Mount Vernon
History
Settled in 1664 and officially incorporated as a city in 1892, Mount Vernon, NY, is a culturally vibrant, diverse inner suburb of New York City. Named after George Washington’s Virginia estate, the city has deep roots in early American history and has long been a hub for commuters and diverse communities.Early Settlement and the Revolutionary War
- Colonial Roots: Originally part of the Town of Eastchester, the land was first settled by colonists from Connecticut.
- Zenger Trial Connection: The area’s meeting house hosted a pivotal 1733 assembly election for Lewis Governor William Cosby’s opposition to
- Revolutionary Skirmishes: Mount Vernon served as a crucial strategic buffer zone. Glover’s Brigade fought a notable delaying action here in 1776, protecting Gen. George Washington’s army from defeat.
The Industrial Home Association
- In the early 1850s, the New York Industrial Home Association No. 1 purchased local farmland to build affordable homes for working-class tradesmen, allowing them to escape high New York City rents.
- This cooperative development officially established the When voters were offered the chance to consolidate into New York City in 1894, Mount Vernon overwhelmingly voted to remain independent.
Landmarks and Modern Growth
- Paul’s Church: Serving as a military hospital and troop encampment during the Revolutionary War, this National Historic Site is famous for its history and its historic 18th-century organ. Learn more about its legacy via the National Park Service St. Paul’s Site.
- Demographic Evolution: By the late 20th century, Mount Vernon became the largest African-American majority city in the Today, it remains a heavily Caribbean-American and African-American community, shaped heavily by the Jamaican migration in the 1960s.
- Notable Residents: The city has been home to several distinguished individuals, including author B. White, entertainer Dick Clark, and athletes like Rai Benjamin and Ben Gordon.
Today
Living in Mount Vernon, NY, offers an urban-suburban mix just 30 minutes north of Midtown Manhattan. Highly accessible via the Metro-North Railroad (Harlem or New Haven lines), it provides an affordable, ethnically diverse commuter lifestyle with bustling city conveniences and quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods. Mount Vernon is a vibrant, multifaceted city in Westchester County. Understanding what life is like here requires looking at several key aspects of the community:- Commuting & Location: Sitting just above the Bronx, the city spans 4.4 square miles. Residents have excellent access to Metro-North train stations (Mount Vernon East, Mount Vernon West, and Fleetwood) for quick 30-minute trips into Grand Central Terminal. Major highways like the Hutchinson River Parkway and Cross County Parkway make driving to the Bronx, Queens, or Connecticut a
- Housing Market: The city offers a variety of housing options, from pre-war apartment rentals and brick walk-ups to co-ops, condos, and single-family The median rent hovers around $1,400 to $1,850 monthly, and the median home value is generally lower than in other parts of Westchester.
- Neighborhoods: The city has distinct The Fleetwood and Chester Heights neighborhoods on the North side are known for their quiet residential streets, early 20th-century houses, and community engagement. The south side provides a more urban feel, anchored by the bustling downtown corridor along Gramatan Avenue and the newly renovated Memorial Field Stadium.
- Amenities & Recreation: Daily errands and dining are convenient, with plenty of local restaurants, cafes, and major national retail For outdoor recreation, Willson’s Woods Park features a massive aquatic center, while the historic St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site offers a glimpse into colonial America.
- Cost of Living: While Mount Vernon provides a more affordable entry point to the NYC metropolitan area than many surrounding Westchester towns, property taxes and general living costs remain higher than the national
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