Pocantico Hills, New York

Pocantico Hills, New York is a hamlet and census-designated place located in Westchester County, New York, within the town of Mount Pleasant, New York. The area is situated near the Hudson River and is close to the Tappan Zee Bridge, which connects Westchester County to Rockland County, New York. Pocantico Hills is also near the Kykuit, the historic estate of the Rockefeller family, and the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, a National Historic Landmark.

Geography

Pocantico Hills is located at an elevation of 315 feet (96 meters) above sea level, and its terrain is characterized by rolling hills and wooded areas. The hamlet is situated near the Saw Mill River, which flows into the Hudson River and is part of the New York City watershed. The area is also close to the Bear Mountain State Park and the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Nearby cities include White Plains, New York, Yonkers, New York, and New York City, which is accessible via the Henry Hudson Parkway and the Taconic State Parkway.

History

The area that is now Pocantico Hills was originally inhabited by the Wecquaeskeck, a tribe of the Lenape Native American people. In the 17th century, the area was settled by Dutch colonists, who established the Dutch West India Company and traded with the Native Americans. The hamlet was later part of the Philipse Manor, a large estate owned by the Philipse family, who were Dutch-American colonists. During the American Revolution, the area was a key location for the Continental Army, which was led by George Washington and included notable figures such as Alexander Hamilton and Benedict Arnold. The Battle of White Plains took place nearby, and the area was also home to the Kykuit, which was built by John D. Rockefeller and features gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Pocantico Hills was approximately 736 people, with a median age of 44.4 years. The hamlet has a diverse population, with residents of European-American, African-American, Asian-American, and Hispanic and Latino American descent. Nearby institutions of higher education include Pace University, Fordham University, and Columbia University, which attract students and faculty from around the world. The area is also home to the New York Medical College and the Westchester Medical Center, which provide medical care and research opportunities.

Economy

The economy of Pocantico Hills is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, and finance. The area is home to the Regeneron Pharmaceuticals company, which is a leading biotechnology firm, as well as the Mastercard company, which is a major financial services provider. Nearby cities such as New York City and White Plains, New York offer additional job opportunities in fields such as Wall Street, Broadway theatre, and Madison Avenue. The area is also close to the Stewart International Airport and the Westchester County Airport, which provide access to domestic and international flights.

Education

Pocantico Hills is served by the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns, which operates several schools in the area, including the Sleepy Hollow High School and the Sleepy Hollow Middle School. The area is also home to the Hackley School, a private college preparatory school, and the Rippowam Cisqua School, a private elementary and middle school. Nearby institutions of higher education include Pace University, Fordham University, and Columbia University, which offer a range of academic programs and research opportunities. The area is also close to the New York Public Library and the Westchester Library System, which provide access to books, media, and other resources.

Landmarks

Pocantico Hills is home to several notable landmarks, including the Kykuit, the historic estate of the Rockefeller family, and the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, a National Historic Landmark. The area is also close to the Sunnyside (historic house), the former home of Washington Irving, and the Philipsburg Manor House, a historic house museum. Nearby attractions include the Hudson River Museum, the Neuberger Museum of Art, and the Westchester County Center, which hosts concerts, sports events, and other performances. The area is also close to the Van Cortlandt Park and the Croton Gorge Park, which offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Category:Hamlets in New York