Overview of Pace University Westchester
Pace University Westchester serves graduate and professional programs in the suburban corridor north of New York City. Its primary campus in Pleasantville provides a small-college environment with undergraduate and graduate options, while the Briarcliff Manor campus supports graduate studies and corporate partnerships. This guide covers where each campus is located, how to get there, nearby transit and parking, and the surrounding neighborhoods. These details are intended to help prospective students, current students, faculty, and visitors plan visits and commutes with confidence.
Main Campus in Pleasantville
Address and campus center
The primary Pace University Westchester campus is in Pleasantville, New York, a walkable downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and services. The campus centers around a main academic building and adjacent spaces used for classrooms, labs, and student services.
- Campus address: 81 Pleasant Street, Pleasantville, NY 10570
- Key academic and administrative buildings are clustered near this address.
For general mail and large visitor parking, use the main campus address above. Specific buildings may have slightly different street addresses, which you will see on course schedules or admission documents.
How to get to Pleasantville by car
By car, the campus is most straightforward from I-684 (exit 2) or the Saw Mill River Parkway (exit 22). Plan for 45–75 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, depending on traffic. From the George Washington Bridge, expect 45–60 minutes in typical conditions. On weekends and during off-peak hours, the drive is usually closer to 45 minutes. Arrive with extra time during weekday rush hours, which can extend travel to 75 minutes or more.
- From I-684: Take exit 2 (Pleasantville/King Street) and follow signs for downtown Pleasantville.
- From the Saw Mill River Parkway: Take exit 22 (Pleasantville) and follow directional signs into town.
- From the Bronx and Westchester via Route 22: Continue south into Pleasantville and follow campus signage.
Parking and drop-off at Pleasantville
Campus visitor parking is available in marked lots and on adjacent streets subject to permits or time limits. Students and employees typically register vehicles with the university for parking privileges. Visitors should look for visitor parking stalls or use the main commuter lots. Arrive early to secure parking during peak class times, and follow posted campus signage for entry and overnight restrictions.
Public transit to Pleasantville
Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line serves Pleasantville at the Pleasantville station, roughly 0.6 miles (about a 10–12 minute walk) from campus. Trains connect Pleasantville to Grand Central Terminal and other points north and south. Westchester County buses also service nearby routes. Check current Metro-North schedules for weekday, weekend, and holiday service; off-peak trains are less frequent, so plan ahead. From Pleasantville station, walk north on Bedford Road, turn right onto Main Street, then proceed to campus entrances near downtown.
Briarcliff Manor Graduate Center
Address and programs
Pace University also operates a graduate-focused center in Briarcliff Manor, primarily serving professional and corporate programs. The Briarcliff campus location supports evening and weekend options for working students.
- Briarcliff Manor address: 275 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
- Primarily graduate and executive programs; check program pages for exact course locations.
Confirm the specific building on your schedule or with admissions before visiting, as some courses may rotate among nearby professional buildings.
How to get to Briarcliff Manor by car
From major arteries, Briarcliff Manor is accessible via the Saw Mill River Parkway and Taconic State Parkway. From I-287, take exits toward Route 100 or the Taconic. Travel times from Manhattan are typically 45–70 minutes, lighter outside of rush hours. From White Plains, expect 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
- From the south: Take the Saw Mill River Parkway north to the Route 100 exit toward Briarcliff Manor.
- From the north: Use the Taconic State Parkway or Route 9A to approach Briarcliff from the north.
Parking and local access at Briarcliff
On-site parking is generally available for students and visitors, but confirm current permits and visitor parking instructions with the campus office. Street parking in the village may be restricted, so prioritize campus-designated lots. Allow extra time when arriving during evening programs when village parking rules are enforced.
Public transit to Briarcliff Manor
The Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line serves Millwood station, a few miles from Briarcliff Manor, and connections may include a short rideshare or taxi to the campus. Bus options are limited, so check schedules ahead of time if relying on public transit. From Grand Central, typical total travel time including transfer and walk is about 60–90 minutes.
Key locations at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasantville campus address | 81 Pleasant Street, Pleasantville, NY 10570 | Official university directory |
| Briarcliff Manor center address | 275 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510 | Official university schedule listing |
| Pleasantville transit | Metro-North Harlem Line, Pleasantville station, ~0.6 miles to campus | Railroad timetable and campus mapping |
| Briarcliff Manor transit | Closest Metro-North station: Millwood; limited local bus service | Railroad timetable and local transit guide |
| Typical drive time from Manhattan | 45–75 minutes to Pleasantville; 45–70 minutes to Briarcliff Manor | Mapping and traffic estimates; varies by traffic and time of day |
Neighborhood and surroundings
Pleasantville downtown and amenities
Pleasantville’s downtown strip along Main Street offers cafes, bookstores, and casual eateries within walking distance of dorms and academic buildings. Small parks and a short walk to recreational facilities provide balance between study and daily life. The area is quiet compared with Manhattan, with easy access to broader Westchester destinations via short drives or transit.
Briarcliff Manor atmosphere
Briarcliff Manor is a residential village with tree-lined streets, local boutiques, and a mix of independent and chain businesses. The Pace center is positioned for graduate students and working professionals, with nearby options for quick meals and study spaces. The village hosts community events seasonally, contributing to a modest suburban campus feel.
Practical tips for visiting and commuting
- Check campus event schedules before visiting; some buildings may be restricted during evenings and weekends.
- Register or confirm visitor parking in advance when possible.
- Use a navigation app for real-time traffic, as Westchester congestion varies by time of day.
- Allow extra time on Metro-North and local buses during weekday rush hours.
- Verify classroom or meeting room locations with the department or host in advance.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is there more than one Pace Westchester location?
Yes. The primary undergraduate-focused campus is in Pleasantville, while the Briarcliff Manor center emphasizes graduate and executive programs. Always confirm which location your program or visit uses.
Can I park overnight near campus in Pleasantville?
Overnight parking rules vary by zone and permit status. Students and registered visitors may have designated overnight stalls. Check campus parking policies for specifics.
Are classes at both campuses in person only?
Many programs use in-person formats, especially at the Pleasantville campus, while Briarcliff Manor often hosts evening and weekend graduate courses. Some programs may offer hybrid options; verify with the department.