Introduction to Harrison, NY
With its suburban charm, picturesque neighborhoods, excellent schools, and vibrant local culture, there’s a reason Harrison, New York is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the region. Nestled in Westchester County, the town offers residents a balanced lifestyle with easy access to city amenities and abundant natural surroundings including robust park space, a world-class golf course, and stunning properties.
Here, we look at how Harrison came to be such a sought-after destination and what to look for if you’re considering calling it home.
Harrison, NY Location and Geography
Situated just 22 miles northeast of Manhattan, Harrison is about 17.4 square miles and home to about 30,000 full-time residents. The town of Harrison (it is also technically a village), in some ways, is three in one. Within its boundaries are the hamlets of Purchase and West Harrison in the northern part of town, while the southernmost area—the core of the downtown—comprises the primary commercial and residential districts of Harrison.
The town’s layout is sometimes referred to as a figure eight, as interstates 287 and 684 intersect at its center, forming a natural divide between the north and south parts of town. Interstate 95—the New England Thruway—also runs through the southern part of Harrison, marking a de facto boundary to the downtown district.
Harrison is bordered by White Plains and Scarsdale to the west, Rye to the southeast, as well as Mamaroneck to the south and Port Chester to the east. The southernmost border of Harrison is only a mile from the Long Island Sound and the town’s northeast corner—encompassing Westchester County Airport—borders Connecticut.
Demographics and Community Overview of Harrison
Harrison’s primary residential corridor is divided into four districts: Brentwood, Sunnyridge, Sterling Ridge, and Southern Downtown. Situated north of I-95, Brentwood, Sunnyridge, and Sterling Ridge each are home to grand homes and estates, many of which have sprawling lawns and pools, reflecting Harrison’s affluent population and history of classical architecture—something that caters to buyers in the luxury market.
The Southern Downtown district, which took shape in the mid 1800s as a railroad was constructed, provides access to a bevy of restaurants and shops and is conveniently located along the Metro North Railroad New Haven Line. A variety of building architecture can be found downtown, including single-family homes, condos, and apartments. For buyers looking for real estate under $1 million, the properties downtown tend to be more affordable.
Since the mid-twentieth century, Harrison’s “Platinum Mile” along I-287 has been home to the corporate headquarters of many Fortune 500 companies like PepsiCo, which owns a sprawling property in Purchase with manicured lawns and a world-renowned sculpture garden.
Schools and Education in Harrison
The Harrison Central School District is highly rated, ranking as one of the best districts in the State of New York for both students and teachers. The district is home to about 3,700 students across four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school and maintains a 10:1 student-teacher ratio throughout. Harrison High School in particular is one of the top-ranked public schools in the country, according to the U.S. News and World Report while the Washington Post considers it one of the most rigorous.
Three colleges also call Harrison home. Manhattanville University, a liberal arts institution with about 2,200 students is located in Purchase, while Fordham University’s Westchester Campus, located in West Harrison, houses its social services graduate programs. The State University of New York also operates the Purchase College campus with about 4,000 students.
Parks and Recreation in Harrison
Throughout its 17.4 square miles, Harrison is replete with natural beauty, parks, and opportunities for recreation. One of the most sought-after attractions is the 144-acre Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens at the PepsiCo world headquarters, which is open to the public on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
There is a ballfield, basketball court, a playground, and a swimming pool at Brentwood Baseball Field and Park, while Passidomo Veterans Memorial Park is an ideal picnic spot alongside Silver Lake. Moreover, many Harrison residents are members of the Harrison Meadows Country Club, which offers golf, tennis, swimming, and other family activities. The private Westchester Country Club is one of the top-rated golf and social clubs in the area, having hosted PGA events for more than six decades.
Culture, Dining, and Shopping
Though it’s 22 miles from the big city, Harrison offers dynamic cultural attractions thanks to organizations like the Harrison Council for the Arts, which supports The Harrison Players community theater as well as art exhibits, Shakespeare in the Park, and a monthly concert series.
Moreover, because of the colleges and universities in town, residents have access to a slate of high-quality performing arts shows and art exhibitions. For instance, Purchase College is home to the Neuberger Museum, which has an impressive permanent collection featuring artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock.
Harrison is hardly short on community pride. Each Columbus Day, the “Great to Live in Harrison Day” festival features a raucous parade followed by local music, art, street vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Foodies have plenty to celebrate in Harrison, too. The town has become a destination for Italian dining in the New York suburbs, with restaurants like Trattoria Vivolo, Emilio Ristorante, and Allegria setting the bar. Shoppers, too, have much love in the nearby area. While the Harrison Wine Vault is a popular stop downtown, many venture just outside to Rye Bridge Shopping Center or to The Westchester shopping center in White Plains.
Transportation and Accessibility
Harrison’s proximity to New York City is one of the primary draws for both individuals and families. In the heart of downtown, Harrison Station offers departures every 30 minutes, allowing commuters to reach the city in about 45 minutes. And because I-95, I-287, and the Hutchinson River Parkway all run through town, drivers have many options for commuting in any direction.
Thinking of Moving to Harrison, NY?
Whether it’s for the stunning properties, the top-rated schools, or for the unique blend of suburban charm and urban convenience, Harrison is one of the most sought-after suburbs in the Tri-State Area. With diverse housing options and a welcoming community, it’s no wonder so many are considering the lovely town for their next home. Ready to make the move? For personalized insights and guidance on moving to Harrison, contact a local expert strategist at Suburban Jungle.
