Welcome to Katonah
A bustling and scenic town with an independent spirit
Nestled in Westchester County, New York sits the lively and picturesque hamlet of Katonah. Boasting the area’s most charming downtown area, the town is filled with history, culture, and friendly, diverse residents. Additionally, it is widely known as home to the Caramoor Music Festival, the Katonah Museum of Art (formerly The Katonah Gallery), and the John Jay Homestead.
Named after Chief Katonah in the late 1890s, this hamlet was moved to accommodate the expansion of the watershed for New York City. The Katonah Village Improvement Society, which still exists today, strives to keep Katonah free of strip malls and chain stores to preserve the Victorian-era charm. In 1983, the Historic District of Katonah was listed on the New York State and National Registry of Historic Places.
Defined by its quaint and Instagram-worthy downtown, neighborly vibes, and independent spirit, Katonah has become a haven for New Yorkers. But despite its location in the prestigious Westchester County, Katonah has a unique and independent vibe. It boasts funky coffee shops and eclectic boutiques, but it’s also home to eateries that have been owned by the same families for generations. The Saturday farmers’ market is held at the John Jay Homestead, the former residence of America’s first Supreme Court justice. This small town will make its way into your heart and stay there.
What to Love
- Picturesque homes
- Deep roots and quaint historical buildings
- Small-town charm with a buzzy downtown village
- Peaceful country living surrounded by nature
People and Lifestyle
Katonah is home to a diverse mix of Manhattan executives, affluent families, and a fair number of creative types. Walking up the stairs from the train platform, you’ll see briefcases, Fifth Avenue shopping bags, and acoustic guitar cases. The unique character of the village makes it a welcoming haven for those who are hesitant to leave urban life behind while keeping all the trappings of a classic Hudson Valley small town.
The parents of kids here are involved and active in the school system and sports leagues, and they make a point to get to know the other families in town.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Katonah village is a proud “no chain store” town and is well-known for its fabulous window shopping at the many various boutiques. The Charles Department Store is a one-stop-shop now in its fourth generation of operation by its founding family and has everything from grills and NutriBullets to popular clothing brands like Pendleton and Patagonia. Kelloggs & Lawrence, which dates back to the old village, has been the town’s only hardware store since 1887. Here you’ll find two floors of every tool imaginable plus an outdoor sports section. Across from the train station, Little Joe’s has a coffee bar downstairs and a bookstore upstairs.
Any local will tell you the most beloved spot in town is The Blue Dolphin, a vintage diner-turned-trattoria with handmade pasta (the orecchiette is a must) and a romantic setting. Peppino’s and Le Fontane round out the upscale Italian options. For American fare, The Whitlock is perfect for a special occasion or night out with friends.
For perfect, authentic New York bagels, there is no other than Goldbergs. The Katonah Reading Room, which pays homage to the town’s first library, is a lively coffee shop with locally sourced snacks. Sgaglio’s Marketplace and Katonah Pasta are known for authentic Italian gourmet fare. Village Market will be your go-to for its grab-and-go meals, floral arrangements, and addictive crab salad pitas.
Things To Do
Walking around downtown Katonah is top on the list of things to do here. You’ll see dollhouse-like shops and fall in love with the energy of the village. Try Uovo Moderno for a kitschy shop full of fun home decor, specialty items, and glassware.
Kids love visiting Muskroot Farm to get up close with pigs, sheep, goats, and other barnyard animals. But adults can find plenty to love here, too, including exhibits on 19th-century farm life and hikes on the property’s 777 verdant acres. The Katonah Museum of Art has an outdoor sculpture garden as well as rotating indoor exhibits.
Schools
The Katonah–Lewisboro School District is a top-rated district with three elementary schools for younger children, who eventually matriculate to John Jay Middle and John Jay High School. John Jay has a very high graduation rate and a strong athletics program.
Katonah is also home to The Harvey School, a top-rated private school for grades 6-12.
