Purchase is known for the Purchase Community House (PCH), home of the Purchase Day Camp (PDC). It also runs afterschool activities during the rest of the year. On the PCH property, there are 4 pools and numerous playing fields.

As is the case with much of Westchester, Purchase is home to a lot of very valuable real estate. This, as well as its quiet setting, has attracted many new residents in recent years. Many of Purchase's older streets have golf themes (i.e. Brae Burn, multiple major country clubs: Brae Burn, Old Oaks, Century Country Club, and others.

There are many historic sites located in Purchase. The grave of Revolutionary War General Thomas Thomas is located on the grounds of SUNY Purchase. The grounds that SUNY Purchase now occupies was once Strathglass Farms, a dairy farm. The Quaker Friends Meeting house was founded in the 18th century. The original building fell victim to fire years ago and the present one is an accurate reconstruction. Before the headquarters of Pepsi was built, the Blind Brook Polo Club was located on that site. Back before her fateful flight, Amelia Earhart would fly her plane from the polo grounds. Many colonial era homes and unspoiled natural woodlands fell victim to "Progress" and "Development" in the last 30 years. Still, the development seems to have been done in good taste and in keeping with the rural beauty of the area.