 Its proximity to the Sound had resulted in a booming resort trade by the late 1800s and wealthy Manhattanites flocked to the city's shores for recreation and relaxation.In 1889, The Town and Village of New Rochelle were incorporated as one city with a population of 14,000 residents.Just three decades later, New Rochelle's population had grown to over 54,000, having become one of the most sought after suburban communities in the country.