Isle Of San Souci

The Isle of San Souci, translated to island without a care, owes its founding to the ambitious spirit of the French Huguenots seeking refuge in the New World. These early settlers left a distinct mark that today imbues the area with its French influence, with various street names and amenities reflecting its founding amongst the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound. “The largest draw to the neighborhood is the proximity to the sound. When you want, you can look out your window and see the expansive blue waters all around. It just takes you away,” says Owen Berkowitz, Realtor with Christie’s International Real Estate New York, who has been a Westchester resident since the early 1990s. The homes here are as varied as they are picturesque, ranging from stately waterfront residences to charming ranchers and classic brick condominium buildings.

“New Rochelle has always had its residents in mind when developing this area. Instead of industrial developments, they zoned the waterfront for residential life, and that’s remarkable,” Berkowitz says. The neighborhood isn’t just a place to live. The community offers an immersive lifestyle with various communities scattered throughout. Wandering through the streets, you can find a one-bed condominium a bit more inland from the $150,000s to the mid $300,000s, depending on interior updates, or a $2.3 million luxury condominium on the waterfront in the Watermark Point community. The highly sought-after Isle of San Souci community comprises around 125 single-family homes with a mix of colonials, Tudors, and Mediterranean-style homes ranging from the mid $700,000s for a modest rancher to a $3 million waterfront property.

The neighborhood is home to above-average schools with high ratings on Niche, such as Trinity Elementary, with a B rating and Issac E Young Middle School, scoring an A-minus. Boasting a B-plus, New Rochelle High School offers a range of afterschool activities and athletic programs. Here, students can spend the cold New York state winters immersed in the ice hockey or varsity skiing teams.

“New Rochelle, dubbed the queen city of the sound, attracts sun worshippers, boaters and swimmers,” Berkowitz says. The exclusive San Souci Beach Club serves as a social and recreational hub. Here, you’ll find beachgoers sunbathing on their private beach, neighbors playing tennis or swimming laps in the pool, while the laughs from the boccie ball court echo through the air. With panoramic views of the sound with golf courses abound, nature’s allure is never far away. However, those seeking green spaces can head to Davenport Park, a 20 acre park with winding sidewalks and grassy fields great for an evening picnic where one can watch the setting sun over the sound. Another popular spot, Hudson Park and Beach offers sandy public beaches and a small playground where children run around.

Hudson Park also hosts the annual New Rochelle Summer Sounds Series, where live music and laughter echo through the air. The city also hosts several events throughout the year, including the New Rochelle Street Fair, where 200 local vendors line the streets of North Avenue, where one can listen to live music while sipping on a cold brew in the beer garden.

Though some spots can feel like a private oasis, major retailers such as Costco Wholesale, The Home Depot and PXG Westchester golf shop are just under 2 miles away across the New Rochelle Harbor. On a rainy day, Regal New Roc is a great spot to watch the latest movie release, while Pasty’s Pizza offers a cozy ambiance for a slice of pie. Loupino’s Italian Deli is a local favorite, where you can score fresh wraps and paninis, while Agostino’s Italian Ristorante is perfect for a romantic date night. With its prime location, the area offers seamless connectivity to New York City, about 20 miles south. The New Rochelle train station allows for an easy commute or a spontaneous trip to enjoy the endless entertainment in the city that never sleeps. At the same time, Interstate 95 is nearby for those who prefer to drive.

Written By

Lillie Duston

Photography Contributed By

Deawell Adair

Video By

Andrew Sutton