Harrison
History
Harrison, New York, was established as “Harrison’s Purchase” in 1696 after John Harrison secured Siwanoy tribal lands. Originally an agrarian Quaker community, the area transformed into a bustling commuter suburb with the 1848 arrival of the railroad and evolved into a prominent corporate and residential hub. A timeline of key historical milestones includes:- 1695–1696: English settler John Harrison secured the land. According to local legend, he was given 24 hours to ride his horse around an area he could claim as long as his horse did not get its feet wet, creating the landlocked boundaries we know today.
- 1724: Members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) settled in the northern hamlet of Purchase, establishing the first local meeting house. Though early construction relied on slave labor, the Quakers freed the slaves between 1773 and 1783.
- 1776: During the American Revolution, Merritt’s Hill in West Harrison served as an important staging area and location for military engagements during the Battle of White Plains.
- 1788: The New York State Legislature officially designated Harrison as a
- 1848: The arrival of the railroad fundamentally changed Harrison, initially requiring commuters to literally flag trains This steadily transformed the area from a remote, rural settlement into a highly accessible, middle-class New York City suburb.
- 1975: Harrison was incorporated as a coterminous town and village, a unique structure that prevents secession by its distinct hamlets (like Purchase).
- Mid-to-Late 20th Century: The development of Interstate 287 gave rise to Harrison’s “Platinum Mile,” an iconic corporate corridor in Purchase that attracted Fortune 500 headquarters such as PepsiCo.
Today
Living in Harrison, NY, offers an upscale suburban lifestyle in Westchester County, roughly 22 miles north of Manhattan. It is highly regarded for its top-rated public schools, excellent safety, and diverse real estate. The monthly cost of living is about $3,842 for singles and $8,461 for families.The Commute
- By Train: The Metro-North Railroad New Haven Line connects Harrison Station to Grand Central Terminal in roughly 40–45 minutes.
- By Car: Drivers have convenient access to I-95, I-287, and the Hutchinson River Parkway.
Top Local Highlights
- Dining & Shopping: Harrison is known for its excellent Italian cuisine. Local favorites include Trattoria Vivolo, Emilio Ristorante, and the highly-rated DeCicco & Sons market.
- Parks & Recreation: The 144-acre Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens at PepsiCo headquarters are a major regional Residents also enjoy the Harrison Meadows Country Club and Passidomo Veterans Memorial Park.
- Arts & Culture: Home to Purchase College, SUNY, residents have direct access to the Neuberger Museum of Art and various performing arts venues.
Sorry we are experiencing system issues. Please try again.