5.3 out of 10

New Rochelle

Ranked 50th best city in New York
40.945778993724 -73.7895905883316
Great for
  • Internet Access
  • Eating Out
  • Medical Facilities
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Clean & Green
Not great for
  • Cost of Living
  • Lack of Traffic
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Singles
  • Beach Lovers
  • Retirees

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+
Editors Choice

"New Rochelle has a little something for everyone"

New Rochelle is an interesting city that holds great wealth as can be seen in the more tucked away suburbanite neighborhoods with their gated pseudo-mansions and stunning old homes. Yet somehow it never comes across as pretentious or snobby and actually has a relatively diverse melting pot of a population. It also has a good deal of living options that include more affordable apartments that cater in particular to the college crowd.

The popular North Avenue strip extends from the one of a kind park-like setting of the high school all the way to historical Boston Post Road. The strip is home to the well-liked and academically sound Iona College which of course adds a lively collegiate and young feel, especially on weekend nights, to the street that has quite a few bars and a ton of terrific eateries to choose from. Food establishments run the gamut of ethnicities and you will find anything and everything from a vegetarian store front restaurant to little known Peruvian gems to authenitc Italian to a popular pizza and rib place to a greasy spoon chili and cheese dog joint.

Shopping is a-plenty especially with the inclusion of the Trump-era built area with its luxury yet not entirely unaffordable towering modern condos, some with water views. The 1.2 million square foot New Roc City is an entertainment monolith and has a colorful multiplex and a bonanza of family-fun recreational activities including black-light bowling and mini golf, a full-fledged ice skating rink, a massive arcade, billiards, and even a space shot ride that shoots upwards from the top floor!

The main street in New Ro is sometimes cited as a wonderful example of a real American main street with its slew of family-owned and operated businesses, ethnic eateries, gourmet food finds, corner delis, wine shoppes, florists, dance studios, consignment shops, dollar stores and smaller discount shops and boutiques. The street has a wonderfully unpretentious and more bohemian and humble feel to it.

Another must-visit in New Rochelle is Glen Island Park, a fairly large and verdant park with winding paths and stunning views of the Long Island Sound. It can get very busy in the summer months. It has foot paths along the water and throughout the park as well as rocky crags and even the remnants of an old castle. Families often picnic and bbq there and there are many lively soccer games to watch or partake in. The park definitely has a festive atmosphere and for the cost of parking, it is a lovely day well spent.

New Rochelle does have its pockets of crime, contingent upon area, but it is still under half the national average at 45%.

The school system is fairly good and it is reported that the median combined SAT score is 1440 with about 94% of its high school graduates going on to attend college.

Median income in New Rochelle is $73,073. The median home value is $438,163 and the median rental rate is $1,237 which is definitely more affordable than a lot of other areas nearby.

New Rochelle’s population is 48% White, 28% Hispanic, 18% Black and 4% Asian, making it far more culturally diverse than many of its Westchester County neighbors.

The population of New Rochelle is 77, 062 with the median age being 37.
Pros
  • Lots of Shopping
  • Plenty of restaurants with a lot of diversity
  • beautiful homes
  • great natural areas, parks and recreational facilities
  • easy commute to Manhattan
  • nice neighborhoods
  • waterfront
Cons
  • high taxes
  • Parking & traffic problems
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Just wasn't for me, left New Rochelle"

I had moved to New Rochelle for a job, my daughter and I. Rent was very high, cramped space, not just at home but at the office. At the laundromat, at the nail salon; hair salon and grocery store. Even the roads are narrow. There were mice at the apartment, mice at work, and God knows where else. A lot of Spanish speaking people, cab drivers barely spoke English. Just overall an ugly, old, overpriced town that was not worth it. I left the job and could not wait to get OUT of New Rochelle.
Cons
  • rents are high, apartments are small
  • mice
  • old buildings and stores
  • some unsafe streets
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Been in new Rochelle 34 years.."

Been here 34 years and I can't tell you how much it's changed. I grew up in new Rochelle all my life, attended school here and will always love new Rochelle for this but I'm getting out. I have kids now and the schools are terrible. It's not safe anymore and it's become a not so nice place to live. Even in the elementary schools its scary, it's absolutely pitiful. It saddens me to think what was once such a great town has made a turn for the worst. As a homeowner we pay high taxes and the schools aren't up to par. They are far from safe. Security needs to be tightened and changes need to be made but doesn't look like it's going to happen anytime soon.
Cons
  • high taxes
  • some unsafe streets
  • gangs all over downtown new rochelle
  • poor schools
Recommended for
  • Students
SuY SuY
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
2yrs+

"Not what it used to be"

born and raised in New Rochelle I have seen the many changes .. New Rochelle was once known for one of the best places to live in westchester county .. a place where you would want to raise your children , but thats far from the truth anymore! New Rochelle has become a slum, a step up from the south Bronx ... our school district has children graduating high school who cant read, middle schools are flooded with little gang bangers, which only grows as they move onto high school.. We use to be the Queen city of the sound , sadly its more like welcome to slum city , wheres there nothing to do , becareful where you walk you might get your sneakers robbed at knife point or fall victim to a teenage gang initiation .. im very sorry and sad at the time i had to write this about the city i grew up and wanted to raise my children in , but its the truth ...
Pros
  • plenty of grocery stores
  • easy commute to Manhattan
Cons
  • poor schools
  • gangs all over downtown new rochelle
  • not safe , high crimes
  • high taxes
  • Parking & traffic problems
  • some unsafe streets
Recommended for
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"A little gem of a city"

New Rochelle is a city on the rebound. After experiencing a period of decline during the 1980s, it has been revitalizing its downtown and waterfront areas in an effort to improve the quality of life for current and future residents. The city’s population is currently 77,000 and diverse, with Hispanic and African American populations each numbering around 20%. The city occupies 10.7 square miles, with about 9% of coastline along the Long Island Sound. It is the safest city of its size in New York State.

In a county full of Native American, British and Dutch history, New Rochelle is unique in its origins and naming. The city was settled in 1688 by a group of French Huguenots, who named their new home Nouvelle Rochelle in honor of their old home in France. Though other groups gradually settled in the area, the influence of the French Huguenots remained for many years.

There is a great art and culture scene in New Rochelle. The New Rochelle Council on the Arts is an umbrella organization providing support to numerous arts organizations and facilities. Residents and visitors can enjoy opera, ballet, chamber music and art galleries without having to venture into Manhattan.

New Rochelle’s school district is a great example of a successful urban system. The district is diverse, and 32% of its 10,400 students live in poverty. Some of the elementary schools have between 40 and 60 percent of children living in poverty. However, they perform well on state exams and the majority of the students meet the state’s high standards. Sixty different countries are represented by the students attending New Rochelle High School. The district is a seven-time winner of the prestigious U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon, which is given to exemplary schools. There are also three colleges in the city: Iona College, Monroe College and the College of New Rochelle.

In recent years New Rochelle has experienced a great deal of residential development, which included the construction of 2,000 condos and apartments. Trump Plaza is one of the newest additions to the city’s skyline; the 40-story building has luxury apartments and two levels of retail space. The city is also seeking to redevelop its waterfront in the Echo Bay area by adding similar mixed-use developments with residential and commercial properties. Prices of single-family homes vary widely, which is good news for house-hunters across the budget spectrum.
Pros
  • beautiful homes
  • easy commute to Manhattan
  • waterfront
Cons
  • Parking & traffic problems
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"New Ro - Challenging the Sleepy Suburb Stereotype"

New Rochelle is a growing suburb that is rewriting the model of what people think of as a bedroom community. This town is just a half-hour ride from NYC and this location advantage, and the gorgeous views of the Long Island Sound, have for long made New Rochelle a popular choice for many families moving to the suburbs. It is no wonder that New Ro featured in the Money magazine Best 100 Places to Live in 2010.

It is also worth noting the New Rochelle was the suburban setting for the Dick Van Dyke Show of the 60s. The town has come a long way from the days it was the quintessential television suburb. The high-rises, the college town vibe and the diversity all make New Ro a suburb that breaks the mold. It is true that there are neighborhoods that fit the bill for sprawling houses on large lots but there are also apartments and condos catering to people with varied housing requirements.

The park facilities and the views are worth mentioning when talking about New Rochelle as it has four waterfront parks. There are residents who make it a point to talk about the fact that they live a half-hour from Manhattan and wake up to the sound of beautiful bird songs!

It is true that there are old-timers who express some misgivings that the growth has also created pockets of reduced safety but these are really limited and it is a matter of staying alert to once surroundings. New Rochelle is by and large still a safe town which offers much by way of shopping, dining and entertainment.

New Rochelle schools have made a pretty good showing in terms of standardized test scores and students from here have a good record of attending good colleges.

Those making their first foray into the suburbs may find New Rochelle an easier place to consider living than some of the overwhelmingly residential neighborhoods of Westchester. Here is an opportunity to enjoy more affordable housing without losing out on the accessibility and diversity of a NYC environment.
Pros
  • beautiful homes
  • great natural areas, parks and recreational facilities
  • easy commute to Manhattan
  • nice neighborhoods
  • waterfront
Cons
  • some unsafe streets
  • high taxes
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"Feel Right at Home in Wonderfully Diverse New Rochelle"

New Rochelle is one of Westchester’s largest cities, serving a population of over 77,000 located conveniently right off i95, the Hutchinson River Parkway and right on the shores of the beautiful Long Island Sound. Once owned by the Sinoway Native Americans, the area now known as New Rochelle was later purchased by the French Protestant refugees fleeing persecution, and the land was declared “Nouvelle Rochelle” (or, in English, “The New Rock”) named after their hometown, La Rochelle, back in France. The settlement was later used by George Washington as a resting stop after he and his troops lost the “Battle of White Plains” to the Brisith in 1775, and later the city saw a huge influx of immigrants, mainly Irish and German.

Today, New Rochelle has survived the civil rights battle in American history, as it is a very diverse city, where people generally coexist peacefully: and it’s a town that is still booming industrially. The bustling streets of Downtown New Rochelle has become home to many professional offices and retail shops, including New Roc City, which is 1.2 square feet of entertainment venues and shops, as well as restaurants, and even houses a hotel and apartments. Located smack dab in the center of four bustling treets all joined in a square (Lecount, Harrison, Huguenot, and West City), Roc City contains Westchester’s first-ever IMAX theater (complete with 19 screens and chairs that have “posable” armrests), as well as many restaurants, Modell’s sporting goods store, a humungous Stop & Shop Supermarket and Authentic Cafe for scrumptious ice cream treats. After seeing your film, you can play lazer tag or video games at Funfuzion Arcade, go bowling with bowling balls that actually glow in the dark (!), or ride go-carts at Roc City Speedway (mind you, all of this is---incredibly---inside the same building). It’s a spectacular variety of fun things to do for the whole family to enjoy. You can always take the kids for an enjoyable dinner at the neighborhood Applebee’s, and The Gnarly Vine Italian is the picture-perfect place to take someone out on a serious date, complete with romantic candles and a charming atmosphere. Aside from New Roc City you’ll also find your next favorite video game at Game Stop, or find adorable home decor at Home Depot. There’s also unique stores like Defender Marine Supply, where you can find all of your sailing equipment needs (and being right near the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River, lots of people will find this useful, especially if you want to own a sailboat or go kayacking.)

In the busy downtown is where you’ll find affordable apartments for low-income housing. New Rochelle also accepts Section 8, and many of these apartment units (like To own a home proper can cost anywhere between 199,000 to 600,000+, which makes New Rochelle a great place for middle class families as well. Located on the outer parts of New Rochelle are the residential areas, where you’ll find many different communities, with pretty , charming names like “Rochelle Heights” and Sutton Manor”. There’s also three gated communities as well.

New Rochelle is famous for its highly diverse culture, where you’ll find a large South American population, including many African Americans and Asian as well. Its school system is recognized as one of the most ecclectic in the entire United States (especially New York State)! The community is very proud of this, especially since it is a highly populated area. Aside from the renowned New Rochelle Public Schools, there are eight private schools, and the College of New Rochelle is the very first college run solely by women. Many of the private schools are Catholic, as it is the most pronounced religion in the area.

There are many parks in New Rochelle worth visiting. Since it is on the Sound, most of the parks are actually tiny islands: like David’s Island, for example, which was once used as a military base in WWII (you can still see the cold-war structures on the premisis). Today it is home to a variety of wildlife including the endangered species like Kemp’s Ripley Sea Turtles and Least Turns (a variety of small herons that live in New Rochelle and the surrounding areas, like Larchmont). Many of these parks are great for hiking and bringing kids for a first taste of hiking and camping.

New Rochelle is a large city that somehow manages to maintain a fantastically low crime rate, and it was noted as one of the most wealthiest places in the United States during the Great Depression.

No matter what age, what class or what culture, you’ll always feel like you belong at New Rochelle, “The Home Town”, which is only a half an hour away from NYC.
Pros
  • wonderfully diverse
  • great school system (lots of private schools too)
  • beautiful homes
  • great natural areas, parks and recreational facilities
  • easy commute to Manhattan
  • nice neighborhoods
  • waterfront
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Beautiful Parks and Views"

First I have to say that New Rochelle is a fairly expensive place to live. There are lots of gated communities and multimillion dollar houses throughout the city and you would have to make upwards of a hundred thousand dollars a year to live comfortably in one of them.

However, if you're willing to give up the backyard and live in a condo then the prices are quite affordable, especially when you compare them to nearby Manhattan.

I often find that upper class communities are home to people cut from the same cloth but in New Rochelle it's different. It's a diverse city where everyone is accepted.

There's a great selection of restaurants in town with a good mix of chain restaurants and independent eateries specializing in all kinds of cuisines.

Another major plus for the city is its abundance of parks and green spaces to explore. The geography of New Rochelle is a little unusual but the city has certainly made the most of it. Many offshore islands were turned into parks like Glen Island and Five Islands Park. Hudson Park even has a sandy beach along the Long Island Sound.

The most incredible thing about it is you can have all of this beautiful open space, a waterfront property, and still be close to New York City. I guess there is a way to have it all.
Pros
  • beautiful homes
  • great natural areas, parks and recreational facilities
  • easy commute to Manhattan
  • nice neighborhoods
  • waterfront
Cons
  • high taxes
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Nice, but expensive place to live"

New Rochelle is one of the few cities in Westchester county. Like most places in Westchester, New Rochelle is RELATIVELY affordable - when you compare it to most places in New York City. However, this does NOT mean that it's a cheap place to live. In fact, the cost of living is way above the national average. During the last decade, New Rochelle has seen a lot of changes - particularly in the downtown area. Developers have invested a lot of money in building luxury properties and courting more businesses - including cafes, bars, nightclubs, and trendy stores. A huge number of condos, townhouses, and apartments have been built, while there are still some single family homes outside of the bustling downtown area. While it was once harder to get to Manhattan from New Rochelle, now it only takes about half an hour, making the commute comparable to those from many of the boroughs. New Rochelle is also a very diverse town; it is historically an Italian community, but now there are also significant numbers of African American and Hispanic residents, with a slightly smaller minority of Asians. As a result, the town has seen the development of a large number of ethnic restaurants. There is plenty to do in New Rochelle: nice parks, a separate Children's Library, and the popular New Roc City entertainment & shopping complex.
Pros
  • beautiful homes
  • great natural areas, parks and recreational facilities
  • easy commute to Manhattan
  • nice neighborhoods
  • waterfront
  • lovely views
Cons
  • Parking & traffic problems
  • high taxes
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"great family community"

Pros
  • easy commute to Manhattan
  • nice neighborhoods
  • waterfront
  • beautiful homes
  • great natural areas, parks and recreational facilities
Cons
  • high taxes
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"also known as "The home town" and "City of Parks""

New Rochelle is an ethnically, religiously, racially and economically diverse suburban community just north of manhattan. Residents range from blue collar / lower-middle class to affluent /extremely wealthy
Pros
  • beautiful homes
  • great natural areas, parks and recreational facilities
Cons
  • high taxes
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Beach Lovers
SuY
SuY born and raised in New Rochelle I have seen the many changes .. New Rochelle was once known for one of the best places to live in westchester county .. a place where you would want to raise your children , but thats far from the truth anymore! New Rochelle has become a slum, a step up from the south Bronx ... our school district has children graduating high school who cant read, middle schools are flooded with little gang bangers, which only grows as they move onto high school.. We use to be the Queen city of the sound , sadly its more like welcome to slum city , wheres there nothing to do , becareful where you walk you might get your sneakers robbed at knife point or fall victim to a teenage gang initiation .. im very sorry and sad at the time i had to write this about the city i grew up and wanted to raise my children in , but its the truth ...
2yrs+
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