Is Centenary safe?
Clarkstown, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Centenary as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Centenary
“Go. Centenary is an exceptionally safe, affluent, and semi-rural residential enclave nestled against the ridges of Rockland County. Visitors will find virtually zero violent crime, very quiet country lanes, and pristine natural surroundings, provided they have a car.”
About the area
Centenary is a secluded, wooded hamlet within the Town of Clarkstown characterized by spacious single-family homes, mature tree canopies, and historic farmsteads. It offers immediate access to the scenic highlands of South Mountain and High Tor while remaining a purely residential haven.
- Semi-Rural
- Quiet & Wooded
- Affluent
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Centenary
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 22/100
There is no bike-share program; recreational cyclists use the narrow, hilly country roads for road biking, but dedicated bike lanes and multi-use greenways require traveling to Rockland Lake State Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Part of Clarkstown, consistently ranked among the safest suburban townships in the United States
- High median household incomes well exceeding $130,000 with near-zero local poverty
- Extremely low violent and property crime incident rates across the hamlet
- Quiet, private atmosphere with scenic natural landscapes and low traffic volume
Cons
- Completely car-dependent with virtually no walkable retail or dining within the hamlet itself
- Narrow, winding roads without sidewalks or street lighting require cautious night driving
- Limited local commercial infrastructure requiring trips to neighboring New City or Congers for essentials
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in Centenary. There are no encampments, panhandling, or homeless shelters in this low-density residential hamlet.
What Centenary is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with mist over the hills and occasional joggers or deer along the quiet residential roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential with minimal through-traffic, feeling exceptionally secure for outdoor recreation.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and tranquil as residents return home; ambient lighting is low due to a lack of commercial development.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black and silent along the winding roads with virtually zero street activity or safety concerns.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is virtually nonexistent within Centenary; the nearest bus connections via Transport of Rockland (TOR) are located miles away in New City or Valley Cottage, and the nearest Metro-North rail station is across the Hudson River in Tarrytown or Ossining via car.
Parking is completely effortless and free, with spacious private driveways and ample unmetered parking at area trailheads and farm markets.
Things to do in Centenary
- Hike scenic woodland trails traversing the ridge at nearby South Mountain County Park
- Pick seasonal apples and sample fresh cider donuts at the historic Dr. Davies Farm
- Take a scenic drive along historic South Mountain Road to view local rustic architecture and wooded landscapes
Local favorites
- Rockland Cider Works · Cidery & Taproom · 4.7★ (380)An open-air farm cidery offering craft hard ciders, live music, and food trucks in a pastoral orchard setting.
- Dr. Davies Farm · Farm Stand & Orchard · 4.5★ (1290)Historic family farm dating to 1891 featuring seasonal apple picking, pumpkin patches, and fresh baked goods.
- Romolo's Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (460)A cozy, upscale neighborhood staple nearby serving classic homemade pasta and regional Italian entrees.
Neighborhoods near Centenary
Common questions about Centenary
Is Centenary safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Centenary a good place to live?
On safety, Centenary scores 93/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Centenary?
Walk score 12/100 and bike score 22/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Centenary are safer?
Centenary scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Centenary? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.