Is Pelham Manor Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pelham Manor

Pelham Manor, a historic suburban village nestled on the Sound Shore of southern Westchester County, New York, offers a unique blend of small-town intimacy and convenient access to the bustling energy of New York City. With a population of approximately 5,500 residents spread across 1.2 square miles, it provides a peaceful retreat while remaining a mere 29 minutes from Manhattan via Metro-North’s New Haven line. This desirable location, coupled with a rich history dating back to before the arrival of Dutch settlers, makes Pelham Manor an appealing option for those seeking a high quality of life close to urban amenities.

The village’s governance is managed by an elected Mayor and Board of Trustees, who oversee a professional Village Manager responsible for daily operations. Pelham Manor prides itself on providing essential services, including fire and police protection, public works such as trash collection and street maintenance, and administrative functions like building permits and zoning. This self-sufficient structure allows the village to maintain its distinct character and high standards of living, ensuring a well-managed and secure environment for its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Pelham Manor?

Pelham Manor boasts a strong safety record, with its overall crime rate reported as significantly below the national average. As of the latest data, the overall crime rate is 55% below the national average, with lower crime than 100% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+) (as reported by DoorProfit). This indicates a generally secure environment for residents and visitors alike.

While the overall crime rate is low, it is important to note specific crime statistics. The estimated violent crime rate is 552.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 45% higher than the national average. However, key violent crime rates like murder are 65% below the national average, though robbery is 230% above average. Property crime also registers 50% above the national average, with residents having approximately a 1 in 36 chance of being a victim of property crime annually (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing and Cost of Living

The housing market in Pelham Manor is characterized by its high-value properties, reflecting the area’s affluence. As of March 2026, the median home price was $975,000, although this figure has seen a year-over-year decrease of 44.0% (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price for luxury homes is approximately $1.5 million, with homes typically staying on the market for around 20 days (as reported by Redfin).

The cost of living in Pelham Manor is considerably higher than the national average, estimated to be 50% higher (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This is reflected in various aspects, including housing, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. The median household income in Pelham Manor is approximately $250,001 (as reported by Data Commons), which helps to support the higher cost of living and the generally upscale nature of the community.

Home Prices and Trends

Pelham Manor’s real estate market presents a picture of high-value homes, with a median listing price of $1.53 million and a year-over-year price appreciation of 5.24% (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). The market currently has limited inventory, with about 9 homes for sale, suggesting a competitive environment for buyers (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). The median price per square foot stands at $595, underscoring the premium value of properties in this area (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).

Recent home sales data shows a range of prices, with some properties selling for over $2 million (as reported by Redfin). The typical home value in Pelham Manor is around $1,513,095, with a 12.7% increase over the past year, as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The homeownership rate in Pelham Manor is high, at 92.2% (as reported by Data Commons).

Rental Market

While Pelham Manor is predominantly a community of homeowners, rental options are available, though they come at a premium. The median gross rent in Pelham Manor is approximately $2,705 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure is 57% higher than the national average rent of $1,910 (as reported by Zumper).

Rental prices vary by the number of bedrooms, with studios averaging around $1,800, one-bedroom apartments at approximately $2,200, and two-bedroom apartments averaging $2,950 (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent in Pelham Manor are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $4,111 (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

The economy of Pelham Manor is robust, with a significant portion of its workforce engaged in professional and service-oriented industries. The largest industries by employment include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data Commons). The average salary in Pelham Manor is around $86,000 per year, or $41.35 per hour (as reported by Zippia).

The unemployment rate in Pelham Manor village was 4.9% in 2023, showing a decrease from previous years (as reported by CensusDepth). This indicates a stable job market with steady economic growth and active local businesses.

Major Employers

While specific major employers for Pelham Manor are not detailed in the provided data, the prominent industries suggest employment opportunities within sectors such as professional services, healthcare, finance, and retail. The village’s proximity to New York City also provides residents with access to a vast and diverse job market, offering a wide range of career possibilities.

Climate and Environment

Pelham Manor experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies between 26°F and 85°F throughout the year, with rare excursions below 12°F or above 93°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The summer season, from June to September, brings average high temperatures in the mid-70s, with July being the hottest month with highs around 84°F.

Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with April receiving the most rainfall at an average of 3.7 inches, and February receiving the least at 2.1 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The village also experiences an average annual snowfall of 28 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Demographics

Pelham Manor is served by the Pelham Union Free School District, which is highly regarded for its educational programs. Schools in Pelham Manor, NY, average a SchoolGrade of A+, with 76% actual proficiency compared to a projected 64% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). A significant majority of graduates, around 94%, go on to pursue higher education (as reported by StreetAdvisor).

The village has a population of approximately 5,558 as of 2026, with a slight annual decline of -0.48% (as reported by World Population Review). The demographic makeup includes a majority White population (75.48%), with smaller percentages of Asian, Black or African American, and other racial groups (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Pelham Manor is 42.4 years, indicating a community with a blend of established residents and families.

School Ratings

The schools serving Pelham Manor consistently receive high ratings. For instance, elementary schools in the area are recognized with A+ overall Niche Grades, featuring low student-teacher ratios (as reported by Niche). High schools also maintain strong reputations, with Pelham Memorial High School noted for its high college matriculation rate (as reported by StreetAdvisor).

The Pelham Union Free School District itself is considered one of the finest in the county, with a median SAT score of 1632 (as reported by StreetAdvisor). This emphasis on quality education is a significant draw for families considering a move to the area.

Population and Diversity

Pelham Manor’s population is estimated at 5,558 in 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). The village is predominantly White, comprising 75.48% of the population, followed by Asian (7.8%) and other racial groups (as reported by World Population Review). The median age is 42.4 years (as reported by World Population Review).

The village has a foreign-born population of 16.9% as of 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). While the majority of residents are White and Non-Hispanic, the presence of various ethnic groups contributes to the community’s diverse fabric.