Chester Heights presents a vibrant community with multiple transportation options, including nearby bus lines and easy highway access. The neighborhood offers a convenient layout where day-to-day errands can be undertaken within a compact area. A variety of schools, both public and private, are located within close proximity, providing educational choices. Local dining options range from specialty grocery stores to several restaurants and coffee shops, catering to diverse tastes. Residents benefit from numerous green spaces that are readily accessible and provide peaceful spots for relaxation. Housing options are diverse, featuring large apartment buildings alongside smaller residences, with a variety of unit sizes available.
Despite the somewhat busy feel, there are a lot of green spaces to enjoy in Chester Heights. It is easy to reach green spaces in the neighborhood since there are a few of them nearby for residents to visit. Lastly, a good portion of Chester Heights is quite quiet.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Oakwood Heights is uniquely convenient, bounded by North Columbus, East Lincoln and Lorraine Avenues, and offers easy access to Mount Vernon East station—and within short driving distance to Mount Vernon West and Fleetwood stations—making the 26‑minute commute to NYC a standout neighborhood feature.
The neighborhood is celebrated for its landscaped, mature tree‑lined streets and diverse early‑20th‑century single‑family homes—Tudor, Colonial, Arts & Crafts, English Cottage styles—that lend Oakwood Heights a picturesque, historic-suburban charm.
Serving the Oakwood Heights area, Mount Vernon Honor Academy at 195 N Columbus Ave is the local public school for grades PK‑8, notable for its central role in the neighborhood and a combined math and reading proficiency ranking among local schools in 2025‑26.
Every September, the Oakwood Heights Homeowners Association organizes its popular annual Block Party—held at the Mount Vernon Public Library—bringing together residents across the 13‑street neighborhood for community building and local fun.
Residents benefit from exceptionally easy access to multiple major highways—Hutchinson River Parkway, Cross County Expressway, I‑95, the Deegan (Thruway), Bronx River and Sprain Brook Parkways—making regional and city travel remarkably convenient.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This is one of the closest documented October events to Oakwood Heights, taking place in Mount Vernon itself. Local residents can enjoy a live soccer match without traveling far, making it an easy neighborhood outing for sports fans, families, and anyone looking for a community atmosphere.
View event details →This full-day Hudson Valley festival is a reasonable regional outing from Mount Vernon, with eleven bands, food trucks, vendors, children’s activities, Halloween-themed programming, and waterfront park scenery. Children under 12 are free with a paying adult, making it especially appealing for families.
View event details →Bicycle Sundays offer Mount Vernon residents a car-free way to enjoy the Bronx River Parkway on two wheels, skates, or foot. The nearby route is well suited to families and casual cyclists seeking an active fall afternoon without committing to a distant day trip.
View event details →This colorful seasonal festival combines a costumed paddle on the Hudson with live music, vendors, food, and fall activities onshore. It is a distinctive nearby Westchester experience for Mount Vernon residents who want Halloween atmosphere, outdoor scenery, and a festive community event.
View event details →Twilight Village turns historic Philipsburg Manor into an evening seasonal attraction with live storytellers, fire performers, an evening market, and the Headless Horseman. Its Halloween setting and family-oriented programming make it a popular fall excursion for Oakwood Heights residents willing to travel a short distance north.
View event details →This outdoor retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow features a master storyteller, live music, and theatrical sound effects, while daytime tours add lawn games, crafts, and a shadow-puppet show. It offers Mount Vernon families and history fans an atmospheric Hudson Valley Halloween experience.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Oakwood Heights
Local characteristics and demographics for Oakwood Heights
