The village where the Kennedys lived and Nixon won

Cultures · Published 2 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Bronxville, New York, is a masterclass in American suburban evolution. From its origins as a colonial crossing to its status as an affluent enclave, this one-square-mile village has served as a backdrop for Hollywood films, prestigious schools, and pivotal moments in presidential history.

The village's identity was forged by two distinct waves of development. In the 18th century, the Underhill and Morgan families established the area as 'Underhill's Crossing,' building the region's first factory—a gristmill—on the Bronx River. However, the modern character of Bronxville was largely engineered by William Van Duzer Lawrence, a pharmaceutical and real estate mogul. Lawrence deliberately designed the village as an affluent suburb, constructing grand homes in rustic settings and exerting such significant influence that his family managed 97% of the rental market as late as 1959.

The village has long served as a cultural and cinematic landmark. In the early 20th century, it hosted an arts colony where prominent architects designed notable homes. Its aesthetic appeal has made it a frequent filming location for projects like 'Baby Mama' and 'Tales from the Darkside.' Educationally, it is home to The Bronxville School, a progressive institution founded in 1922, and has been featured in films such as 'Stepmom' and 'Firstborn.'

Perhaps its most notable historical role is as a residence for the Kennedy family. From 1929 to 1938, the Kennedys lived in the village and attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The area's political significance was cemented in the 1960 Presidential Election, when voters in the village overwhelmingly chose Richard Nixon over John F. Kennedy by a 5-to-1 margin. Today, the village remains a high-income enclave, with a 2023 median household income of $215,726 and a median home value exceeding $1.1 million.

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