Purchase

History

Purchase, New York, is a wealthy hamlet in the town of Harrison. It originated in 1695 when English Quaker John Harrison purchased a large tract of land from the Siwanoy Native Americans. Originally a quiet Quaker farming community, it later transformed into an exclusive retreat for Gilded Age tycoons and corporate headquarters. The history of the area is tied directly to real estate, land development, and civic battles. Key milestones include:

The 1695 Walking Purchase: John Harrison secured approximately 5,000 acres of land from the Siwanoy tribe for 40 pounds. Legend claims Harrison was granted as much land as he could cover on horseback in a single The land deal was officially approved by the British provincial government in 1696 and became known as “Harrison’s Purchase”.
Quaker Settlement (Early 1700s): In 1724, Quaker families from Flushing, Queens, settled in the area and built a meeting house in Quakers made up the backbone of the early agricultural community, and their legacy is preserved by the Purchase Friends Meeting House.
Gilded Age Estates (Late 1800s – Early 1900s): Wealthy magnates and publishing tycoons traveled by train to Rye and by carriage to Purchase to escape New York City. They built large country estates, such as Strathglass Farms (a massive 1900s dairy and cattle estate) and the Ophir Farm estate.
The Secession Battle (1967): To prevent large corporate developments and maintain the area’s rural aesthetic, 200 Purchase residents attempted to secede from the Town of Harrison and incorporate as their own separate village. Harrison officials countered by trying to make Harrison a city. Ultimately, Purchase remained a hamlet within Harrison, but a strong community spirit prevailed, leading to the incorporation of the Purchase Community House.
The Modern Era: In the late 20th century, the area attracted major corporate headquarters—most notably Former estate lands were also repurposed for public education, such as the Purchase College (part of the SUNY system), which was founded by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1967 as a cultural and arts hub

Today

Purchase, New York, is an affluent, leafy hamlet in the town of Harrison known for its spacious estates, top-rated schools, and corporate headquarters (such as PepsiCo and Mastercard). Located just 30 miles north of Manhattan, it offers a peaceful, family-oriented lifestyle with easy access to city conveniences.

Living & Lifestyle

Vibe: Quiet and low-key, characterized by large, gated properties, cul-de-sacs, and lush country clubs.
Cost of Living: Purchase is one of the wealthiest zip codes in the United States, with a cost of living roughly 55% higher than the national average, heavily driven by multi-million dollar real estate prices.
Local Amenities: The area lacks a traditional, walkable commercial center, but residents enjoy the century-old Purchase Community House for its library, swimming pools, and day camps.

Commuting & Travel

To NYC: The drive or express train from nearby stations takes about an The closest Metro-North train stations (Harlem Line) are just a short 8-minute drive away in downtown White Plains or nearby Harrison.
Air Travel: The Westchester County Airport (HPN) is located right in the northeast corner of Purchase, making regional travel incredibly

Education & Culture

K-12: Local students are zoned for the highly-regarded Harrison Central School District.
Higher Education: Purchase is home to two major campuses: Purchase College, SUNY and Manhattanville University.
Attractions: The area features stunning cultural spots like the open-air Donald Kendall Sculpture Gardens and the Neuberger Museum of Art

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