Welcome to Chappaqua
Chappaqua is a small town located in the northern portion of Westchester County. Chappaqua is actually not a town at all; rather it is a hamlet. Chappaqua features prime real estate that is perfect for anyone looking for a close-knit community, an easy commute to Manhattan and one of the most sought after school districts in the state.
Not including the surrounding areas, Chappaqua has a population of roughly 1,436 residents, however, it’s school district is far larger and also includes parts or Pleasantville, Mount Kisco and Millwood. Many home shoppers target the Chappaqua School district for their growing families and target all of the towns that make up the school district.
The History of Chappaqua
Founded by Quakers during the colonial period, Chappaqua is known to have a lot of history on its .45 square miles of land east of the Hudson River. Chappaqua still has an active Quaker Meeting House as well as a historic Quaker Burial Ground. Most of the current architecture was built before 1934, adding a beautiful and traditional touch that complements the vast woodlands and lakeside scenery.
The name Chappaqua originates from the Native Americans who described the valley as “the rustling land,” because all that could be heard was the wind rustling through the trees. Small as it may be, Chappaqua has been home to various political and celebrity figures. Hillary and Bill Clinton have claimed permanent residence here since the 1990’s. Horace Greeley, the acclaimed politician and editor of the New York Tribune, is another recognized figure in Chappaqua’s history and has his name honored throughout the town.
Chappaqua School District
Chappaqua is the ideal location for those who want to provide their children with some of the best education in the state. Though the school district includes students from more than just the hamlet, enrollment stays relatively stable at approximately 4,000 students between its six different schools:
Elementary Schools (Grades K-4):
- Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
- Roaring Brook Elementary School
- West Orchard Elementary School
Middle Schools (Grades 5-8):
- Robert E. Bell Middle School
- Seven Bridges Middle School
High School (Grades 9-12):
- Horace Greeley High School
The Chappaqua School District prides itself as a renowned suburban school system providing students with a high level of stimulation and motivation. Thanks to local scholars and residents who hold education in high regard, Chappaqua’s schools are able to attract and retain talented teachers and staff with broad and extensive knowledge in their respective fields.
The students are challenged and engaged in a rigorous curriculum. Their average SAT and ACT scores remain some of the highest in the United States. As they move up into middle school and high school, students take classes focused in core studies with the opportunity to explore various electives of their own interest. Currently, over 96% of an average 350 high school graduates each year move on to colleges and universities.
Chappaqua Commute Times to the City & The Chappaqua Train Station
Many of Chappaqua’s residents work in New York City and often commute via the Metro-North Railroad. The station is conveniently located in downtown Chappaqua and is a convenient means of public transport for the 35-mile trek south to Grand Central Station Commuters have the luxury of looking out at the rustling woods and rolling landscapes during the 47 minutes it takes to travel to Manhattan via the express train.
Chappaqua’s train station offers almost 1200 parking spaces for daily commuters which can be reserved annually through the town for about $400 for residents and about $1100 for non-residents. Daily metered parking is also available. Round trip tickets typically run about $28 and monthly passes cost commuters about $311. With easy access to the Saw Mill River and Taconic Parkways, as well as Route 684, Chappaqua is very conveniently located and accessible.
The City of White Plains, an area of major commerce and commercial spaces, is about a 20-minute ride. Westchester County Airport is about 15 minutes away.
Places to See and Things to Do in Chappaqua
Chappaqua is rich with outdoor spaces to explore along with various recreational and community amenities. And with New York City not far away, there are endless opportunities for entertainment. Chappaqua has a multitude of parks, country clubs, and small-town eateries for everyone’s taste.
You can enjoy the bands that play at the downtown gazebo during the summer, join the popular soft-ball league for adults offered at various levels in addition to plentiful athletic and cultural offerings for children. On Saturday’s, a farmers market can be found at the train station.
Some other popular amenities locals enjoy are:
- Crabtree’s Kittle House A popular farm-to-table restaurant located at Lawrence Farms in Chappaqua. The restaurant has received various awards for its menu items and is a local favorite. Residents recognize it as an eco-conscious business with one of the largest wine cellars in the entire country.
- Le Jardin du Roi A cozy French Bistro located in the downtown area, Le Jardin du Roi is another famous eatery in Chappaqua. It is known for its BBQ and classic breakfast items. The atmosphere will make it seem like you took a short trip to France.
- Gedney Park Located on 126 acres in the Millwood Section, Gedney park features miles upon miles of hiking trails, ball fields, green spaces, playgrounds and even a sledding hill for when the weather permits.
- Croton Gorge Park One of the manmade wonders of the surrounding area, Croton Gorge Park is set below the Croton Dam. It has over 97 acres of land that residents use for fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and much more.
- Hardscrabble Wilderness Area This is a city-run nature reserve with over 235 acres of rolling landscapes. The pond creates an ideal hiking trail and is dog-friendly.
- New Castle Historical Society The society offers three museums for history buffs in the area. The Amstel House, the Dutch House, and the Old Library Museum provide much history on the area’s Dutch colonists, heroes of the revolution, and 19th-century American figures.
