Glenwood Lake

Glenwood Lake reservoir is the heart of this small New Rochelle neighborhood. The community also borders the historic village of Pelham, Westchester County’s oldest town. “This neighborhood is a very special place to live. It’s friendly and community oriented, with an active neighborhood association. Its biggest appeals are its schools and its proximity to Glenwood reservoir,” says Glorianne Mattesi, an associate broker with Douglas Elliman Realty. It’s a neighborhood where kids ride their bikes in the streets and dog walkers stop and chat with one another.

The streets in Glenwood are tree-lined, and most have sidewalks. Here you will find established homes with landscaped yards, trim hedges and garages. “The predominant home styles in Glenwood Lake are Tudors and colonials built in the 1920s and ’30s. There are also some mid-century moderns built in the 1960s. Most of the homes have been updated and renovated,” explains Mattesi. Home prices range from $460,000 for a cozy 2-bedroom brick bungalow to around $1.4 million for a 5-bedroom cedar shake cottage with heated floors.

Glenwood Lake is within walking distance of both New Rochelle and Pelham train stations. It’s 20 miles from Manhattan and 15 miles from La Guardia Airport. The Hutchinson Parkway and Interstate 95 are easily accessible from the neighborhood. Westchester’s Bee-Line bus service offers transportation in and around the county.

“Families with school-age children are fortunate to live here because of Daniel Webster Elementary. It’s a magnet school and families outside of the area have to participate in a lottery for their students to attend,” says Mattesi. Many kids in Glenwood Lake ride bikes or walk to the elementary school. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 14-1 and an A rating from Niche. Isaac E. Young Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1 and an A-minus rating. New Rochelle High School has a student-teacher ratio of 16-to-1 and a B-plus rating.

Glenwood Lake Reservoir is the focal point of the neighborhood. Covering an area of 6 acres, its wooded walking paths and benches offer visitors opportunities for physical conditioning and mental contemplation. The lake also has a boat launch for anglers hoping to reel in a northern pike, bass or catfish. Less than a half mile from the neighborhood is Lincoln Park and Pool. It has a large children’s playground, lighted basketball courts, a stage area, and a youth baseball field. There is also a small outdoor swimming pool with water slide and wading pool. Julianne’s Playground in Pelham has swings, slides and climbing structures for kids. It also has tennis courts and benches. The park is named after an 8-year-old girl who passed away from cancer. A statue of Julianne sits at the center of the playground with a plaque reminding all to “play, laugh and remember the courage and spirit of a girl who brought out the best in us." Ruby Dee Park in New Rochelle serves as the front lawn of the New Rochelle Public Library. The green space offers walkways and seating. Take a walk around the city and enjoy the colorful murals and meaningful sculptures. Don’t miss the city’s annual “Spark the Sound” July 4 extravaganza. The evening fireworks show is produced and sponsored by the world-renowned Grucci family.

When it comes to shopping, residents of Glenwood Lake have some of the best options at their fingertips. Pelham village is home to several one-of-a-kind shops such as Centre Stage Dance Boutique which sells dance attire, ballet shoes and an array of fascinating gifts. New Rochelle also offers plenty of shopping venues, including Costco and Walmart. When it comes to groceries, locals also have their choice of ShopRite grocery stores in both areas.

When hunger strikes, stop in New Rochelle’s R Patisserie and enjoy a cappuccino and a warm pastry. End the day with a plate of Linguini alle Vongole at Sergios Ristorante. In 2022, the establishment was named the best restaurant in Westchester County.

Written By

Robin Beres

Photography Contributed By

Leon Cato

Video By

Barry Ridgeway