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New York Times Profile Says North Salem Offers 'The Country Life'

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. – North Salem, as one of New York City’s least populated suburban towns, may not have amenities such as a supermarket or movie theater, but what it does have is so much better: open space, and lots of it.

The origin of North Salem's Balanced Rock is still a mystery.

The origin of North Salem's Balanced Rock is still a mystery.

Photo Credit: Mike Lubchenko

The New York Times profiled the town, long known as a haven for the horsey set, in a story published on its website Wednesday.

Think riding trails, an equestrian center, and, yes, even a fox-hunting club.

The late Sam Savitt, a renown equine artist, lived in Peach Lake, the town’s northeast corner. He illustrated more than 100 books and was the official illustrator for the U.S. Equestrian Team and a founding member of the American Academy of Equine Artists.

The 5,200 who live in the 24-square-mile town are more than willing to travel a few miles to shop for groceries and such, as long as its pastoral beauty remains untouched, The New York Times report said.

But it’s not like anyone is trapped in a foodie wasteland.

There are several fine dining spots, including a farm-to-table affair, French restaurant, casual café, and an old-school, family-friendly dive famed for its burgers, chili, and tomato soup, the Times reported.

Besides, the Times pointed out, Manhattan is a mere 55 miles away. Average travel time from the Purdy’s train station is about one hour and 12 minutes, according to Metro-North.

For entertainment, there's also plays at the Schoolhouse Theater and a museum and Japanese stroll garden, the Times said.

Living the rural dream doesn’t come cheap, however.

The Times checked home prices in early March and found that the least expensive of the 43 homes currently on the market there was $239,000 for a two-bedroom cooperative cottage.

The most pricey? A seven-bedroom Georgian mansion, and 26 acres of land, for a cool $12.8 million, reported the Times.

To read The New York Times story, click here.

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