About the Village

Centuries before a family named Dobbs began ferrying passengers across the Hudson, the Wecquaesgeek—a Munsee-speaking band of the Wappinger people—lived and fished along these banks. Their settlement followed the Wysquaqua stream, now called Wicker's Creek. From those deep roots through a Revolutionary War encampment to a thriving modern village, Dobbs Ferry has grown into a rivertown community of over 11,000 neighbors, just twenty miles and a scenic 35-minute train ride from midtown Manhattan and with access to all Westchester County has to offer an easy car, bus, or bike ride away.

Dobbs Ferry attracts and retains residents for many reasons. The waterfront park, the 76-acre Juhring Nature Preserve, the tree-lined streets, the walkable downtown—these aren't accidents. They're the product of residents who care deeply about the place they call home. Wecquaesgeek artifacts still surface here—reminders that people have been drawn to this stretch of river for a very long time. The New York Times has recognized Dobbs Ferry as among the most culturally diverse of the Rivertowns, celebrated for its "culture and hip factor" alongside its sophisticated post-city life and deep, multi-generational traditions.

Many of our new residents are young families settling here for schools that prepare their children to thrive for the rest of their lives, no matter where that takes them. Dobbs Ferry High School was the first in Westchester County authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, and today our district offers IB curriculum from middle school through graduation—a true "IB for All" approach.

Our residents keep Dobbs Ferry's spirit of tradition and renewal fresh. Volunteer task forces, schools-based organizations, an active Historical Society, recreation programs spanning toddlers to seniors—Dobbs Ferry is sustained by the involvement of our people. In 2014, we became the first village in New York State certified as a Climate Smart Community, now holding Silver status through ongoing resident-driven sustainability initiatives.

City access, village pace. Ancient ground, forward-thinking residents. Dobbs Ferry isn't one thing—it's the rare place where many good things come together.