North Salem

Welcome to North Salem

Overview

Nestled amid rolling hills and verdant landscapes, North Salem offers a serene, country lifestyle with elegant homes, pastoral scenery, and a close-knit community. This picturesque town in northern Westchester County blends rural tranquility with refined sophistication, making it ideal for those seeking space, nature, and understated luxury—just about an hour from New York City… “The Gateway to Upstate.”

Commute & Transportation

• To NYC: ~76 minutes via Metro-North Harlem Line from Purdy’s Station to Grand Central Terminal
• Airports: 27 min to Westchester County Airport, 55 min to LaGuardia, 66 min to JFK
• Train Access: Croton Falls, Purdy’s, and Katonah stations serve North Salem commuters
• Driving: Car-dependent town; local roads connect easily to I-684 and Route 22

Lifestyle & Community

Life in North Salem revolves around equestrian pursuits, nature, and community connection. The town’s heart beats at Old Salem Farm, a nationally renowned equestrian center hosting world-class competitions, and Hayfields Cafe, a charming local coffee shop with gifts, florals, and a well-known vintage sports car meetup. Residents enjoy cultural gatherings, local theatre, and a vibrant library and historical society that anchor the town’s sense of community.

You’ll find locals at the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden, exploring art and gardens, or hiking at Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park with its five lakes and panoramic overlooks. Seasonal favorites include apple picking at Harvest Moon and Outhouse Orchards, fishing at the Titicus Reservoir or Peach Lake, or golfing at Pehquenakonck Country Club.

Housing & Architecture

North Salem’s housing landscape is defined by privacy, acreage, and timeless architecture.
Expect:

• Historic Colonials and revived Farmhouses alongside contemporary country estates
• Expansive horse properties and multi-acre lots
• Select tight-knit neighborhoods offering accessible housing & a sense of community
• Zoning favoring large parcels with private wells & septic systems, preserving the town’s open, rural feel

Buyers are drawn to its country estate living, complete with stone walls, horse paddocks visible from the road, and tree-lined drives.

Top Neighborhoods

• Croton Falls – Convenient to shops and the Metro-North station
• Peach Lake – Lakeside cottage-style properties sited near open farmland, ideal for those seeking water access
• Salem Center – Historic charm with meandering country roads and stone-wall boundaries
• Horse Country Estates – Equestrian-oriented properties with commercial barns, paddocks, and private trails

Schools

North Salem Central School District

• Pequenakonck Elementary School (K–5)
• North Salem Middle/High School (6–12)
  A small, community-focused district known for its personalized attention, academic strength, and strong parent involvement. Nearly all graduates pursue higher education.

Nearby Private Schools:

• The Harvey School (Katonah)
• Rippowam Cisqua School (Bedford)
• Westchester Exceptional Children’s School (Purdys)

Dining & Restaurants

North Salem’s culinary scene embraces its farm-to-table roots with sophistication and charm:

• Purdy’s Farmer & The Fish – Beloved local institution serving seafood and seasonal fare in a restored antique farmhouse
• One Twenty One – Upscale, globally inspired cuisine with local ingredients and a bustling bar scene
• La Bastide by Andrea Calstier – Michelin-starred Fine French dining in a refined, countryside setting and sister restaurant Cenadou Bistrot
• Hayfields Cafe – Known for vintage Cars & Coffee Sundays, charming local gifts, and exquisite floral offerings

Shopping

While North Salem’s charm lies in its quiet simplicity, daily conveniences are within reach:

• Local: Farm stands, markets, and country shops
• Nearby:
  
  • Katonah, NY or Ridgefield, CT – Boutiques, cafés, specialty grocers
  • Danbury, CT or Mount Kisco, NY – Larger supermarkets and essentials
  • White Plains – Full-scale malls and luxury shopping

Outdoor Recreation

North Salem is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with over 1,300 acres of protected open space managed by the North Salem Open Land Foundation.
Highlights include:

• Baxter Preserve – Popular for hiking, horseback riding, and pond views
• Mountain Lakes Park – Five lakes, campsites, and year-round recreation
• Ward Pound Ridge Reservation – Expansive trails, vistas, and cross-country skiing
• Peach Lake – Kayaking, fishing, and peaceful shoreline living

Local Highlights

• Balanced Rock – The town’s mysterious and beloved 60-ton glacial boulder balanced on smaller stones
• Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden – Cultural hub with art exhibitions, concerts, and seasonal festivals
• Old Salem Farm – Premier equestrian center with year-round events and training

Real Estate Snapshot

• Average Home Price: Typically ranges from $800K–$3M, depending on acreage, condition, and equestrian amenities
• Market Characteristics:
  
  • Low inventory due to zoning and preservation efforts
  • Strong demand for move-in-ready estates and horse properties
  • Long-term appreciation supported by school quality and rural exclusivity

Buyer Tips:

• Verify septic and well systems during inspection
• Confirm school zones and commute times to Metro-North
• Assess snow removal and maintenance costs for long driveways
• Test cell service and internet options in rural pockets

In Summary

North Salem is a rare blend of elegance and authenticity—a place where you can saddle up in the morning, enjoy a lakeside hike by noon, and dine at a Michelin-recognized restaurant by evening. With its top-tier schools, refined rural charm, and proximity to New York City, it’s one of Westchester’s most coveted hidden gems for discerning buyers who value privacy, space, and beauty in every direction.