New Rochelle

Welcome to New Rochelle

About the Area:

New Rochelle is a vibrant waterfront city in southern Westchester County, located just north of New York City along Long Island Sound. Often called the “Queen City of the Sound,” New Rochelle combines suburban residential neighborhoods, waterfront living, and a growing downtown with convenient access to Manhattan. The city is known for its diversity of neighborhoods and housing, ranging from downtown apartments and condominiums to historic homes, traditional Colonials, Tudors, waterfront properties and larger estates. Northern New Rochelle offers a more suburban setting with winding, tree-lined streets and established residential neighborhoods, while the southern portion of the city provides convenient access to the waterfront, downtown and transportation. New Rochelle has approximately nine miles of shoreline along Long Island Sound and an extensive park system that includes beaches, nature preserves, athletic facilities, playgrounds and waterfront parks.

History:

New Rochelle was founded in 1688 by French Huguenots who fled religious persecution in Europe. The community was named after La Rochelle, France, an important Huguenot stronghold. In 1689, approximately 6,000 acres were purchased from John Pell to establish the settlement. Agriculture dominated the community during its early history, while its location along Boston Post Road and Long Island Sound helped encourage trade and transportation. The arrival of the New Haven Railroad in the mid-19th century transformed New Rochelle into an increasingly popular suburb for people working in New York City. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, numerous planned residential neighborhoods were developed throughout the city. New Rochelle was incorporated as a city in 1899 and continued to grow rapidly during the first half of the 20th century. Today, many of its historic neighborhoods, buildings, and landmarks reflect more than three centuries of history.

Population: 85,864 - 2025 U.S. Census Bureau population (estimate)

Size: Approximately 11 square miles

Neighborhoods:

New Rochelle includes numerous distinct residential neighborhoods and communities, including: Wykagyl, Bonnie Crest, Paine Heights, Quaker Ridge, Pinebrook, Bayberry Beechmont, Larchmont Woods, Forest Heights, Residence Park, Rochelle Park/Rochelle Heights, Sutton Manor, Davenport Neck, Premium Point, Sans Souci, Glenwood Lake

Education/Academics:

The City School District of New Rochelle serves students throughout the community and includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, New Rochelle High School and additional educational programs.

Elementary Schools:

• Henry Barnard Early Childhood Center
• Columbus Elementary School
• Daniel Webster Magnet School
• George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School
• Jefferson Elementary School
• Trinity Elementary School
• William B. Ward Elementary School

Middle Schools:

• Albert Leonard Middle School
• Isaac E. Young Middle School

High School:

• New Rochelle High School

Private Schools in the Area:

New Rochelle is also home to several private and independent schools, including:

• Iona Preparatory School
• The Ursuline School
• Salesian High School
• Hudson Country Montessori School
• Westchester Torah Academy
• Holy Family School

New Rochelle is also home to Iona University, a private university located on North Avenue.

Fine & Casual Dining:

New Rochelle offers a particularly diverse restaurant scene, with Italian, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Latin American, Asian, and contemporary American options. Local favorites include:

• Dubrovnic
• Maria Restaurant
• Alvin & Friends
• Posto 22
• Pizzeria La Rosa
• Spadaro Roman Kitchen
• Jaleo Bar & Grill
• Kenny's on the Water
• Atit Thai
• 179 Bar & Grill

Recreation & Arts:

New Rochelle offers extensive recreational opportunities throughout the city. The municipal park system includes more than 30 properties and approximately 270 acres of City-owned parkland, including waterfront parks, beaches, athletic fields, playgrounds, trails and natural areas.

Recreational and cultural destinations include:

• Glen Island Park – Westchester County waterfront park with beaches, picnic areas and views of Long Island Sound
• Hudson Park & Beach – Waterfront park featuring beaches, a playground, bandshell and fishing
• Five Islands Park – 15-acre waterfront park with beach, picnic areas, playground and fishing
• Davenport Park – 20-acre waterfront park overlooking Long Island Sound
• Ward Acres Park – Large natural area offering walking trails and open space
• Twin Lakes/Nature Study Woods – Wooded trails and natural areas
• Huguenot Park – Walking and jogging trails, lakes and playground facilities
• New Rochelle Marina – Municipal marina providing access to Long Island Sound
• New Rochelle Public Library
• Ruby Dee Park at Library Green
• New Rochelle YMCA

The city also offers year-round recreation programs, youth sports, summer camps, concerts and community events.

Historical Landmarks:

New Rochelle's long history is reflected in numerous historic sites and neighborhoods throughout the city.

• Thomas Paine Cottage – The historic home of Founding Father Thomas Paine, who received a New Rochelle farm from New York State following the American Revolution.
• Thomas Paine Monument – Located near the historic Paine property and commemorating the influential author and political thinker.
• Rochelle Park–Rochelle Heights Historic District – One of Westchester County's notable historic residential districts, featuring architecturally significant homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Trinity-St. Paul's Episcopal Church – A congregation whose history dates to New Rochelle's original Huguenot settlement.
• Leland Castle – A Gothic Revival landmark dating to the 19th century and located on the campus of The College of New Rochelle's former property.
• Huguenot Burial Ground – An important reminder of New Rochelle's French Huguenot origins.

Transportation:

New Rochelle's location provides convenient access to New York City, Connecticut, and other areas of Westchester County.

• Interstate 95 - New England Thruway
• Hutchinson River Parkway
• Boston Post Road - U.S. Route 1
• Metro-North Railroad – New Haven Line
• Amtrak service from New Rochelle Station
• Bee-Line Bus System

New Rochelle is one of the relatively few suburban Westchester communities with both Metro-North and Amtrak service from its downtown train station.

Commute & Location:

• Manhattan - Approximately 20 miles by car
• Grand Central Terminal - Approximately 30–40 minutes by express Metro-North train
• Greenwich, CT - Approximately 20–25 minutes by car
• Westchester County Airport - Approximately 25–30 minutes by car
• LaGuardia Airport - Approximately 25–35 minutes by car
• JFK International Airport - Approximately 35–50 minutes by car