Given Croton-on-Hudson's beautiful location, many films and shows have been shot there, including NBC series 30 Rock and Kings, along with the Sylvester Stallone film Daylight.
Croton-on-Hudson is known for its magnificent hillside homes overlooking the Hudson River, but that's not all. The town, closely situated to New York City, also features down to earth locals, access to breathtaking nature and an easygoing lifestyle. If you're looking to get home from work and to spend your weekend jumping into a lazy river with your kids or hiking in the beautiful Hudson Highlands, then Croton might just be the place for you. This guide will provide tips and suggestions to help you find a rental apartment in Croton-on-Hudson that fits all your needs,
Moving to Croton-on-Hudson
Real Estate Options
Croton-on-Hudson has a wide selection of Tudor houses, apartment complexes, and colonials. Most of the housing is single-family homes, but there is also a mix of two-family homes and multi-family homes as well. You will find the most expensive houses built along the hills of the shoreline to provide a magnificent view of the whole area. There are a number of small apartment buildings and condos in the village center that provide quick access to the train station. Just remember, any beaver homes you might see in the area aren't for sale.
Searching For a Bargain
There is a relatively low vacancy rate in Croton, but there are still usually plenty of apartments on the market. As a result, you may want to negotiate your way to a better apartment, especially if you have good credit and income coming in. There are also some 2 bedroom apartments that are reasonably priced that include Internet and laundry facilities. If you don't have many things, you can also find some places that have some furniture and modern kitchen appliances. That should help you unleash your inner-chef, and if not, you can always use the microwave.
Moving to Croton-on-Hudson
Remember that many of the homes in Croton are situated on a hillside. This could present problems for moving. In cases where your move could present a problem, it's probably a good idea to hire some extra help, especially if have you a lot of heavy belongings. It's not a good idea to pull your back on your first day in a new town.
Landlords and Brokers
Whether you're dealing with a landlord or broker, you're going to have to provide some information and documents before a contract is signed. It's standard to provide your ID, copies of pay stubs and undergo a credit check. Annoying but pretty much standard procedure.
Croton-on-Hudson Neighborhoods
Croton-on-Hudson, with a population of 8,070, has three neighborhoods on the waterfront to choose from. Croton Village Center is by far the largest but the other two neighborhoods have their own charm. The town of Croton has shown that they are dedicated to improving the look of the town, adding a pedestrian bridge across the Croton River and a number of bicycle paths as well. No matter which neighborhood you call home, your kids will have quick access to Croton's school system. You can also rest easy knowing that Croton crime rates are lower than most other neighborhoods in New York.
Village Center: This area has the priciest homes, but there are still many deals to be found. In this area, you should have no problem to find a studio apartment or larger apartment.
Oscawana: You can find a charming apt for rent here as well as a number of single-family homes. The area is a little cheaper than the village center, so shop around for a decent bargain.
Grand St / Jacoby St: This area features single-family homes rent in a secluded area of Croton, making it a great place for nature lovers.
Living in Croton-on-Hudson
Croton also has a decent transportation network. The Amtrak's Empire Service and the Metro-North Hudson line both stop at The Croton-Harmon station, providing useful connections to many places, including to New York City. One can reach Grand Central Station from Croton-Harmon station in about 50 minutes. Residents may want to invest in a car for maximum convenience, as it is difficult to get around otherwise.
Croton is not just about beautiful houses and pretty scenery but also has plenty of dining and shopping options. Umami Cafe is perfect for a gourmet meal while the Ocean House Oyster Bar should make just about any seafood lover jump for joy. There are plenty of small and independent stores in the area as well, adding another layer of charm to Croton living. Check out the superheroes at 3rd Universe Comics or grab an organic roast coffee at The Black Cow Coffee Company.
The Croton Point Park is a perfect spot to stop for a picnic. In fact, if you're still feeling hungry afterward, feel free to go fly-fishing in the nearby water for fresh stream trout. While rivers like the Hudson and Croton are beautiful, water plays another important role for the village. Croton is considered to have some of the best water in the Westchester area, with two aquifers providing plenty of pristine drinking water to residents.
Croton is the type of place that likes to celebrate and keep community members engaged. Great Hudson River Revival, with its environmental focus combined with plenty of folk music and art, is an annual event in Croton. There is plenty of history in the area as well, with numerous buildings in Croton such as the Van Cortlandt Manner registered as a National Historic Landmark. No matter why you choose to come to Croton, you're sure to want to stay for more than a while.