Category: Tuxedo, NY

Getting to know Tuxedo, New York

The pocket community neighborhoods of Tuxedo

The Town of Tuxedo is located in Southern Orange County, NY.  In size, it’s approximately 40 square miles of which about 75% of that landmass is forever preserved State Parks; about 55,000 acres in Harriman State Park and about 22,000 acres in Sterling Forest State Park.   The geography is minor mountains of the Appalachian Mountain chain which creates tight areas of development – what I call “pocket communities” – in between the mountainous terrain. The tallest of these mountains range between about 700-1,000 ft above sea-level, which allows for homes to be tucked in for privacy in some areas and in other areas to take advantage of high-up, long distance scenic views.  Following are some of the community pockets in the Town of Tuxedo, as a short guide to get to know the Town better.

Central Tuxedo, The Hamlet and Tuxedo Park

Village of Tuxedo Park – Part of the National Register of Historic Places

Tuxedo Park (or “The Park”) is well-known as one of the first planned, gated communities in the nation – founded by Pierre Lorillard IV in the 1880’s, this Gilded Age retreat endures as one of the most beautiful places to live in the country.  Despite being only 1 hour from NYC, it feels a world away.  The Park is notable for many characteristics including its famous residents through the course of time, but also for its historic architecture where the American “shingle style” was burnished by architect Bruce Price.  Other renowned architecture firms practiced here in the Gilded Age and thereafter including: McKim, Mead & White, John Russel Pope, William A. Bates, Sturgiss & Barton, Walker & Gillette, Carrere & Hastings, Delano & Aldrich, Richard Howland Hunt, James Brown Lord and William Edmund Lescaze.  The homes are known for their unique and classic architecture, but also for their near perfect siting in harmony with the natural, mountainous terrain.  Much of the landscape architecture and layout of the roadways, and green commons of the Park were designed and engineered by Ernest Bowditch, a contemporary of Frederick Law Olmstead.  At the heart of the community are three beautiful lakes surrounded by emerald mountains and rocky cliffs making Tuxedo Park a truly unique escape.    It is not an HOA, it’s a New York State incorporated Village within the Town of Tuxedo, NY.

“Tuxedo Lake in Summer” Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2025

Community centers include, The Tuxedo Club (Private, paid memberships by invitation only). St. Mary’s Church, Wee Wah Beach Club, Village Boat Club, Wee Wah Fishing Club, the Race Track Nature Preserve, and miles of hiking trails. Proximity to the Hamlet and commuting access is a great benefit.

“Tuxedo Lake in Winter” Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2026

Tuxedo Union Free School District

The Hamlet of Tuxedo & East Village

“Tuxedo Train Metro North” Photo by Andrea Swenson © 2017

The historic hamlet of the Town of Tuxedo has mixed use, commercial and residential properties.  A series of historic buildings anchor the center of the Hamlet including the Tuxedo Park Library and the Tuxedo Park Post Office (both designed by Bruce Price), the Tuxedo Train Station in beautiful Queen Anne style and George F. Baker High School, with its massive clocktower as a beacon to the community.   The Powerhouse public park has a bandstand, pic-nic court, playing fields, basketball court (which doubles as a winter skating rink), dog park, walking/jogging track, playground and the Ramapo river walk/trails.   The adjacent East Village neighborhood is celebrated for its quaint close-knit neighborhood feel, early homes and the very active Sons of Italy Lodge which hosts Spaghetti dinners, Venison dinners and community fundraisers and gatherings.   There is also a “skate park” near the Ramapo River and adjacent access to Harriman State Park’s hundreds of miles of hiking and recreation trails.  The hamlet boasts easy access to commuting facilities with Rt. 17 close by and MTA Metro North service to NYC, Bergen County, Hoboken and Port Jervis.   Public parking is available in the Town Train lot for residents and the MTA lot.

“Tuxedo Park Library” Photo by Andrea Swenson © 2017

Northern Tuxedo – Sterling Forest and Southfields

Laurel Ridge 

Developed approximately from the 1950’s through the 1970’s, the community of Laurel Ridge offers many Mid-century and contemporary inspired architecture homes some designed by TechBuilt and others said to be designed by architect Charles Winter, all offered in a serene wooded setting. Many homes offer scenic views of the surrounding Sterling Forest State Park and with large fenestrations they perfectly capture the natural surroundings.  It is not an HOA.

Community centers include Tichy Field, with baseball field and batting cage, basketball court, children’s playground, tennis and pickleball courts.  And the Sterling Forest Firehouse is often a community gathering place.

Monroe-Woodbury School District

Clinton Woods 

Just across from Laurel Ridge is a sister community Clinton Woods.  Here you’ll find some mid-century and contemporary inspired architecture in a wooded setting. Many homes offer scenic views of the surrounding Sterling Forest State Park.   A trailhead leading directly into Sterling Forest and hundreds of miles of hiking trails is at your doorstep.   

With close proximity to Laurel Ridge, community centers include Titchy field, with baseball field and batting cage, basketball court, children’s playground, tennis and pickleball courts. The Sterling Forest firehouse is often a community gathering place and just a few miles southwest off of Long Meadow Road is The Sterling Forest Visitor’s Center and Sterling Lake, the heart of Sterling Forest’s recreation amenities.

Monroe-Woodbury School District

Bramertown & Benjamin Meadow

“Sterling Forest State Park” Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2025

Nestled near Sterling Forest, this area of town is a mix of antique homes and more recent builds including a couple of minor subdivisions with luxury homes. It has close proximity to Monroe & Greenwood Lake for conveniences.   The Doris Duke Trailhead is nearby, with parking, for wonderful hikes in Sterling Forest State Park.   The NY Renaissance Faire is a local attraction that draws day-trip visitors from far and wide.

Monroe-Woodbury School District

Southfields

Once famous for the Red Apple Rest and before that for iron works furnaces dating back to the American Revolution, this area of town offers a mix of single-family residential homes and commercial spaces and a condos community called Tuxedo Heights. Southfields also has the Tuxedo Motel, a gas station with conveniences and close proximity to Rt. 17 for highway commuting and the Harriman Metro-North Station. 

Monroe-Woodbury School District

The South End of Town

Surrounded by Sterling Forest State Park, this area of town is celebrated for its quiet, private and rustic feel, yet great proximity to major amenities.   The Tuxedo Club golf course is in between Maple Brook and Eagle Valley, adding a bucolic and scenic feel to the area.

Maple Brook  & Eagle Valley

The Eagle Valley Mini-Park offers a basketball court, picnic tables and a large playground for young children.  Alexander Pond offers fishing and winter ice skating when conditions are safe.   St. Elizabeth’s Chapel with historic roots in community back to the Hamilton and Morgan families is an inspiring small stone chapel that is often the heart of community gatherings for worship, celebration and fundraising. The Eagle Valley Firehouse is another cherished community gathering center when the dedicated volunteer firefighting force is not rushing to emergencies.

“Maple Brook” Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2025

Hamilton Estates/ Table Rock / Juniper

Newer construction estate style homes dot the hillsides of the historic Hamilton Estate area, many of the homes are of luxury caliber and size, set back from the road and offer privacy and elegance, some with scenic mountain views, golf course views or views over Alexander Pond.

The Woodlands

With phase one of this Planned Integrated Community built in the 1980s and 2nd and 3rd phases constructed in the 1990s, this is a well-established HOA community with clubhouse, tennis & pickleball and swimming pool.  Adjacent to the community is the beautiful town park, Murphy Field where “Tuxedo Day” is often held as a large community gathering.  The Park offers a playground and playing fields for soccer and baseball.   The Sterling Forest Firehouse and accordant organizations and St. Elizabeth’s Chapel in Eagle Valley are anchors to this wonderful south end of town.   Prime location affords residents easy access to Bergen County and the wonderful historic area of Ringwood, NJ is right at the back door.  The Woodlands at Tuxedo is an HOA.

Tuxedo Union Free School District

“Woodlands Clubhouse” Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2024

Central & South End of Town

Tuxedo Reserve 

“Tuxedo Reserve” Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2025

Tuxedo Reserve is tucked in the hillsides just south of the hamlet of Tuxedo and adjacent to the South East part of Tuxedo Park.  Newly developed as of 2026, Tuxedo Reserve by Lennar Homes and Related Companies is to be approximately 1,000 homes in about 9 different development phases of varying formats, with a mixed-use commercial area and community center at its heart.  Residences will range from rental apartments above commercial and retail space in the downtown center to townhomes, cottage style homes, estate homes and a 55+ community, each to be built out in phases over about 10 years. This is an HOA.

Tuxedo Union Free School District

“Boating on Tuxedo Lake in Tuxedo Park” Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2025

Introducing Tuxedo Reserve: Your Guide to a New Era in Lower Hudson Valley Living

Curious about Tuxedo Reserve? As a dedicated local real estate resource, I’ve done the groundwork for you. I’ve personally visited and toured the community, met with Alan and Adam from the Lennar new sales office, and completed my initial research. I’m ready to serve buyers exploring this exciting new development.

I’m also deeply passionate about representing Tuxedo. As a lifelong resident, this community is not just a market I work in — it’s my home. That perspective shapes how I advise buyers and why I take a hands-on approach when helping clients explore new opportunities here.

Jacob Matthews with Alan Cedres in front of New Construction
at Tuxedo Reserve

Welcome to Tuxedo Reserve

Tuxedo Reserve sales office, Tuxedo, NY.

The long-anticipated residential community of Tuxedo Reserve is finally taking shape in a highly coveted setting adjacent to the cherished hamlet of Tuxedo.

Planned over roughly a decade, this expansive development is a collaboration between Related Companies and Lennar Homes. It promises a unique residential experience, blending quality construction with an exceptional natural setting.

Tuxedo Reserve is positioned to serve as a natural complement to the existing hamlet of Tuxedo, building upon the area’s established amenities, transportation access, and small-town character while introducing new housing options at scale.

Nine identified neighborhoods of Tuxedo Rerserve

The Vision: Nine Distinct Neighborhoods

Tuxedo Reserve is designed to feature nine distinct neighborhoods, each offering impressive scenic and long-distance views.

Many homes are positioned to capture sweeping vistas extending toward Harriman State Park, with natural sightlines that reflect the protected landscape surrounding Tuxedo. These views are a defining element of the community and help reinforce a strong connection between the built environment and the region’s preserved open space.

Home styles will be diverse and thoughtfully planned to accommodate a range of lifestyles and preferences, including free-standing single-family homes, townhouse-style residences, estate homes, and a dedicated 55+ community.

Future plans also include a village center with mixed-use commercial and residential spaces, envisioned to support daily living with neighborhood services, coffee shops, and apartments.

Detail of one community – West Terrace – the first community
being built alongside Tuxedo Reserve Village.

Featured Neighborhoods

While the full plan is expansive, several of the initial neighborhoods include West Terrace, The Bluffs, Mountain Lake, and The Village at Tuxedo Reserve.

Each neighborhood is planned to offer its own sense of place while remaining connected to the broader community.

Amenities and Lifestyle

An active, connected lifestyle is central to the vision for Tuxedo Reserve. HOA-managed amenities are planned to include swimming pools, sports courts, and community gathering spaces.

Beyond the community itself, Tuxedo Reserve benefits from immediate proximity to the amenities of the hamlet of Tuxedo and nearby Sloatsburg. Residents enjoy access to Metro-North and New Jersey Transit rail service, as well as Coach USA bus service to New York City, offering convenient commuting options into Manhattan, often within approximately an hour depending on route and timing.

Local amenities further enhance daily life, including the Tuxedo Park Library, neighborhood restaurants such as Tuxedo Sushi and Dottie Audrey’s, and a growing presence of local art galleries and cultural offerings in both Tuxedo and Sloatsburg.

All of this is located just moments from Harriman State Park, reinforcing a lifestyle that blends community living with immediate access to outdoor recreation and protected natural landscapes.

Your Opportunity for New Construction

Homes are already being built and sold within Tuxedo Reserve, with early inventory reportedly moving quickly.

This community represents a rare opportunity to purchase new construction at meaningful scale and quality in New York’s Lower Hudson Valley. Buyers are drawn to a compelling combination of convenience and commutability, planned amenities and community infrastructure, and sweeping views across Tuxedo and outward toward Harriman State Park, as well as Rockland and Bergen Counties.

Current Pricing Snapshot

Current pricing is reported to range from the high $600,000s to approximately $1.1 million.

Ready to Explore Tuxedo Reserve?

If the appeal of a thoughtfully planned community paired with the consistency of a nationally recognized homebuilder resonates with you, I’m here to help. Navigating a new development purchase requires specific expertise, and I am available to guide buyers through the entire process.

For additional information about Tuxedo Reserve, the surrounding communities, or the home-buying process in the Lower Hudson Valley, you can visit my main website at www.jacobmatthewsrealtor.com.

A special thank you to Alan Cedres from the Lennar sales team for the extensive tour, and to his colleague Adam Fromm for arranging the visit.

Town-house attached single-family residences at Tuxedo Reserve
(All Photos by Jacob Matthews)

4 Day Hikes to Capture the Natural Beauty of the Tuxedo, NY Area

One of the great joys of living in the Tuxedo Park area is the unparalleled access to unspoiled nature right outside your door. Whether you’re seeking a quick, rewarding workout, an all-day wilderness escape, a jaunt into the forest for meditation or forest bathing can be restorative. Harriman and Sterling Forest State Parks offer hundreds of miles of well documented and maintained hiking trails fit for a lifetime of outdoor activity and recreation. 

To help you get started, I’ve compiled four favorite local day hikes—from rewarding scrambles to gentle mountain climbs—all conveniently located near the Hamlet of Tuxedo.   Please note, these trails are challenging and not “ADA accessible style” but we will in the future post about area trails that are “accessible”. 

1. Claudius Smith’s Den (Harriman State Park)

Starting Point: Hamlet of Tuxedo, NY, Grove Dr. – take Red Blazed “RD” to Red Blazed “Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy” trails. There is no parking in the East Village neighborhood of Tuxedo, so please park at the Metro North Commuter lot in Tuxedo. This is an out and back hike, not a loop.

Prepare for an invigorating ascent that rewards you with one of the most remarkable vantage points in the area. Beginning in Tuxedo’s “East Village” on Grove Drive, the trailhead immediately greets you with a steep, challenging climb heading east into Harriman State Park.

Once you reach the initial plateau, pause to take in the unrivaled, panoramic views over the entire Hamlet of Tuxedo. A second, intense incline leads you up to the historic Claudius Smith’s Den, a legendary cave once used by a Revolutionary War-era outlaw. The final segment involves a fun, rock-scramble style climb that takes you directly on top of the den’s outcrop, providing breathtaking vistas across Southern Orange County, with views that extend all the way into Northern New Jersey.

“Claudius Smith’s Den”, Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2025

2. Doris Duke Loop Trail (Sterling Forest State Park)

Starting Point: North of the Hamlet, Benjamin Meadow Rd, near the Renaissance Faire Grounds. Dedicated parking on site, then, take the white-blazed “DD” loop trail. This is a loop hike.

Often referred to as Sterling Forest’s hidden jewel, the Doris Duke Loop Trail is a beautifully maintained, yet lesser-known, route that offers both serenity and stunning payoff. The 2-3 hour moderate loop traverses the Doris Duke Preserve area.

If you choose the northerly (counter-clockwise) direction, you’ll start with a few moderate inclines before traversing along the edge of a medium-sized pond area. The trail then leads up to high mountain crests where, on a clear day, you can catch spectacular long-distance glimpses of the New York City skyline! Be sure to stop for a rejuvenating picnic on the large, bald glacial rock outcrops at the loop’s highest elevation. While some sections are flat and gentle, come prepared for portions that require deft footwork and sturdy hiking boots.

“Doris Duke Loop Trail”, Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2022

3. Furnace Loop Hike (Sterling Forest State Park)

Starting Point: North of Southfields, Town of Tuxedo.  Best parking is across from the trail on the side street just off Orange Turnpike. Take the red blazed “FL” Trail off of Old Orange Turnpike. This is a loop hike.

For the hiker who loves history mixed with a good, challenging workout, the Furnace Loop is a fantastic option. This is a relatively short hike that packs a punch with several very steep uphill and downhill sections, including rock scrambles set in steep inclines.

Hiking counter-clockwise, you’ll cross a scenic wooden footbridge over a large creek before encountering the impressive stone furnace structure that historically produced iron—a fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial past. A peaceful pond about halfway through the journey provides a perfect spot to rest and refuel before the exhilarating tail end of the hike, which includes a controlled rock scramble down a steep slope. No climbing gear needed, but you’ll want proper footwear for this section!

“Ephemeral Flower”, Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2022

4. Wildcat Mountain (Sterling Forest State Park)

Starting Point: Park & Ride Lot just north of the Hamlet of Tuxedo at Rts 17 & 17a   Take the white blazed “WM” trail. This is an out and back hike, not a loop.

If you’re looking for a short hike  combined with unique topography , Wildcat Mountain is your perfect choice. This is not a loop hike, so prepare for “out and back” method, hike in as far as you want or just enough – about 30 minutes – to get to the Wildcate lookout. From the north end of the lot, a gentle slope welcomes you onto the Wildcat Trail, leading you to the summit in approximately 30 minutes.

At the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the central and eastern portion of Tuxedo, looking south and east toward Harriman State Park. This vantage point offers a unique perspective on the narrow valley corridor that forms much of the Town of Tuxedo. From here, you can observe the “veins of the town” snaking through the valley: the Ramapo River, the New York State Thruway, the Port Jervis line of the Metro North Train, and Route 17 highway. The bald-faced glacial rock outcrops at the edge of Wildcat Mountain are the ideal spot for that must-have scenic selfie and a quick snack!

“View from Wildcat Mountain”, Photo by Jacob Matthews © 2022

Local Hiking Resources and Safety Tips

The Harriman State Park and Sterling Forest State Park areas are well-maintained, but preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable outing.

  • Check Park Websites and Socials Before You Go: Always consult park websites and socials prior to hiking for any closures, warnings, or seasonal changes (e.g., hunting seasons).
  • The Buddy System: Inform a family member or friend of your chosen trail, your estimated start time, and your expected return time.  Better yet, is always to hike with a partner or small group.
  • The Essentials: Pack plenty of water, bug spray, sun-block, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring quick snacks (granola, nuts) and a small first aid kit. A lightweight, extra dry-wicking clothing layer is always a wise addition.
  • Navigate Smart: While a charged cell phone is essential with state park maps or apps downloaded, signal strength can be spotty. Bring a printed trail map available from the NY/NJ Trail Conference or local retailers like Dottie Audrey’s.
  • Gear Check: Sturdy hiking / trail runners  or boots are mandatory, and hiking poles are always helpful on steep inclines and descents.
  • Tick Check: Perform a thorough tick check immediately upon returning home.

3 Favorite New York Bagel Shops Near Tuxedo Park, NY

New York bagels are world-famous; and it’s not just a New York City thing. Fresh from the bakery, warm, moist, and perfectly chewy, nothing quite compares to an authentic New York bagel.

Across the greater NYC metro area, there’s a long tradition of producing some of the best bagels in the world, and the Tuxedo Park area is no exception. Whether you’re a weekend visitor, a new resident, or a long-time local, these nearby bagel shops serve up classic New York flavor close to home.

Below, we’ve rounded up a few top-rated bagel shops near Tuxedo Park, NY, with full address and contact info; listed by proximity, not in order of “best.”

Jessie’s Bagels – Sloatsburg, NY

A true local institution, Jessie’s Bagels has been serving the Tuxedo Park & Sloatsburg region for years. They bake fresh every morning, offering a wide variety of bagel flavors made the traditional New York way — crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside. Meet their newest location, set in a converted auto-repair garage, offering a welcoming dine-in space with a cozy, casual vibe. True to their tagline, “From Bagels to Burgers,” Jessie’s serves not just bagels but also soups, sandwiches and burgers for breakfast or lunch.

Customer Tip: Grab a half-dozen bagels to take home — freeze some for later. Try the toasted whole wheat everything bagel with scallion cream cheese — it’s a local favorite!

Address: 207 Orange Turnpike (or 203 Orange Turnpike), Sloatsburg, NY 10974
Phone: (845) 753-8019

Bagel Train – Suffern, NY

One of the most popular bagel shops in Rockland County, Bagel Train often has a line out the door — a true sign of quality. Their bagels are everything you’d expect from a true New York bagel: fresh, fluffy, and full of flavor. This is a no-frills, take-out only shop, but the bagel sandwiches are legendary. From classic bacon, egg & cheese to creative deli combos, the possibilities are endless.

Customer Tip: Visit during off-hours if you want to avoid the morning rush. When it’s your turn, be ready to order — the team is friendly but fast-paced!

Address: 150 Orange Ave, Suffern, NY 10901
Phone: (845) 368-4234

Bagel Boys – Airmont (Suffern area), NY

If you’re looking for variety, Bagel Boys is a must-visit. Known for their creative twists on traditional bagels, they even offer colored bagels for holidays (think bright green for St. Patrick’s Day). You’ll also find flagels — the famous flattened bagels that toast up perfectly. Their large dine-in area makes it an ideal breakfast or lunch spot. Beyond bagels, they serve salads, soups, smoked fish and house-made spreads. Visit their website here.

Customer Tip: Try their vegetable or scallion cream cheese, or grab a container to take home.

Address: 7 N Airmont Rd, Suffern, NY 10901
Phone: (845) 368-3456

Local’s Bagel Tips

After years of enjoying local New York bagels, here are a few pro tips:

  • Buy by the dozen: Most shops give a baker’s dozen (13 bagels) when you order 12.
  • Freeze for freshness: Slice your bagels before freezing. When ready to eat, toast them straight from the freezer — they’ll taste almost as good as fresh.
  • Try these favorite combos:
    • Egg & cheese on a toasted whole-wheat everything bagel
    • Tuna melt on a sesame bagel
    • BLT on pumpernickel or rye bagel

We highly recommend visiting these great bagel shops near Tuxedo Park — and if you do, tell them Jake sent you!