Clarkstown, NY 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Clarkstown is a town in Eastern New York bordered by the Hudson River. Its ideal location and close-knit community have made it an attractive option for retirees. Besides that, the town has historic appeal and plenty of natural areas. 

Climate & Geography 

Clarkstown experiences a humid continental climate. Summers are warm and sunny, and winters can be freezing and snowy. Residents can expect higher-than-average rainfall and about 200 sunny days a year. 

Clarkstown is built on mostly flat land with many greenspaces in the surrounding area, including the Sterling State Forest to the northwest and Bear Mountain State Park to the north. The Hudson River creates the eastern border of the city, and the DeForest Lake splits the middle of the town.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment 

Clarkstown is home to plenty of local attractions such as restaurants, breweries, and farmers markets, all of which contribute to the tight-knit feel of the town. Clarkstown also hosts annual music and food festivals, giving residents plenty of opportunities to socialize.

For those that want to get outdoors, Clarkstown has a number of options to choose from. Residents can interact with exotic animals at Faraway Farm Alpacas or take a family tour of the Tarrytown Lighthouse. Nearby natural spaces include Bowline Point Park, Bear Mountain State Park, Hook Mountain State Park, and more. Golfers can practice their swing at Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course.

For more entertainment options, both Carmel and New York City are located about an hour away. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

Much like other cities in New York, the overall cost of living in Clarkstown is higher than national averages. This is mainly due to high housing costs.

In New York, Social Security and military retirement benefits are exempt from taxation. Federal and New York government pensions are untaxed as well. Residents 65 and older may qualify to have their property taxes reduced by 50 percent based on income requirements. The combined sales tax rate in Clarkstown is 8.4 percent, which is higher than average.

Health Care 

New York ranks in the top 37 states on Gallup's Well-Being Index.

There are no hospitals in Clarkstown, but there are several nearby that are rated high performing by U.S. News. These include Nyack Hospital, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, and New York-Presbyterian-Hudson Valley Hospital. White Plains Hospital, 15 miles from Clarkstown, is nationally ranked.