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Ramapo, New York is a town located in Rockland County, about 30 miles northwest of New York City. As of 2020, Ramapo had a population of 137,519 residents, making it one of the largest towns in Rockland County and the state of New York. Ramapo is known for its diverse communities, strong economy, and abundance of natural scenery.

History of Ramapo

The name "Ramapo" comes from a Native American word meaning "sweet water." The Ramapo Mountains and Ramapo River that run through the area provided natural resources to Native Americans for thousands of years. European settlers began arriving in the early 18th century and the town was incorporated in 1791. Agriculture and mills along the river drove the early economy.

Over time, Ramapo developed into a transportation hub due to its proximity to New York City and intersection of major roads and rail lines. In the 1950s, the New York State Thruway and Palisades Parkway were built through Ramapo, spurring population and economic growth. Ramapo's low taxes, space for development, and natural landscapes attracted many new residents and businesses.

Today, Ramapo retains a diverse population including African American, Hispanic, Orthodox Jewish, and other cultural communities. The history of Ramapo lives on through its architecture, neighborhoods, religious institutions and annual cultural events.

Ramapo Government and Services

Ramapo has a Town Supervisor and Town Board form of government. The Ramapo Town Hall is located at 237 Route 59, Suffern, NY 10901. Phone: (845) 357-5100. Visit the Town of Ramapo website to learn about various municipal departments and services.

Economy and Major Employers

Some of the largest employers and economic drivers in Ramapo include:

• Bon Secours Good Samaritan Hospital (255 Lafayette Ave, Suffern, NY 10901) - Hospital and healthcare network
• Montefiore Nyack Hospital (160 N Midland Ave, Nyack, NY 10960) - Regional hospital
• Rockland Psychiatric Center (140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962) - State psychiatric hospital
• Jawonio, Inc. (260 N Little Tor Rd, New City, NY 10956) - Services for people with disabilities
• Northern Services Group (140 Rt 59, Monsey, NY 10952) - Social services non-profit
• Intercos America, Inc. (1 Tauber Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY) - Cosmetics manufacturer
• Nice-Pak / PDI (2 Nice-Pak Park, Orangeburg, NY 10962) - Manufacturer of wet wipes and sanitizing products
• Anellotech (Harts Corner Prof Center Bldg Two, Sloatsburg, NY) - Clean energy technology company

Other major sectors include retail, education, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and transportation. The diverse economy and proximity to New York City make Ramapo an attractive location for companies and skilled workers.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Ramapo include:

• Palisades Center - Large shopping mall with over 300 shops, restaurants, and entertainment (1000 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY 10994)
• Ramapo Reservation - Scenic county park with hiking, fishing, camping, and more (Visitor Center - 105 Bohlman Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430)
  
• Harriman State Park - Large nature preserve with 200 miles of hiking trails, lakes, and peaks along NJ/NY state border
• St. Lawrence Church - Historic Catholic church completed in 1867 (120 Pascack Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977)
• Samuel Gottesman Arboretum - Botanical garden located at Rockland Community College (145 College Rd, Suffern, NY 10901)
• Pierson Park - Pedestrian village green with gazebo in center of Ramapo hamlet (57 N Main St, Ramapo, NY 10950)
  

Transportation

Ramapo is served by various transportation options:

• Palisades Interstate Parkway - North-south parkway connecting NJ and NY
• New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287) - Major interstate highway
• NJ Transit - Commuter bus and rail services to New York City
• Transport of Rockland - Local bus system with service throughout Rockland County

The Palisades Interstate Parkway and I-87/I-287 allow easy car travel to New York City and other destinations. Nearby airports include Westchester County Airport and Stewart International Airport.

Public Library

The Finkelstein Memorial Library serves as the public library for the town of Ramapo. It has locations in Spring Valley, Suffern, and Wesley Hills. The library offers books, media, internet access, programming, and more for residents of all ages.

Parks and Recreation

In addition to large nature areas like Ramapo Reservation, Ramapo has many local parks and recreation amenities. These include:

• Kirkbride Park
• Ward-Koehler Park
• Cunningham Park
• Parks Lake
• Ramapo Town Park

Ramapo also has a municipal pool, ice skating rink, sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, fishing areas, and more. The Ramapo Parks and Recreation Department organizes programs, activities, and sports leagues throughout the year.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Some interesting museums and cultural attractions in Ramapo include:

• Avon Theatre Film Center - Historic 1930s cinema that shows films and hosts events (60 E Main St, Stony Point, NY 10980)
• Rockland Center for the Arts - Arts education and exhibits (27 S Greenbush Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994)
• Rockland County Fire Training Center Museum - Interactive firefighting museum (35 Firemen's Memorial Dr, Pomona, NY 10970)
• Heritage Sites - Historical houses and museums such as DeWint House, Stony Point Battlefield, and more

Ramapo hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year highlighting the town's diversity including African American Heritage Day, Orthodox Jewish celebrations, Latin festivals, and more.

School Districts

Public school districts serving Ramapo include:

• East Ramapo Central School District
• Ramapo Central School District
• Suffern Central School District
• Nyack Public Schools

There are also many private religious schools. St. Thomas Aquinas College and Rockland Community College provide higher education.

Local Sports

Popular sports and teams in Ramapo include:

• SC United Soccer - Youth soccer club based in Ramapo, member of Elite Clubs National League (website)
• Ramapo High School Sports - Successful public school sports programs including soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball, and more
• Rockland Boulders - Independent professional baseball team in the Frontier League (website)

Rockland Lake State Park offers golf, hiking, and water recreation. Many town parks contain sports fields, courts, playgrounds, and pools for community use.

Local News and Information

Stay up to date on news and events in Ramapo by following these local sources:

• Town of Ramapo Facebook Page
• Ramapo Patch - Local news and events
• The Rockland County Times - Community newspaper
• Rockland County Government - News and information on the county

Living in Ramapo

Known for excellent schools, affordable housing, low crime, and amenities, Ramapo is a popular suburb for commuters to NYC as well as a great town in its own right. Scenic landscapes, diverse neighborhoods, a thriving economy, and proud local traditions make Ramapo a wonderful Rockland County town to call home.