This flourishing residential community offers an abundance of natural and cultural resources unrivaled by larger cities. Residents enjoy a close-knit, small-town setting reminiscent of a New England village, where traditional charm blends with modern living. The tranquil city is characterized by miles of magnificent shoreline, scenic vistas, rolling landscape and charming, tree-lined streets, while offering a lively downtown thoroughfare on Purchase Street, lined with upscale shops and restaurants.
The residential communities of Rye offer a plethora of options that include majestic waterfront estates with sweeping views, stately Tudors, historic Colonials, ranches and new construction. There are also cooperative and condominium complexes, some with beach access and some located in waterfront townhouse communities. The elementary schools of Rye City include the Osborn School, Midland School and Milton School, which serve kindergarten through fifth grade. All are New York State Schools of Excellence.
Residents devote themselves to the preservation of the city’s coastline and protected harbor to ensure future enjoyment of its beaches, public marina, golf courses and parklands. Nearly one-fifth of Rye had been dedicated to recreation and preservation. Rye’s Sound Shore location, including the Rye Marina in Milton Harbor, makes the area a perfect one for boating and fishing. Two other popular destinations include Oakland Beach and the county-operated Rye Playland Amusement Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. The beach is enjoyed in the summer months, and in the winter there is indoor ice-skating. The Rye Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course and several wading pools, as well as an Olympic-sized pool where residents can enjoy swimming laps.
Rye is a delight to birding enthusiasts, as its well-preserved waterfront is home to a nature center, bird sanctuary and Marshland Conservancy encompassing more than 100 acres. The city-owned Rye Nature Center, a wildlife preserve, offers ongoing educational programs, classes, museum space and special events throughout the year. It also boasts scenic hiking trails through areas with pristine ponds and flowing streams. The city’s active recreation department offers programs and events for participants of all ages including youth sports leagues, Little League, softball, soccer, lacrosse, yoga, computer classes, cooking and science for all ages, beginning with preschoolers. Special events that the rec department sponsors include a summer camp, bike rides, ski trips, a turkey run, walk-a-thon and Halloween window painting, to name a few.
