Finding a close-knit, peaceful residential community doesn’t mean you have to give up the perks of living in a bustling, lively city. Bronxville, New York, a small village about a 30-minute drive from Manhattan, supplies residents with the desired serenity and space for privacy with its suburban community vibes, plus easy access to urban amenities. Although close to the largest city in America, Bronxville has plenty to brag about itself, including a plethora of green spaces, top-rated schools, and a thriving downtown area for shopping and fine dining.
Overview of Bronxville, NY
The village of Bronxville lies along the banks of the Bronx River in the southern part of Westchester County. Located less than 20 miles north of midtown Manhattan, this English-style hamlet is rich with character and history.
The town’s history dates back to the mid-1600s when the chief of the Mohican Indians reportedly signed a deed that transferred the land to white settlers. A Dane named Jonas Bronck bought large plots of land in Harlem, which developed into a flourishing farming community in the 18th century. In 1898, the village, named after Bronck, was incorporated into the Town of Eastchester with a small population of about 300 residents. The area grew steadily over the years and transformed into the enchanting suburban community it is today.
Currently, approximately 6,400 residents live in the village of Bronxville.
The Schools in Bronxville, NY
Bronxville is part of the Bronxville Union Free School District, which comprises one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. The district serves about 1,500 students, and all of its schools rank high in the state of New York. Bronxville High School doesn’t just rank as one of the top high schools in New York, but in the top 150 schools nationally, per U.S. News.
Parents also have a few private schools in the area to choose from for their young learners. The Bronxville Montessori School provides a comprehensive curriculum focused on an array of areas, including language, mathematics, practical life, and cultural subjects, such as geography, music, and history. Saint Joseph School, a Catholic private school, offers its students a variety of extracurricular options, such as fine arts, languages, physical education, religion, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics).
Transportation in Bronxville, NY
For those who need to commute, getting around and out of the Bronxville area is simple. Commuters can opt to hop aboard a Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line train at the Bronxville station, which has a 40-minute express route to the Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Or travelers can take the Bee-Line Bus that offers three different routes in Bronxville with connections to Yonkers, Bronx, New Rochelle, and Mount Vernon.
If the urge to venture outside the area strikes you, there are several domestic and international airports nearby. One of the closest airports to Bronxville is the Westchester County Airport, about 20 miles away. The airport has direct connections to major destinations, making it convenient for much-needed getaways and business travel in the U.S.
Other nearby airports include:
- LaGuardia Airport, about 16 miles away;
- Teterboro Airport, about 20 miles away;
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, about 23 miles away;
- and Newark Liberty International Airport, about 34 miles away.
Recreation & Parks in Bronxville, NY
Sometimes, we all need a break from the stresses of daily life, and one way to decompress is by spending time in nature. Bronxville’s abundant green spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities provide residents and visitors plenty of choices for retreat.
The Bronx River Reservation, a 21-acre county owned park located in west Bronxville, includes a meadow, a duck pond, and pathways, making it the perfect spot for walking, biking, or sitting and relaxing. The Bronx River Pathway, spanning nine miles in central Westchester County, has an access point in Bronxville and offers a paved trail ideal for riding your bike, hiking, or soaking in the scenery. Meanwhile, Scout Field, a multi-use outdoor space by the Bronx River that stretches nearly 23 acres, provides tree-lined pathways along the river for patrons to enjoy along with baseball fields that are available by reservation only. Or visit Sagamore Park and let your children run wild at the facility’s three different playgrounds.
Dining and Shopping in Bronxville, NY
The busy downtown area may be condensed to one square mile, but the quaint commercial district is chock full of shopping and dining options. Unique boutiques, local specialty shops, and eateries dot Pondfield Road and Palmer Avenue, offering passersby a splendid afternoon of browsing through merchandise and indulging their taste buds. Dairy lovers have to stop by Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese to check out its wide selection of cheeses, from the “sharpest cheddars to the creamiest Bleus.” Or pop your head into Mano A Mano, a luxury home and gift boutique that sells a range of items, such as purses and holiday decor. If you’re looking to switch up your wardrobe, peruse the racks of Whim for trendy, stylish handbags, accessories, shoes, jewelry, and more.
The village of Bronxville also boasts of delicious dining choices for any time of day. Try breakfast at Bronxville Diner, a casual eatery set in a retro 1950s atmosphere that serves comfort food, or Underhills Crossing, a local favorite that promises a Manhattan dining experience. For lunch, Il Baccio Trattoria is the ideal spot to enjoy Italian cuisine, such as rigatoni and a cannoli, outside. Wrap up the day with a grilled Atlantic salmon at Scalini Osteria, a bison burger at The Urban Hamlet, or a gyro at Elia Taverna. Or diners can book a reservation at a Bronxville restaurant along Kraft Ave. called Tredici Social. The restaurant has received some nods from the Michelin Guide and serves mouthwatering chef specialties and homemade pastas, such as ravioli stuffed with braised Kobe beef and caramelized onions.
Culture, Arts, and Community Events in Bronxville, NY
Bronxville is no stranger to the arts, with origins as a nationally recognized art colony in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Remnants of the village’s golden arts age live on through the Bronxville Historical Conservancy. The conservancy educates the public about Bronxville’s artistic, architectural, and cultural roots through special events, programs, and lectures. Or admire local artists’ work at The Fine Arts Gallery of Bronxville.
Despite its name, the Bronxville Women’s Club, a nonprofit organization founded in 1925, offers educational programs on literature, dance, history, music, art, and more to women, men, and children in the community. The village hosts other programs throughout the year to bring together the community, including free outdoor concerts during the summer, sidewalk sales, Memorial Day and St. Patrick’s Day parades, library events, and a seasonal farmers’ market.
Thinking about Moving to Bronxville, NY?
Bronxville is a small, quiet village with excellent schools, outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining options that’s somewhat removed from a buzzing city, but still close enough to it. Could you ask for anything else? This picturesque hamlet has everything you want or need.
Want to learn more about Bronxville, NY? Contact a local expert strategist to learn more about the community or to find your next home in Bronxville.
