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LIVING IN WESTCHESTER AND THE HUDSON VALLEY | RELOCATION & MOVING GUIDE
ROCKLAND COUNTY
Rockland County is unparalleled when it comes to green spaces—the small but mighty area
is comprised of 30 percent parkland. You could take a trip to Bear Mountain, Nyack Beach, and Rockland Lake State Park all within a day. For a more leisurely itinerary, there are plenty of breweries and cideries to check out, plus a variety of excellent restaurants and cafes.
􏰁NYACK
As the birthplace and frequent muse of American realist painter Edward Hopper, it’s no surprise that Nyack, on the Hudson River’s west bank, has been dubbed “art and soul on the Hudson.” The welcoming vibe that this village of just over 7,000 cultivates through a tight-knit community, an incredibly walkable downtown, and several lovingly restored Victorian-style homes is palpable from just one visit.
Main Street stretches just under a mile and is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and plenty of restaurants and cafés, including two dozen destinations that
have opened within the past few years. Check out Scott & Joe, a fine cheese and charcuterie shop offering artisan bistro eats and international selections; Nyack Social, an American restaurant and bar serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks; the newly revamped FARM at Hotel Nyack, which focuses on using local ingredients and regionally-inspired dishes; and Long Path Outfitters, which carries everything you need for kayaking on the river or hiking nearby Hook Mountain.
There are plenty of long-time local favorites that are worth a visit, too: DPNB
Pasta & Provisions, a homemade pasta shop that also sells prepared foods plus a selection of local and imported goods; Art Café, the hipster coffee shop of your dreams; Boxer Donut, an affordable coffee-and-donut joint; and Strawberry Place, a family-run mainstay serving an elevated diner-style menu. And if you’re in town on a Thursday, definitely hit the Nyack Farmers’ Market.
If you’re looking to do some shopping, try Maria Luisa Boutique, a clothing and wellness store; Pickwick Bookshop, a longstanding literary institution selling stacks of new, used, and rare titles; Bridge Street Botanical, a hub for houseplants, home décor, and more; and Crystals on the Rocks, a mineral, jewelry, and bead store that also sells incense and essential oils.
The village is served by Nyack Union Free Schools, which is rated 53 of 598 best school districts in New York by niche. com. Nyack is also home to Rockland Community College’s Culinary Arts Center. Its student-run restaurant, Hudson Market on Main, is open to the public. A great downtown, a beautiful location, and an eclectic mix of residents (including many artists)—Nyack has it all.
􏰀 NEW CITY
Young professionals and families from Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Hoboken are especially interested in New City, the county seat of Rockland—the school district is strong, there are a lot of activities for children, plus there’s
a vibrant main street
for those who enjoy nightlife. Among the popular restaurants
are the Mediterranean café blu Fig; Bailey’s Smokehouse; and sports bar The BURGER Loft. New City is anchored
by DeForest Lake and High Tor State Park, a plus for those who like to spend time in nature. Realtors see many Rockland natives who are returning to their hometown because it's affordable, they want to be close to family and friends, and they love where they grew up.
􏰁 Named "best place to live" by Hudson Valley magazine
PHOTO BY TIM ANDERSON/VISITNYACK