Pound for pound, Pound Ridge is an ideal second-home destination.

Nestled in the easternmost pocket of Westchester County, the town of Pound Ridge has a deep history of attracting sophisticated buyers seeking upscale country living within easy reach of Manhattan.

Dubbed “God’s Country” more than a century ago for its bucolic beauty, the community of just over 5,000 residents offers a unique proposition to second-homebuyers who might otherwise consider more distant destinations like the Hamptons. Its relaxed atmosphere and closer proximity to Manhattan also prove compelling to professionals with flexible work arrangements, thanks to Metro-North service available in neighboring New Canaan, Katonah, or Bedford Hills.

Off the Beaten Path

Part of Pound Ridge’s pull is the unspoiled setting it offers. Weekenders appreciate the town’s rural character, accentuated by bucolic roads, wooded paths, and 19th-century stone walls. Hikers and birders can enjoy exploring trails that wind through ravines, waterfalls, woodlands, and promontories, offering a diverse natural experience.

Of Pound Ridge’s roughly 23.2 square miles, nearly a third is dedicated green space thanks to 19 Pound Ridge Land Conservancy nature preserves and the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Westchester County’s largest park encompassing 4,315 acres that include wetlands, ponds, and two rivers. The 33.9-acre Town Park also offers two trails, playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts, and three swimming pools.

An Artisanal Town

A distinct link to New York contributes to Pound Ridge’s vibrant energy. For generations, professionals from creative fields, from advertising and architecture to stage and screen, have found refuge and community in town.

The scene in Scott’s Corners, Pound Ridge’s “downtown”, boasts an undeniable sophistication. Home to Food Truck Fridays, an eclectic variety of storefronts, galleries, and eateries, and the revamped Pound Ridge Square, where you’ll find the popular The Market at Pound Ridge Square, Scott’s Corners is truly the heart of the community.

Just one mile northwest, you’ll find the highly celebrated Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges, a casually elegant restaurant housed in a c. 1833 former residence, flanked by the library, museum, and The Huntress, a whimsically sophisticated design center.

Much of the town’s culture is thanks to the Pound Ridge Partnership and the Friends of Pound Ridge, two independent, non-partisan organizations that bring together residents, business owners, landlords, and community leaders to support and improve the community.

And, of course, for golf lovers, the Pound Ridge Golf Club, an 18-hole public facility designed by the “Picasso” of golf course design, Pete Dye, is a natural escape.

The Living

Peaceful but not remote, Pound Ridge properties are bucolic parcels with natural amenities ranging from private lakes, rivers, and ponds to backyard hiking trails.

Houses in Pound Ridge generally boast substantial acreage, with many lots sitting on two to four acres, offering plenty of privacy (one reason the town is home to a number of celebrities) and nature views thanks to the significant land preservation.