New Rochelle

New Rochelle
City
City of New Rochelle
Clockwise from top: New Rochelle City Hall, Glen Island Park, New Roc Building, Huguenot Memorial Church, New Rochelle Public Library, and Leland Castle Clockwise from top: New Rochelle City Hall, Glen Island Park, New Roc Building, Huguenot Memorial Church, New Rochelle Public Library, and Leland Castle
Flag Official seal of New Rochelle Seal
Nickname(s):  Queen City of the Sound
Motto(s):  "Ideally Yours"
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	New York
County	Westchester
Settled	1688
Incorporated (village)	1857
Incorporated (city)	1899
Founded by	Huguenots
Named for	La Rochelle, France
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
• Body	New Rochelle City Council
• Mayor	Noam Bramson
• City Manager	Charles B. Strome III
Area
• Total	11.3 sq mi (29.2 km2)
• Land	10.0 sq mi (26.0 km2)
• Water	1.2 sq mi (3.2 km2)
Elevation	43 ft (13 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	80,000
• Density	7,966.7/sq mi (3,076.9/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes	10801–10805
Area code(s)	914
FIPS code	36-51000
GNIS feature ID	968238
Website	www.newrochelleny.com

New Rochelle is a city located in Westchester County, New York, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, just north of New York City. With a population of approximately 80,000 people as of 2020, it is the seventh-largest city in the state.

History

New Rochelle was settled in 1688 by a group of Huguenots, French Protestants who were fleeing religious persecution in France. They named the settlement after La Rochelle, a city in France. The Huguenots played a significant role in the early development of the city and their influence can still be seen today in the architecture and culture of New Rochelle.

The village of New Rochelle was incorporated in 1857, and it became a city in 1899. Throughout its history, New Rochelle has been a popular residential area for commuters working in New York City. Its proximity to the city, combined with its suburban atmosphere and access to the Long Island Sound, has made it an attractive place to live.

Geography

New Rochelle is located at . It covers a total area of 11.3 square miles (29.2 square kilometers), of which 10.0 square miles (26.0 square kilometers) is land and 1.2 square miles (3.2 square kilometers) is water. The city is bordered by the Long Island Sound to the east, the city of Mount Vernon to the west, and the town of Pelham to the south.

Demographics

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of New Rochelle was approximately 80,000 people as of 2020. The city has a population density of 7,966.7 people per square mile (3,076.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city is diverse, with a significant percentage of residents identifying as White, African American, Hispanic, and Asian.

Government

New Rochelle operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The city is governed by the New Rochelle City Council, which consists of the mayor and six council members. The mayor, currently Noam Bramson, serves as the head of the council and is elected by the residents. The day-to-day operations of the city are managed by the City Manager, currently Charles B. Strome III.

Economy

New Rochelle has a diverse economy with a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, finance, and retail. The city is home to several major corporations and institutions, including Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, Iona College, and the College of New Rochelle. The downtown area of New Rochelle has seen significant redevelopment in recent years, with new residential and commercial buildings being constructed.

Education

New Rochelle has a strong education system, with several public and private schools serving the community. The city is served by the New Rochelle City School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The district is known for its high academic standards and has received recognition for its innovative programs. In addition to public schools, there are also several private schools in New Rochelle, offering a variety of educational options.

Culture and Recreation

New Rochelle offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities for residents and visitors. The city is home to numerous parks and recreational facilities, including Glen Island Park, which features a beach, picnic areas, and walking trails. The New Rochelle Public Library is a popular destination for book lovers and offers a variety of programs and events for all ages.

The arts are also an important part of New Rochelle's culture. The city is home to the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, which promotes and supports local artists and arts organizations. The Council organizes various events and exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the talent and creativity of the community.

Notable People

New Rochelle has been home to many notable individuals throughout its history. Some of the city's most famous residents include:

• Norman Rockwell - American painter and illustrator
• Lou Gehrig - Baseball player, member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
• Rob Petrie - Fictional character from the television show "The Dick Van Dyke Show"
• Ruby Dee - Actress and civil rights activist
• Don McLean - Singer-songwriter, known for his hit song "American Pie"

External links

• Official website
• New Rochelle Council on the Arts