Historic community boasts commutability and local shopping
The rolling hills of Monroe, a small town in Orange County, New York, hold a tapestry of rich history. The town’s past dates back to the early 1700s, when the Southfields community in the Ramapo Valley was developed. George Washington and his Continental Army passed through the area in 1777 during the Revolutionary War, and Southfields was later renamed to honor another president, James Monroe, whose name continues as the moniker of the community. Long a rural area, Monroe was a center of horse racing and dairy farming — the town prides itself on being the founding location of Velveeta cheese and the locally known Liederkranz cheese. The town continued to evolve and the introduction of bus links to the New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal resulted in Monroe’s suburbanization in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, Monroe’s colonial-style homes, thriving local businesses and picturesque parks still celebrate the historic community’s storied past, drawing in those seeking to be close enough to New York City but not too close and who see their own future living in the suburban setting.
Aerial perspective of Monroe, NY.
An old fighter jet is on display at Crane Park in Monroe, NY.
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An architectural mix of homes, from historic to modern
Colonial-style homes recall Monroe’s 18th-century origins and midcentury bi-level and split-level homes remain from the town’s initial suburbanization. Recently built townhomes and ranch-style residences, along with grand Colonial Revival-styles in gated communities, express this town’s continued growth. “You have a nice mix of different housing,” says local Realtor Jennifer Loprieno of Rand Realty. “Homes built in the 80s and 90s are good quality material, you have colonial-styles with brick facades and older bi-level homes, and you have historic homes scattered about.” Monroe’s homes tend to sell for between $500,000 and $1 million, a range that reflects the diversity of Monroe’s housing stock and living experiences.
A stone colonial style house in Monroe, NY.
A condominium townhouse community in Monroe, NY.
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Woodbury Commons Outlet Mall attracts shoppers
While a small town, Monroe has a vibrant retail scene at its heart, from an iconic local movie theater to popular local restaurants. “There is a huge influx of city people who come for the shopping,” Loprieno says. “Because it’s so close to Woodbury Commons, which is a huge discount outlet, Monroe is the place to go for shopping.” The outlet mall features brand names such as Pandora, Nike and more. In Monroe, Captain’s Table offers seafood specialties and classic American dishes in a nautical atmosphere. Empire Diner invites customers to enjoy the old-school diner experience, showcasing fresh pies at the entrance and serving up hearty breakfasts and many other entrees inside its vintage interior. Grocery options include Stop & Shop and ShopRite of Monroe.
The Empire Diner in Monroe, NY.
ShopRite of Monroe is where most residents do their grocery shopping.
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Recreation and sports within Monroe's unique parks
Plenty of green spaces offer recreational opportunities. For athletic fields, locals head to the baseball diamonds at Mary Harriman Park or the football field and playground at Smith’s Clove Park. Crane Park is one of the most unique parks in Orange County. Founded in 1921, this park not only features picturesque floral displays, but also a decommissioned F-86 fighter jet that has been an object of visitors’ fascination since the 1960s. “There are also private tennis clubs and golf courses. Some are associated with the high-end developments that have their own clubs,” Loprieno says.
Locals head to the baseball diamonds at Mary Harriman Park for athletic fields
The walking paths at Crane Park in Monroe, NY.
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Highly ranked education options
The Monroe-Woodbury Central School District serves kids in the area. Earning an A-minus overall from Niche, the district is ranked the fifth-best public school district in Orange County. Students may attend Pine Tree Elementary School before advancing to Monroe-Woodbury Middle School, both of which receive B-plus scores. Monroe-Woodbury High School gets an A-minus and has historically ranked among the state’s top 150 public high schools. The high school also ranks highly for its athletics programs, which sits at the ninth-best spot in the state, according to Niche.
The exterior of Pine Tree Elementary in Monroe, NY.
Monroe-Woodbury High School in Central Valley has 2,353 students.
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Commuting to Manhattan by car or train
Monroe commuters may drive into New York City via the Palisades Interstate Parkway or catch the bus from neighboring Harriman; both options land travelers in the heart of Manhattan in approximately an hour. “More and more people are coming to Monroe because of the convenience to the city and shopping for commuters,” Loprieno says. “It’s an easy commute and that’s the biggest draw to the town.” The closest international airport is New York Stewart International Airport, 15 miles north.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bernadette Massa,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Monroe, NY sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Monroe, NY over the last 12 months is $499,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Meadow Glen – Monroe’s Premier Gated Community! Largest Model Built! Welcome to one of the most sought-after homes in Meadow Glen, offering the largest floor plan in this desirable gated community. This beautifully maintained townhome features 9-foot ceilings and an open, sun-filled layout designed for modern living. The spacious kitchen is perfect for entertaining, featuring stainless steel
COME SEE WHAT'S NEW! NEW KITCHEN! NEW ROOF! NEW DRIVEWAY! NEW FLOORS! 82 Walton Terrace is a beautiful 4 bedroom 2 bath Colonial home in a lake community and is set back from the road for maximum privacy. The home has many recent updates! The first floor features a spacious eat in kitchen with beautiful new cabinets, granite counter tops & stainless appliances. First floor also has a large living
Beautiful colonial offering nearly 2,500 sq ft of living space on a quiet paved road near the mountains. Bright open layout with living room flowing into a spacious eat-in kitchen featuring cathedral ceilings, granite countertops, center island, stainless steel appliances, and abundant cabinetry. Main level also includes a full bath, laundry hookup, and flexible room with French doors to the
Welcome to this beautifully maintained colonial offering space, comfort, and modern upgrades throughout. This home features 4 large bedrooms, including a spacious primary suite with its own updated private bath, plus an updated main hall bath and a convenient half bath on the first floor. Enjoy cooking and entertaining in the updated kitchen, complete with granite countertops and stainless steel
Welcome home! This move-right-in 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers hardwood floors, newer appliances, and a bright, open layout. Enjoy cooking and entertaining with a breakfast bar and additional bonus room perfect for a home office, playroom, or home gym. The attached garage includes an electric vehicle charger for modern convenience. Meadow Glen offers fantastic amenities, including a beautiful
** New Heating System*** Price reduced for quick sale. This stunning contemporary Cape Cod offer's nearly 5,000 Sqft of elegant living space sitting pretty on 2.1 Acres with Monroe Woodbury Schools. Perfect for a large or multi-generational families, step inside to find three spacious living/sitting/family rooms, gleaming hardwood floors, and a luxurious stone mantle with gas fireplace. The
Build your dream home on this 5+ acre raw land with water and scenic views of Shadowmere Lake. Just off of Brower Rd on one side and Oak Rd on the other. This lot may be subdividable. Highly sought after location in Monroe with privacy and woods. Located within the Monroe/Woodbury schools and just 50 miles from the city makes this a great commuter location close to the bus park and ride, Tuxedo
Nestled in nature, welcome to your private sanctuary in the heart of the highly desirable Merriewold Lake community in South Blooming Grove—where serenity meets thoughtful design and comfort. From the moment you arrive, the attention to detail is unmistakable. The home’s inviting front elevation features a covered porch with solid mahogany decking and recessed lighting—creating a warm and
Multi-Use Investment Opportunity – Village of Monroe, NYApprox. 12,000 sq ft multi-use building situated on a private gated 2.9-acre property in the Village of Monroe. Built in 2020, the property offers modern construction and flexible layout suitable for a variety of permitted uses. Property currently being used as a private high school with dormitory and both residential units as
Unique layout with a modern flare! 10 Karen Dr. Monroe, NY is the perfect home for a multigenerational set up! This 3/4 bedroom 3 bath home is in PRIME condition offering improvements galore! Brand new European Style custom kitchen ( too much to list) New Sliders lead to a huge composite deck with built in benches and island with granite countertops! Large Master en-suite with huge closets
Welcome Home to Worley Heights - 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Quarter-Acre+ Setting A Home Where Community Meets Comfort Nestled in the welcoming hills of South Blooming Grove, this beautifully maintained residence offers the lifestyle you've been searching for. Set on over a quarter acre in the sought-after Worley Heights neighborhood, this home provides the perfect foundation for those seeking
Meadow Glen – Monroe’s Premier Gated Community! Largest Model Built! Welcome to one of the most sought-after homes in Meadow Glen, offering the largest floor plan in this desirable gated community. This beautifully maintained townhome features 9-foot ceilings and an open, sun-filled layout designed for modern living. The spacious kitchen is perfect for entertaining, featuring stainless steel
Discover the perfect blend of modern sophistication and natural tranquility in this stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath contemporary ranch. Set on over six private acres. This residence offers a rare combination of open-concept living, high-end custom finishes, and unmatched privacy. The sun-filled floor plan welcomes you with gleaming hardwood floors and a striking great room that defines "airy
Welcome to 55 Glenwood Road, a charming ranch-style home in the heart of Monroe. This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath residence offers a functional layout with bright living spaces, a cozy kitchen, and comfortable bedrooms—perfect for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize. Hot water heater, roof, chimney & driveway have all been replaced in past year. Set on a spacious lot, the property provides
Welcome home to this tastefully updated and meticulously maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath unit in a highly sought after community in the Monroe Woodbury school district. The Windridge community is clustered around ponds adding to the country feel. Located near the back of the cul-de-sac, this home features an open floorplan for easy living and entertaining. Step out of the sliding door in the
Spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath rental located at 50 Lois Lane in Monroe, NY. This home offers a functional layout with comfortable living spaces and a one-car garage for parking and a driveway for 2 additional cars. The community features desirable amenities including an in-ground pool and basketball court, ideal for seasonal enjoyment and recreation. Situated in the highly regarded Monroe-Woodbury
*****Rental price includes all furniture****** This stunning contemporary Cape Cod offer's nearly 5,000 Sqft of living space on 2.1 Acres with Monroe Woodbury Schools. Perfect for a large or multi-generational families, this home features three spacious living/sitting/family rooms, gleaming hardwood floors, and a luxurious stone mantle with gas fireplace. The bedrooms are oversized including a
Welcome to your new home! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers an inviting blend of comfort and convenience. The open concept floor plan creates a spacious and airy feel, perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. Cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace in the living area, or step out onto your private balcony to enjoy a breath of fresh air. The kitchen is a chef's
Adorable little cottage in the lake region area of the Town of Monroe. Kitchen has tons of cabinets and room for a small table. Full bathroom with tub/shower. Large living room with stairs leading to charming loft bedroom and walk in closet. Very nice wrap around deck looks out on expansive lawn. Short walk to Walton Lake which tenant has access to. Minutes to shopping, public transportation and
Welcome to 4 Millard Circle, Monroe, NY, a beautifully renovated raised ranch located in the highly sought-after Monroe-Woodbury School District. This move-in ready home features an open-concept main level with a modern kitchen offering quartz countertops, a center island, and ample cabinet space. Hardwood floors run throughout the upper level, which includes three bedrooms, including a primary
Welcome to Lamplight Village apartments! Surrounded by woods, Lamplight Village offers a family friendly environment that is still close to great local shopping and NYC. We have multiple floor plans from studios to three bedroom townhomes. All units include heat and hot water. Residents enjoy the many amenities including: dishwashers, convenient parking, private pool, playground and laundry
Gorgeous property, plenty of space. House features 3 bedroom and 2 baths. Additional space in basement for home office or den. Plenty of storage. 1 car garage. Call for appointment today!
Our Monroe apartments offer a comfortable yet stylish lifestyle right in the heart of the community. With a wide range of amenities and an efficient room plan, each airy one-bedroom apartment provides the perfect solution for comfortable senior living.Known for its heritage as the birthplace of Velveeta and Liederkranz cheeses, Monroe is the host each year of a popular Cheese Festival
Adorable 3 bedroom, 2 bath Ranch style home with beautiful hardwood floors. Full unfinished basement with laundry, 1 car garage. Nice yard. Close to shopping aned highways. Call for appointment.
Harriman Woods, a hamlet oasis, hidden in it’s own park, yet around the corner from the conveniences of retail and commuter access. One hour away from New York City via the New York State Thruway or Palisades-State Parkway, with a commuter bus stop at your door or jump on the train at the nearby station. Minutes away from local Hudson Valley recreation such as fishing, skiing, biking, farm
Lovely location for 2BEDROOM/1BATH/EIK- Home away from Home in this country cottage. Monroe/Blooming Grove Location. Quiet and serenity on this property.. Highley Suggest this Mountain location for your new home. Deck and patio have a great view. Wood burning stove available. All wheel /or front wheel transportation suggestion. Road is privately maintained. Plowing done by Landlord/Landscape
Property Id: 2430736Nice comftorable house with modern remodeled bathroom and big yard.Schedule a Viewing Today! Contact us to make this house your home!Owner pays water and sewer.Renter is responsible to pay all monthly utilities including electric, gas, and lawn maintenanceBefore you move in we need 1 month rent, 1 month security, and 1/2 month for brokers
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