorktown very bucolic,”
Yorktown is a New York City suburb surrounded by lush parks and highly rated schools.
Established farms such Hemlock Hill Farm in Cortlandt are still common in Yorktown.
1/2
Yorktown offers historic and contemporary homes, but most are midcentury
The median home price hovers around $600,000, fairly higher than the national median. “Houses run the gamut of styles in Yorktown. We have both homes built in the 1770s and new constructions if developers can find the land,” says Elizabeth Harlow, Realtor with Elizabeth Harlow, who has been selling properties for over a decade. “We’re seeing a lot of homes from the 1950s come on the market. Many need to be renovated, but people are hungry to live here, so they’re willing to take them on.”
Colonial Revivals, split-levels and ranch-style builds are among the most common. Neighborhoods like Cooper Beach-Oakside and Yorktown Heights are desirable for their proximity to commercial centers, while other neighborhoods to the south offer spacious lots. “ Hunterbrook-Huntersville has large 4-acre zoning and big estates. Some have personal horse farms,” says Dill, who has lived in Yorktown for over 40 years. Additionally, buyers can choose from townhouses and condo communities such as Jefferson Valley South ’s Jefferson Village.
The Hunterbrook-Huntsville neighborhood offers large estates with sizable lots.
Hilly blocks and winding subdivisions in Yorktown Heights are lined with single-family homes built from the mid-1900s through the 2020s.
1/2
Local restaurants, farms and the Jefferson Valley Mall
Many of the town’s local shops and restaurants lie in Yorktown Heights in the southeast quarter of Yorktown. The north side of town has the two-story Jefferson Valley Mall. Additional shopping centers are in the Crompond neighborhood and just west of town. Hemlock Hill Farm & Market and Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm provide fresh meat, seasonal produce, plants and more, with the latter destination being popular for its seasonal pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm.
Local shops and restaurants such as Trailside Cafe fill Yorktown Heights.
On the north side of town, residents can shop at the two-story Jefferson Valley Mall.
1/2
Taking the train or highway to New York City
As Yorktown is a bedroom community, many residents head elsewhere for work. “Before COVID, I would say one or two people out of any couple would commute to New York City,” Dill says. Other workers stick closer to home. “Over the past few years, Regeneron has hired over 2,000 employees,” Dill says. PepsiCo and IBM are other large employers in the area.
Many commuters take advantage of public transit to get into the Big Apple. “There’s a bus that goes over to the Croton train station, which has an incredible amount of parking. With other villages’ stations, you might have to wait months to get a parking permit,” Dill says. “Other people drive to the North White Plains station to commute half by car and half by train.” Via Taconic State Parkway, the city is roughly a 40-mile drive. This is usually a one-hour trip, but rush hour can slow traffic considerably.
Located about 20 miles south, Westchester County Airport offers commercial flights to select destinations east of the Mississippi. For more airlines, travelers can visit New York City’s airports. For health emergencies and routine check-ups, New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital to the west is within an 8-mile drive of most homes.
Many residents of Yorktown are employed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Tarrytown.
New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital is within an 8-mile drive of most homes in Yorktown.
1/2
Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve and other natural spaces
Franklin D. Roosevelt Park lies in the heart of Yorktown. Forested trails lead to a disc golf course and open fields for play. Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve to the south offers additional trails. “Turkey Mountain is one of the highest points in Westchester County. On a clear day, you can see the New York City skyline,” Dill says. The 22-mile North County Trailway runs by Yorktown to the east, passing through farms, forests and railway trestles. The New Croton Reservoir on the town’s south end is open for fishing and row boats.
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is great for outdoor activities and locals love its playground.
Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve offers hiking opportunities and scenic vistas.
1/2
The Yorktown Grange Fair celebrates the town’s agricultural roots
Over 100 years and running, the Yorktown Grange Fair allows local farmers to showcase their goods, from produce to needlework. Visitors can also enjoy live music and watch or participate in watermelon eating contests, bubblegum blowing contests and other competitions. The festival typically lasts three days in early September. During Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, diners can enjoy creative three-course lunches and dinners at various eateries across Westchester County. The event runs for two weeks in late October and early November. The Yorktown Grange Car Show takes place near the middle of June and showcases gas-powered vehicles from classic cars to vintage tractors.
Enjoy some great Italian food at Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro, one of many events taking place in Yorktown throughout the year.
The Yorktown Grange Car Show is held in June and features classic cars as well as antique tractors and farm equipment.
1/2
Yorktown Central School District
The Yorktown Central School District runs five schools and receives an overall A from Niche. Starting in 2024, the district launched an American Sign Language program for middle and high school students interested in learning to sign. In early 2024, residents approved a $57 million bond to renovate campuses and add a multi-purpose turf to A-rated Yorktown High School.
Students from Yorktown can begin their education at Crompond Elementary, rated A by Niche.
The Yorktown High School offers a sprawling campus for students.
1/2
Crime and climate in Yorktown
According to FBI crime statistics, violent crimes dropped by 50% between 2022 and 2023. Property crimes decreased by 7.4% over the same period. Yorktown experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are muggy while winters typically bring a few feet of snow.
Written By
Alexander Breuhan
Photography Contributed By
Jerome Strauss
Video By
Christine Tranchina
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nicole Gold,
an experienced agent in this area.
Welcome to this inviting raised ranch in the heart of Yorktown Heights! The main living area features beautiful hardwood floors and a cozy wood-burning fireplace that sits between the living and dining rooms—perfect for relaxing or gathering with family and friends. The kitchen has been nicely updated with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and direct access to the deck for easy
Step into carefree, hassle-free living in Jefferson Village . This two-bedroom, two-bath condominium, perfectly suited for those seeking comfort, convenience and community. Two spacious bedrooms with ample closet space — ideal for guests, hobbies or an at-home office. Two full baths for convenience and flexibility. Just three steps into the unit — easy entry with minimal stairs. Short walk to
Set in one of Yorktown Heights’ most loved neighborhoods, this charming updated ranch home blends timeless curb appeal with modern comfort and an inviting finished basement that expands your living space. The setting is the kind people search for but rarely find, a walkable and welcoming community where neighbors still wave, evening strolls are part of daily life, and homes like this don’t come
New Listing in Yorktown! A potential 3,000 sq. ft. home packaged as 1,600 sq. ft.—this fully renovated, move-in-ready Ranch is a true gem!This fully renovated, move-in-ready Ranch is an exceptional find. Enjoy Yorktown Schools, true one-level living, and a prime location on a quiet dead-end street—just minutes from shopping, highways, parks, hiking, golf, pools, and
Welcome to Fieldstone Manor, Mohegan Lake’s newest residential community, featuring three brand-new homes built by the same trusted local builder. This is a rare opportunity to move right into a spacious, thoughtfully designed new construction home in one of the area’s most desirable locations.This Colonial-style residence offers a modern open layout with large, airy rooms, high-end
This charming single-family home in Yorktown offers the perfect blend of comfort, character, and convenience. Step inside to find a bright, light filled foyer and an open layout ideal for gatherings and entertaining. The first floor has an updated Eat-in-Kitchen with modern cabinetry, granite countertops with ample space for cooking and dining, as well as a cozy family room w/fireplace with easy
Eagle Rock Apartments at Mohegan Lake offers luxury garden apartments for rent in Northern Westchester in the Lakeland School District. Situated on beautifully landscaped lakefront property with resort style amenities, each one and two bedroom apartment home features its own private entrance, a patio or deck, eat-in kitchens with bay windows, extra large rooms, a gas fireplace and more!
Discover this charming Colonial-style home nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac in the desirable Yorktown Heights. Step inside to find two inviting living rooms on the main floor, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The first living room features a cozy wood-burning fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A full bathroom and a convenient laundry room complete the first-floor living
Property Id: 2193483New Construction spacious bi- level townhome located in the hamlet of Jefferson Valley in the thriving town of Yorktown w/ Lakeland Schools. Open concept living/ dining & kitchen. Primary suite w/ 2 full wall closets, 2 additional bdrms & bath, full sized laundry and storage complete the second level. Wood floors, intricate moldings and plenty of hi hat lighting
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
