Sleepy Hollow is located in southwestern Westchester County on the eastern shore of the Hudson River. It lies within the lower Hudson Valley, a geologically and historically important corridor shaped by glacial processes, riverine settlement, and suburban development. The village is adjacent to Tarrytown and near Irvington, Elmsford, and other established Westchester communities.
The Hudson River is the defining physical feature. The village occupies waterfront lowlands as well as rising inland terrain. Inland sections transition into neighborhoods on slopes and upland streets, creating a varied local landscape rather than a flat riverside plain. The broader area contains deciduous woodlands, landscaped estates, suburban blocks, and preserved historic grounds.
Regional geology reflects ancient bedrock overlain in places by glacial deposits. The Hudson Valley's shape was strongly influenced by glaciation, which helped carve the river corridor and surrounding topographic features. Local soils and terrain historically supported small-scale agriculture and estate landscapes, though the modern village is predominantly built-up.
Sleepy Hollow has a humid temperate climate typical of the lower Hudson Valley, with four distinct seasons. Natural resources in the immediate village area are less about extraction and more about location: river access, scenic value, transportation position, and historic landscape. Environmental issues typical of riverfront communities include stormwater management, shoreline resilience, and redevelopment of former industrial land.