Monsey

Considering that Ramapo's hamlet of Monsey has such a large population of Orthodoxed Jews, it's a bit amusing that it's the site of the oldest Dutch Reformed Christian Church in NY state: the New Hope Church. Drive through Monsey even at night, and you'll see Orthodoxed Jews in full garb walking or biking the streets. It's a large Jewish community here and there are so many synogogues (211) and Yeshivas (or Jewish institutions that educate its members on the Jewish faith)---45 of them---that Jews from all over come to enjoy the close-knit religious community and celebrate their faith together.

Monsey was once home to the Lenape Native Americans and you can still find some shelters and various artifacts in the woodsy areas. Historic Monsey Cemetery honors those who have fought for our country, and needless to say, is a largely Jewish cemetery. Monsey contains 18,412 residents as of 2010 and counting. Some staple shops that have been very memorable for visitors are Ruthie's Unique Botique, a great place to find well-kept recycled clothes and other rare used items. There's other shops in Monsey as well like Alto Music store, where you might just find your next favorite instrument, and Tudia's Seform Judiaca and Gifts, a Jewish-run gift shop that is a perfect place to find something special to give all your Jewish friends (or anyone interested in the Jewish religion). For some great Jewish food, try Kosher Castle; there's also a few Asian restaurants, and there's even a fusion restaurant, Chai Pizza and Falafel, which even has Sushi in addition to pizza and middle-eastern food---a very strange mix, but that only attests to the expansive diversity in the region as well. The Purple Pair in nearby Airmont, another hamlet of Ramapo, is a great Kosher restaurant as well.

Kids in Monsey attend Eastern Ramapo Central School District. Monsey has a very low crime rate when compared to the rest of the NY and the entire United States. Homes are fairly priced for Orange County NY ($350,000 to start). It's great for working, middle-class families who are Jewish or don't mind being the minority in a Jewish-oriented community.