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Port Chester, NY

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Port Chester, NY

Port Chester is a village in the U.S. state of New York and the largest part of the town of Rye in Westchester County by population. At the 2010 U.S. census, the village had a population of 28,967 and was the fifth-most populous village in New York State. In 2019, its population grew to a census-estimated 29,342 residents. Located in southeast Westchester, Port Chester forms part of the New York City metropolitan statistical area. Port Chester borders Connecticut and the town of Greenwich to the east. It is one of only 12 villages in New York still incorporated under a charter; other villages are either incorporated or reincorporated under the provisions of Village Law. The village of Port Chester is nicknamed the "Gateway to New England" and serves as a transportation hub between New England states and New York. Its economy is primarily stimulated by small businesses, the local government, and several national chain stores.

The Wappinger people called the land on which the village was founded "Haseco", meaning "marshy land" or "marshy hassock". Upon colonial settlement, the area became known as Saw Pit (or Sawpits) for the saw pits in use during the time. Logs were cut in holes in the ground for wood to be used for homesteading. The name Saw Pit was used for the first time in 1732. The village outgrew this name and became Port Chester by incorporating as a village in 1868.

In 1660, three settlers from Greenwidge (now Greenwich, Connecticut)—Thomas Studwell, John Coe, and Peter Disbrow—arranged to buy Manursing Island and the land near the Byram River from the Native Americans. This First Purchase on Peningo Neck comprised the lower part of the present town of Rye, on the east side of Blind Brook. Over the next decade, additional purchases filled in the shoreline from Rye to Greenwich were made via land agreements with the Native Americans in the area. These Native Americans' tribal affiliation has been a source of considerable debate. They may have been small, independent families or tribes, or subgroups of larger tribes in the area. What is documented is the names of the natives who signed land agreements. Their names were written by the English, using their semi-skilled interpretation of the phonetics. Despite the English phonetic variations, the land records still existent were still clearly signed by the same people.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has an area of 2.4 square miles (6.2 km²), of which 2.33 square miles (6.0 km²) is land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km²), is water. Port Chester has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa). Due to its location on the coast, temperatures are neither extremely cold nor warm, and precipitation is plentiful for the entire year. Winters are usually cool, and powerful nor'easters can occur, sometimes dropping large amounts of rain and snow on the village. The average annual snowfall is 29.8 inches, significantly more than New York City's 25.3. Snow cover is sporadic as the sea moderates temperatures, which melt snow. During the summer, Port Chester is typically warm, but far cooler than towns even a few miles inland, due to the sea's influence.

Health and wellness are a significant focus in Port Chester. The village is home to various healthcare facilities, including the Open Door Family Medical Center, ensuring that the community has access to quality medical services. Additionally, Port Chester offers several parks and recreational areas, such as Crawford Park and Lyon Park, where residents can engage in outdoor activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sense Esthetics Medical Spa provides a tranquil retreat with massages, facials, and holistic therapies. Equinox offers state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, and a wide range of group fitness classes. Prana Prenatal Yoga hosts yoga and Pilates classes that focus on core strength and flexibility. Port Chester Chiropractic focuses on spinal health, pain relief, and overall wellness with comprehensive chiropractic services. Planet Fitness promotes a judgment-free environment with a wide array of exercise equipment and group fitness classes. Port Chester Recreation Center offers outdoor activities, walking trails, and community sports programs for all ages. Club Pilates provides personalized Pilates sessions to improve core strength and body alignment.

Top sites in Port Chester, NY are Capitol Theatre, Clay Art Center, and Lyon Park.

Population: 30,957 (2024). ZIP code: 10573. Area code: 914. Elevation: 16 feet (5 meters). Area: 2.4 square miles (6.2 km²).

FAQs

Is Port Chester,  NY wealthy?

The per capita income in Port Chester in 2018 was $40,722, which is middle income relative to New York, and upper middle income relative to the rest of the US. This equates to an annual income of $162,888 for a family of four. However, Port Chester contains both very wealthy and poor people as well.

What is the crime rate in Port Chester, NY?

Port Chester has an overall crime rate of 12 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Port Chester is 1 in 83. How does Port Chester fare compared to other communities in New York of all population sizes? Port Chester's crime rate is lower than approximately 30% of New York communities.

What is the poverty rate in Port Chester, NY?

Port Chester is a city located in Westchester County New York. Port Chester has a 2024 population of 30,071. Port Chester is currently declining at a rate of -1.23% annually and its population has decreased by -4.76% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 31,575 in 2020. The average household income in Port Chester is $120,876 with a poverty rate of 14.27%. The median age in Port Chester is 38.2 years: 37.5 years for males, and 39 years for females.

Sources

Wikipedia

Village of Port Chester

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

Open Door Family Medical Center

Crawford Park

Lyon Park

Capitol Theatre

Clay Art Center

Lyon Park

Sense Esthetics Medical Spa 

Equinox

Prana Prenatal Yoga

Port Chester Chiropractic

Planet Fitness

Port Chester Recreation Center

Club Pilates

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.