Be Here

Downtown Peekskill today is Westchester’s most vibrant downtown community, unique in its mixture of historic architecture, ethnic diversity, bustling nightlife, foodie hot-spots, and community of artists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs.  As many places begin to look more and more alike, downtown Peekskill retains its own distinct local character.  There’s a “here” here.

Two National Register Historic Districts

Peekskill is home to two National Register Historic Districts: The downtown and the residential Fort Hill neighborhood just north of Main Street. Both districts have many intact 19th century buildings with various architectural styles that lend a historic back-drop to life in Peekskill today.

Downtown Zoning Supports Artists, Entrepreneurs & Craftsmen

Peekskill has always been a place where people make things, and our downtown zoning laws ensure that tradition continues today.  Unlike many other cities, our downtown zoning allows for live/workspaces for working artists and mixed retail/manufacturing spaces for entrepreneurs and craftsmen.  We see the future, and it is built around creative doers, small businesses, and the craftsmen’s spirit that made our city great.

Peekskill Embraces Diversity

Peekskill is a melting pot of different ethnicities, cultural heritages, age groups and household incomes – characteristics that make it feel like a city.  The most recent census shows that roughly a third of Peekskill residents are of Latino origin, roughly a third are white, roughly a quarter are African American and less than five percent are of Asian origin.  This diversity means that on our cities streets you’ll hear different languages and music, pass by different types of food establishments and be exposed to the diversity that makes this city a dynamic places to live and work.

Gateway to the Hudson Valley

Peekskill is a unique place for nature lovers, with access to the Hudson River from our waterfront, world-class mountain biking on the 40 miles of trails at the 1,500 acre Blue Mountain Reservation, and endless hiking throughout the Hudson Highlands.  In addition, Depew Park sits on the edge of downtown, a five minute walk to 60 acres of greenery that Peekskillians use to get exercise, walk their dogs, or picnic on a nice day.

Downtown Loves the Arts

Peekskill is recognized as a leading destination for artists and art lovers in Westchester, largely due to the Hudson Valley MOCA, the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, the Center for the Digital Arts at Westchester Community College and the numerous downtown galleries and cafes that display work by local artists.  There are dozens of public art displays throughout the downtown and waterfront. Visit downtown and be inspired.

Discover More: