Jefferson Valley-Yorktown is a census-designated place in Yorktown, New York. The city takes its name from the Battle of Yorktown which, oddly enough, was fought near Yorktown, Virginia.
Jefferson Valley-Yorktown has been around since before the Revolutionary War, although not much occurred in this area. The biggest excitement in the small hamlet happened on the rainy night of the Sept. 24, 1780. British Army Major Andre was captured in Tarrytown and was conducted through Jefferson Valley over Route 6 and Main Street (still in existence), on his way to the Robinson House near Garrison. General Washington wanted Andre brought to him there, but gave orders that the party avoid the main roads. The choice of the route taken suggests that Jefferson Valley was a remote district. Not so much anymore. With a population of 14,142 residents and a regional shopping mall, it's hardly the insignificant village of the past.
Moving to Jefferson Valley-Yorktown
First the bad news. The uptown of southern New York is on the pricey side. Homes rent in Jefferson Valley-Yorktown for quite a bit more than the New York State average and the national average. So get out of Dodge -- er, Jefferson Valley-Yorktown -- if you were expecting to move here on the cheap.
In addition, month-to-month rentals are not spacious, with mostly 2-bedroom apartments. You can find some 3-bedroom apartments, but these are as rare as a good hair day for Donald Trump. If you can find a couple of roomies, it will make your rent more attractive. You'll find an assortment of lovely house rentals in Jefferson Valley, but be prepared to pay top dollar.
When to Start Looking
If you want to live here, start your apartment search now. It may take a while because apartment rentals are in demand. Everyone seems to want to live here near the Jefferson Valley Shopping Mall. Six weeks or longer out from your proposed move-in date isn't too early to find a place to hang your hat. You'll probably have better luck at securing something if you start searching toward the end of the spring or during the summer before early fall.
What You Need
You'll need your credit score, a letter verifying employment / salary and a copy of your last paycheck stub to secure your dream place in Jefferson Valley-Yorktown. When it gets serious, you'll need cash in the form of a cashier's or bank check to pay for first month's rent and security deposit. If your roomie is a furry friend, bring more money for a pet deposit. Isn't Fido or Fluffy worth the extra moolah?
Neighborhoods
Because Jefferson Valley is a neighborhood in Yorktown, there are no specific neighborhoods to detail. Nevertheless, there is quite a bit about this hamlet that you need to know. For instance, Jefferson Valley's livability score of 79 is considered extremely high for New York and the country. Most of the services and eateries here are northeast of the town center, closer to Route 6, and not far from the Jefferson Valley Mall. Yorktown Heights, south of Jefferson Valley-Yorktown, and Peekskill to the west are nearby communities worth a look. Take a gander because they are very livable and you may find some lower rents there. Peekskill is on the Hudson River, and you'll love the gorgeous views in that area.
Living in Jefferson Valley-Yorktown
Culture
The Ryb Art Gallery is a showplace in Jefferson Valley. Its ever-changing exhibit of framed artwork and prints, hand-drawn art from photographs and beautifully executed gift cards is housed inside the Jefferson Valley Mall.
Shopping
Dining and services in Jefferson Valley-Yorktown are spread out along Taconic Parkway. It's a hot spot for local shoppers, due to Jefferson Valley Mall, an enclosed shopping center in next-door Yorktown Heights. You'll shop-til-you-drop at all those Macy's, Sears and H&M sales. American Eagle Outfitters, GameStop, GAP and other corporate chain favorites are here. There are some popular dine-and-dash restaurant choices if you need a refueling-break.
Dine Out
Nuttin' To It is great for breakfast or lunch. The overall ambiance is strip-mall, but this clean and neat little cafe has a choice of tasty homemade soups like beef and barley or bacon and beer on its lunch buffet. Sunday afternoon football at Kirby's Grill and Bar is boisterous and fun. Hefty burgers, corn nuggets and sinful sweet potato fries are just a few of the menu items joining the traditional beer offerings, which include some specialty brands and local favorites.
Outdoor Fun
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is beautiful and offers a clean place to hike, walk, run, and play Frisbee or golf. Surrounded by woods, the lake has boating facilities and there's a huge pool that maxes out at around 3,000 people. Two golf courses are also close to Jefferson Valley.
Easy Commute
Because Jefferson Valley-Yorktown's WalkScore is only 20, you'll definitely need wheels to navigate the area. The good news is that it's just off Route 6 and the Taconic State Parkway, so you can easily get to any surrounding area. Biking along the bike paths that criss-cross the Jefferson Valley-Yorktown area is a great way to get around when you're not in a hurry. The Yorktown Bike Path to Mount Kisco is a nice ride to shopping and Starbucks. Beginning in Yorktown Heights, the 8.28 mile route crosses scenic Croton Reservoir. There are over 392 biking routes from road cycling to mountain biking in the Jefferson Valley area -- it's not a stretch to say that if you like to cycle, you'll find one you like. But if you're too lazy to bike and your car is on the fritz, an Amtrak station is nearby.