Peekskill is a lively, multicultural city in the midst of a revival. Geography, it is a small city covering an area of about four-and-one-half square miles. It is easy to reach by car, via route 9 and the Taconic Parkway, or by train (MTA Metro-North’s Hudson Line), and is less than an hour from New York City.
One of Peekskill’s major assets is its residents- a diverse group from all walks of life who are proactively involved in the city’s revitalization. The downtown area is attracting new, unique and high-tech businesses. In addition, the Downtown Artist District is developing and expanding live/ work art lofts, and with the creation of the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art and the newly renovated Paramount Center for the Arts, Peekskill has emerges as a thriving center for both fine and performing arts.
With some of the most affordable housing in Westchester County, excellent health care facilities, and a wide range of recreational and cultural choices, Peekskill is a wonderful place to live and to raise a family.
History
When Europeans arrived in the early 17th century, the Peekskill area was Kitchawanc Indian territory.
In the fall of 1654, Jan Peeck, a Dutch explorer and trader, sailed up to the Hudson River. Upon landing, he instantly recognized the area’s commercial gateway to the north. The town that formed around his trading post, creating post bears his name and the Dutch word for creek (“kill”): “Peeck’s Kill”- known today as Peekskill.
To learn more about Peekskill’s colorful history, visit the Peekskill Museum, located on Union Avenue.
Recreation, Peekskill Dept. of Parks & Rec.
Throughout the years, Peekskill’s Department of Parks and Recreation offers a variety of programs, services, camps, and events for children, adults, and seniors. Registration is required for most programs. Brochures are mailed to residents seasonally and there is a recreation hotline that provides updated information, cancellations and program changes.
Paramount Center of the Arts
The Paramount, located at 1008 Brown Street, features live performances by some of the biggest names in entertainment. During the week (and on weekends when there is no live performance scheduled), the Paramount features independent , cutting-edge and classic films. Call 739-2333 or visit www.paramountcenter.org.
Peekskill Museum
For history buffs, the Peekskill Museum on Union Avenue is a wealth of information about the history and industry of the area. It displays artifacts and features exhibits. The museum is open on Saturdays from June through December and by appointment. Call 736-0473 for details.
Peekskill, N.Y. 10566
Phone:
Fax: (914) 737-2688
Schools: Two public school districts serve residents in the City of Peekskill
- The Peekskill City School District
- The Hendrick Hudson School District
Colleges/Universities:
- Westchester Community College – SUNY at Westchester
Major Transportation routes:
- State Routes 9 & 6
- Metro-North Trains and
- Bee Line Transit Buses
City Demographics: (2000 Census Survey)
- Area in Square Miles: 4.3
- Density (no. of People /sq.m.): 5,219
- Number of Households (2000): 8,401
- Median Value (single family): $193,500
- Average Value (single family): $198,412
- Median Household Income: $45,272
- Total population: 22,441
Distribution by Age: Years of age
| 1-14 | 4,741 |
| 15-24 | 2,596 |
| 25-44 | 7,835 |
| 45-59 | 3,948 |
| 60 plus | 3,321 |
Distribution by Race:
| White | 12,819 |
| African American | 5,732 |
| Hispanic | 4,920 |
| Asian | 535 |
| Other | 2,219 |
