Located in northern Westchester County, Cortlandt is a scenic Hudson River town known for its revolutionary history, natural beauty, and small-town vibe.
This family-oriented community offers residents an excellent quality of life.
Population
Home to around 42,000 people, Cortlandt maintains a peaceful, neighborly atmosphere. The population is predominantly white at around 75%, with growing Asian, Black and Hispanic communities.
Cortlandt’s population has increased modestly over the past decade as families seek out its top-ranked schools, parks, and easy commute to New York City.
History
Cortlandt’s history is tied to the Revolutionary War, when it was an important defensive point for settlers. Locals helped capture the British spy John Andre at Patriot’s Park.
The 1890s brought industry like the Westchester Knife Co. and factories producing furnaces and food items. Cortlandt later transitioned to a residential commuter town, but preserved its historic sites.
Quality of Life
Cortlandt offers an outstanding quality of life with beautiful parks, award-winning schools, and community amenities. Popular parks include Hudson National Golf Course, Tibbetts Brook Park, and Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park.
The town hosts free summer concerts, movie nights, craft fairs, and camps that bring neighbors together. Cortlandt also provides exceptional services for youth, seniors, veterans and more.
Healthcare
Residents have access to excellent care through Phelps Hospital, New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, and adjacent centers of excellence like Columbia University’s hospitals.
Cortlandt promotes wellness through parks offering hiking, sports, and fitness trails. Upcoming health initiatives include pedestrian connectivity improvements and recreational programming.
Safety
With proactive policing and watchful neighbors, Cortlandt maintains extremely low crime rates. Violent offenses are rare, while property crime occurs at a third of the national average.
Ongoing safety programs include youth outreach, traffic enforcement, home security checks, and community forums. Cortlandt ranks among Westchester County’s safest towns year after year.
Transportation
Cortlandt enjoys quick transit to New York City via Metro North’s Croton-Harmon Station, just a 45 minute ride to Grand Central. Major highways include the Taconic State Parkway, U.S. Route 9 and I-684.
The Cortlandt Freebus provides service within town. Sidewalks, scenic trails and flat terrain also make walking or biking around town inviting.