Mamaroneck, NY

In 1661, a merchant named John Richbell purchased some land from the Siwanoy Indians -- with a collection of tools, kettles, clothing, and wampum (shell beads sometimes used for money or for making decorative belts). The area purchased for these sundry items was Mamaroneck, a Native American name that means, "the place where sweet waters fall into the sea."

Today, the bayside community of Mamaroneck provides a picturesque town nestled in the trees and wrapped around harbor-side parks and yacht clubs. The absurdly quaint mixed-use downtown area features a variety of locally-owned shops and restaurants in historic buildings along wide, tree-lined sidewalks. To be in the heart of this district, look for apartments along Mamaroneck Avenue and East Boston Post Road.

Mamaroneck is located about 22 miles northeast of Manhattan. Like most of New York, the city is very walkable and bicycle-friendly with easy access to mass transit; the Mamaroneck train station is located near the corner of Halstead Avenue and Ward Avenue.