New Windsor is the home of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, a site that commemorates American veterans who were killed or injured during military combat.
By American standards, New Windsor has been around a long time; it was founded in 1762, and was named after Windsor, England
New Windsor is the home of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, a site that commemorates American veterans who were killed or injured during military combat.
By American standards, New Windsor has been around a long time; it was founded in 1762, and was named after Windsor, England. It's best known for its pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, when it served as an important depot for the Continental Army and its medical department. You can even visit the army's last encampment here, as well as a number of historical buildings from the period. With a population of 8,822, New Windsor manages to maintain its own small town identity, so that it's hard to believe that it's only 55 miles from the Big Apple. Somehow, the shadow of New York City never quite reaches this gentle, historic town, and this makes it an ideal place for folks to live who prefer to work in the city and commute home to a quieter place.
Moving to New Windsor
Getting There
New Windsor is easy to get to -- it's just off Interstate 84. The area does get some snow every year -- not a deluge, but if you prefer not to negotiate a moving van in the white stuff, you might want to avoid moving in the dead of winter. Otherwise, there's no peak renter's season, so prices and availability don't fluctuate from month to month.
Looking for a Place
If you're looking for rental houses and duplexes for rent, you'll find that New Windsor has a large number of well-maintained mid-century homes, many of which have been renovated into rental properties. You'll also find a gratifyingly large selection of apartments, condos and townhouses for rent at a variety of price points. You can start your search by going online or by checking the local classifieds. It's also a good idea to drive around various neighborhoods, where you're sure to see rental signs.
Renting: The Necessities
You'll need all your basic identification, plus references (phone numbers will do) and proof of current or future employment. Don't be alarmed if the landlord does a credit check on you -- it's pretty standard these days. Have ready your first month's rent, plus a security deposit -- and you're all set to move in!
Neighborhoods
New Windsor has a huge architectural diversity in its neighborhoods, with large, turn-of-the-century Victorian homes vying for space with luxuriously-appointed contemporary houses. Many of the residential neighborhoods are situated in lovely, bike-friendly, tree-lined streets -- all you need is an old-fashioned milkman and a few barking dogs, and you've got yourself a '50s sitcom. Here are a few of the town's most popular residential areas:
Denniston: This bike-friendly area has a number of newly built homes, many with acreage and fancy pants appointments such as granite counters, hardwood floors and nine-foot ceilings. It's conveniently close to amenities such as Price Chopper Bakeries, Dunkin' Donuts, Wal-Mart and Kmart.
Little Britain: Located west of the central district, this neighborhood has lovely large homes for sale, including several from the Victorian era. It's close to Wal-Mart Supercenter and Home Depot.
Rock Tavern: This lovely, bike-friendly residential area has plenty of affordably-priced homes, many newly-built and on acreage. It's close to Stewart State Forest.
Condos and Apartments for Rent in New Windsor
On the Green: This central area is home to Squire Village, a condo complex with wall-to-wall carpeting and an on-site pool. It's close to New Windsor Pharmacy and Valley Farms grocery.
Quassaick Avenue: Here's where you'll find Knox Village, the town's largest apartment complex, with spacious, affordable apartments and an on-site swimming pool. It's close to Not Just Salads, Destinta Theatres and Butterhill Park.
Vails Gate: This bike-friendly area is home to Southgate Village, a premium apartment complex with large units and gorgeous mountain views. It's close to Kmart, Key Bank, Rita's Italian Ices and New Windsor Coach Diner.
Moodna Creek/Old Forge Hill Road: Here you'll find Olde Forge Hill Apartments, which features units in a variety of sizes, from studios to three bedrooms. It's just a block from the train station, and is also close to Chase Bank, ShopRite grocers and Kmart.
Living, New Windsor Style
New Windsor is an easy town to live and get around in. Weather wise, temperatures are relatively mild, with January highs around 40 and July highs only in the upper 80s. The area gets around 37 inches of snow a year -- not a great deal, but enough to stop traffic if there's a snowstorm, so locals learn to plan around it. As for getting around once you're here, you can give the car a rest and take Transit Orange buses or North Metro trains all the way into New York City.
Things to See and Do
One of New Windsor's most famous landmarks is the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, which commemorates American veterans who were wounded or killed in battle. Its other most-famous landmark is the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, which was the last base of George Washington's Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. You'll find authentic reconstructions of the original encampment buildings, as well as costumed re-enactors.
New Windsor is chock-full of enchanting, Olde-World types of activities. For instance, you can take a trip up the Hudson in an authentic paddle wheel riverboat, courtesy of River Rose Tours and Cruises. If you prefer more modern pursuits, check out Independent Helicopters, where you can enjoy tours and even take courses in flight instruction.
Eateries
Ask any local about the most popular eateries in town, and chances are you'll hear about Citrus, a Thai restaurant with specialties such as curried scallops and Thai fried ice cream. If your carnivore side needs feeding, check out Schlesinger's Steak House for great steaks and awesome French onion soup. When you're ready to lift an elbow, head for Irish Eyes Pub, which features a great beer menu.
New Windsor may treasure its Colonial history, but it's not bogged down in it. You won't feel compelled to fit in by donning panniers or powdered wigs, nor will you feel like you're missing out on any of the amenities of modern living, because they're all here. Plus, there's an abundance of small town friendliness and scenic beauty -- and it's only 55 miles from New York. Now that's a deal to write home about.
