West Haverstraw

West Haverstraw of Rockland County, which became an official village in 1883, is somewhat placid, with few points of interest; still, it is a pretty safe community and, consequently, not too bad for retirement (there are some affordable housing for people over 55). It's very affordable for middle-class families (around $335,178) and has a population of 10,165. As it's also very safe, it's a great place to raise a family, and people can feel good about retiring here with the reassurance that they'll have plenty of peace and quiet. There's excellent child care and gyms, but you'll have to go to the local Ossining Train Station for public transportation; that being said, it's best to have a car or two to help you and your family get around with ease. The West Haverstraw School District is a mixed bag (especially the Elementary schools), but the new administration is apparently in the midst of reforming the Elementary School and it is making a difference!

While there are a few restaurants (such as Rosie's Coffee Shop, Pizza Hut, Papa's Pizza, Asian Express, Kowloon House, Avenue Deli, a Subway, a Dunkin' Donuts; for more options, you'll want to go elsewhere for further ventures in eating. There's a few stores (Stop & Shop Grocery, Carvel Ice Cream, Italian Food Center, West Marine Boat Parts, Samsondale Wine Merchant, Dollar Tree Variety Store), and a couple of bars in the area M.J. Foogens and Jose O' Shays' Irish Pub for some nightlife), but, for the most part, you'll have to head elsewhere to find anything truly interesting to do.

That being said, West Haverstraw is the home to the Great Hudson Sailing School, which offers intensive sailing courses for anyone who has recently gotten a boat or simply has an interest in the art of sailing and wants to improve their sailing experience. They've been teaching the craft for 25 years and are also joined with the approval of the American Sailing Association. Boats are very safe (non-capsizing) and extremely safe, with high booms, (so you won't get whacked in the face if you're not looking). All instructors are certified U.S. Coast Guard Lisenced Captains. There is even a brand new course, a “Mentor Sailing Program”. It's $400 per individual or $360 for an additional member of the family to join you in this unique experience. Courses are 16 hours long (spread over two weekends). Lessons can be modified for individual needs. Call for the 2012 Basic Sailing Schedule at: (845)-598-3349 for more info, and get yourself set up for sailing with finely taught expertize today!

In addition to the Sailing School, West Haverstraw is also home to Helen Hayes Hospital and Rehabilitation Center---an award-winning hospital that offers state-of-the-art care! It's been one of the leading hospitals for more than 100 years in both medicine as well as research. The Rehab Center deals with the chronic disease population as well as debilitating injuries, and helps these patients to live normal, happy, healthy lives as much as humanely possible. As a patient, you can choose from inpatient, outpatient and even special services. If you've undergone a serious debilitating, physical experience in your life, Helen Hayes Hospital will help remind you that there is still hope for you and your loved ones, even in the darkest of times. Remember, Helen Hayes is also a great place to volunteer and work at for your career, to check out their employment and volunteer opportunities today! Visit the campus at Rt. 9W N, West Haverstraw NY 10993. Alternatively you can call 1-888-70-REHAB or (845)-786-4000; or you can also visit online at www.helenhayeshospital.org.