My family has lived in Westchester for generations and in Harrison specifically for over 30 years. As a youngster here in the 1990’s and now as a parent and professional in the community, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the town at different points in life and from different perspectives. It’s a place I have felt lucky to call home through the ages.
Learn about the many things that make Harrison a stand-out place that truly offers something for everyone.
Eat, Drink, Repeat
What better way to lure you in than with talk of food? There is no shortage of irresistible, authentic eats in every corner of Harrison.
If it’s Italian you’re after, some of my favorites are Trattoria 632 in Purchase, and Emilio’s and Trattoria Vivolo downtown. For a lunch bite, Casa D’Italia on Halstead is the best sandwich shop I’ve ever experienced. Some other favorites include Dimitris for Greek, Hajime for Japanese, Quenas for Peruvian, and Aquario for Brazilian and Portuguese. Can’t forget specialty groceries DeCicco’s, Oishinbo or Graziella's either.
Hop, Skip, Jump
Many people are drawn to lower Westchester given its proximity to NYC. Harrison, specifically, sits at a very convenient spot within the suburban landscape.
If you live in Harrison and commute to the city, you can hop on an express train that will get you there in as little as 33 minutes. There are many express trains that leave Grand Central and go direct to Harrison. You can’t beat getting on the train after a day’s work and hearing, “Harrison, first stop!” If you prefer to drive, the Hutch (exit 14) is accessible from the heart of Harrison right next to the Police Station.
Run, Play, Breathe
Harrison covers an area of about 17 square miles and is filled with green space, parks, playgrounds and facilities to keep you active and get your blood pumping. Harrison is home to two Westchester County Parks, Silver Lake Preserve and Cranberry Lake Preserve, natural beauties that are not to be missed.
In the summer months, the Harrison Rec Department’s Ron Belmont Pool Complex in Silver Lake is a perfect escape from the heat for the entire family, complete with a water playground. For the adventurous at heart, you can rock climb at Life Time Athletic or attempt a ropes course at Boundless Adventures. The Harrison Meadows Country Club is also an incredible semi-private facility that was purchased by the town of Harrison in 2021 and offers an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, tennis courts, pool and more.
Work, Network, Advance
Harrison doesn’t only boast beautiful residential areas and green spaces, but it is also home to a number of large corporations. Pepsico, MasterCard and Westmed Medical Group are all headquartered in Harrison, as are SUNY Purchase and Manhattanville College, providing incredible local employment opportunities. Wegman’s Food Market also opened a few years ago.
If you’re a small business owner or work from home and are looking for office space with like-minded individuals, Harrison has you covered too. Check out Carr Workplaces, a co-working space on Mamaroneck Avenue with complimentary on-site parking.
Learn, Achieve, Excel
The Harrison Central School District is comprised of four elementary schools, Purchase, Parsons, Preston and Harrison Avenue, that feed into the Louis M. Klein Middle School and Harrison High School. Harrison High School is an International Baccalaureate World School, so it offers students in 11th and 12th grades the opportunity to earn an IB diploma, which is recognized internationally by leading universities as a standard of rigor. The District also has the IB Middle Years Program available to 6th through 10th graders and is currently in the Candidacy Phase for bringing the IB Primary Years Program to the elementary school level.
If you’re at the point in life where you’re looking for life-long learning options, not to be overlooked in West Harrison is Fordham University’s Westchester campus. The 32-acre campus offers Business, Education, Social Services and Professional & Continuing Studies classes and is also home to three University institutes.
Call Harrison Home
This is just a sampling of all that is packed into Harrison, NY’s borders. Want a tour of this slice of suburban heaven so you can see it for yourself and find your favorite haunts?
