Novelist and long-time resident, John Cheever, used Briarcliff Manor as a frequent backdrop in his novels.
When Brooke Astor bought Holly Hill in 1927, an 11,000-square-foot mansion, the village of Briarcliff Manor, once a farming community, was still a small, country town
Novelist and long-time resident, John Cheever, used Briarcliff Manor as a frequent backdrop in his novels.
When Brooke Astor bought Holly Hill in 1927, an 11,000-square-foot mansion, the village of Briarcliff Manor, once a farming community, was still a small, country town. Many residents were former employees of Briarcliff Farms and Manor, the 5,000-square-foot estate of village founder, Walter Law; and summer mansions, built during the industrial revolution and roaring 20s, dotted the landscape.
If you're searching for rental properties in Briarcliff Manor, check your bank balance. Living in this 5.93-square-mile patch of prime Hudson Valley real estate is equivalent to landing on Park Place in Monopoly. Even if it's not Boardwalk, it's up there, and for good reason. This village of over 7,900 residents, a part of Westchester County, has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. And renters are by no means immune from the tax. Landlords who must shoulder five-digit property taxes are apt to pass on the expense to the renter. As a result, rents in this sleepy, little village are high. Also, less than 13 percent of the nearly 2,496 homes in the village are rental properties, so competition for premier apartments in Briarcliff Manor is steep.
Most rentals within the village are single-family homes or older structures broken down into one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom apartments. It is possible to find three-bedroom apartments as home rentals in Briarcliff Manor. Also, most single-family homes are older and may not include central air conditioning, garbage disposals or main floor washer/dryer combinations. However, if money is no object and you've made a decision that Briarcliff Manor is the place to be, then relax, cruise through some of the village's distinct neighborhoods, and find that perfect place to call home.
There are several neighborhoods in Briarcliff Manor to choose from, so take the time to explore your options.
Central Briarcliff West: This is an older, more historic neighborhood where 20th-century millionaires built their mansions. Vanderbilt, Walter Law and Brooke Astor mansions are in this neighborhood.
Chilmark: Located in northern Briarcliff Manor, Underhill Road, a main artery, runs through this neighborhood. You'll find the Chilmark Village Park in this neighborhood.
The Crossroads: Designed as affordable housing for returning World War II veterans, this neighborhood has approximately 84 homes on streets named for veterans.
Pleasantville: Another municipality overlapped by Briarcliff Manor, the neighborhood was settled by tenant farmers, and has a more artsy feel. Apartment rentals are scarce but some homes for rent are available.
Ossining: A more urban area, this municipality is also overlapped by Briarcliff Manor. The region was more industrialized in late 1800s, early 20th century, and large warehouses along the waterfront have been converted into new businesses, studio rentals, or residential rental properties. Check out The Boathouse and Wobble Cafe in this area.
Scarborough: Located on the Hudson waterfront, this unincorporated district of Briarcliff Manor has a station for the Metro North train that runs regularly to Manhattan. The post office is here. Historically, Scarborough is notable for being one of the first trading posts during the 17th century.
The Tree Streets: Named for native tree species, the area features older homes dating back to the 1930s and a park.
Village Center: Also known as the East End, it is located on Pleasantville Road, the main thoroughfare. Many businesses and Walter W. Law Memorial Park are in this neighborhood.
Local residents describe the village as small and close-knit without the competitive snobbishness common in wealthy communities. The shopping area has trendy eateries and boutiques. Larger supermarkets such as Stop-N-Shop and ShopRite are located in nearby Ossining, Hawthorne and Tarrytown. The Galleria, an upscale mall, is a 20-minute drive to White Plains. Though a jitney does deliver residents to the Metro North train station, you will need a reliable car to get anywhere in this region. Regular bus service is not available. Nevertheless, the town is convenient to major roads and highways including Route 9A, Route 100, the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Taconic Parkway.
Briarcliff Manor does have some bragging rights. It has one of the lowest crime rates in the county.
After a hard day's work, you can enjoy a game of golf at Sleepy Hollow and Trump National Golf Course. Or, you can play tennis, paddle tennis or swim at the local community recreation center. For nightlife, Tarrytown and White Plains have live music, comedy clubs and nightclubs.
Overall, Briarcliff Manor is a community that offers much to apartment renters. Though the cost of living is high, the satisfaction index of living in this village may well be worth it.
