AudreyM

Bordered by the Hudson River in Westchester County, Irvington is a small waterfront community that is very safe and relatively affordable. It boasts beautiful views of the water, and a very peaceful atmosphere. My main problem with Irvington is that it seems to be a nicer place to visit than it is to live. While the town does have some nice small stores, where the owners know the village's residents by name, there is a lot that the town does not have. It doesn't have a town pool or a movie theater and is almost entirely residential. You have to drive to Dobbs Ferry or Tarrytown if you want to go to a supermarket, and if you're looking to go catch a movie or buy some clothes, you have to go to White Plains. That said, all of these towns are very close by, so it isn't too much of a problem - if you are okay with driving everywhere. While the commute to Manhattan isn't short, it isn't too bad either; it takes a little less than an hour by train. However, you still see a lot of professionals who commute from here. It is also a very popular choice for people who work in White Plains.

Located in central Westchester County, Pleasantville is a small village that is very safe and relatively affordable. The area is tiny, but housing is still pretty diverse. There are condos, co-ops, cottages, private houses, and some rental properties. While Pleasantville is certainly not the least diverse place in Westchester County, it definitely is not diverse. The population is overwhelmingly white, with very small groups of other races. Still, the people are pretty friendly and the village often hosts great community events, so it's still a nice place to live. The prices are relatively affordable, but the houses themselves are not as nice as those in other areas; they tend to be very old. It is, however, very well known for some of its architecturally renowned homes that were designed by master architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The school district in Pleasantville is pretty good; there are competitive programs and the town spends a significant amount of money on keeping the facilities updated. Some families actually send their kids to Armonk's Byram Hills Central School District, which is also really good. There are a lot of small stores and good restaurants here in Pleasantville, but if you don't find what you're looking for, White Plains is just a short drive away.

Bordered by the Hudson River in Westchester County, Ossining is a quaint and colorful village that is very safe and relatively affordable. The area covers just a little more than three square miles, and has a pretty diverse population with a pretty large percentage of Hispanic residents. This is a relatively low income area (when you compare it to the rest of Westchester County). As a result, the stores and restaurants in Ossining are fairly diverse too. Housing is somewhat diverse; there are co-ops and condos, as well as great classical private houses, but it may not be for you if you're into new constructions or contemporary designs. As the previous reviewer mentioned, a big issue for some people is the fact that the state penitentiary is located here in Ossining. However, it doesn't seem to be a very big deal unless you live so close that you can actually see the watch tower or hear the alarms. Also, it is good to note that the town has a lower crime rate than towns that don't house a prison. The town also offers a good deal of community events and programs for kids. There are some nice local parks here as well, but the schools leave much to be desired, so it's not the best place to raise your kids.

Located in northern Westchester, Peekskill is a small waterfront city that is very safe and affordable. It has just about everything you could want from a suburban community. The residents in Peekskill are friendly and there is a fairly bustling downtown area. In recent years, Peekskill has seen an influx of young professionals with families; they have come here from the city because of Peekskill's cheaper real estate, nice parks, and developing business community. Housing is diverse; there are great private houses, as well as lots of condos and co-ops, particularly along the waterfront. There is also a pretty big inventory of rental properties here. The tax rate is comparatively low (at least by Westchester County standards). The town also has a growing artists' community. There are lots of artists' studios, a museum, and centers for the arts. There are also lots of cute shops, nice restaurants, and comfortable cafes. The parks and recreational activities are numerous. Residents also like to picnic and relax at the waterfront. While it's great that the taxes and housing costs are low here, you do get what you pay for, so the school district isn't very good. There are slightly better private schools around though.

Most people tend to confuse Pelham and Pelham Manor. There is a town called Pelham, which is made up of two separate villages called Pelham and Pelham Manor. Pelham is slightly more affordable than Pelham Manor, but in all honesty, most people can't even tell the difference between the two. They share schools, so for most people, there really isn't any difference. Pelham is right next to the Bronx, and offers very convenient access to Manhattan as well. The commute to midtown Manhattan takes less than half an hour via the MetroNorth railroad. Housing options here are very diverse as far as the architectural styles go, but they are also pretty expensive. Pelham is an extremely safe neighborhood. The schools here are excellent and there is a great arts community. There are also a lot of recreational activities and programs that are available. Residents can enjoy more than seventy public recreation programs. There also athletic programs, special programs for kids, and social groups. There are some great restaurants, but the selections are not all that diverse. However, the town does offer easy access to White Plains, where there are more shopping and dining options.

The central Westchester town of Scarsdale is a fairly large community that covers a little less than seven square miles. The real estate prices and cost of living are high here, but it is great if you can afford it. There are lots of diverse housing options; in particular, there are lots of new constructions and renovated properties that were done during the last real estate boom. As a result, you'll see a lot of very nice and spacious homes here. As prices rose, the population became less diverse. The residents are mainly white collar professionals who can afford the steep costs. Scarsdale is broken down into five smaller neighborhoods with five elementary schools. Heathcote generally has the most expensive homes; Fox Meadow and Greenacres are the most popular neighborhoods because they are so close to the train stations. The school system in Scarsdale is one of the best in the region, which makes it a very attractive place for families with kids, but you'll have to pay for the quality of the schools - taxes are very high here. There are lots of recreational activities available for residents; in particular, there are lots of good programs for the town's kids.

The Westchester town of Mount Kisco covers just over three square miles, but it has most of what you will need, including great shopping options and lots of ethnic restaurants that reflect the town's growing diversity. Housing options here are very diverse, as is its population. Unfortunately, the town's diversity is also the source of many of its problems. While things in Mount Kisco have steadily improved, it has been known to be a haven for illegal immigrants. To improve the town's image, officials have worked to offer programs to help its immigrant residents find work, adjust to life here, or learn English. While the residents are mainly white, there is a huge Hispanic population here, and the town also has a history of racial tensions. Mount Kisco is also unique in that it has a bustling downtown area; many of the people from nearby towns come here to shop. There is a great range of shops that include trendy boutiques, cute cafes, trendy restaurants, and upscale shops. Once you move away from the town's downtown area, there are beautiful and spacious private homes and estates. Overall, it's a town that is slowly getting better, but it hasn't been overly popular because of its negative image.

The village of Mamaroneck is a small waterfront community with a friendly, laid-back vibe. The town itself is just over three square miles, but it has most of what you will need. There are lots of cute and small businesses (I bought my wedding dress from a great shop here). The housing is somewhat affordable, considering that these are close to New York City and waterfront properties, but they are far from cheap. Upscale properties, particularly around the water or in Rye Neck, run well into the millions. There are great restaurants in town, as well as cute cafes (including some with live music). The people in Mamaroneck are predominately white, but the population is gradually getting more diverse. There is now a fairly substantial Hispanic community, and we've seen a small but steady influx of Asian residents as well. The development of more ethnic stores and restaurants reflects this increase in diversity. This is also a great community with fun neighborhood events. People from all over Westchester come to hang out at the Harbor Fest downtown. Mamaroneck also boasts easy access to Manhattan via the MetroNorth railroad, and towns like White Plains and Yonkers are also an easy distance away.

Also known as downtown Yonkers, Getty Square has a wide variety of diverse dining options, fun entertainment venues, stores, and a bustling nightlife. There are movie theaters, performing arts theaters, museums, and (yes, I know I already said this but) LOTS of restaurants. This is as close to "city life" as you'll probably get in Westchester County. Also offering relatively low housing costs, Getty Square is becoming a hot spot for young professionals who are attracted by the low cost of living and convenient commute to midtown Manhattan. Historically, Getty Square hasn't always had such a good reputation. The population in and around Getty Square is mainly white; there are large Italian and Irish communities here. People used to call it "Ghetto Square," and it was mainly known for its bad crime rate and highly publicized racial tensions. However, residents and town officials have worked hard to reform its bad image and improve its safety rating. This area of Yonkers is also interesting because it has a unique blend of classical and contemporary architectural styles. It also has a storied history, and the neighborhood is filled with landmarks. Overall, Getty Square is a nice place to live for young people who want to have fun and older people who want convenient access to everything, rather than a quiet country life.

Part of Yonkers in Westchester County, Dunwoodie is a great choice for young professionals who are looking for a convenient commute and diverse recreational activities. Dunwoodie residents have access to the Dunwoodie golf course and very nicely maintained parks. The neighbors are friendly and there are a lot of community events. Dunwoodie also has Yonkers' "Little Italy," so you will find a huge variety of Italian restaurants here. A lot of the residents are into sports, so they go running at Tibbetts Brook County Park or play other sports together. Home to St. Joseph's Seminary, the town is also close to Sarah Lawrence College, so you will see some students living here. Housing in Dunwoodie is very affordable, so you get a lot of young people here. Another great aspect of Dunwoodie is that it is in close proximity of two major hospitals, so you see a lot of health care professionals and medical school students here as well. One negative aspect of Dunwoodie is that the town's safety rating isn't all that great. That's not to say that it's unsafe though; most of the crimes here are nonviolent crimes such as car theft.

I have to confess that I have a soft spot for Tarrytown; my husband and I were married here. We chose to have our wedding here because it's such a beautiful and peaceful town. It's safe and comfortable, and offers just about everything you could want from a suburban community. The residents in Tarrytown are friendly and there are great community events that everyone participates in. You can watch a movie while sitting on a blanket under the stars. The town is also very conveniently located right under the Tappan Zee Bridge; residents can also enjoy very easy access to Manhattan via the MetroNorth railroad. While it offers very easy access to major highways, its proximity to these roads also causes traffic problems. In recent years, Tarrytown has seen an influx of young professionals with families; they have come here from the city because of Tarrytown's cheaper real estate, short commute, and developing business community. Housing is diverse; there are great private houses, as well as condos and co-ops. There is a pretty good inventory of rental properties here. Tarrytown is part of Greenburgh, so residents can also enjoy most of Greenburgh's amenities. The school district is very good, which makes it popular with families.

Located close to Yonkers, Crestwood is a great neighborhood that has a lot to offer. Interestingly, while most people consider Crestwood to be part of Yonkers, it's actually part of Tuckahoe (at least as far as the post office is concerned). This is actually a good thing for residents, as some parts of Yonkers don't have the best reputations. Crestwood has a very unified community with a small town vibe. The people, who are mainly Irish and Italian, are very welcoming. The town's location is also a big plus: the railroad station is within walking distance of most Crestwood homes, and the commute to midtown Manhattan takes less than half an hour. This is also a very safe community; kids play outside on the sidewalks and in the neighborhood's parks. The vast majority of the crimes that do take place here are auto thefts. There is also the great school system; most of the kids attend Catholic primary schools. While there is no commercial district within Crestwood itself, residents have very easy access to the stores in nearby towns such as Yonkers, Tuckahoe, or Bronxville. The houses are diverse and affordable; Crestwood also offers comparatively low property taxes.

Located in southern Westchester, within the town of Greenburgh, Fairview is a very small and quiet community with affordably priced homes and very little of anything else. The population of Verplanck is predominantly African American, with smaller percentages of Hispanic and white residents. The median income is also lower than those of most other Westchester towns. The hamlet itself is extremely small; it is less than one-half of a square mile, and it is entirely residential. As a previous reviewer stated, the major problem with living in Fairview is that there is virtually nothing to do there. However, since it is part of Greenburgh, it has access to many of the larger town's and its other hamlets' amenities. Elmsford has a country club, a skating academy, and a nice library. You can find a lot of great shopping and some nice restaurants in White Plains. Greenburgh also has a wide variety of special events and programs for kids and senior citizens. Greenburgh also has a rapidly growing arts community, with art exhibits, live performances, and poetry contests. There is the community center, but it's cheaper for people who live in the unincorporated parts of Greenburgh.

Located in southern Westchester, within the town of Greenburgh, Hartsdale is a peaceful suburban community with competitively priced homes and a very cute little shopping area. There are lots of stores: mom-and-pop shops and cute restaurants on East Hartsdale Ave, the hamlet's main street, as well as larger and trendier stores on Central Park Avenue. The hamlet is also very conveniently located; residents enjoy very easy access to Manhattan via the MetroNorth railroad. It is also located close to White Plains and is convenient to Yonkers. In recent years, Hartsdale has seen an influx of young people who have come here from the city. They are lured here by Hartsdale's cheaper real estate, short commute, and variety of shopping options. Hartsdale has diverse housing that includes private homes, co-ops. and condo buildings. The apartment buildings in Hartsdale are slightly taller than those in other Westchester towns, which also attracts people who come here from Manhattan. Hartsdale also boasts an interesting history; it played a part in the American Revolution, so you will see historical buildings here. Sadly, Hartsdale also has the country's oldest pet cemetery (a depressing, but interesting fact). The schools here are pretty good; the class sizes are small and there are a few private religious schools.

Located in central Westchester, within the town of Mount Pleasant, Hawthorne is a fairly typical suburban village that started out as a colonial farming community. Today, Hawthorne is a mostly residential village; the houses here are mostly small, well maintained, and competitively priced. There are some condos and town houses, but rentals are a little harder to come by in Hawthorne. The school district, which is shared with Thornwood, is very good; the students perform well on standardized tests year after year and the schools offer diverse award-winning programs. Many people like the fact that the elementary school is broken up into two separate schools. This allows students to have smaller class sizes and learn in a more intimate setting. Hawthorne's population is mostly Irish and Italian, with a much smaller percentage of German residents. The hamlet is also very conveniently located; residents enjoy very convenient access to Manhattan; a MetroNorth railroad station is right in town. It is also located close to major Westchester towns such as White Plains. While it is very quiet here, there are also fun recreational activities that residents can participate in. There are two nice parks within Hawthorne, and the residents have access to all of Mount Pleasant's amenities. A lot of the town's families make use of Mount Pleasant's town pool, which is available for use by residents for a small yearly fee.

Located in central Westchester, Thornwood is a laid back and quiet town with friendly neighbors and just about all of the amenities you could need. Thornwood is a great town for families; there are great schools and has a thriving arts/cultural community. Many of the residents here are lifelong residents, so a lot of the people here know each other very well. Houses here are well maintained and relatively affordable. Taxes are also competitively low in Thornwood. The hamlet is also very conveniently located; residents enjoy very convenient access to Manhattan (via the MetroNorth) and major Westchester cities like White Plains. The school district in Thornwood is also fantastic; the students perform well on standardized tests year after year and the schools offer diverse award-winning programs. While it is very quiet here, there are also lots of fun recreational activities that residents can participate in. There are fun programs offered by the town, and there are also wonderfully equipped and well maintained parks such as Carroll Park. A lot of the town's families make use of Mount Pleasant's town pool, which is available for use by residents for a small yearly fee. Overall, this is a great place for families to live.

Located north of White Plains in Westchester County, Valhalla is a small and lovely hamlet that is part of the town of Mount Pleasant. Valhalla is a very special place with a lot of unique features and distinctive vistas. The county's two biggest cemeteries are found in Valhalla, which isn't actually as spooky as it may sound. They are beautiful park-like places that add to the town's character. The town also contains the Kensico Reservoir and the huge Kensico Dam park. Valhalla is a very quiet town, with lovely houses on tree-lined dead-end streets. Many of the homes have beautiful views of the cemeteries, the reservoir, or the countryside. The houses also cover a wide range of prices, with very affordable homes for young buyers as well as upscale homes in the Stonegate area. The town also boasts a very convenient location; residents have easy access to major roads that lead in different directions, so you can get to just about anywhere from Valhalla. The commercial aspect of Valhalla has grown; there are hotels, restaurants, and cute shops. The Valhalla school district is excellent, but residents also have the option to send their kids to the Mount Pleasant schools. Valhalla is also home to Westchester Community College and the county hospital.

Located just north of White Plains in Westchester County, Chappaqua is a small and lovely hamlet that is part of New Castle. Parts of Chappaqua also overlap with Mout Kisco, Armonk, and Pleasantville. A typical small town, Chappaqua has a laid back community with friendly neighbors who all know each other's names. Houses here range from miniscule and very affordable to huge and upscale. There are some condos, but rental properties are rare and generally found in or around private homes. The homes here are well maintained, as are most of the public areas. The residents are wary of development, so this is almost entirely a residential area. There is a tiny downtown area that is mostly made up of small family businesses; there are no big chain stores or malls here. The school district in Chappaqua is also fantastic; the students perform well on standardized tests year after year. Chappaqua is far from cheap; there are plenty of properties here that are priced in the millions. While some might feel that the real estate here is overpriced, the residents are really paying to send their kids to the superior school district. While it is very quiet here, there are still lots of fun recreational activities that residents can participate in. There are fun programs offered by the town, and there are also five well maintained parks that are frequented by the town's numerous children.

Located within the town of Somers in Westchester County, Heritage Hills is a small hamlet of a little more than 2 square miles. The population of Heritage Hills is almost all white, but there are tiny percentages of African American, Asian, and Hispanic residents. Heritage Hills used to be a retirement community, but anyone can live there now, regardless of age. The homes here are condos, but they are available in dozens of different layouts and designs. You can choose to rent or buy. Heritage Hills also offers many appealing factors that make it such a nice place to live. There is shuttle service to the MetroNorth railroad station and to the area's shopping centers. There are different athletic facilities including bocce ball courts, swimming pools, tennis courts, and paddle tennis courts. There is a game room with a pool table, as well as a private library and fitness center. Heritage Hills also has a very nice golf course. In my opinion, the nicest thing about Heritage Hills is the strong sense of community; there are lots of clubs that residents can choose to participate in. Overall, I really like this area as it is somewhat like a resort. However, I do feel that it is a little nicer for retirees and couples without families as there are no schools in the hamlet itself.

Located within the town of Cortlandt in Westchester County, Verplanck is a small and lovely hamlet of less than one square mile - and that's including the water! The population of Verplanck is almost all white, but there are tiny percentage of Hispanic residents. There are very few people of other races there. The major ethnic group here is Italian; each year there an Italian Feast is held here, with live entertainment, games, and lots of incredibly good Italian food. Verplanck has an interesting history; it played a role in the Revolutionary War and has been the setting for movies and television shows. They have events known as Patriot's Weekends, when people get dressed up in colonial costumes and they have fascinating and fun events to commemorate the war. There is a lovely and huge artificial lake. Verplanck has an incredibly strong and unified community; the residents work very hard to maintain the town's beauty. Naturally, as Verplanck is such a small area, everyone here knows each other. The Verplanck Residents Association volunteers to raise funds, host community events, and otherwise improve the town. It works especially hard to maintain the waterfront, and they do an amazing job - it's incredibly clean and well maintained. Each Christmas, the association has a special celebration for the town's kids.

Rye Brook is a small town with a very strong sense of community. It is one of those places where the neighbors and businesspeople all know one another. At the same time, I have heard people say that the people aren't very friendly, but I think that that's mainly to outsiders or visitors. I am also a visitor, but I try to express a lot of interest in the town and have only encountered kind and welcoming people here. Rye Brook also has a lot of other attractive qualities. It has access to two great school districts and has a pretty convenient location that offers easy access to the airport, major highways, as well as shopping districts and malls. During the last housing boom, there was a lot of renovation, construction, and expansion in Rye Brook. As the housing market expanded and some major companies moved into the area, Rye Brook became an even more attractive place. The prices here are very competitive (by New York standards) and there are plenty of diverse housing options. There are a lot of upscale homes, particularly at the Blind Brook development or in the Hillandale area. As I said earlier, there are two school districts, but I'm a particular fan of the Port Chester school district. The middle school has been widely acclaimed for its unique facilities and the high school is also supposed to be excellent. If you want your kids to have learn in a more intimate setting, you can send them to the Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District, which is so small and well equipped that it is comparable to most private schools.

Port Chester is a village that has been struggling for years to shake its slightly negative image. The town is well maintained and has lots of diverse and affordable housing. However, its reputation keeps it from attracting higher income residents because it has mainly been known as a place for poor immigrants and low income workers. While there is a significant percentage of low income households here, the median income is still well above the American average. The people here just make less than the people in Westchester's more affluent towns. There is a strong immigrant working class community here; about half of the town's residents are Hispanic or Latino. Port Chester does have a lot of shopping; there is the relatively new shopping district by the river, and there are lots of small ethnic shops and family businesses on Westchester Avenue. There are a lot of great ethnic restaurants; there is better and more Spanish/South American food here than in any other part of Westchester. The housing is relatively cheap here; there are lots of condos, co-ops, rental properties, and multi-family homes. However, this certainly isn't to say that everything in Port Chester is cheap. There are some nice areas within Port Chester, where the houses cost more. The school district here isn't very good.

Bounded by the Croton and Hudson rivers, the village of Croton-on-Hudson is part of the town of Cortlandt in Westchester County. Croton-on-Hudson is known for a lot of wonderful amenities, but it is best known for its great tasting water and waterfront, which is the only one in Westchester that is fully accessible to the public. The two rivers are also used for lots of recreational activities. There are beautifully landscaped parks, which take up the majority of the town's space. This great town also has a strong sense of community, which makes sense, considering that the residents really have to work hard to keep the town and water clean. There is a train station in town, but the commute to Manhattan is fairly long; it takes just under an hour. While Croton-on-Hudson is primarily a residential (and recreational) area, there are some businesses in the little downtown area near the train station. There are some very cute restaurants in Croton and nearby. Try the Ocean House for some great seafood. There are many different types of homes in Croton-on-Hudson; they range from small and affordable to expensive and spacious waterfront homes. There are some condos here, but most of the housing is in private homes. The schools in Croton are pretty good too.

Yorktown Heights is the biggest and most heavily populated of the hamlets that make up the town of Yorktown in northern Westchester County. It is also one of the most popular places in the county because of its relative affordability, peaceful country atmosphere, and convenient access to both necessities and recreational activities. I really like this area because you can feel like you are living out in the middle of nowhere, enjoying the wonders of nature, and then drive a few minutes and get to the mall or hop on a train to go to Manhattan. Housing options are diverse here; there are private homes, townhouses, condos, and rental apartments. Most of the kids who live in Yorktown Heights attend schools in the Yorktown Central school district, which is excellent; the schools here offer a wide variety of special programs that include supplementary programs for children with special needs and diverse elective courses for high school students. There are lots of things to do for fun here. The town has a growing arts community, so you can watch a play or catch a live performance at the performing arts theater. There are super parks and the huge nature preserve. I am also a huge fan of the special programs offered for elderly residents. When I lived here, many of my older neighbors participated in them and loved them.

Jefferson Valley is an area in Yorktown, a town in northern Westchester County. The neighborhood covers about seven square miles. The population here is mainly white, but includes growing Hispanic, African American, and Asian communities. There is plenty to do in Jefferson Valley, and I have long felt that it's underrated. The town has a variety of nicely kept parks and special community programs. There is the Yorktown Teen Center and the Yorktown community center, which has lots of very helpful programs for senior residents. The town is nicely maintained; homeowners also maintain their homes well. Jefferson Valley is serviced by the Metro North Railroad, which makes it an option choice for people who have to commute to Manhattan every day. It's also popular with families with children, as the Yorktown school district is very well regarded. I also like Jefferson Valley because it has a nice small-town vibe, but isn't as isolated as some other Westchester towns. There are plenty of shopping options; people from other parts of Yorktown also flock here to go to the Jefferson Valley Mall. However, there isn't much of a nightlife here, so it does get boring at times.

Known also as Mohegan Lake, Lake Mohegan is located in Yorktown, a town in northern Westchester County. The neighborhood known as Lake Mohegan is about three square miles. The population here is mainly white, but includes strong Hispanic, African American, and Asian minorities. There is plenty to do in Lake Mohegan, particularly in warmer weather. Here you will find most of the usual lake/waterfront activities, as well as nicely maintained parks and hiking/biking trails. The town is remarkably well kept; the residents work to keep it looking nice, and the bulk of the taxes collected here goes to maintaining the lake. For those who have to commute, this area is serviced by the Metro North Railroad. If you have kids, they would go to the schools in the Lakeland district, which is supposed to be pretty good. In particular, I know that the students at George Washington Elementary consistently score well on state tests. All of the parents I know who have kids there tell me that the teachers are excellent. While I'm not very familiar with the Van Cortlandtville School, I think it's pretty well regarded also. There are stores in Lake Mohegan's small downtown area; while the variety there is far from spectacular, you won't have any problem finding most staples.

Home to Sarah Lawrence College and St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Northeast Yonkers has become one of the most popular areas to live in Westchester County. This area boasts highly diverse housing options in a very wide range of prices, making it option for people of all different income ranges. There has been a particular increase in young professionals who are attracted by the area's relative affordability and convenient location. There are also executives who mainly live in the more affluent areas of Northeast Yonkers, such as Cedar Knolls or Lawrence Park. These more expensive parts of the town are closer to the railroad stations and have homes that are far more spacious. There are a few MetroNorth stops that you can access from Northeast Yonkers, making it quick and convenient to get to Manhattan. Even if you don't leave to go to the city, there is a lot to do right here in Northeast Yonkers. There are very cute and trendy stores and restaurants along Tuckahoe Road and Central Park Avenue. The population here is mostly white; it is dominated by the strong Irish and Italian communities here. However, there has been a small increase in the town's diversity over the past few years as more people have sought more affordable housing options.

Lincolndale is one of five hamlets located within the town of Somers in Westchester County. The village covers about 1.5 square miles, but a good chunk of this area includes Lake Lincolndale. The population of Lincolndale is almost all white married couples; a significant percentage of these households have children. The people of Lincolndale share a strong sense of unity. They work together to keep the town clean and well maintained. The neighbors are pretty friendly and definitely very helpful once you get to know them. I have friends who live in Lincolndale, and they tell me that their neighbors are their primary source of childcare. As far as real estate prices and the cost of living, Lincolndale is pretty affordable. It is a typical middle class suburb, with few cases of wealth and even fewer cases of poverty. While Lincolndale is pretty similar to the other hamlets in Somers, it does boast slightly better options for recreation. There is the golf course, a small variety of stores, and a pizza place. The residents of Lincolndale send their kids to the schools in the Somers Central district, which is supposedly excellent. Overall, it's a reasonably good choice for people who want some peace and quiet, but a terrible idea for people who are looking for a bustling downtown area or trendy nightlife spots.

Located within the Westchester town of Somers, Shenorock is a tiny village with a pretty good school system, but not much else. There are four other hamlets within Somers. The whole village takes up less than one square mile, and that's including the lake, so you can imagine how small Shenorock is. The population of Shenorock is almost entirely white with very small Hispanic, African American, and Asian communities. Of the Caucasian residents, most are Italian, Irish, or German. This is a very family-friendly community, so the vast majority of the households here are families or couples. Like many other places in Westchester County, Shenorock is comparatively affordable, but it isn't cheap by most people's standards; the cost of living is higher than the American average. Shenorock is entirely residential; I didn't even know that there was a pizza place there until I read about it on this website. Shenorock doesn't have really any recreational activities either other than fishing in the lake. Residents do have pretty easy access to the Anglebrook Golf Club, hiking/biking trails, and the Lasdon Park Arboretum, but these are all nearby - not actually in Shenorock. I can see the attraction for people who are looking to live out in the country, but I think I'd go stir-crazy if I had to live there.

Bounded by Mamaroneck, Larchmont is a lovely town in Westchester County; it has diverse and well maintained housing options located on beautiful tree-lined streets. There are different types of private homes and condos, but rental homes are pretty hard to come by in this town. The population includes plenty of young professionals with families. It is a very family oriented community, where you will see a lot of parents with strollers or playing with their kids. While the prices are relatively affordable (particularly for the rental apartments that are located over stores and other businesses), the cost of living in Larchmont is NOT cheap. Waterfront properties are incredibly expensive, and many of Larchmont’s homeowners participate in owners’ associations that charge membership dues to cover the expenses of maintaining communal areas, etc. There are plenty of recreational activities in Larchmont; the parks are great and have facilities for many different types of sports. Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont Avenue, and Boston Post Road are some of the main roads. You can find very cute shops and restaurants along those roads. The school system in Larchmont is excellent and there is a thriving arts community. Many of the residents enjoy performances at the Emelin Theater.

Located within the town of Yorktown, Crompond is a small area of less than three square miles. The population of Crompond is almost all white, with small communities of African Americans, Asians, and other minorities. While it is relatively affordable, when compared to Manhattan and some of Westchester County’s more upscale neighborhoods, Crompond is far from cheap. My biggest reason for not choosing to live here is that it’s pretty boring. That’s just me though; there are lots of people who enjoy its quiet life. However, while there isn’t much to do in Crompond itself, Yorktown does have a lot to offer, and Crompond residents have fairly easy access to Yorktown’s amenities. Crompond is very family friendly; most of the households here are made up of couples and families with children. The school district is pretty good, but again, it isn’t the best system in Westchester County. Overall, I’d say that Crompond is a nice and peaceful place to live if you’re into that sort of lifestyle or if you are raising a family. However, there are cheaper and livelier places to live – both in Westchester County and in New York City's outer boroughs.

Over the past few decades, northwest Yonkers has developed into an attractive community for young families and young professionals. They have flocked to this area because of its competitive real estate prices, beautiful views, diverse housing options, low property taxes, and convenient commute to Manhattan. There are two railroad stations that are accessible from this area. The housing options here include apartments and both single- and multi-family homes of nearly every conceivable architectural style. While this area is known to be predominantly Irish and Italian, the population has become much more diverse in recent years. To that end, the shops and restaurants have also become much more diverse too. There are also a lot of houses of worship and parks, where residents can relax and enjoy live performances during the warmer months. As others have stated, the schools here aren’t very good, which may make it a less attractive option for families with school-age children. However, the community is continuing to try to improve, and mediocre schools are pretty common in neighborhoods where property taxes are low. In other words, while northwest Yonkers is a great town that does have a lot to offer, it isn’t for everyone.

Shrub Oak is a quaint village in Westchester. It boasts a unique vibe that makes you think of the small towns of the olden days. There are very cute country stores and restaurants that have been around for as long as you can remember. All of the neighbors know each other and everything you need is within an easy walking distance. Kids play in the streets and in the little parks. Housing here is affordable, but is mostly limited to private homes and complexes of bungalows and town houses. There are rental properties, but they are all located in private homes. In other words, if you’re looking for an apartment in a building with an elevator, this isn’t the place for you. Shrub Oak is served by the Lakeland Central School District, and its schools are very highly regarded. There are many diverse programs that address the needs of different types of students. One of the best things about Shrub Oak is its diverse array of recreational activities. There are lots of parks here. My favorite is Shrub Oak Memorial Park; it’s huge and has facilities for almost every sport imaginable. It has hockey rinks, basketball courts, a baseball field, tennis courts, and several different swimming pools.

Located in northwestern Westchester, Buchanan is a small and quiet village of about1.5 square miles. As a previous reviewer described, the main issue that prospective residents face is the fact that there is an active nuclear plant located in the town. While most residents admit to having concerns about the possible dangers, they are also happy to enjoy the low taxes and housing prices that result from living next to the nuclear reactors. Aside from this concern, Buchanan is a really nice small town. The housing is pretty much limited to single-family private homes and some apartments and condos. Most of the homes here are very old and overlook the river. A lot of homeowners have either rebuilt or renovated their homes during the past decade, right up until the recession. There is a super small downtown area with some stores and restaurants, but there isn’t anything spectacular that tourists would travel here for. If you’re looking for big-box stores, there is a mall that’s a fifteen minute drive from here. For recreation, there are some parks and a lot of activities that are based on the lake. Residents also like to visit Bear Mountain, as it is pretty close by.

Located in Westchester, in Ossining and Mount Pleasant, Briarcliff Manor is a quiet and beautifully maintained town with an affluent community of homeowners who have included the Queen of England. Today, the population of Briarcliff Manor is almost entirely white, with a small percentage of Asians and a tiny percentage of African Americans. The town is less than twenty minutes from White Plains and has access to two railroad stations. Briarcliff Manor has a tightly knit community of homeowners who take care to maintain their properties as well as the town’s peacefulness. There are amazing private homes, modern condominiums, and a very small percentage of rental properties. Both of the school districts that serve Briarcliff Manor are highly regarded and the students in both districts consistently perform well. However, the people seem to have a preference for the Briarcliff schools. There are some shops and restaurants but Briarcliff Manor is almost entirely residential. There is plenty to do for recreation, if you are into tennis, golf, or horseback riding. There is the village pool, which isn’t free, but offers reduced membership prices to Briarcliff Manor residents. Besides, most of this town’s residents can afford to pay pool fees.

Located in northeastern Westchester, Bedford includes three villages that have separate fire departments, parks, libraries, business districts, pools, and post offices. However, all three villages are run by a single government and share two school districts. While the quality of life varies a little among those different areas, Bedford is a very peaceful and affluent country town overall. That isn’t to say that it’s exclusively expensive. There is a pretty good range of homes in terms of prices. However, the median income and median housing price are pretty high in Bedford. The population of Bedford is almost entirely white, with a small percentage of African Americans and a tiny percentage of Asians. Bedford has a tightly knit community of homeowners who take care to maintain their properties as well as Bedford’s small town vibe. The people here are very proud of the fact that Bedford is the hometown of several successful people such as artists and entertainers. Both of the school districts that serve Bedford are excellent and the students consistently perform well. There’s a quaint historic district and there are some shops and restaurants. However, Bedford is almost entirely residential. In my opinion, Bedford is a nice place to live if you are looking for a quiet place to have a family.

Located in central Westchester, Armonk is a quiet town that has beautiful parks, quirky stores, friendly neighbors, and an excellent school district. This is a pretty exclusive town in that its price makes most people of low to average income have to rule it out. It is okay for professionals, as the commute via MetroNorth takes about forty minutes; a lot of executives live here. While it can get pretty boring in Armonk, it is also very close to White Plains, so you can go there to shop or eat. This is a very strong and unified community; the residents have been known to band together to fight any threats to Armonk’s quiet small-town vibe. They also work to keep Armonk clean and well maintained. Another positive quality is the fact that Armonk has relatively low taxes. However, that is really offset by the fact that real estate and most retails goods are overpriced here. A lot of people claim that the people in Armonk are snobby. I think that it’s true, but the same thing can be said about the residents of most affluent towns. And there are a good number of residents who rent or are on the lower end of Armonk's income range, and they have their own communities as well.

Ardsley is a very small village that ironically gets a whole lot of traffic because of its central location. A lot of people pass through Ardsley to get to other places, causing heavy traffic during peak hours. Still, Ardsley has a lot of good qualities too. The housing costs in Ardsley are relatively low. The residents are very laid back, and there are plenty of fun things to do. The school district in Ardsley is fantastic. While it may not be what you’d imagine a town center in a New York suburb to be like, there is a tiny downtown area with stores. Ashford Park is pretty nice, with a playground for kids, baseball fields, basketball courts, and a picnic area. You’ll see a lot of residents relaxing there in good weather. There is also a growing arts community in Ardsley. There are some restaurants in Ardsley, but nothing trendy or upscale. I wouldn’t live here because I’d find it boring, but residents don’t really seem to mind the quiet atmosphere as you can easily drive to nearby towns for more fun. MetroNorth actually does have a stop that’s supposedly in Ardsley, but it’s pretty inconvenient to get to (for many residents).

Mount Vernon is a town that should be a lot better than it is. Just a thirty minute ride from Manhattan on the MetroNorth, Mount Vernon offers relative affordability and convenience. The population here is primarily African-American and Hispanic, with a smaller percentage of whites. The homes and apartments here feature a wide variety of architectural design styles. There is a small but busy shopping district where you can find most staples. There are some public parks with fun things like a water playground and a wave pool. However, this town is very poorly regarded by most people because of its high poverty and crime rates. A significant percentage of the town’s residents have incomes that fall below the poverty line. This leads to many different types of crime. Another huge problem with living here is that although there are many of schools here, most of them are awful. While they have seen some improvements during the past few years, the schools are still overwhelmingly bad. While the commute to Manhattan is fairly short, the MetroNorth is significantly more expensive than taking the subway from the boroughs. Overall, I’d say that Mount Vernon has the makings of a pretty good town. However, it will take still needs a LOT of work before it becomes one.

Located in southern Westchester, Rye is a pleasant city that is mostly residential, but that also has a growing number of things to offer. Boasting beautiful views, Rye has a lot of recreational activities that its residents can enjoy. There are parks, golf courses, restaurants, country clubs, cute shops, and… of course, you can’t forget Playland, which has gotten somewhat of a bad rap these past few years, but you have to love a place with history! Most of the shopping is done in Rye’s downtown area. As for the housing in Rye, there are condos, multi-family homes, and co-ops, but most of the options on the market are single-family homes. The streets and homes in Rye are very well maintained and it is an extremely safe town. Both of the school districts in Rye are excellent; this is a big draw for residents with kids. Rye is also a pleasant option for professionals as the commute to Manhattan isn’t too bad (although there are places in Westchester that are much closer). If you take the MetroNorth, it should take you about 45 minutes. The MetroNorth is pricey, but most of Rye’s residents can afford it.

Part of the Westchester town of Greenburgh, most people get confused about where Greenville is and which areas it includes. A tiny area, Greenville includes parts of Edgemont, so some people consider the two to be the same. To make matters more confusing, Greenville is also right next to Scarsdale, so it is hard to tell whether some homes are in Greenville or Scarsdale. There are a number of things that make Greensville an attractive place to live. First of all, it is somewhat affordable, compared to Manhattan or even some of its closer and more affluent neighbors, such as Scarsdale. Still, don’t take this to mean that Greenville is cheap; it isn’t. Greenville is also a pretty short commute to midtown Manhattan; if you take the MetroNorth, it only takes about half an hour. Another attractive quality is that Greenville boasts an excellent public school district. The schools are small and perform well. There are also a lot of great programs that students can participate in. The high school is often ranked on different “Best Schools” lists. The housing in Greenville is mostly condos, co-ops, and private homes. There are picturesque parks, a cute farmer’s market, and a nice library.

Eastchester is a town in Westchester County that includes Tuckahoe and Bronxville. The parts of Eastchester that aren’t in those two towns are where you will find a cheaper and wider variety of housing options: garden apartments, single-family homes, and co-ops. Close to the lake, there are also huge and expensive waterfront properties. Eastchester also has a good number of rentals as the unincorporated areas are primarily working class. The homes here are far more affordable than comparable properties in the boroughs. Prices dropped even more after the recent foreclosure crisis. The population in Eastchester is as diverse as its housing. There are people of nearly every income bracket, race, and religion. There are also numerous recreational activities in Eastchester. Residents have access to the huge Lake Isle Park, which was once a country club that has swimming pools, tennis courts, and a beautiful golf course. The town also has a number of smaller parks, where residents jog, picnic, and play baseball, soccer, or basketball. There is plenty of shopping at the Vernon Hills Shopping Center. While there are restaurants here, they aren’t exactly trendy. The school district is pretty mediocre, but the parents here speak highly of the kindergarten program. The commute to Manhattan via MetroNorth is pretty good; it takes under half an hour.

Located in southern Westchester, Bronxville is a small and affluent village of about one square mile. Downtown Bronxville boasts an excellent shopping district in which you can find just about anything you need to buy. There are pharmacies, grocery stores, antique stores, and lots of clothing boutiques. The housing in Bronxville is also diverse. There are lots of co-op apartment buildings, townhouses, and huge single-family homes that are priced in the millions. Many of the homes are located on quiet tree-lined streets and the pricier homes tend to be on hills overlooking the downtown area. Parts of Bronxville used to be an artists’ haven, so a lot of the homes in those areas have studios that people convert into dens, children’s rooms, gyms, home offices, or libraries. Bronxville is primarily a community of homeowners; rentals are pretty hard to come by. There is the Avalon community, which is nice but also pretty pricy. Public transportation is centered on the MetroNorth; most of the co-ops are within walking distance of the station. The schools in Bronxville are very unique and have excellent reputations. Housed in the same building, the schools have fantastic facilities and great teachers. There are a lot of recreational activities that are available to Bronxville residents: tennis courts, a tennis club, and a country club. They are pricey sports to play, but most Bronxille residents can easily afford them.

Be careful not to confuse Pelham and Pelham Manor. Like a lot of places in Westchester, the names can get pretty confusing. There is a town called Pelham, which is made up of two separate villages called Pelham and Pelham Manor. The population in Pelham Manor is overwhelmingly white, with a strong Italian American community. There are very small percentages of Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans. This village is pretty pricy; it has long been known to be one of the wealthiest towns in New York State. The residents are mainly white collar professionals. Located in southwestern Westchester, this is a small and quiet village with convenient access to everything. Midtown Manhattan is a half hour away if you take MetroNorth. Driving, it is about 20 minutes from both La Guardia and JFK. Pelham Manor is tiny; it is about 1.5 square miles. Schools and the railroad station are all within walking distance of any of the homes. As far as the school district goes, Pelham and Pelham Manor share schools. A lot of people question why the two villages exist as separate entities with separate governments, etc. There isn't a huge difference between the two.

Located next to the Hudson River, Dobbs Ferry is a quaint, quiet town with lovely homes, a great schools district, and a small business district that has all the staples. The neighbors here are great; this is the type of place where you stop to talk to your neighbors and let your kids play outside. It's safe and quiet. There are a lot of diverse housing options here; there are two-family homes, split-level homes, condos, and huge estates. While there is the business district, it doesn't have much diversity. There are some art galleries, upscale boutiques, some restaurants, and a number of cafes. This is one of the pricier neighborhoods in Westchester. There are plenty of very expensive homes that run well into the millions. There aren't too many rentals in Dobbs Ferry; most of the rental apartments are leased to friends or acquaintances. There are a lot of very nicely maintained parks in Dobbs Ferry. Nearly all of the parks have children's playgrounds and playing fields. Waterfront Park has picnic areas and Gould Park has a public swimming pool. Dobbs Ferry is very well known for its excellent school district. The high school offers courses through which students can earn college credit.

White Plains has a myriad of things to offer. There are newly constructed properties everywhere. You can dine in any one of this unique city's trendy or upscale restaurants or kick back and have fun in one of its great nightlife spots. There has been tremendous growth in the city's business district. There are a lot of young professionals living in the downtown area because White Plains offers a commute that takes just over half an hour, and prices that are far less than those in Manhattan. You should note that it is a little harder to catch a train at night, particularly on weekends. There are endless shopping options in White Plains. There is the Galleria and the Westchester Mall, which has lots of designer shops and valet service. City Center is a huge shopping, entertainment, and residential complex in the heart of the downtown area. There is a Target, lots of restaurants, and a nice movie theater. White Plains has great hotels, including a Ritz. The school district in White Plains is pretty good; the best aspect of it is that, for the most part, parents are allowed to choose which schools to send their kids to.

New Rochelle is one of the few cities in Westchester county. Like most places in Westchester, New Rochelle is RELATIVELY affordable - when you compare it to most places in New York City. However, this does NOT mean that it's a cheap place to live. In fact, the cost of living is way above the national average. During the last decade, New Rochelle has seen a lot of changes - particularly in the downtown area. Developers have invested a lot of money in building luxury properties and courting more businesses - including cafes, bars, nightclubs, and trendy stores. A huge number of condos, townhouses, and apartments have been built, while there are still some single family homes outside of the bustling downtown area. While it was once harder to get to Manhattan from New Rochelle, now it only takes about half an hour, making the commute comparable to those from many of the boroughs. New Rochelle is also a very diverse town; it is historically an Italian community, but now there are also significant numbers of African American and Hispanic residents, with a slightly smaller minority of Asians. As a result, the town has seen the development of a large number of ethnic restaurants. There is plenty to do in New Rochelle: nice parks, a separate Children's Library, and the popular New Roc City entertainment & shopping complex.

Yonkers is one of the largest cities in New York (by population and area). I have been told that it's the fourth largest, but I'm not sure about its exact rank. Up until the '90s, the population was almost entirely white. However, over the past two decades, we have seen huge changes in the population. These changes have taken place throughout Westchester, but they are particularly apparent in Yonkers. Less than half of the residents are white while the African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian populations have experienced tremendous growth. Some of this can be attributed to the fact that a lot of low income housing was built in parts of Yonkers. While diversity is a good thing, the low income housing also resulted in areas with more crime. However, that isn't too say that all of Yonkers is cheap and unsafe. Since it is such a large city, quality of life and cost of living vary from area to area. While southwest Yonkers is a pretty impoverished area, Yonkers also has plenty of upscale areas such as Park Hill and the downtown waterfront area. Public transportation is okay, although it certainly isn't as quick or convenient as in most of the boroughs. It is definitely a better place for drivers, as the traffic and parking is much better than in most of New York City. Yonkers also has plenty of things to do... there is plenty of shopping, and you can take the family out to the Hudson River Museum or the Science Barge. For adults, if you like gambling, there is the Yonkers Raceway. I'm told that it also has slot machines, but I haven't been there myself.