If you’re considering a move to New City, NY, chances are you’ve heard talks about the Ferndale neighborhood. Tucked just east of Main Street and stretching from West Clarkstown Road down to Collyer Avenue, Ferndale has built a reputation as one of New City’s most approachable and neighborly enclaves. But what’s it really like to live here? As a local, here’s my inside look at what makes Ferndale a place so many call home.
Community Vibe: Friendly, Unpretentious, and Tight-Knit
Ask any Ferndale resident what drew them to the area, and you’ll likely hear about its incredible sense of community. There’s an everyday warmth you feel walking along the tree-lined sidewalks of Bayard Lane or chatting with neighbors at the weekend farmers market on Gilchrest Road. People genuinely know each other’s names. Block parties, seasonal yard sales, and the annual “Ferndale Fall Fest” at Cooper Green Park foster that small-town camaraderie that’s harder and harder to find in the New York metropolitan area.
Here, you’ll see kids riding bikes, families walking their dogs, and folks pausing for conversations at the corner of Edison Drive and Hampshire Road. The Facebook neighborhood group is active and positive, whether someone’s sharing lost pet alerts or offering up extra garden veggies.
Housing: Diversity in Styles and Budgets
Ferndale offers a mix of housing ideal for a variety of residents:
- Classic mid-century ranches and splits dominate streets like Bon Aire Lane and Hillside Avenue, with many lovingly updated.
- Larger colonial and contemporary homes can be found near Ferndale Drive itself or the sought-after cul-de-sacs off Briarcliff.
- Some original Cape Cods or smaller single-family properties—perfect for first-time buyers—dot the older blocks.
Most lots are roomy enough for gardens and swing sets, and it’s common to find well-maintained yards with blooming hydrangeas or maples that turn brilliant each fall. While prices reflect New City’s strong real estate market, Ferndale tends to be more affordable than some flashier adjacent neighborhoods, without sacrificing quality of life.
Walkability: Everyday Convenience
Ferndale strikes a lovely balance between suburban tranquility and practicality. Sidewalks run along most main streets, making it easy—and safe—to walk or bike:
- Kids can walk to Little Tor Elementary via quiet back roads like Center Street.
- Local favorite Scott’s Market on Demarest Mill Road is a morning stroll away, perfect for coffee and essentials.
- Just a 15-minute walk south, you’re in the heart of downtown New City with its cafés, bakeries, and the beloved New City Library.
Because most homes are within a mile of schools, grocery stores, parks, and public transit, residents find they can often leave the car at home.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
One big draw for families is the range of highly-rated public schools serving Ferndale. Little Tor Elementary sits on the northern border, known for its nurturing teachers and active PTA. Older students attend Felix Festa Middle School, just a quick bus ride or bike trip away, and the top-ranked Clarkstown North High School, easily accessible via Lake Road.
Family-friendliness shines through in other ways, too:
- Several daycare centers and preschools dot the area.
- After school, you’ll spot kids at the Cooper Green Park playground or shooting hoops at the public courts on Yorktown Road.
- The neighborhood hosts Halloween parades, spring egg hunts, and summer movie nights under the stars—events where children and adults mingle effortlessly.
Parks and Green Spaces
Ferndale’s outdoor perks are a major highlight. Cooper Green Park anchors the area with:
- Tennis and basketball courts
- Playgrounds suitable for toddlers through teens
- Shady picnic pavilions and plenty of open lawn for frisbee or yoga
For those who crave bigger adventures, the entrance to Kennedy Dells Park lies just a mile away, offering wooded trails, a dog park, and a streamside picnic area perfect for hot summer days.
Tree canopy and garden plots make every corner of Ferndale feel close to nature. It’s not uncommon to spot deer at dusk or find neighbors collaborating on flower beds that brighten up intersections each spring.
Safety: Peace of Mind Day and Night
Safety is one of Ferndale’s selling points. Residents routinely mention how comfortable they feel going for evening strolls or letting kids play outside. The community benefits from active neighborhood watch groups, regular patrols by Clarkstown police, and a true “look out for each other” ethos.
Street lighting is ample, intersections are clearly marked, and most houses have updated security systems for added comfort. The result? Crime rates historically rank among the lowest in New City, and a sense of calm pervades the streets after dark.
Location: Quick Access to Conveniences and Major Employers
Ferndale’s central spot in New City means everything is within reach:
- Downtown New City’s restaurants, boutiques, and professional offices are less than two miles away.
- Clarkstown Town Hall and the New City Farmers’ Market are accessible within minutes.
- Commuters appreciate a 10-minute drive to the Palisades Parkway (ideal for heading to Nanuet, Nyack, or even Brooklyn).
- Several major employers—including the Rockland County courthouse complex and Nyack Hospital—are under 20 minutes away.
Public bus service (the TOR line) runs along Little Tor Road, making car-free commuting more viable than in many suburbs.
What Residents Love Most
If you ask neighbors what sets Ferndale apart, a few themes surface again and again:
- The genuine friendships formed over block barbecues, neighborhood book clubs, or casual front-lawn gatherings.
- The peace of quiet streets, yet the luxury of being just minutes from shopping, dining, and top-notch schools.
- The pride taken in well-kept homes and gardens, but without any “keeping up with the Joneses” pressure.
- The abundance of green space, enabling everything from early morning jogs to evening playdates in complete safety.
Ferndale doesn’t put on airs; it welcomes newcomers like old friends. Whether you’re a young family searching for room to grow, an empty-nester craving community or anyone in between, Ferndale offers that rare New York blend of charm, warmth, and convenience.
In short: Living in Ferndale feels a little less hectic, a little more connected, and a whole lot like home.