8 Things to Know Before Moving to Pleasantville, NY

There is a lot of fascinating history in Pleasantville, NY. Initially established in 1835 and formally recognized as a village in 1907, Pleasantville served as a transit point for fugitive slaves on the Underground Railroad. Due to its long and illustrious past, Pleasantville boasts numerous historic sites and structures. Even now, people from all over the world can discover fascinating and informative sites spread out around the area.

More than 7,000 people call Pleasantville home now, up from 400 when the village was officially established in 1907. Pleasantville is a tiny town with good economic prospects and a stable population growth rate.

Here are eight things to know before moving to Pleasantville, NY!

1. Pleasantville’s cost of living is 57% higher than the national average

Living in Pleasantville is quite pricey due to the city’s affluent nature. The cost of living index here is 157, which is 57% higher than the national average. The cost of housing mainly contributes to this high price, with a median home price of $858,680.

A single adult in Pleasantville spends $48,036 per year on housing, food, child care, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and everything else considered essential. This is higher than both the state of New York’s cost of living (46,110) and the national average (38,433).

2. The city is home to Monmouth University and Quinnipiac University

Residents of Pleasantville have access to a wide variety of educational options. There are two high schools—John F. Kennedy Memorial and Pleasantville—and one elementary school, the highly regarded Bedford Road School.

Among the top high schools in the country, Pleasantville High School has stood out time and time again. The Chappaqua Central School District, which oversees this institution, is ranked third best in New York State. 

You can borrow DVDs, e-books, audiobooks, and more from the public library. Baby storytime and craft day are just two of the many library programs that take place throughout the year. For more than a century, the Pleasantville Library has served the community.

Monmouth University, Quinnipiac University, and Fairleigh Dickinson University–College at Florham are just a few of the universities that call Pleasantville home. The latter is located just 25 miles away!

3. Check out the Berkshire Museum or the Count Basie Theater

Pleasantville boasts a plethora of historical landmarks that showcase the town’s rich legacy; among the most renowned of these is the Burr House. Not only did the Delaware & Hudson Canal stop here, but the subterranean train did as well.

New England’s most extensive collections of glass art are on display at the Berkshire Museum. Along with the Corning Museum of Glass, it is one of just two museums in the world that hold this distinction. There are a plethora of studios and galleries to peruse, and you might even find some local events happening at some of them.

Live theatrical performances and family-friendly entertainment are both hosted at the versatile Arts Center at Pleasantville. The main building houses three theaters, and it has been operating since 1938. The structure was transformed into the Count Basie Theatre in 1959. William Basie, a jazz artist who passed away in 1984, is the inspiration for the venue’s name. Notable touring groups and local artists perform in the theater, which also screens films. It is one of the best venues in the area, according to reviews.

4. A short commute time

Since most people in Pleasantville drive to work, the commuting time is rather short for them. 

A whopping 74% of Pleasantville’s workforce uses a personal vehicle to get to and from work every day, with an average commute duration of 33 minutes. 

5. The town has literary significance

Notable literary contributions are among Pleasantville’s iconic features. As a result of Reader’s Digest establishing a headquarters in Pleasantville in 1922, the town gained significant literary importance. A 20th-century dramatist renowned for her works, such as The Children’s Hour and The Little Foxes, Lillian Hellmen lived in Pleasantville as well. 

Some other famous writers of the period, like Dashiell Hammett (The Maltese Falcon), lived on Hardscrabble Farm in Pleasantville, which Hellmen purchased in the middle of the twentieth century.  

6. Jacob Burns Film Center is located in this city

The town of Pleasantville has become famous as a setting for both literary and cinematic works. The Pleasantville-based Jacob Burns Film Center first opened its doors to the public in the year 2001, and it has made a name for itself by presenting international documentaries and independent features that are on the leading edge of their fields. 

Notable figures from the film industry, such as Woody Allen, Jerry Lewis, and Oliver Stone, have been honored to speak at this place.

7. The small-town spirit is thriving

Pleasantville is home to many well-off people who want to take it easy and use the commuter rail to get to work in Stamford or the city. Nevertheless, being a family-oriented community is their first priority. 

Parents often accompany their children on the way to school and often gather together at pick-up. The school system, community events, and each other occupy their time. Since everyone here knows that this is a little town, everyone is extremely welcoming and kind.

8. The summers are hot, and the winters are chilly

There are four separate seasons in Pleasantville’s humid continental climate. Daytime highs in the summer can reach 87 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity level is often high as well. Nighttime lows drop to around 22 degrees Fahrenheit, and the winters are snowy and chilly. 

Temperatures in the fall are pleasant, ranging from the upper 40s to the middle 60s, while spring is typically mild and rainy. Because of the high annual precipitation in Pleasantville, it is a great place to go for those who want a change of scenery and some downtime. On average, the city receives 50 inches of rain annually. Annual rainfall in the United States is 38 inches on average.

To Sum it All Up

Moving to Pleasantville, NY, offers a blend of historical significance, a thriving educational environment, and a small-town community spirit. The town boasts rich cultural landmarks, rich educational institutions, and a renowned film center. 

However, the high cost of living, especially in housing, might pose a challenge for newcomers. Despite this, the town’s short commute times, literary legacy, and seasonal weather variations make it an appealing choice for those seeking a tight-knit community with a vibrant history.