About
Monroe is a sprawling area to the west of West Point, often referenced in combination with the nearby town of Woodbury. Some parts are very remote and rural, while others are in the heart of retail shopping, restaurants, and commercial industry. The town of Monroe includes the village of Monroe, the village of Harriman, and the village of Kiryas Joel. Nearby towns often included under the Monroe-Woodbury umbrella include Tuxedo, Blooming Grove, and Chester. Some areas—particular those around the extremely popular Woodbury Common outlet mall—can be quite busy and experience heavy traffic.
The Monroe area is known for more than just great shopping. The town has a wonderful park system and is surrounded by wooded areas. Earl Reservoir is a popular spot to enjoy the outdoors. There are also several wineries in the area including Brotherhood Winery, the oldest operating winery in the country,
The Monroe-Woodbury area is a convenient commuting spot. There are multiple options for transportation around the region, with easy access to the Harriman Train Station, bus lines, and major highways in the area. If a spouse is hoping to find employment in the area, living in Monroe or Woodbury can help keep options open.
Known for its excellent school system, Monroe-Woodbury is one of few districts that has a SEPTA (Special Education PTA), which serves not only students with delays, but also those geared towards advanced placement and gifted programs. Monroe-Woodbury is a very diverse school district, and, like many schools in the area, the school calendar recognizes holidays that may not be common in other areas of the country.
Neighbors
Monroe is a wonderfully diverse area. Some residents make the daily commute to New York City while others work in a variety of industries in the Hudson Valley region. Monroe is also home to a large ultra-Orthodox Jewish population, concentrated in the town of Kiryas Joel.
Neighborhood Feel
Single family homes are common, along with some condos and townhomes.