New York Communities

Rockland County, New York

Rockland County, New York lies only sixteen miles north of the border of mammoth New York City, yet remains a world apart from the bright lights and frantic pace of the big city.  Rockland County is a land of historic river villages, shimmering lakes and the unspoiled foothills of the Ramapo Mountains.

The majestic Hudson River forms the eastern border of Rockland County, serving as a picturesque backdrop to the towns and villages clustered on its shore.  Whole schools of American painters have captured the beauty of Rockland County, including Edward Hopper, born in Nyack, NY.  Today, Nyack honors its native son with the Edward Hopper House Art Center.  Numerous artists of different Medias have chosen Rockland County as their home.  Helen Hayes, Katherine Cornell and Kurt Weill are just a few.

Rockland County, New York serves nature’s playground for the big city looming to its south. Sixty lakes and ponds gleam in the sunlight and wait for boaters and anglers.  Over 35,000 acres of pristine parkland grace Rockland County, covering almost one third of the land mass, with miles and miles of hiking trails throughout.  The town of Bear Mountain contains four separate state parks: Blauvelt, Harriman, and Goosepond Mountain State Park, which extends into Orange County and is part of the Catskill National Forest Preserve.  Bear Mountain State Park receives more visitors than Yellowstone, and includes a portion of the Appalachian Trail.

Settled in the 1600’s, Rockland County contains more than fifty historic landmarks, many dating back past the Revolutionary War.  Family farms continue to prosper here, some starting their fourth productive century.  The Stoney Point Battlefield commemorates the site of a 1779 battle with the British garrison.  The Camp Shanks Museum in Orangeburg shows more recent history.  It served as an embarkation center for GI’s during World War II.  The De Wint House is Rockland County’s oldest remaining structure, built in 1700 and used several times as headquarters for George Washington. 

Census 2000 reported Rockland County’s population to be 286,753.  The NY 2004 census estimate counted more than 296,000, showing a 2.4% growth.  Rockland County covers almost 200 square miles of beauty, 25 of which are water.  Forty-four distinct communities comprise Rockland County, though only five towns and one city are incorporated.  New City is the county seat, with a population over 34,000.  Ramapo remains Rockland’s largest town, population almost 109,000.  Stony Point, Orangetown, Haverstraw and Clarkstown vary greatly in populations.  Quaint villages bearing charming names such as Montebello, Palisades, and Valley Cottage provide the choice of small-town living for Rockland County citizens.

The scenic Garden State Parkway and the Palisades Interstate Parkway lend easy access to Rockland County from neighboring New Jersey as well as New York City.  Visitors delight in touring the region year-round, but the New England autumn colors showcase the splendor of Rockland County to its finest degree.  Shoppers enjoy the unique downtown regions of Rockland’s towns and villages, while antique and art buyers find rare treasures here.  Dining along the shores of the mighty Hudson River is a relaxing end to an adventurous day.  Rockland County, New York provides a refreshing change from harried city living.