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40 Washington Spring Road, Snedens Landing

When the time comes to move out of the City, New Yorkers are increasingly seeking out locations that offer personal, meaningful and rewarding experiences. Topping their list of desired amenities includes: a rich lifestyle, flourishing arts scene, inspiring landscapes, a place to build relationships and a home for their families.

The Lower Hudson Valley—which includes the hamlets of the Nyacks, Piermont, Snedens Landing, Tuxedo Park, Wawick, Montebello and Grandview, to name a few—presents a particularly distinct lifestyle and coveted experience that continues to attract homebuyers from Manhattan and Brooklyn. Located just across the Hudson River and west of Manhattan, the Lower Hudson Valley offers exceptional lifestyle amenities, a bucolic landscape, historic architecture and a thriving real estate market.

Lifestyle

165 Kings Highway, Tappan

Living in the Lower Hudson Valley is truly an experience. From the seasonal farmers’ markets and the bevy of cultural attractions to the numerous recreational amenities and the family-friendly events, the Lower Hudson Valley offers a relaxed, rich lifestyle for any interest. Homebuyers are especially attracted to the flourishing art scene, close-knit communities, world-class golf courses and artisanal shops and restaurants.

Provenance and Architecture

259 Sickletown Road, West Nyack

For decades, the Lower Hudson Valley has been a haven for celebrities. Famous residents have included Angelina Jolie, Vivian Leigh, Orson Wells and Rosie O’Donnell—to name a few. Many homes have a storied past that includes former famous owners or guests, which makes for great dinner conversation with friends!

101 Pascack Road, Pearl River

In addition, many homes exemplify classic architectural styles such as Queen-Anne Victorian and Gothic Revival. Homebuyers fall in love with the Lower Hudson Valley’s historic and charming architecture, and the chance to own a piece of its history.

Coveted Real Estate

63 Washington Spring Road, Snedens Landing

The real estate market in the Lower Hudson Valley continues to be strong, with Rockland and Orange counties continuing to be favored by buyers who live in New York City, primarily Manhattan and Brooklyn. In addition, the recent completion of the new Tappan Zee Bridge spanning the Hudson River means improved access to New York City, further strengthening the region’s appeal.

SaveSave

1 Gesner Ave., South Nyack (Sold)

There is something about the Lower Hudson Valley, particularly the west bank that has attracted widely known residents for decades. Perhaps it is the bountiful, bucolic scenery and views of the Hudson River that has long inspired actors, artists, musicians and dancers. Perhaps it is the privacy and sense of community it affords with easy access to New York City. Whatever the reason, the market continues to attract buyers who are at the top of their fields in film, television, creative and financial industries.

Tuxedo Park, Warwick, Highland Mills and other parts of Orange County have always attracted actors and other notables. “We have been fortunate to help several cultural icons find their homes,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty in Nyack, New York, who has sold homes in the region for 33 years, including the former childhood home of actress Angelina Jolie. “This area has almost always been an artistic getaway of sorts for a lot of creative types from New York City and, to a lesser extent, from LA,” he said.

In 2017, the brokerage sold homes to movie and TV personalities and business leaders from Upper Nyack to Snedens Landing. Comedian, actress, TV personality and longtime South Nyack resident Rosie O’Donnell listed her Hudson Riverfront compound with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty, and sold her primary residence in February 2018 for $5,100,000. “These communities are the gold coast of Rockland County and are in demand not only by celebrities, but by New Yorkers looking to move out of the city full time or looking for a second home,” said Ellis.

95 Judson Road, Montgomery

Snedens Landing: A Star Market

Nestled among the steep cliffs of the Palisades in Rockland County just 12 miles north of the George Washington Bridge, Snedens Landing is a secluded enclave dating back to the 1700’s. With renovated turn-of-the-century homes, including 18th- and 19th-century cottages, farmhouses and estates in historic districts, Snedens Landing is one of Rockland County’s top markets,” said Ellis, who along with his Sales Associates specialize in the community. The rural hamlet has long resembled an artists’ colony, with celebs including Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Noel Coward, Orson Welles, Uma Thurman and Bill Murray.

“We see people gravitate to the area for both Hudson River-view and non-river
view homes at varying price points, from under $1 million to well over that,” he said, adding that Snedens Landing had a banner year in the luxury market with multiple sales in the $2 million-and-greater range. “It is a great place to live, with privacy, incredible views and celebrity cachet, minus the pretense,” he said. “The new affluent consumers favor experiences a lifestyle can offer over simply a place to live. What you choose to surround yourself with—family, friends, history, an amazing view and art — are all part of what makes a space a home. Your best life begins with a home that inspires you, and clearly the lower Hudson Valley is inspirational.”

235 North Broadway, Nyack

Lifestyle and Experiences

“Consumers are seeking a much more personal take on what’s most meaningful and rewarding: experiences, art, inspiration, entertaining, family and relationships,” Ellis said. The millennial generation is the future of real estate. They respond to clean open spaces, don’t have time to renovate, want an experience and a lifestyle. “An extraordinary life is living the lifestyle you want and the Hudson Valley is all about experiences, and experiences create a lifestyle,” he said.

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty Sales Associates are Local Experts with Worldwide Reach and Connections. We define Luxury as an experience, not a price point and create relationships with our customers and clients to last a lifetime.