During the American Revolution, a small town nestled on a promontory known as Stony Point (which overlooks the narrow part of the Hudson River) was a pivotal strategy in maintaining the flow of goods to the patriots of the New England states. From the point, the American troops forced the surrender and retreat of the British. But that's enough history for one day! Let's discuss the specifics of Stony Point, New York.
Considered a part of the New York City Metropolitan Area, Stony Point is home to more than 12,000 residents, according to the most recent census. This town offers big-city amenities with a small-town feel-perfect for those folks who can't decide whether they want hustle and bustle or peace and quiet. Featuring historic sites such as Stony Point Battlefield, Stony Point Light, and the site of King's Ferry (an important river crossing during the revolution), the city swells during holidays when tourists invade the area looking to fill their patriot cup. The rest of the time, it's a quiet suburb north of Manhattan that many commuters proudly call home.
Moving to Stony Point
Do you want to move somewhere near New York City but don't want to live in the so-called concrete jungle? Are you looking for a little more elbow room for your family than you can afford in the big city? There are rental homes in Stony Point, NY and apts. for rent, but they're not easy to find. You'd better be ready to write a check when you find the perfect rental property. Most places will require a damage deposit as well as first month's rent. You'll find that the 1 bedroom apartment for rent, or even a condo for rent will set you back about one-and-a-half times the average of what it would cost in the rest of New York State.
Don't forget to bring your references and your credit score. Otherwise, you may miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the convenience of living in the suburbs of one of the most desired cities in the world.
Neighborhoods
There are many small hamlets in the city of Stony Point, some thriving today and some existing only as historical remnants, having been swallowed up by larger communities. Some of the more notable neighborhoods are as follows:
Bulsontown: Here, home prices are roughly three times that of the New York State average, with most people commuting into New York City. Located to the north of city center, rental accommodations consist mainly of 1 bedroom apartments in houses. Residents of the Bulsontown neighborhood enjoy their isolation and closeness to Bear Mountain State Park, and don't mind the 10 minute drive to the city center for groceries, drug stores, and to enjoy dining at many restaurants.
Laur Ann Estates: Rent in this neighborhood is a little higher than the rest of the State of New York, and again, slim pickings for city apartments. One and two bedroom appointments are located in houses and do become available from time to time. This neighborhood is a little closer to the city center-maybe a 5-minute drive-but still enjoys a certain degree of isolation. There are no restaurants or shopping centers in the immediate area, so be prepared to drive to access these amenities.
Cedar Flats: Located to the south west of city center, this neighborhood has a decent percentage of 1 bedroom apartments in single-family dwellings, though there are some 2 bedroom apartments available from time to time. They are very hard to find, however, so keep your eyes and ears open for notice of any vacancies. Right across the Palisades Interstate Parkway form Harriman State Park, this neighborhood is within walking distance of five local dining establishments, catering to a variety of tastes.
Living In Town
Stony Point has been experiencing a housing boom for a few years, drawing people away from the noise and confusion of the big city. There was a lull after the initial influx in the '90s, but the city is once again growing. The architecture of the town is, itself, a lesson in history, with colonial-style homes dating back to the American Revolution to the current trends in building.
Across the river is the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, which supplies the electricity for most or the area on both sides of the river. There is a rail line, owned and operated by CSX Transportation that runs 20 to 25 trains per day, delivering cars to dealers in New Jersey or northern New York, and bringing garbage from the Bronx to be incinerated up north.
To get to Stony Point, there are three major international airports within an hour's drive, including Newark Liberty International. There are also three train stations nearby, with available taxi service to and from the airports and the other train stations. Highway access to and from Stony Point is not hard to find.
If you enjoy golf, you can pay a visit to Patriot Hills Golf Club, which is rated as the 20th best course in the state of New York, according to Golf Magazine. If the great outdoors is calling you, you can go hiking or biking in the Cheesecote Mountain Town Park, in the city's west end, or you can drive north a short distance for the real wilderness of Bear Mountain State Park, where you can enjoy fishing, swimming, or even skating on the outdoor rink in the winter months. A little farther to the west is Harriman State Park, which offers several lakes for your aquatic pursuits like swimming and boating, and many camping areas.
There is no public transit, so a vehicle is a necessity if you need to get around in a hurry. Most amenities, such as restaurants and shops, are walkable from the downtown core. In about 20 minutes you can access almost anything you may need. You can pretty well get anywhere with a good pair of walking shoes and an hour.
Although you won't be able to go to the movies in Stony Point-there are no theaters here-you can drive to New York in under an hour for every type of entertainment imaginable.
For history, great entertainment options, and a little peace and quiet, Stony Point is your ideal town.
