Pelham. Does the name conjure images of idyllic suburban life? It should. We are standing in the Village of Pelham. It is a village with a rich history and a strong sense of community.
Pelham’s story begins long before the Metro-North Railroad made it a commuter haven. In 1654, Thomas Pell purchased this land from the Siwanoy Indians. He named his manor “Pelham” after his tutor, Pelham Burton.
Fast forward to 1788. The Town of Pelham became part of Westchester County. The town included City Island and Pelham Bay Park. By 1896, the village of Pelham was incorporated. In 1975, it merged with North Pelham to form the present Village of Pelham.
Pelham is more than just a collection of houses. Pelham Village is only 0.8 square miles. But together with Pelham Manor, they form the Town of Pelham. This covers just over 2 square miles.
Pelham’s location is key to its character. About 10 miles northeast of Midtown Manhattan, it is a desirable place. Grand Central Terminal is only 35 minutes away by train.
The Village of Pelham shares many services with Pelham Manor. This includes schools and recreational activities. Despite this, a full consolidation of services has faced opposition. The reason are differences in debt levels and tax rates.
For many years, Pelham was the headquarters of the Sanborn Map Company. This company produced detailed Sanborn maps. These maps are valuable resources for understanding urban development.
The Pelham Picture House is a local gem. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. It stands as a testament to Pelham’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
Pelham’s population reflects its suburban appeal. As of 2020, there were 13,078 residents. The population density is high. There are about 5,900 people per square mile.
The Village of Pelham has a special charm. A walkable enclave with historic architecture awaits you. Residents have friendly faces and the lifestyle here is relaxed. You’ll find beautiful homes around every corner. It is no surprise that people seek belonging in Pelham.