The Neighborhood Watch of Sunnyridge
The town/village of Harrison is unique among Westchester suburbs. While a series of hamlets — Purchase, Sterling Ridge, Sunnyridge, West Harrison — spread over 17 square miles, it’s also the home of two colleges (Manhattanville, SUNY Purchase), School of the Holy Child, an all-girls college preparatory school, a Japanese school (Keio Academy), a renowned performing arts center, LifeTime Fitness, corporate headquarters (PepsiCo, MasterCard, Morgan Stanley), and the County Airport. Not to mention Wegman’s, which has raised the bar on supermarkets.
May Burke and her family live in Sunnyridge. “The draw for us was getting more property, more house.” She added, “Our kids would never let us move!” They, like their parents, love the neighborhood — the annual Turkey Trot (1½-mile loop), the Halloween party, outdoor skating, the fact that they can walk to town, train, and an elementary school.
Nearby Sterling Ridge has become a younger area and most of the homes have pools, or room for one.
The school system shines, noted her sister April Saxe, who also lives in Harrison. “The International Baccalaureate program at Harrison High School allows students to excel in their chosen fields. For example, a number of students are studying to become engineers.”
The sisters are quick to point to some of Harrison’s other attractions. One of its best-kept secrets is Casa D’Italia, which offers some of the tastiest cutlet sandwiches outside Arthur Avenue. They, and their sister June, who lives in Port Chester, recommend the Bronx Tale and the Husky Special. “We also shop there because owners Lucy and Steve Selvaggio are two of the best people we know and give generously to every local fundraiser and event.” The Japanese food market and restaurants make their favorites’ list, too.
Best of all, especially for the kids, is the Ron Belmont Water Complex in West Harrison.
April, May, and June are close siblings and a triumvirate at Compass real estate in Rye.