Shenorock

Shenorock is a tiny hamlet in the town of Somers. Its location, almost directly in the middle of the town, makes it convenient to Somers’ schools, parks, and retailers. The hamlet is entirely residential, with a population of 1,900.

During its early days, the hamlet was primarily a summer community of modest houses and cottages. Vacationers were drawn by the area’s rural beauty and its many small lakes. Lake Shenorock, a 14 acre lake, was one of them. Today, however, the lake is unusable. In 1977, the lake went into use as a reservoir, so swimming was prohibited. In 2003, the lake became open to the public again, but it needs an expensive clean-up. However, outside funds may become available to clean it. The United Owners Association of Shenorock is working to revitalize the lake and renovate an old clubhouse.

Shenorock is part of the Somers Central School District, which has a student population of 3,500. Since there is only one school for each level, students share their entire school experience together. Primrose School, which has a full-day kindergarten, also houses first and second graders. Somers Intermediate has grades 3 through 5. Students at Somers Middle School take standardized exams in math, reading, science and social studies, and the majority of students meet standards. Somers High School offers the required Regents courses, as well as Advanced Placement classes, which allow students to begin earning college credits.

Once the lake is functional, it will likely become the neighborhood’s recreational hub. In the meantime, Somers has other options. Reis Park, located next to the Somers Library, has playing fields and courts for basketball and tennis, along with a playground and running trails. The former estate of William and Mildred Lasdon became Lasdon Park, which has a horticultural library in the main house, along with formal gardens and walking trails.

Shopping in Shenorock is minimal, and the situation is only marginally better in Somers, but most residents like this aspect of the town. Somers Commons is the largest shopping center, with a Stop and Shop grocery store as its anchor. There is a fitness club and several smaller stores, along with a few eateries. The smaller Somers Town Shopping Center includes a dry cleaner, nail salon, bagel store along with a few additional shopping and dining choices.

Shenorock’s small size means limited real estate inventory. At this time, there are no homes for sale in the hamlet. However, when homes do come on the market, they tend to be slightly more expensive than the rest of the town.

Shenorock started as summer community so the houses are a little close together and centered around the lake. Unfortunately, the homeowners association that runs the lake can't afford its upkeep and it has become unsuitable for swimming. There is talk of turning it into a park which would increase the property value and improve the community as a whole. Right now the lake is the only source of recreation but due to its current state is only used for fishing.

The homeowner association had always been something that united the neighborhood but now there are a lot of mixed feelings about the fate of the lake and it has caused some strain on the community.

It's a very quiet area with no commercialization. There is only one pizzeria within its borders and no shopping. On the weekends people usually find entertainment in bordering areas and there is a golf course at the southern tip of Shenorock though technically it's outside of the neighborhood.

Shenorock uses the Somer Central School district which ranks well and students seem to enjoy it there. The high school is close in the neighboring town of Lincolndale.

There isn't any childcare in Shenorock which is a little inconvenient.