Peekskill is a charming and diverse city located in the northwestern part of Westchester County NY. It’s full of history and is best known for its scenic beauty, arts and cultural scene, strong community spirit, and proximity to New York City. The city has a vibrant downtown area with many restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, as well as parks and outdoor recreation areas that offer breathtaking views of the Hudson River.
Top 3 Reasons to Live and Play in Here
Living in Peekskill offers a small-town feel with a city vibe.
This gem on the Hudson River is about an hour’s drive north of New York City and is home to a population of approximately 24,000 residents. The perfect place to enjoy a vibrant nightlife or a quiet suburban retreat.
The city has a mix of urban and suburban areas, making it an attractive location for people who want to live close to New York City while still enjoying a more relaxed pace of life. Living here is special because “Peekskill Pride” is always on display. The hometown feeling and friendly community, makes it an attractive place to live for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s a gathering at Torpy Field for Homecoming or it’s sipping hot chocolate at the Tree Lighting ceremony during the holidays, you’ll find that everyone is a neighbor.
Living in Peekskill offers a perfect blend of history and legend
The city has a rich history dating back to the American Revolution, with many historical sites and landmarks scattered throughout the city. During the war, the city was the site of several important battles. Today, visitors can explore the Fort Hill Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War.
The city was also a hub for the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the North and Canada during the 19th century. Many abolitionists provided shelter, food, and other forms of assistance to freedom seekers passing through the area. During the summer, you can join a guided tour of the various sites that provided refuge.
Finally, if you were to ask local residents, “What is Peekskill famous for?”, many wouldn’t hesitate to say that it’s the Yellow Brick Road. The claim that the city was the inspiration for the Yellow Brick Road in L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” is a popular local legend. The stories likely stem from a combination of factors, including the fact that Baum may have spent time in the area that is known for its winding roads and hilly terrain, which may resemble the description of the Yellow Brick Road in the book.
Living in Peekskill offers a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
The city hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Peekskill Film Festival, which attracts movie buffs from all over the region. Additionally, there are several art galleries, theaters, and museums, including the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art and Peekskill Arts Alliance Gallery, which showcases works by both established and emerging artists.
Things To Do In the City of Peekskill
- Experience the Arts: Art lovers, this one’s for you. A short trip from downtown, the Hudson Valley MOCA is a modern art museum that features works by local and international artists. This cutting-edge contemporary art museum is housed in a former factory building and features a wide range of rotating exhibitions and programs.
- Take a Hike: The city is home to several beautiful parks and hiking trails. Get your nature fix at Blue Mountain Reservation. This large 1,500-acre park has hiking and biking trails, a lake for fishing, and several picnic areas. The huge network of trails connects all the way to Depew Park.
- Get Your Groove On: The city has a thriving music scene, with numerous venues hosting live performances throughout the year. The Peekskill Summer Concert Series is a free event that takes place every Thursday evening during the summer months. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy some live music in the park. There are also home to several music venues and restaurants and cafes that offer live music every week.
- Take a Tour of the Riverfront: The city’s waterfront is a picturesque location that offers stunning views of the Hudson River. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront, enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks, or take a boat tour to explore the area from the water. Riverfront Green Park offers a playground for children, a stage for live performances, and access to public restroom facilities.
- Shop Till You Drop: Just a 15-minute walk or quick Uber ride from the train, the downtown area is home to a variety of local boutiques and independently owned shops. Bookworms love the Bruised Apple for the cozy environment and vintage books and albums while others find the hunt for unique fashions and gemstones at nearby shops exhilarating.
- Dine Time: The city has a reputation for its diverse cuisine, with several top-rated restaurants serving up everything from American BBQ to Mexican to Japanese cuisine. You can try the Peekskill Brewery or one of the other restaurants near the riverfront if you’d like to stay close to the train. If you head into the city, you can stop for a quick bite at The Peekskill Coffee House or head to Restaurant Row on North Division St. to sample a variety of foods from sweet to savory.
- Explore the Past: History buffs, check out The Lincoln Depot Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history of the city during the Civil War era, and it even has a replica of the train station where Lincoln stopped in 1861. When you’re done there, head Downtown to the Peekskill Museum. Located in the historic Herrick House, the museum features exhibits on the city’s role in the American Revolution, as well as its development throughout the years.
- Take in a Show: Catch a show at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater. This historic theater has been restored and reopened in recent years, and it hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and comedy performances.
- Relax and Recharge: A visit to The Abbey Inn and Spa will leave you pampered and refreshed. They offer a variety of treatments from facials to massages. Indulging in a relaxing spa day can be the perfect way to unwind and de-stress.
- Meet the Farmer: Shop for fresh produce and artisanal goods at the Peekskill Farmers Market. This weekly event takes place on Saturdays from June to November, and it’s the perfect place to stock up on fresh, locally-sourced produce, baked goods, and other goodies.
Keep an eye out for annual events and festivals. The Cherry Blossom Festival, Peekskill Jazz & Blues Festival, and the Hudson Valley Irish Fest are always crowd favorites.
How To Get To Here
If you’re coming from New York City, you can take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal to Peekskill Station. The trip takes about an hour and you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Hudson River along the way. If you’re driving, the city is easily accessible from several major highways, including the New York State Thruway, the Taconic State Parkway, and the Bear Mountain Parkway.
Peekskill Real Estate
Popular Neighborhoods
Artist’s District
Blue Mountain
Buena Vista
Chapel Hill
Downtown District
Forest View
Fort Hill
The Highlands
The Meadows
Mortgage Hill
Pataki Farms
Riverbend
Society Hill I
Society Hill II
Westside
The Woods
