Dobbs Ferry, NY 381 Apartments for Rent

Dobbs Ferry played a key role in the American Revolutionary War. The village's namesake, Captain William H. Dobbs worked with General George Washington (some historical figure you may have heard of) to ferry troops around the area north of New York City and spy on the British.

Dobbs Ferry is part of the town of Greenburgh, but exists as an independent village with its own mayor. It sits along the banks of the Hudson River, with the narrow Saw Mill River forming its eastern border. Midtown Manhattan is less than 20 miles away by heading down highway NY-9A, which will take you 30 minutes or three days, depending on traffic. There were 10,875 people living here as of the 2010 census, and though Dobbs Ferry is mostly residential, many yards are small, and almost every acre has been developed, giving the village a dense population. This is Mark Zuckerberg's hometown, so if you're having trouble getting Facebook chat to work, feel free to go to his parents' house and complain.

Moving to Dobbs Ferry

First, the bad news. Housing prices here are among the highest in the country. But there are more than just 19th century mansions in Dobbs Ferry. There are also modest wooden houses, a few co-ops, apartment buildings, and rental homes, as well as studio apartments for rent that have been renovated above stores. If you're thinking of renting an apartment in Dobbs Ferry, you'll want to start looking well ahead of time, think six weeks or more, because most opportunities are spread by word of mouth and get filled before they're ever listed.

What You'll Need to Move

High demand means apartment managers get to be picky. That means they'll want to see rental references, rental history, a strong credit rating, proof of income and a criminal background check. Plus you'll need to pay first and last months' rent up front, often along with a sizable deposit.

Dobbs Ferry Neighborhoods

Being a village in a town, you wouldn't think Dobbs Ferry would have many distinct neighborhoods. But the authorities came up with the 2010 Vision Plan, which outlines a number of official neighborhoods, though we doubt most residents could even tell you in which one they live even today. In general, the business district is near the waterfront, along with small houses, serviced apartments and hi rise condos. Farther from downtown, the houses get bigger. Much bigger.

Beacon Hill: Like many of these neighborhoods, Beacon Hill is named after a street. In this part of the village, avenues get wide and curvy. St. John's Riverside Hospital is nearby, in case you pull a hamstring doing that new yoga pose.

Broadway: A bit different than that other Broadway, but close to the water and shopping in Dobbs Ferry. Easy access to the highway.

Wickers Creek: Just south of Mercy College, the area has just a few big, loopy streets.

Waterfront: They weren't very creative with this name, but if you find an apartment rental here you'll enjoy views of Tallman Mountain State Park across the Hudson.

Fairmead: The southwestern area of the village. Big houses, big yards, lots of trees, and a dental center. Party time!

Riverview Manor: Two bedroom 19th century houses set beside colossal Mediterranean, Tudor and Colonial revival style homes on tree-lined streets that overlook the water from atop hills.

Villard: Houses designed by a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright on Villard Hill.

Belden: Head over to N and O Lawn Care to make sure the grass is greener on your side of the fence, not your neighbor's.

Maple: In the north of Dobbs Ferry, close to Gould Park, which has a public swimming pool and sports facilities.

Walgrove: Between Broadway and Beacon Hill, Walgrove has a gas station, bank, and Dobbs Diner.

Southfield: The eastern edge of Dobbs Ferry, near I-87, the Saw Mill River and the village of Ardsley. There are a number of restaurants, real estate agencies and other businesses in this neighborhood.

Northfield: Just North of Southfield, Northfield is residential only.

The Knoll: Older houses, including many red brick ones, so you won't have to worry about the big bad wolf blowing them over.

Parkway: In the south of the village, near Zinsser Park and the upscale waterfront Italian restaurant Harvest on Hudson. The grilled octopus and trevisano radicchio sounds delicious.

Juhring: In the northeast of the village, next to the Juhring Nature Preserve, which has trails winding through a 76 acre park.

Old Town: Boutique shops, sushi and pretending to be a quaint 18th century village.

Apartment Communities in Dobbs Ferry

Osborn Manor: 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, some with deck or patios, in two story red brick buildings. Located on Broadway.

The Summit at Dobbs Ferry: They have 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units plus studios apartments for rent on 30 acres of landscaped grounds.

Living in Dobbs Ferry

Life in Dobbs Ferry is typical of Westchester County, with lots of outdoor activities and general tranquility. There's not much nightlife in these suburbs, but pubs (such as the Bronx Ale House), wine bars and cafes will keep you entertained when you're not up for a trip down to the Big Apple.

Getting around Dobbs Ferry on foot or bicycle is generally easy, though winters here are cold and snowy. Driving, on the other hand, can be frustrating as the streets in the shopping district can get packed. Many residents don't own a car at all, and use public transit and their feet to get around the village. The Bee-Line Bus System will take you across the city, either north-south or east-west, and there's also a shuttle bus that makes getting to the historic train station quicker. From the train, you can get to New York City in about 44 minutes on the Metro-North Railroad, arriving at Grand Central Station.