Of course, there are so many more reasons to buy (or live) in New Rochelle but as I was driving around the other day, I found myself taking some photos of this great city (population around 72,000). and had to put pen to paper so to speak! Per the linked article, we are diverse, and have over 40 houses of worship. Downtown New Rochelle is reflecting many capital improvements projects as follows:
“Capital Improvement Projects were identified based on a comprehensive review of the capital needs in each and every department, leading to an over $150 million in approximately 100 projects in the areas of Community Services and Public Facilities, Economic Growth and Business Development, Neighborhood Resiliency, Parks and Natural Resources, Streets and Sidewalks and Vehicle and Equipment Projects. For each project, funding sources will be strategically utilized and resources allocated to implement the capital program. Major Capital Improvement project information can be found on the pages of their respective departments. “
All that aside, what are the fun reasons why you should live in our city?
- As a pet lover, we have a dog park – Paws Place
Contact the office at (914) 654-2087 to get details on how to obtain a pass online.
Dog owners must have a current dog license with up to date proof of rabies vaccinations for each dog, along with proof of residence of the owner. Permits may be issued for up to four members of the household. Proof of residence and a photo to be used for their ID card (either on cell phone or hard copy) must be provided for all household members receiving a permit. This ID must be carried at all times when in the park with the dog. Paws Place permits are valid on a rolling calendar year. For a complete list of rules, please click here.
Paws Place permits can be renewed through the mail by sending an updated dog license and a check made payable to the City Of New Rochelle to:
New Rochelle Parks and Recreation
515 North Ave
New Rochelle, NY 10801
2) We have beach clubs!
Seen here a photo of the Surf Club! There is also the VIP Club and The Davenport Club.
3) We have wonderful parks!
Glen Island Park offers so much. With 3 Pavilions that are available for rental, walking paths, a beach, a volley ball court, parking for all, the park sets the scene for any of your celebrations or to just sit and quietly reflect on the day. Your pooch is welcome and I even saw a leashed rabbit in a pet stroller the other day!
4) We have tennis and a golf club too!
5) We have hiking trails. Did you know we have 5 scenic hiking trails? The Nature Study Trail (3.4 miles), Glen Island (1.9 miles), Five Island Park Loop (1 mile), Ward Acres Green Trail (0.9 miles) and the Davenport Park Loop (o.6 mile). Seen below is access to the Colonial Greenway!
6) We have a community (Bayberry) that has its very own pool, snack bar, tennis, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, a pollinator garden and golf Hopkins Green and not to forget the summer camp program for the little ones! If you live in this community then area dues are mandatory but pool, tennis, etc. have additional fees and are not mandatory.
7) GREAT playgrounds for children!
8) We are historic! Thomas Paine once lived here, and we feature many historic themes to our charities. You can visit the Colonial Fair at the Thomas Paine grounds and learn firsthand how people lived a few hundred years ago! The Huguenots fled France in 1685 to escape religious persecution, and in 2006 the Sister City initiative was created!
“The Sister City Initiative, a municipal program, seeks to build links between institutions in New Rochelle and La Rochelle, France through cultural, educational, youth, businesses and athletic exchanges.
Since it’s re-invigoration in 2006, the Initiative has hosted and supported a variety of activities, including summer musical events featuring La Rochelle musicians; an art show; Bastille Day ceremonies; and the La Rochelle Mayor’s Cup race at Huguenot Yacht Club.”
9) SO many charities and worthwhile organizations. Why would you wish to live here because of this? It shows we CARE, and when you live here, it might be a city but it it truly lives like a village. We all know one another (in a good way!). Some examples are:
The Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Race. This is the ONLY race in the area on Thanksgiving Day. Run by Michael Conlon (Owner of Finish Line Physical Therapy), he raises upwards of $20,000 from this race for local charities! I was a sponsor for the 2021 race and 2019 (before COVID!), and I must say it was so much fun.
Did you know that The Humane Society of Westchester is located in New Rochelle? It’s a no kill shelter, and of course, when you volunteer you end up adopting a pet ! Ha! That is how Binky adopted us!
70 Portman Rd
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: 914.632.2925
Adoption Hours –
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: 10am-4pm
The Hope Community Services. I can recall many years ago, I would deliver food to the kitchen which was located in a church, now located at 50 Washington Avenue and soon to move to another building. DO you know thr over 1 million peopel were served food the first year of COVID? There is now a summer camp, and the community services cover a vast array of services such as :
- Mobile Pantry
- Kosher Pantry
- Senior Pantry Food Deliveries
- Kids Take Home Meals when schools are closed
- Community Thanksgiving & Xmas Dinners
- Housing
- Homeless Resource Center
- Translation and Immigration Services
- Referral Services
- English Classes and Citizenship Classes
- Advocacy
- Clothing, Coats, Shoes and Socks
- Books
- Diapers
- After school Homework Haven (Monday – Thursday)
- After school Fun Fridays
- Backpacks and School Supplies
- Toys at a big year-end Party
- Mobile Showers with Laundry Support
- Summer Camp
50 Washington Ave
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Ali Greene, an associate in my office is on the Board, and works tirelessly to support this wonderful charity.
10. New Rochelle High School is the largest high school in Westchester. 668 students graduated this past June and with approximately 3300 students in the school. Did you know we have a PAVE Program? (Performing and Visual Arts Program) .
“The PAVE Experience
PAVE is the premier arts program at New Rochelle High School. Begun in 1999, our teacher/artists designed PAVE to develop talented students in the arts. Every spring, rising ninth and tenth graders who show promise in one of the four art forms—dance, music, theater or visual arts are encouraged to prepare for a competitive audition. Each year our very gifted students who show promise join the ranks of the thousands who have gone before them—they experience the PAVE Advantage. They have the opportunity to develop a high level of artistry second to none that helps prepare them for success in college and beyond through a comprehensive sequence of courses specific to their arts concentration. Successful completion of the requirements enables them to earn a “Performing Arts Major” seal on their high school diploma. Graduates of PAVE have been awarded significant college scholarships to top colleges. They are well-positioned to become the next generation of professional artists and arts leaders.”
Did you know that Eight students were honored in the international Genius Olympiad, which promotes global understanding of environmental issues, as well as sustainability through basic science, arts, creative writing, engineering, design, and business development.
New Rochelle also has great sports programs!
For some reason, I decided to write about just 10 reasons to live in New Rochelle, when I could actually write about 20 reasons!
I have lived here since 1979, have raised 3 sons here, and we all love this wonderfully diverse city which is located so close to the city, to shopping, arts, museums, a few hours away from skiing, close to airports (and out AMTRAK service goes to Boston and Washington D.C.)
New Rochelle is Great!
