Ramapo is a suburban town in Rockland County, New York with a population of 136,599 as of the 2020 US Census. Once a rural farming community, Ramapo has transformed into a diverse suburban destination over the past few decades. Let’s explore what makes Ramapo such a popular place to live, work and visit!
History and Origins
The area that is now Ramapo was originally inhabited by the Munsee people, part of the Lenape Native American tribe. In 1700s, Dutch and English settlers began establishing farms and homesteads in the fertile Ramapo Valley. The name “Ramapo” comes from the Munsee phrase “ra-me-paw-pok” meaning “place of the high cliffs.”
Ramapo remained a small agricultural settlement until the mid-20th century. After World War II, improved transportation networks and suburbanization trends brought rapid residential and commercial growth to Ramapo. Today, Ramapo is considered part of the New York metropolitan area. The town retains some of its historical architecture and scenic natural areas even as it has urbanized into a bustling New York suburb.
Geography and Climate
Ramapo is located about 30 miles northwest of New York City, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Though part of the New York metro area, Ramapo has a relatively low population density compared to urban parts of the region. Ramapo encompasses 61 square miles of land adjacent to the Ramapo Mountains. The Ramapo River flows through the area.
The continental climate brings warm, humid summers and cold winters to Ramapo. July is typically the hottest month with average highs of 83°F, while January is usually the coldest month with average lows around 18°F. Rain and snowfall are spread evenly throughout the year. Outdoor recreational activities can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the seasonal weather conditions.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Ramapo had a population of 136,599 making it the 9th largest town in New York based on population. It saw rapid population growth in recent decades, with the population nearly tripling between 1970 and 2010. Though growth has slowed, Ramapo’s population is projected to continue rising steadily in the coming years.
Ramapo has become increasingly diverse. In 2020, over 25% of residents identified as Hispanic or Latino. The town has large ultra-Orthodox Jewish and African immigrant populations. Over 35% of households speak a language other than English at home. The median age is 32, with over one quarter of the population under age 18.
Attractions and Events
Natural beauty and outdoor recreation make Ramapo a popular weekend getaway for New Yorkers. The area contains over 50,000 acres of parks and preserves open to the public. Major natural sites include Harriman State Park, Sterling Forest State Park, and Stony Point Battlefield. There are over 200 lakes and reservations dotting the area providing fishing, hiking, boating and other activities.
Historical attractions are another highlight. The Ramapo Salt Box Museum chronicles local history. Antique stores, farm stands, and farmers markets evoke Ramapo’s agricultural past. For performing arts, locals and visitors alike flock to the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
Outdoor concerts and festivals occur year-round, like the Ramapo Summer Concert Series and the Ramapo Rally rock music festival. The Ramapo College campus also hosts cultural events open to the public. Those looking to enjoy Ramapo’s natural splendor have an abundance of activities to choose from.
Schools and Education
Most areas of Ramapo fall within the East Ramapo Central School District (ERCSD). The district operates nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools including Ramapo High School. Roughly 8,500 students are enrolled across all district schools. The district is notable for having one of the largest populations of Hasidic Jewish students in the United States, making up over half of total enrollment.
In addition to ERCSD public schools, Ramapo is home to several private religious schools. Ramapo also contains various private preparatory academies. At the college level, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in liberal arts, business, nursing and social work. The town is conveniently located near several other colleges throughout the Hudson Valley.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Ramapo is bisected by several major transportation arteries. Interstate 87 and the Palisades Interstate Parkway run through the center of town. State routes 45, 202, 306, and 304 are important north-south roadways. This extensive highway network provides connections to New York City and throughout the tri-state area.
Passenger rail service is provided by NJ Transit via the Pascack Valley Line. The terminus is Hoboken station with transfer service to New York Penn Station via the Secaucus Junction transfer station. Commuter buses operated by NJ Transit and Rockland Coaches also offer service to New York City.
Within Ramapo, the TRIPS intra-county bus system provides public transportation connecting neighborhoods and key destinations like the Palisades Center shopping mall. The compact, historic town center is walkable for locals and visitors.
Housing and Neighborhoods
Most residential areas in Ramapo consist of single family homes on quiet suburban streets. Ranch houses built in the 1950s through the 1970s are common, as are split levels and colonials from the 1980s and 1990s. Recently constructed subdivisions feature large, luxury homes on acre+ lots. The Elm Street neighborhood contains historic Victorian and tudor-style homes giving a glimpse into Ramapo’s past.
Ramapo has become an increasingly popular town for Orthodox Jewish families relocating from New York City. Local neighborhoods like Monsey and New Square contain contemporary housing developments catering to this growing demographic. Housing construction continues to meet demand, with several new residential projects approved in recent years.
Economy and Major Employers
Ramapo has a diverse economic base with major employers in education, healthcare, retail, and professional services. The Ramapo College is the largest employer in town with over 1,600 employees. The campus provides a significant economic impact through jobs, purchasing, tourism and events. Ramapo’s location along the I-87 high-tech corridor also attracts technology firms.
Other top employers are in the education and healthcare sectors. The East Ramapo Central School District employees over 3,700 teachers, staff and administrators across its schools. Good Samaritan Hospital is a major regional medical center with over 1,700 employees offering comprehensive healthcare services.
Retail is another vital economic driver. The massive Palisades Center shopping mall sees over 14 million visitors annually. Shops, entertainment venues, restaurants and more employ thousands of local residents.
Various small and mid-sized businesses in construction trades, professional services, finance, and manufacturing round out the economy. With its skilled workforce and location advantages, Ramapo seems poised for continued economic prosperity.
Local Government
Ramapo is governed by a Town Board composed of the town supervisor and four council members. The current supervisor is Michael Specht. The board is responsible for passing legislation, approving budgets and setting town policies. Residents elect board members to 4-year terms. Ramapo contains no incorporated villages within its boundaries.
Town government offices provide a range of public services for residents. These include parks and recreation, waste management, snow removal, emergency services and more. Most routine local government functions are handled efficiently to maintain the high quality of life Ramapo residents enjoy.
While Ramapo is politically part of New York, several neighborhoods receive postal addresses indicating they are in “Monsey, NY” rather than Ramapo. This reflects the strong Jewish cultural identity in these communities. On the whole, town governance balances the diverse needs of Ramapo’s multicultural population.
Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is a top activity with hiking trails galore at dozens of parks and nature preserves. Fishing, boating, camping, and mountain biking can be enjoyed. In winter, downhill skiing and snowboarding are popular at nearby mountain resorts. The Ramapo Valley County Reservation offers scenic views mixed with recreational fun near town.
For shopping, dining and entertainment, the massive Palisades Center mall has over 300 stores, restaurants and attractions under one roof. There are also standalone restaurants, shops and movie theaters along Route 59 in Monsey. Families will love visiting amusement parks like Kiddie Park and Funplex during the warmer months.
Sporting events are popular with locals. Provident Bank Park is home to the Rockland Boulders minor league baseball team. Cultural attractions include performing arts shows at Ramapo College and art exhibits at local galleries. Between outdoor activities, great cuisine, and lively town events, boredom isn’t an issue around here!
Moving to Ramapo
Those considering a move to Ramapo will find family-friendly neighborhoods, highly rated schools, outdoor recreation and an overall high quality of life. Home buyers can choose from affordable starter homes to luxurious executive residences. Rental units are also ample. Proximity to New York City, excellent infrastructure and a thriving local economy make Ramapo an appealing suburb.
To begin your move, check out the Town of Ramapo website for information on local services, departments, events and more. You’ll also want to explore the websites of the Ramapo College, Palisades Center, and East Ramapo Central School District to get familiar with some of the major area institutions.
With its small town charm, natural scenery, and metropolitan amenities, Ramapo offers the best of all worlds. This thriving New York suburb has something for everyone seeking an outstanding quality of life. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your move to Ramapo today!