Guest Blog by Harrison Mayor, Ron Belmont
Harrison population is younger and increasingly diverse
October 30, 2018
It is undeniable that Harrison is an exceptional place to live. It’s no surprise that we top the list of a few of the Business Council of Westchester Data Exchange Top 5 lists, including Youngest (Lowest Media Age) in Westchester County. People establish roots and build their dreams here. Harrison has traditionally been a tightly-knit, mainly homogenous community but has become increasingly diverse as more people move into our area. Just beyond the New York City border, you will find the Town/Village of Harrison, a welcoming place with a lot to offer. This Westchester County community features both a suburban vibe and tranquil landscapes that makes living here so unique. People decide to live in Harrison for many reasons. Vibrancy, diversity, recreational offerings and culture are elements of a suburban lifestyle that young residents value. Harrison maintains a thriving business climate and there are two business districts that offer a commercial area of approximately 23 shops and restaurants. Plans are advancing, in the downtown business district, for the development of a shopping/residential complex that will accommodate the growing interest of people who want to live in the center of town.
Harrison is lucky to have an excellent public school system, offering instruction for Grades K through 12. The Harrison Central School District provides great educational opportunities, within their award winning schools, and several nationally ranked private schools also call Harrison home. Within fifteen miles from the center of town, there are several colleges and universities including Fordham University, Manhattanville College, SUNY Purchase, SUNY Westchester Community College and Iona College.
Physical fitness has become an important part of daily activity for not only the millennial population, but for people of all ages. Harrison’s Recreation Department maintains and operates three recreation facilities that cover eighty acres in the town’s eight parks. There are three outdoor pools, fourteen tennis courts, basketball courts, several playgrounds and an abundance of green space. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Silver Lake, in West Harrison, offers swimming, boating, hiking trails and picnic areas.
Arts and culture are alive and well in Harrison. The Donald M. Kendall Sculpture garden, located on the grounds of PepsiCo in Purchase, exhibits forty pieces of twentieth century sculpture situated on 140 landscaped acres. Across the street from PepsiCo is SUNY Purchase, a New York State University that focuses on the arts. The University’s Center for the Arts hosts productions by acclaimed ballet troupes, orchestras, theatre companies, and comedians. The campus also features the Neuberger Museum, which houses a collection of twentieth century American, European, and African art.
Throughout the year, there are a number of events for the entire family to enjoy. A summer concert series features musicians who perform in West Harrison and Downtown Harrison in July and August. The very popular Play2Learn Festival, for parents and preschool children, kicks off the fall season and our “It’s Great to Live in Harrison Celebration” is held every Columbus Day featuring a parade and “festa” in the park. Our Recreation Department hosts a Halloween Bash and also partners with local merchants for a children’s window painting competition, during the Halloween season. The onset of winter brings tidings of good cheer as the town hosts several holiday themed community events. There are also annual Spring Egg Hunts and sports tournaments.
Harrison maintains two exceptional libraries that focus on developing new community building opportunities incorporating technology based programs and cultural events. One of the needs, that our library has been extremely proactive in addressing, is helping to integrate our diverse population. A recent library renovation includes an innovative, new technology lab. The library has an established web presence and continues to communicate with the community via social media.
For commuters and travelers, Harrison provides several convenient options. The Westchester County Airport provides daily direct flights to a number of urban areas. Those who live in Harrison, and commute to New York City, can take an express train ride and be in Manhattan in about a half an hour. The New Haven line runs through Harrison’s central business district, making several stops before arriving in Grand Central Station.
When it comes to quality of life, Harrison is the perfect place to live, work and play. Our community benefits from the proximity to big city opportunities while enjoying the comforts of small town charm. Harrison’s diverse cultural and recreational amenities, revitalized commercial areas, with an emphasis on green space, and world class educational institutions make our community appealing to established residents and newcomers, alike.