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About Peekskill, NY

About Peekskill, NY

An industrial town on the comeback

The community of Peekskill has a colorful past -- literally. The former industrial town's Peekskill Chemical Works, founded in 1864, eventually became the company that invented Crayola crayons. Actors Mel Gibson, Paul Reubens (aka Pee-wee Herman) and Jackie Gleason have all resided in town, and the 1980s sitcom “The Facts of Life” is based on a now-defunct all-girls boarding school in the community. As with many manufacturing towns, Peekskill went through an era of decline, but it is now on the rise, thanks in part to its proximity to New York City. “Peekskill was declining for a period,” says Realtor Bobby Villone of RE/MAX Classic Realty. “Now it’s making a comeback.”

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There is even a boat and kayak launch here at Riverwalk in Peekskill.
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In Peekskill there are many local shops and stores to choose from.
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Trains and buses to NYC

Residents in the area enjoy the spectacular vistas of the Hudson River, its rich history dating back to 1816 and convenient commute to Manhattan. “The best part of Peekskill is the downtown area and the commute to New York City,” Villone says. The Big Apple is about an hour-long train ride from the Peekskill station. Those who choose to drive to New York City, which is 41 miles away, can expect a commute of 45 to 90 minutes. The Bee-Line Bus System provides local public transportation.Residents in the area enjoy the spectacular vistas of the Hudson River, its rich history dating back to 1816 and convenient commute to Manhattan. “The best part of Peekskill is the downtown area and the commute to New York City,” Villone says. The Big Apple is about an hour-long train ride from the Peekskill station. Those who choose to drive to New York City, which is 41 miles away, can expect a commute of 45 to 90 minutes. The Bee-Line Bus System provides local public transportation.

Homes near the Peekskill station

Housing styles in Peekskill include older colonials and princess colonials (some dating back to the 1800s), Tudor-style homes, condos and co-ops. Housing prices range from $115,000 to $1 million, and the average home value is $475,000. Median lot sizes are 11,000 square feet. Nearly 60% of residents own their home. Villone says many residents value living as close to the Peekskill station as possible.

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All types of homes are represented in Peekskill, like this colonial styled home.
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This Tudor styled home is just one example of the types of homes that make up Peekskill.
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Walking to Peekskill schools

Kids in Peekskill attend schools in the Peekskill City School District with a C-minus grade from Niche. The pipeline starts at Hillcrest Elementary School, rated a C-minus. Peekskill Middle School has a 10-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and Niche ranks the school a C. Peekskill High School, known for its dramatic arts program, has a C rating. Villone says many of the schools are within walking distance from the neighborhood.

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Peekskill High School was established in 1929.
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Peekskill Middle School has 754 students in grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
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Community parks, hiking and mountain biking

There are nearly 10 parks in Peekskill. Riverfront Green Park, Annsville Preserve Park and Fleischmann Pier all offer stunning views of the Hudson River. The 1,500-acre Blue Mountain Park provides opportunities to hike Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain, mountain bike, fish or enjoy nature.

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Pugsley Park is a passive 'vest pocket' park in downtown Peekskill.
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Depew Park is a gem hidden in plain sight in the middle of Peekskill.
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Farm-to-table fare is Apropos

The Abbey Inn & Spa, which overlooks the Hudson River, was formerly the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary’s convent. Locals and visitors flock to the Abbey for special events, relax in luxury or enjoy a meal at Apropos Restaurant & Bar, a farm-to-table, Michelin Guide-recommended eatery. For a more casual dinner, the Taco Dive Bar is where patrons can choose from 10 different styles of tacos. Locals can grab a chicken salad wrap or a liverwurst hero at Baisley’s Deli on Hudson Avenue.

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The NY Firehouse Grille is considered the best sports bar in Peekskill.
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The Taco Dive Bar is located in the Riverfront Green in Peekskill, NY.
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Markets and the Paramount Theatre

Downtown Peekskill is home to the community’s farmers market, flea markets and the Paramount Theatre, a popular destination for live music and performing arts. “Downtown is very walkable — not Manhattan walkable, but still walkable,” Villone says. Downtown is also where residents can find local shops and restaurants. Peekskill Historic Waterfront lets visitors view street art exhibitions and sculpture gardens and peruse the many storefronts and cafes. The waterfront is also home to the Lincoln Depot Museum and the Peekskill Yacht Club. Shopping in the community is done at the Beach Shopping Center, which includes a Stop & Shop, Advance Auto and several other stores and restaurants.

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The streets in Peekskill have recently been repurposed to outside dining areas.
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The Paramount Hudson Valley Theater is a landmark for performance arts in Peekskill.
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Tina Davis
Written By
Tina Davis
Deawell Adair
Photography Contributed By
Deawell Adair

Neighborhood Map

Peekskill by the Numbers

24,191
Population
$508K
Average Housing Value
43
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Peekskill, NY

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Lincoln Titus Elementary School
#1 Lincoln Titus Elementary School
A
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Woodside Elementary School
#2 Woodside Elementary School
B
Niche
Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School
#3 Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Furnace Woods Elementary School
#4 Furnace Woods Elementary School
A-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Van Cortlandtville School
#5 Van Cortlandtville School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
James A. Farley Middle School
#6 James A. Farley Middle School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Oakside School
#7 Oakside School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Hillcrest School
#8 Hillcrest School
C-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Stony Point Elementary School
#9 Stony Point Elementary School
B-
Niche
3
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Lakeland-Copper Beech Middle School
#1 Lakeland-Copper Beech Middle School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Blue Mountain Middle School
#2 Blue Mountain Middle School
A-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Fieldstone Secondary School
#3 Fieldstone Secondary School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Peekskill Middle School
#4 Peekskill Middle School
C
Niche
3
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

Walter Panas High School
#1 Walter Panas High School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Hendrick Hudson High School
#2 Hendrick Hudson High School
A
Niche
6
GreatSchools
North Rockland High School
#3 North Rockland High School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Peekskill High School
#4 Peekskill High School
C+
Niche
3
GreatSchools

Best Private School

Ohr Hameir Seminary - Tifereth Israel High School
#1 Ohr Hameir Seminary - Tifereth Israel High School

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Omar Harper
(845) 209-1064
Allow me to introduce Omar Harper, a distinguished figure in the Beacon and Hudson Valley community with 15 years of experience in the real estate industry. Omar proudly leads Team H.A.R.T., a name chosen to symbolize honesty, accountability, results, and trust, reflecting the core values that define his team's mission.



With a decade and a half of dedicated service in the Hudson Valley real estate market, Omar has not only solidified his position as a top producer but has also earned the trust of the local community. His deep roots in Beacon and the surrounding areas make him a natural choice for anyone looking to buy or sell property in this picturesque region.



In addition to his real estate expertise, Omar has made significant contributions to Beacon's youth wrestling community. He has passionately led a youth wrestling team, coaching kids ranging from 5 to 15 years old. Omar's dedication to nurturing the growth and development of young athletes is truly admirable, fostering a love for the sport and teaching valuable life lessons along the way.



Moreover, Omar's commitment extends to assisting the varsity wrestling team, where he shares his knowledge and experience to help the older athletes reach their full potential.



Beyond sports, Omar has served on the City Council for a term, actively participating in local governance to ensure Beacon's continued progress and prosperity.



Furthermore, Omar's impressive 15+ years of volunteer work with Beacon Hoops, the summer basketball league, underscores his unwavering dedication to the community. Through this program, he has positively impacted the lives of numerous young athletes and their families, providing them with opportunities for growth, teamwork, and recreation.



In summary, Omar Harper is not just a real estate professional but a community-focused leader who has made substantial contributions to Beacon's growth and well-being. With his values and dedication, Team H.A.R.T. stands as a symbol of commitment to both exceptional real estate services and community enrichment in Beacon and the Hudson Valley.



For any inquiries or support, Omar and Team H.A.R.T. are here to assist you. Welcome to the team with H.A.R.T. in Beacon and the Hudson Valley!
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.