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Ramapo, NY

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Ramapo, NY

Ramapo is a town in Rockland County, New York, United States. It was originally formed as New Hampstead, in 1791, and became Ramapo in 1828. It shares its name with the Ramapo River. As of the 2020 census, Ramapo had a total population of 148,919, making it the most populous town in New York outside of Long Island. If all towns in New York were cities, Ramapo would be the 12th-largest city in the state of New York. The town's name, recorded variously as Ramopuck, Ramapock, or Ramapough, is of Lenape origin, meaning either "sweet water" or "slanting rocks". Early maps referred to Ramapo as Ramepog (1695), Ramepogh (1711), and Ramapog (1775). The town is located south of Haverstraw and west of Clarkstown and Orangetown.

The present-day town was originally inhabited by the Munsee, a band of the Lenape nation. Their descendants now live on Stag Hill in Mahwah, New Jersey, where they form the New Jersey-recognized Ramapo Lenape Nation. During the American Revolutionary War, Commander-in-Chief George Washington is said to have climbed the Ramapo Torne (near Sloatsburg) with a telescope to watch the July 24, 1777, sailing of the British fleet off Sandy Hook in New Jersey. General Washington and his troops set up an encampment in Suffern, in the west of Ramapo, due to its strategic location near a local mountain pass. In this encampment were two French soldiers, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau, and Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. The encampment was on the path to Yorktown, Virginia, where the final battle of the American Revolution took place.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 61.9 square miles (160 km2), of which 61.2 square miles (159 km2) is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km2), or 1.11%, is water. The southern town line is the border of New Jersey, and the western town line is the border of Orange County. The break in the Ramapo Mountains at Suffern formed by the Ramapo River caused the town to be the site of the New York State Thruway and I-287, New York State Route 17, and a railroad line. 

The Palisades Interstate Parkway runs through the northeastern corner of the town, with an exit at the Haverstraw town line on the northern border. Torne Mountain (1,130 ft or 340 m; shown on topographic maps as "High Torne"), in Harriman State Park, overlooks the Ramapo Pass and remnants of the once-thriving Ramapo Iron Works. During the American Revolution, the Torne served as a lookout for British ship movements on the Hudson. Legend tells that Gen. George Washington lost his watch on the mountain, and it may still be heard ticking up there in a crevice of rock. The highest point in Ramapo is Squirrel Swamp Mountain near the northern border of the town, with an elevation of 1,252 feet (382 m).

Ramapo, NY, prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents through various resources and initiatives. The Good Samaritan Hospital, part of the Bon Secours Charity Health System, serves as a cornerstone of healthcare in the region, providing a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, cardiology, and oncology. Additionally, the Ramapo Parks and Recreation Department organizes wellness programs, fitness classes, and recreational activities for residents of all ages, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The Healing Journey provides a tranquil retreat with massages, facials, and holistic therapies designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access to state-of-the-art equipment and personalized training programs to accommodate any schedule. Bonnie's Yoga Shala hosts yoga and Pilates classes that focus on core strength, flexibility, and stress reduction. These diverse facilities and activities make Ramapo a hub for wellness and active living, enriching the lives of its residents.

Top Sites in Ramapo, NY: New York Boulders, Ringwood Manor, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Population: 148,919 (2020). Elevation: 371 ft (113 m). ZIP code: 10901, 10952, 10977, 10970, 10965, 10974. Area code: 845. Area: 61.84 sq mi (160.16 km sq).
 

FAQs

What are the demographics of Ramapo, NY?

The largest Ramapo racial/ethnic groups are White (69.1%) followed by Hispanic (13.4%). Moreover, Black individuals make up 12.3% of the population, further adding to the diversity and inclusivity of Ramapo. Understanding the racial and ethnic demographics of Ramapo is crucial for fostering inclusivity, promoting cultural awareness, and addressing disparities to ensure the well-being of all residents.

What is the history of Ramapo, NY?

The Town of Ramapo was established in 1791. As of the 2010 census, the total population was 126,595. The name Ramapo is derived from an Algonquin word that meant 'round pond' or 'sweet water. ' Ramapo developed on the early stagecoach route between New York City and Albany, which passed through the Ramapo pass. In 2012, CNNMoney named Ramapo the 58th best small city to live in America.

What is the crime rate in Ramapo, NY?

The crime rate in Ramapo, NY is much lower than the national average. The violent crime rate in Ramapo is 9.8, while the US average violent crime rate is 22.7, making Ramapo a relatively safe place to live. Similarly, the property crime rate in Ramapo is 14 compared to the US average of 35.4. This means that people living in Ramapo can enjoy a greater sense of safety and security than those living in other parts of the country.
 

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Ramapo

NY Demographics by Cubit

Rockland County Business Journal

US Zip Codes

Niche

Best Places

Good Samaritan Hospital

Bon Secours Charity Health System

The Healing Journey

Anytime Fitness

Bonnie's Yoga Shala

New York Boulders

Ringwood Manor

Bethesda Terrace
 

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.