Rye is also known for its famous theme park, Rye Playland. Rye Playland was a very popular destination in the early 20^th century, where people were able to take their boats right up to the park. Its famous roller coaster, The Dragon Coaster, was at one point in time a top ten wooden roller coaster in the world.

The oldest house in the town, the Timothy Knapp House, is owned by the Rye Historical Society and dates in its original version to around 1667. The site at 210 Boston Post Road where founding father John Jay grew up and where he is buried is now the Jay Historical Center. A later 19th century home on the site is under restoration.

The Historical Society also owns a former inn/tavern built in 1730, the Square House, which it operates as a museum. George Washington stayed at the Square House on two separate occasions, remarking favorably on his stay in his diaries.

The dominant characteristic of the community is one of single family homes that cover about three-fifths of Rye’s six square miles. Another fifth of the land is devoted to recreation and conservation. The balance is divided between institutions (such as The Osborn, churches, and city property) and vacant land, with a slim 5% of all property in Rye used for business and industry.

Careful planning and controlled growth have protected the overriding community objective – to retain its residential character. Of the 5,400 households, two-thirds live in private homes; the rest are housed in condominium, cooperative, two-family or apartment buildings – a balance which has been purposely maintained.

Population: 14,955

Area: 20.0 square miles

Demographics

White: 89.61%

Asian: 6.49%

Black: 1.27%

Other: 2.63%

Median income: $110,894

ZIP code: 10580