moodyxel

Yorktown's community library is located here and Shrub Oak is part of the largest suburban school district in Westchester County with over six thousand students. The high school is conveniently located in town and ranks well among others in the county. The current principal is known to be strict but it's mostly students who say that. There are also two childcare options in town for younger children.

The cost of living here is high by national standards but that's to be expected anywhere in the Westchester County area. The good news is the resale value is above the national average and you're likely to make a profit on your investment.

There are several parks the largest of which is Shrub Oak Memorial Park. It's 90 acres with a pool, hockey rink, baseball field, basketball court, and three tennis courts. Two other parks in the hamlet have walking and nature trails in addition to a county owned golf course.

The best part about Shrub Oaks is the strong sense of community. Most things are within walking distance and everyone is very friendly. Newcomers should have no trouble fitting in.

On a negative note, the Taconic Parkway and its exit can be noisy but it's concentrated to one area of the hamlet.

Northwest Yonkers is ideal for commuting in to New York City. There are two train stations in the area, Greystone and Glenwood, and are easily walkable. The views of the Hudson River are beautiful, particularly at sunset, and there are plenty of spots to take in the view. Unless of course you are lucky enough to live on the waterfront. Untermyer Park is right on the river and is not your typical park. It was formerly the gardens of a huge mansion that was replaced by the hospital. You can expect to find walls, statues, fountains, and a gazebo. It's fun to explore even though it may not sound like it.

Towards the border between Northwest and Northeast Yonkers is Sprain Ridge County Park. This park is massive and has lots of trails and a swimming pool. Many Yonkers residents flock here in the summer.

The houses in Northwest Yonkers vary greatly but the ones directly on the water are Victorian era and stunning.

There are lots of shopping and restaurant options in the north end. You'll have no problem finding what you're looking for especially with New York City so close.

Unfortunately the school system in Northwest Yonkers isn't very good. Typically Westchester County schools rank high but Yonkers falls short.

The school system in Crompond ranks well in the county but parents seem to have mixed opinions about it. The high school is small and doesn't offer many electives and some say that students that need special education services don't receive the best. The upside of the high school being so small is that there is a low student to teacher ratio. For younger children there are several childcare options in Crompond and in the surrounding area of Yorktown.

It's an expensive area to live in even though the real estate prices are affordable by Westchester County Standards.

Crompond is a part of Yorktown which offers some stellar parks. There's a golf course open to the public, hundreds of acres of nature preserves, lots of lakes, and miles of trails.

The neighborhood of Crompond can be a little boring but that's only because it's a small slice of Yorktown. If you're looking for a neighborhood where you can walk into town and do some shopping then Crompond isn't going to deliver. In fact, Crompond falls short in a few areas. There are a lot of nicer communities within Yorktown that have top rated schools and the type of town center you'd expect from a village.

Real estate prices are quite high in Larchmont and can top a million dollars for a single family home. The neighborhood is very safe and close knit. Its location on the Long Island Sound make it a very desirable place to live with its beautiful views and harbor. The Horseshoe Harbor Yacht club is popular in the area and many people come to dock their boat here. Larchmont Manor Park is also located along the shoreline and is open to the public. It's about 12 acres with paths and benches to enjoy the views.

Fountain Square is right next to Larchmont Manor Park and is a beautiful place to walk through. There's a mermaid fountain at its center. I always found it to be a strange interpretation, she is very muscular, but it goes well the the watery backdrop.

Everything is well maintained and clean. The community really cares about the upkeep of their town. There are well placed benches everywhere and little spots of serenity that you can't help but stopping to relax.

The public school system is very good. The Mamaroneck Schools Foundation contributes funding to the schools to make sure the quality of education is at a high standard.

Even though it seems like it would be a pretentious area with its yacht club and expertly manicured lawns the people are very friendly and down to earth.

Northeast Yonkers is more suburban than the rest of Yonkers. There are the typical moderately large houses that you find in most suburbs and it is more wooded. It's also very hilly and if you climb high enough there are some great views of New York City.

Sprain Ridge Park is close by and has some top rated trails. Some of them are a little tricky for beginners but they offer a good variety. There's also a pool here which is very convenient for residents of Northeast Yonkers. O'moore's Park, which is much smaller, has a baseball diamond and a little nature walk. If that's not your cup of tea then there's a country club right next to it.

This is probably the best part of Yonkers to start a family. It's definitely the more affluent part of the city and the houses can be on the expensive side.

There is a large Italian and Irish community but not much diversity past that.

In the heart of the residential area there aren't very many places to eat but once you get to Central Park Ave there are tons of restaurants and coffee shops. Because of the large Italian population there are some great pizzerias and pasta.

Shenorock started as summer community so the houses are a little close together and centered around the lake. Unfortunately, the homeowners association that runs the lake can't afford its upkeep and it has become unsuitable for swimming. There is talk of turning it into a park which would increase the property value and improve the community as a whole. Right now the lake is the only source of recreation but due to its current state is only used for fishing.

The homeowner association had always been something that united the neighborhood but now there are a lot of mixed feelings about the fate of the lake and it has caused some strain on the community.

It's a very quiet area with no commercialization. There is only one pizzeria within its borders and no shopping. On the weekends people usually find entertainment in bordering areas and there is a golf course at the southern tip of Shenorock though technically it's outside of the neighborhood.

Shenorock uses the Somer Central School district which ranks well and students seem to enjoy it there. The high school is close in the neighboring town of Lincolndale.

There isn't any childcare in Shenorock which is a little inconvenient.

Lincolndale is a great community. If you're new to the area it's a good idea to become part of the association that runs Lake Lincolndale. They also deal with issues other than the lake and organize lots of community events. The community as a whole is very proactive in keeping the lake and surrounding areas environmentally safe. They use natural means whenever possible like using fish to keep weeds from overtaking the lake. The neighborhood is still friendly but becoming part of the association is the best way to meet new people.

The lake is used for swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter and is the center of socialization. There's also Anglebrook Golf Club if you're a golfer.

There are two shopping centers in town but they're very small, you'd have to go to a neighboring town to get any serious shopping done. As for restaurants there are a few including the clubhouse at Anglebrook Golf Club and a decent Italian place called Sunshine Pizza.

Lincolndale is part of the Somers Central School district which is very highly rated and is located right in the neighborhood.

Since it's such a small community there isn't any nightlife or entertainment and young adults may find the quiet life a little boring.

Rye Brook is a safe village in the town of Rye with very little crime. The schools are excellent. Blind Brook High School is right in the village and is very competitive.

There's no downtown area with family-owned shops that is often desirable in a village like Rye Brook; you would have to go to the shopping area in one of the neighboring towns.

You'll find a few parks here but they're mostly used for sports. Then there are two patches of grass that are technically considered parks. It's great for playing in the summer time but if you want to go on some nice wooded hikes or have a picnic you'd have to go to elsewhere. There are, however, two country clubs in the village.

It's a pretty easy commute in to New York City. You would use either the Rye station or the Port Chester station. Be warned that the waiting list for a parking spot at the Rye train station is years long. Port Chester has metered parking and is a little better.

Unfortunately I don't find the people to be overly friendly here. It seems like Rye Brook residents are very eager to prove that they're better than you. It's not as bad as other places but I think students also feel that pressure in the school system.

Jefferson Valley is a blue collar neighborhood that is ideal for people looking for a good school system and a little space. It's part of the Yorktown school district which is ranked well. The music program is great especially in a time when many are being discontinued due to budget cuts. The sports teams are also top-notch. It's a little reminiscent of a college campus and and allows students to learn and grow. That's exactly what I want out of a high school even if it isn't necessarily the best in the state; test scores will only get you so far.

There's a 33 acre park in the northeast corner of Jefferson Valley called Sparkle Lake Park. In the winter when it freezes over there's ice skating and during the summer it's open for fishing and swimming. It's nice just to take a picnic up there once in a while. There's a little trail less than a mile long that goes around the lake.

On the other end of the spectrum is the mall located right in Jefferson Valley. It's really convenient to get shopping done and has a good variety of stores. There's also a movie theater which is the extent of nightlife in the immediate area but still makes for a great Friday night outing.

Lake Mohegan is a friendly neighborhood with a great community. It is situated around Lake Mohegan and originally started as a summer vacation spot. Over the years it has turned into a quiet but thriving community. The houses are very affordable and residents can enjoy any of the six beaches around the lake during the warmer months.

There are plenty of stores around Route 6 and is mainly a commercial area. Cortlandt Town Center is along here and has a movie theater in addition to restaurants and stores.

Mohegan Lake is part of the Lakeland School District which is well rated and located in the neighboring community of Shrub Oak. Some students complain that the high school is strict because there is constant surveillance but most parents praise it and like that there's always a watchful eye on their children.

Mohegan Lake feels a lot like the summer vacations I used to take with my family and I think that's part of the appeal of living here. Being that it's within Yorktown there are also plenty of nature preserves and parks to explore.

The lake may become a little dreary during the winter but a lot of people think it's worth it given the great summer scene.

Yorktown Heights is beautiful and spread out with lots of woodland and farmland. The Teatown Lake Reservation is close and has 730 acres to hike and explore. There's another 300 acres between the Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve and the Kitchawan Preserve so you can imagine the kind of scenery resident's of Yorktown Heights wake up to every morning.

It's a great place to raise kids. The school system here is solid and the teachers do their best to modify their curriculum based on each child's needs.There's a little museum on the top floor of the Yorktown Community Cultural Center which recreates some of the history in the area. It's very small and just a curiosity for adults but kids seem to enjoy it. Adjacent to the Cultural Center is a gazebo where an annual summer concert series is performed.

I can't say that Yorktown Heights is the most exciting place in the world but it is full of some friendly and kind people. There's a mall in town which is a nice change of pace from the woods not to mention convenient. It's a little too far to commute to New York City every day, about 20 minutes to the nearest train station then a 45 minute ride, but it's still close enough for the weekends.

Croton-on-Hudson has a great down to earth atmosphere. It's great for those you want to escape the city and have a more relaxed lifestyle. If you still want to commute to New York City it takes about 45 minutes and is an easy ride if you're willing to expend the time. It's a very wooded area and is a great place to raise kids.

There are also some great nature preserves and lots of hiking nearby.

Some people have concerns about the Indian Point Energy Center located in Buchanan since it's within ten miles of Croton-on-Hudson but there hasn't been any evidence to suggest danger to inhabitants of the surrounding area. I guess it just depends on if the idea is unsettling to you.

The people here are very friendly and neighborly. It seems like there's always a potluck going on somewhere and there's even a non-profit community nursery for toddlers. Everyone is nonjudgmental and happy to help.

The town isn't very walkable but you would need a car anyway to get around in this area. There are lots of restaurants, stores, and entertainment in surrounding towns less than fifteen minutes away. If you want to stay within Croton-on Hudson there are a few good restaurants and a nice coffee shop.

Port Chester is a pretty densely populated town with houses that are close together. This is a very diverse village with a lot of hispanic immigrants. It's known to be geared toward the working class community so there isn't a whole lot of funding. It's probably part of the reason the school system doesn't rank very high.

The town isn't the safest but is still lower than the national average. As long as you stay away from the bad areas you don't have anything to worry about.

The small area of Port Chester by the water has some nice bars and restaurants. It's becoming the new trendy area to go to and is nice for a low-key Friday or Saturday night. Since it's on the waterfront expect to pay a few extra dollars for drinks. Away from the waterfront there are some great ethnic restaurants. Port Chester also has some of the best Mexican bakeries in the state.

There are various programs and activities organized through the recreation department like arts, sports, and summer camps that take place throughout Port Chester. It's not the typical small village where everyone knows each other but there still seems to be a sense of community.

Verplanck is a very pretty and green hamlet. It's surrounded by water on three sides and has lots of green space. It's a part of Cortlandt which is focused on preserving the natural surroundings. It's a small but active community with less than one thousand inhabitants.

One of the best sights in Verplanck is during the winter when the Half Moon, a replica of Henry Hudson's seventeenth century ship, docks here. It's normally a big event that all the residents look forward to.

The school system is pretty solid. It's not the best in the county but it performs well and students and parents seem to love it. The community gets very involved with the school and makes it a central part of town life.

The people here are very friendly. It's the kind of place where people stop to talk with you and it's not difficult to socialize.

There aren't a whole lot of restaurants directly in Verplanck except for a few delis and a bistro but Paradise Bar and Grill is by far the best. It serves Italian fare and not only is the food phenomenal but the service is too. When the owner is here, which is pretty often, he always stops at your table and makes sure you're enjoying the food.

Heritage Hills has some great selling points. There's a large country club in the village which offers lots of amenities. There are five state of the art fitness centers, tennis courts, and golf courses. Most of the properties are condos due to the fact that Heritage Hills used to be a big retirement community. A younger generation seems to be trickling in but for the most part it's still an older demographic. The median age is about 65 years old. The good part about that is you can rest assured that the neighborhood is quiet and clean.

There's also not much infrastructure for families but I'm sure that will change in the future. There aren't any playgrounds and there's no childcare in town, although there are some close by in Somers. Also, and this may be a deal breaker for parents, there are no schools.

Traffic is practically nonexistent. Heritage Hills is pretty much limited to residents and there aren't many cars on the road. There also isn't much in the way of shopping so you'd have to go out of town for that as well.

There's a good range in price points for properties and if you don't have kids this could be a good match for you

As with many upper class villages Armonk feels like one big clique. There is a big emphasis on appearance and showcasing your wealth which is a perfect fit for some people but many others find it isolating. I guess that's not too surprising considering that IBM has its world headquarters here.

Speaking of isolation, Armonk is removed from many amenities in a heavily wooded area. The town is clean and extremely safe but you won't have a broad selection of shops or restaurants. There are a few pizzerias, a tavern, and about ten salons but anything that does is exist in Armonk is usually overpriced.

There's not much diversity here, almost the entire population is white with a small percentage of Asians.

The commute to New York City is doable, the train will get you there in about 40 minutes.

I think that most people want to move here because of the school systems, cleanliness, safety, and the small town factor. The only problem is it doesn't have that warm small town feeling. I would really only recommend moving here if you enjoy getting dressed up to go food shopping and have enough money to impress your neighbors. Otherwise you'll probably be miserable.

The school system in Chappaqua is very good and is often the primary reason parents move here. However, to maintain the prestige of the school system the courses are very challenging and many students feel extremely pressured to do well. There are other schools in Westchester County that receive similar performance grades with a less stressful environment.

The area is also very upscale, Bill and Hillary Clinton have a house here, and some find it snobby. There isn't much diversity either. The vast majority of the population is white with a small percentage of Asians.

There are tons of community organized activities, especially at the Art Center, for children and there is also an annual Ski Club that takes teenagers to the slopes. One of the downsides is New Castle, the town Chappaqua is in, doesn't have a swimming pool but there are swim clubs.

Some neighborhoods are walkable but the village is pretty spread out. There aren't really any big-brand stores in Chappaqua but there is a village market with quality meats and the usual supermarkets are a short drive away in Hawthorne.

The commute in to New York City isn't the greatest, about an hour by train, but there is an express train at peak hours that only takes about 45 minutes.

Valhalla is a very hilly village, like most of Westchester County, and affords views of the rest of the town as well as the surrounding nature.

The Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, and Westchester Community College are all located here so it's convenient for anyone attending those schools.

The Kensico Reservoir is also located here and is great for fishing; you can catch a few different kinds of trout and bass during certain times of the year. Even if your not into fishing it's worth taking a look at the dam. It's a public park, Kensico Dam Plaza, and sometimes the village shows movies here during the summer. This is also a favorite place to host events like Mamapalooza. It's a little cheesy but if you live right in town it's worth taking the trip to listen to the music and soak up some sun.

Mount Pleasant is also right next door to use their community services since Valhalla is technically a village within Mount Pleasant.

The people are friendly here and the homes are pretty and well maintained. The only gripe that some people have is that they can hear planes overhead from the nearby airport at times. Apparently it happens infrequently and many people aren't effected by it.

Thornwood has some great amenities right in town. First of all the Rose Hill Shopping Center is here. You couldn't do any serious clothes shopping but it has all the the necessities like a supermarket, pharmacy, laundromat, and bank among other things. I think there is also another shopping center here called Town Center. You can always take the trip into Pleasantville if you'd prefer the traditional small town shopping scene.

There is a community pool right in Thornwood as well. It's a good size with a water park theme for kids. It's a great asset during the summer.

The houses are very affordable with New York City a short commute away and White Plains about a 10 minute drive. It should be easy to find work in either of those cities and still maintain a house in Thornwood.

There are a bunch of restaurants in town including a delicious Thai place. Pizzerias, chinese food, and sushi are also pretty standard.

Tennis, baseball, basketball and soccer courts are in various parks throughout Thornwood in addition to a pond in Carrol Park that's used for fishing and ice skating.

The community center is located in Mount Pleasant, which is a little confusing because Thornwood is actually part of Mount Pleasant, and is a great place to get kids involved in extracurricular activities or sign yourself up for some classes.

Hawthorne is located in the town of Mount Pleasant and it is entitled to use their community facilities and programs. There's a pool membership available for an annual fee and if you sign up before summer starts you get a discounted rate. Mount Pleasant has many parks that are easily accessible from Hawthorne but Hawthorne itself only has a few. They're mostly for picnicking or are mostly taken up by baseball and/or soccer fields.

There isn't a cute town center like many other villages in this area but it's easy to drive to one of them. There is also a train station in town that has a train every 20 minutes during peak hours.

There are a few very nice areas of Hawthorne with pretty houses that I could picture living in. Just make sure you stay away from the main roads, those areas tend to be a little grungier.

The community center, also in Mount Pleasant, have some great programs for kids and adults but unfortunately it's not something you could simply walk to.

If you have children entering the school system this may not be the best place for you. The schools rank very low and when you consider other villages in the area there are much better options within this real estate price bracket.

Hartsdale is in a great location next to Scarsdale and White Plains. You can shop to your hearts content in White Plains, meander in the upper crust neighborhood of Scarsdale, and enjoy lower taxes and a relaxed neighborhood in Hartsdale. Then of course there's New York City which offers practically everything. Lots of people living here hop into New York City on the weekend since there's not much, or any, nightlife in the village. There's a nice strip of shops where you can run out and pick up bagels in the morning or a jug of milk. It's not the most exciting shopping or restaurant scene but it's not an issue due to its location.

There are three parks in Hartsdale which are great during the summer. East Rumbrook Park is probably the biggest with basketball courts, tennis courts, and a dog park. Hart's Brook Park and Preserve is more untamed and better for nature trails.

Hartsdale is also a part of Greenburgh so you'll have access to their community events and programs. The community center is in White Plains anyway so you won't have far to drive. They offer just about everything under the sun for adults and children.

A lot of people refer to Greenvile as "Scarsdale light". Meaning that it has some of the same prestige as Scarsdale, nice houses and a great school system, without the pretentious attitude. It's definitely still an expensive place to buy real estate but it's a better alternative if you're a more down to earth person.

Many of Greenville's homes were designed as summer homes for New Yorkers looking to get away from the city. You can rest assured that the homes are very pretty and have a colonial look.

The schools are among the best in the state but are actually part of the Edgemont Union Free School District. I'm not sure why they named it that since there isn't a town called Edgemont in this area. These schools always top the lists for the county and normally rank within the top 50 nationwide.

There's a little shopping area in town with some nice restaurants. Technically Greenville is part of Greenburgh which offers a lot of community events and programs. There are also a lot of parks throughout the villages of Greenburgh and Scarsdale, the neighboring village, has a nature center with a few animals that can be rented out for children's birthday parties.

Fairview is a part of Greenburgh which offers a lot of community programs and events. However, since Greenburgh is so big you have to drive into different towns to do everything. For instance, the public library is in Elmsford, the community center is in White Plains, and the nature center is in Scarsdale. Since it all spans such a large distance, it's hard to meet your neighbors utilizing these facilities. If you're ok with that then the list of offerings at the community center is very comprehensive.

There's a golf course almost in town. There's also a shopping plaza with chain restaurants, banks, and a few stores but again it's not technically in town. Greenburgh has about 20 parks and about 5 of them are in the two neighboring towns.

Unfortunately the school system isn't very good. Fairview residents attend Woodlands Senior High School in Hartsdale and although the national ranking isn't the best, parents and former students seem to like the teachers and atmosphere.

There are a lot better places in Greenburgh to call home. Its biggest pro is that the real estate is inexpensive but I think you get what you pay for in this instance. I would prefer a place with my community in the immediate area.

Tarrytown is a really cute town with pretty buildings and houses. There is some great food in town. Lefteris has some of the best gyros for miles around.

There's a strong sense of community here and everyone is very friendly. You feel welcome from day one. Every third friday of the month the town organizes a community event. The events range from scavenger hunts to face painting to music and markets. The goal of these events is to get people to interact with each other. I love that the town does this from a visitors standpoint but I can see that it benefits the residents even more. It's also great for local business because they often get to showcase their foods or services. Whoever thought this up was clearly a genius. It stimulates the local economy and the community's wellbeing.

There are so many historic sites in the area too. Sleepy Hollow, formerly North Tarrytown, is right next door and is home to Washington Irving's former residence and his gravesite.

It's really the kind of place that you have to see to believe. It doesn't have overly impressive houses but the feeling there is indescribable. The mixture of history, nature, community, and the smell of firewood make it almost magical.

Scarsdale has some pretty expensive real estate, the average being about one million dollars for a single family home, and I think living here involves having the paycheck to round out the lifestyle.

There are four golf courses, one municipal and 3 private, so you can imagine what most people do in their spare time. I would say about half of the residents commute in to New York City.

There are some really terrific schools here. With two high schools, nine elementary/middle schools and 127 colleges and universities within 30 miles there is a heavy emphasis on education.

The parks are great as are the recreation programs. The community gets really involved and they even have an online account where you can register for the programs. There is a swimming pool and lots of tennis courts. You do have to pay for access to the pool but it's not astronomical. Aqua aerobics and morning adult swims are also offered for an additional fee.

The Weinberg Nature Center is a great place for birthday parties. It costs about $250 for 14 children but is completely customizable. There's a cute little animal room with birds, rabbits, turtles, and a few others. The whole point is to get kids to learn and love nature. It's definitely an asset to the community.

Pelham has some beautiful houses and a neighborhood feel that make it a wonderful place to live. It has its own government but shares its high school and middle school with the slightly ritzier Pelham Manor. The schools are top notch and are easy to get to.

You really feel like you belong to a community here. It's very walkable which is important to me. Most working residents commute into New York City, it takes just under 30 minutes by train, and those that don't take full advantage of its close proximity on the weekends. The people who live here want to have the best of both worlds; the exciting life of New York City and the quiet small town home where everyone knows each other.

If you go on vacation it's common to let the police station know. They make sure to keep an eye on your house but there isn't much crime here anyways. You'll find that your neighbors are obliged to keep watch as well. There are block parties pretty frequently and it's very easy to meet people.

I can't think of too many people who wouldn't like Pelham. There are some great restaurants in town and the only thing that may be lacking is the nightlife. Even if there were more nightlife here I would still go in to New York City, there's more variety and no driving involved.

The first thing that struck me when I visited Pleasantville is that it's actually pleasant. There is no crime and it's the kind of place where you could leave your door unlocked when you go out shopping. The real estate is reasonably priced and it's easy to commute into New York City. For working parents there's even a daycare right across from the train station where you can pick your children up after work. Older kids tend to walk to school as the school does not offer a bus service.

The atmosphere in Pleasantville is great but I have to admit that its not my favorite thing about the village.

If you love movies you should move here immediately. There is a really beautiful downtown area that has shops, restaurants, and a refurbished 1920's movie theater. You can catch movies here throughout the month but the classes are big appeal. They offer them for all age groups including adults and even families. It's a great way to get involved in the community and do something silly like learning how to walk like a zombie. There are tons of celebrity guests who speak at the theater throughout the year so you can imagine the events get pretty big. I

Briarcliff Manor is a beautifully maintained village. There's lots of open space and green grass which really enhances the feel of the community. There's also an excellent pool and lots of programs hosted by the recreation department. The ski club is a big hit.

The school system is stellar, there's really no room for complaint. The quality of education is phenomenal and students are constantly being challenged. I suppose that's common among most schools in upper class neighborhoods but the big difference here is that students aren't pushed further than they can go. There's not that same paralyzing fear of failing because the environment is very nurturing. For children too young for school Young Wonders is an excellent day care, it fosters a love of learning before they enter the "real" school system.

There is virtually no crime. Last year there were maybe five petty thefts throughout the entire year. When you compare that to a lot of other safe neighborhoods it's astoundingly low.

There are some great restaurants. The Patio Restaurant isn't just the center of town, it's also the former town hall and fire house. It's definitely a great local spot to meet people and very affordable.

The inhabitants of Briarcliff are normally pretty wealthy, they'd have to be to afford the million dollar houses, and I sometimes find it a little stuffy. Of course, most people are very nice.

Irvington is one of those villages that give me a really good feeling. The people are nice here and they don't mind stopping to chat. It's a very safe place with an extremely low crime rate; barely a blip on the radar. The schools are great in both the quality of education and the attentiveness of the teachers. I always like to see how active parents are in their children's education and Irvington passes with flying colors. Parents are always aware of what's going on in the classroom and kids are encouraged to go out and volunteer in their free time.

It's also a big walking town. Most children walk to and from school and you'll find the acres of parks filled when the weather is nice. I really enjoy living a green life, or trying to at least, and Irvington fits the bill. Besides their acres of parks, beautiful pond, and views of the Hudson River they also host a farmer's market every week. I think a lot of towns host them but Irvington is a little different because they continue to host them inside during the winter. They have organic meats, indian food, probiotic cheeses, fresh vegetables, and so much more. Even if you're not into green living doesn't that just sounds amazing?

It all comes together to form a community that anyone would be lucky to be a part of.

Hastings-on-Hudson, as you may have guessed, is located right on the Hudson River about 30 minutes away from New York City. It's a very nice town to walk around in and not as ritzy as some of the other towns in this area. People often will wave hello to you and it just adds to the quaintness of this little village.

The history of Hastings-on-Hudson enhances the community. There is a self-guided walking tour of the historic sites in town, a total of 34 stops, to get you well aquatinted with the village's background. There's also an art studio featuring works from the Hudson River School of Painting. It's really no surprise why artists flock to the villages along the Hudson when you see places like Hastings-on-the-Hudson. Take a look at MacEachron Waterfront Park and Kinnally Cove to see what I mean. There are also some nice trails if you follow the Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway.

There's some nice shopping in town, most of which are locally owned. The restaurants along the Hudson are really great and its nice not having to drive too far for a Friday night meal.

There isn't much crime in the area and the schools are well rated. There are lots of extra curricular activities for kids to get involved in and the teachers are very good.

Elmsford is a little town, only about one square mile, but it packs a lot of businesses into that small area. There is comprehensive shopping in town including a movie theater. There's also your traditional variety of fast food and chain restaurants as well as a few diners. Of course there are some local options as well.

There is no high school in Elmsford which may actually be a strength. Instead of being forced to go into one high school students and parents can choose between three of the local towns' schools: Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, or Briarcliff. All of them are very good and it enables the student to have a say in where they want to spend the next four years of their education.

Crime is low in Elmsford and property is affordable. It's in a good location in Westchester county; you can get to New York City in about 40 minutes and White Plains in about 30 minutes.

The community aspect of Elmsford is really what the village lacks. It's a very built up area and although it's convenient when you need to run errands it doesn't provide the neighborly atmosphere that many people want from their town. There are summer camps for children but that's basically the extent of community activity.

Most people would agree that Dobbs Ferry is a pleasant and pretty village. The community is very warm and welcoming; I can't imagine newcomers having trouble meeting new people. There are several events organized by the recreation department that are great to attend when you're new to the area.

If you're into fitness you might want to look elsewhere. There aren't any gyms in the area so you have to either install one in your home or do your cardio the old fashioned way: outside.

The schools in Dobbs Ferry are good, on par with the surrounding area. I think some areas of Dobbs Ferry use the Ardsley school system which is known to be slightly better.

The Hudson River offers some really beautiful views from the shoreline that the village will be revitalizing over the next few years. I think aesthetically they're just planning on giving the walkways and benches a face lift but I know a portion of the money will go toward protecting the shoreline from erosion.

There are some great restaurants in town too with a decent variety. Half Moon on the Hudson is a local favorite. It has fresh menu options but the main appeal is it's located right on the Hudson River. Very tasty and romantic.

Ardsley has a great school system. The classes are kept small so every child gets the attention they need to really learn. The teachers are very intuitive and adapt their teaching style to the needs of their students. There's even a great after school program.

The biggest downside to Ardsley is it doesn't have a train station, you have to go to one of the surrounding towns. Unless you take the bus you have to drive to one of the other train stations and try to find parking. I say "try" because chances are you won't be able to. Driving to New York City is a better option for most people.

There's also not a community pool but if you live in Ardsley proper you can use the Greenburg pool which is very nice. To add to the growing list of things Ardsley does not have, there isn't a town center with shopping and restaurants. However, what it doesn't have can easily be found close-by so it really isn't as bad as it sounds.

The parks are nice but not overly impressive. There are quite a few small parks dotted around the village and Ashford Park has tennis and basketball courts.

Ardsley does enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in the area which is a big factor, for me at least, when deciding to move.

Tuckahoe is a refreshing change of pace from it's surrounding villages. Many towns in this area feel very uptight and unwelcoming but Tuckahoe has many of the same amenities without the attitude. Community is really important here and you can easily find ways to interact with new neighbors. If you go to the Tuckahoe website you can see the calendar for local events, there's a mother-child playgroup almost every day in addition to things like "weight watchers" meetings.

The school district is very good and students and parents alike seem to love it. It is very small but considering the standard of education most don't find this to be a problem.

One of the things that Tuckahoe shares with its more pretentious neighbors are the high taxes. This is only to be expected and is tolerable for the quality of life you get in return.

It's rumored that some members of the police department are corrupt but I've never witnessed anything of the sort. Not to mention Tuckahoe probably has one of the lowest crime rates in the state; it's about one sixteenth the national average. I would consider that an indication that the police must be doing a pretty good job.

Of course the commute into New York City is very easy, about 30 minutes.

Bronxville has great public schools, probably among the best in the county, and teachers that are dedicated. The annual budget is heavily focused on the school system which means that taxes are very high. However, if you consider the cost of sending your kids to private school the figures will probably look similar. You'll also pay a lot for real estate, easily upwards of a million dollars, but that's common in an affluent community like Bronxville.

The village itself is very nice. It's obvious that those high taxes also go toward beautifying public spaces, many people come here just to meander around. The shopping district is gorgeous on a nice spring day but be sure you have money in your bank account, you're going to need it. The train station is also well situated and will get you to New York City in about 30 minutes.

One of its downfalls is that it's a little hard to find friends here. There are some really nice people but many others are pretentious and will judge you harshly. It's reminiscent of trying to become friends with the popular clique in high school. If you thrive in this kind of setting then you'll like the community.

Buchanan has a great upstate New York feel; it's a small village that seems to be frozen in time. There isn't the same hustle and bustle as some of the southern towns in Westchester County and the people are pretty laid back. If your looking for some peace and quiet among unpretentious people you've found it here.

The biggest drawback is that the Indian Point Energy Center is located in Buchanan. Basically, there's a nuclear power plant in your backyard. Many of the residents work at Indian Point and it's often a source of debate. Some people have no problem with its presence but many prospective buyers have concerns about safety. The crime rate, on the other hand, is practically nonexistent.

The positive side of having the power plant in the village is that its owner pays a large portion of the town's operating budget which keeps taxes low. The real estate prices are extremely affordable for Westchester County, also likely due to the power plant.

There's a small business district and a strip mall with the essentials: Dunkin' Donuts and chinese food. If you want more adventurous cuisine or extensive shopping you'll have to drive out of town. There's not much entertainment here either but the closest movie theater is only 10 minutes away.

Mount Kisco is a great fit for anyone looking for a quiet town with a shopping district. The crime rate is very low and it's far removed from big cities. One of the drawbacks to the quiet life is that there aren't very many community activities. There are several clubs but most of them are small or organized by the library and school. It's a shame because the people are quite friendly; there just aren't many mediums to meet your neighbors.

The food options are pretty good. Of course there is the local pizzeria and the usual chain restaurants like Applebees and Friendly's. Then there are the gems like the Pour Cafe and Wine Bar, which offers some great tapas in a cozy setting, and Cafe of Love. Some of the restaurants in town are even Zagat rated.

The downtown area is probably Mount Kisco's best feature. It has a great mix of clothing stores, book stores, and restaurants. It's surprising to see well-known brand names next to locally owned stores but it's part of the appeal. The shopping area is very pleasant to walk around in but expect to drive almost everywhere else. The good part is although the downtown area is quite built up you'll find open green areas elsewhere.

The best pieces of real estate are along the oddly shaped coastline. Beaches and marinas are easily accessible and water activities are a common pastime. Elsewhere in Mamaroneck the real estate prices are what you would expect from a waterfront town in close proximity to New York City. It would be hard to find a single family home for less than $400,000.

For commuters the train takes about 40 minutes to get into Manhattan. I would like to say that driving is about the same but traffic is very unpredictable during rush hour, especially as you get closer to New York City.

It feels like your typical small town with the train station acting as an escape hatch if you need access to city life. The crime rate in Mamaroneck is very low, anything more than petty theft is practically nonexistent. The neighborhood is friendly and many people make Mamaroneck their lifelong home.

Mamaroneck High School ranks well among other schools in Westchester County. Recreational programs are available for just about every age group and the community pool and ice skating rink are often utilized for these purposes. Scuba diving lessons are even offered at the pool. Unfortunately they don't certify you for open water but it's lots of fun for kids.

Bedford is split into three areas: Bedford Village, Bedford Hills, and Katonah. There are three libraries, business areas, and two school districts in town but there is no separation in governing the areas. It can be a little confusing for a newcomer.

The layout isn't the only odd thing about Bedford. The prices of homes vary greatly depending on the location. Real estate ranges from affordable homes to multimillion dollar mansions. There are several celebrities that have bought or considered buying property in Bedford.

There's a dog park in town open to residents in addition to several other parks offering recreational activities like tennis, swimming, and ice skating. If you love nature or have a dog it's a great place to enjoy the open air. However, if you crave a social scene this may not be the place for you. There aren't many community activities, although the neighborhood is friendly, and if you're moving from a more built up area you may find Bedford a little dull. As with many towns in this area, a car is an absolute necessity. It's a five to ten minute drive just to get into town. If that doesn't bother you then you'll love the variety of housing available. Many of the houses are historic and have their own unique style.

One of the great things about Peekskill is its diversity. There isn't much crime here and any that exists is normally nonviolent.

There are a lot of big parks with trails to meander down and recreation options. A community pool is available at an additional fee to residents as are day camps for children during the summer. The parks and camps take full advantage of the nearby Hudson River. Peekskill also offers a unique Teen Travel Camp that takes teenagers to various places in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut for the day.

Peekskill has some great entertainment options as well. There's a performing arts center and some delicious restaurants. I've also heard that the coffee shops are very good. I guess that's not very surprising due to the large artist community. "Art Along the Hudson" is a big summer event and showcases work from local artists. There's even an Artist District that offers affordable lofts to work and live in.

The city is also a big fan of family run businesses. Peekskill's Office of Economic Development offers a lot of resources and help for anyone interested in opening a business in the city. The only downside is unless you are an artist, local business owner, or can work remotely there aren't many jobs in the immediate area.

Rye is a beautiful small city with breathtaking views and virtually no crime. The only problem is most people can't afford to live here. The average price of a single family home tops a million dollars and taxes are very high.

Although it is costly there are many reasons to justify the expense. The community is friendly and active, the schools are great, and the residents are well educated. Rye's small size is one of its greatest strengths because it keeps the area exclusive and the community tight-knit.

I've never lived in Rye but I used to look forward to visiting as a child for one big reason: Playland. Everyone in the Westchester County area is familiar with the family-oriented theme park. If you don't live in the area it's possible that you've seen it before. Remember the movie "Big" with Tom Hanks? The carnival scenes were shot on Playland's boardwalk in Rye.

The city is a great place for kids, even without Playland, and families to grow. However, young adults and singles will probably find Rye a bit dull and removed from the excitement. The extent of Rye's entertainment district is its small shopping boutiques and a few restaurants.

I used to visit Sleepy Hollow at least once a year around Halloween. If the name reminds you of a certain book featuring a Headless Horseman then you'll love this village even more.

When I was a kid it was called North Tarrytown but about 15 years ago the village decided to change the name in honor of their most famous resident: Washington Irving. This is the perfect town for writers, historians, or those looking for a rustic home close to New York City. It's right on the Hudson River and retains its old town charm with an abundance of trees and historic houses.

Apparently there is a significant population of illegal immigrants here but most residents agree that they are a part of the community and do not take away from the village's appeal. It is also one of the safest places in the county with a very low crime rate.

If you're considering moving here I highly recommend visiting. There are plenty of historic sites to explore and trails to walk so your day will be well spent.

As you can imagine, Halloween is a big deal here and the village is very festive during October. It's just another contributing factor to why Sleepy Hollow feels so warm, friendly, and communal.

There are quite a few problems with Mount Vernon. First and foremost is the gang presence. There are four known gangs in the city which contribute to the high crime rate. Unemployment has been increasing over the last few years and is higher than most other cities in New York. Many residents are below the poverty line and there hasn't been much improvement. Because funding is tight and proposed budgets are usually denied the school system is struggling.

There is a silver lining to Mount Vernon although it may not seem like it when looking at the statistics. The northern end of the city, Fleetwood, is actually quite nice and enjoys a small town feel. The elementary school here is well liked and many say that it feels as though you're in a whole different city when compared to the southern end.

The city as a whole has many shopping and eating options but are catered to the needs of the residents, normally lower-end stores. You'd have to travel into one of the neighboring towns to do any serious shopping.

There are two very distinct sides to Mount Vernon and as long as you stay on the right side of the tracks you may find it a pleasant city.

I've always felt unenthusiastic about Eastchester, it's neither a great or terrible town. To its credit the crime rate is low and the school system is solid. Eastchester can't boast the highest test scores in the county but they are renowned for having a very nurturing environment and it seems like the teachers really care about their students.

There is a big Italian community and everyone is friendly. If you're looking for a place where you can get to know your neighbors then this might be the right town for you. Lake Isle Country Club, sometimes referred to as a park, is arguably the center of the community. It's open to all residents for an annual fee. There's a swimming pool, a golf range, and tennis courts and it's reasonably priced if you sign up for the the family rate or if you just pay for access to certain areas of the club.

There's not much in the way of entertainment or nightlife but New York City isn't very far away. Vernon Hills Shopping Center is probably the most convenient place for residents to get their shopping done even though it's not in Eastchester. It's a short drive away and has a Trader Joe's and Starbucks among other stores.

Pelham Manor is a small village with its own government but shares its High School and Middle School with Pelham. Many people want to know what the difference is between the two and the answer is not a whole lot. Pelham Manor is more affluent than Pelham; there are two country clubs for a population of approximately 5,500 to give you an indication of its wealth. However, I find the residents to be relatively conservative with their money and, considering how pretty the community is, the real estate prices aren't unreasonable.

You won't find tons of upscale restaurants or stores. In fact, the Fairway Market opening up last year was headlining news. It's a really safe and close-knit community that's perfect to raise kids in if you can afford it. The shared high school (Pelham Memorial High School) is one of the best in Westchester County but there are private options as well.

There aren't many community amenities (like public swimming pools) because of the country clubs but Pelham Manor is fortunate enough to have Pelham Bay Park along its southern border. It's three times the size of Central Park and offers just about every activity you could possibly want from a park.

First I have to say that New Rochelle is a fairly expensive place to live. There are lots of gated communities and multimillion dollar houses throughout the city and you would have to make upwards of a hundred thousand dollars a year to live comfortably in one of them.

However, if you're willing to give up the backyard and live in a condo then the prices are quite affordable, especially when you compare them to nearby Manhattan.

I often find that upper class communities are home to people cut from the same cloth but in New Rochelle it's different. It's a diverse city where everyone is accepted.

There's a great selection of restaurants in town with a good mix of chain restaurants and independent eateries specializing in all kinds of cuisines.

Another major plus for the city is its abundance of parks and green spaces to explore. The geography of New Rochelle is a little unusual but the city has certainly made the most of it. Many offshore islands were turned into parks like Glen Island and Five Islands Park. Hudson Park even has a sandy beach along the Long Island Sound.

The most incredible thing about it is you can have all of this beautiful open space, a waterfront property, and still be close to New York City. I guess there is a way to have it all.

The best part about White Plains is the shopping. Whenever I have some money burning a hole in my pocket, which is rare, I like to head here to spend the day. It's convenient because there are very upscale, expensive shopping centers like The Westchester, mid-range like City Center, and budget-friendly stores at the Galleria Mall.

White Plains has a high quality of living and some of the houses/condos can be very expensive. In return you get a safe place to live, a pleasant city center with all the conveniences you could possible need (nearby supermarkets, stores, public transportation), and lots of entertainment options.

There's not really much nightlife in White Plains but there are a few low-key bars and New York City is pretty close.
There are also two very different sides to the city. There's the bustling center and then there's the rest of the city which is much more quiet, suburban, and green. It's a great place to raise a family.

One of the best things about the school system here is that you can choose which public school to send your kids to. You're not just stuck with whichever is closest to your home.

Overall it's a great place to live and visit. I highly recommend it!

The bottom line is that Yonkers is great if you want to have a car, commute to New York City, and be close to upstate New York.

The public transportation is good; the train takes about 30-40 minutes to Grand Central Station. There used to be a ferry into Manhattan which was a very pleasant ride but it closed a few years ago. Apparently it never brought in enough customers to be profitable.

Yonkers has its bad parts, mostly in the west, and the crime rates can be high depending on where you're living. There are more than a few neighborhoods I don't like to walk around in at night.

Nice restaurants and shops are springing up along the Hudson River as well as some luxury condos. One of its biggest selling points, for me anyway, is to see the New York City skyline from your backyard. The best area to live in is the northeast. In general the people are relatively friendly but, like the rest of Yonkers, the different areas sharply contrast one another.

There are a couple of parks, check out Untermeyer Park, and a nice little museum near the waterfront. They're great for families with small kids but being that there are so many amazing museums just across the river I found it a little disappointing.