[BkDan]

Hi everyone. We've been thinking of moving from Mamaroneck to Westport. Main reasons are the schools and community activities. Has anyone made a similar move or have any thoughts? Thanks in advance for sharing.

[lginlg]

Two vastly different worlds. Mamaroneck far more blue collar and staid, Westport upscale and artsy. Westport has become a culinary mecca with a thriving downtown and vibrant cultural scene. Westchester higher taxes, but NYC much more accessable. Community activities about even. Westport schools superior, though not as diverse. Westport makes better use of its waterfront and the Saugatuck that runs through the city.

Mamaroneck is friendly, non judgemental. Westport is see and be seen. These are generalizations, of course, and lots of exceptions. But there is a palpable difference in the vibe and lifestyle.

[SeaDoo342]

Originally Posted by lginlg

Two vastly different worlds. Mamaroneck far more blue collar and staid, Westport upscale and artsy. Westport has become a culinary mecca with a thriving downtown and vibrant cultural scene. Westchester higher taxes, but NYC much more accessable. Community activities about even. Westport schools superior, though not as diverse. Westport makes better use of its waterfront and the Saugatuck that runs through the city.

Mamaroneck is friendly, non judgemental. Westport is see and be seen. These are generalizations, of course, and lots of exceptions. But there is a palpable difference in the vibe and lifestyle.

Generalizations but all very true. Biggest difference is Westport is more flashy, pretentious. Mamaroneck more grounded and frugal.

[FairfieldCountyPal]

Take a look at the Westport town site (www.westportct@gov)to see all the different activities. It is an electic, artsy, cultural town with the Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Arts Center, and Levitt Pavillion. However, it has lots of sports, and 3 wondeful beaches. There is great shopping, wonderful schools, and great family life. I think you would be very happy in Westport.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by SeaDoo342

Generalizations but all very true. Biggest difference is Westport is more flashy, pretentious. Mamaroneck more grounded and frugal.

Frugal? I do not agree with that since taxes are a lot higher in Mamaroneck than Westport. From my quick review of homes for sale in both towns I see taxes on a $1 million home in Mamaroneck are over $25,000 per year while a $1 million home in Westport has taxes less than half that. I would not call that frugal especially since the house in Mamaroneck is a lot more modest than the one in Westport. Jay

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Frugal? I do not agree with that since taxes are a lot higher in Mamaroneck than Westport. From my quick review of homes for sale in both towns I see taxes on a $1 million home in Mamaroneck are over $25,000 per year while a $1 million home in Westport has taxes less than half that. I would not call that frugal especially since the house in Mamaroneck is a lot more modest than the one in Westport. Jay

Im guessing he means how residents portray themselves. I sort of agree with that.

[rubygreta]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Frugal? I do not agree with that since taxes are a lot higher in Mamaroneck than Westport. From my quick review of homes for sale in both towns I see taxes on a $1 million home in Mamaroneck are over $25,000 per year while a $1 million home in Westport has taxes less than half that. I would not call that frugal especially since the house in Mamaroneck is a lot more modest than the one in Westport. Jay

That is not what the poster meant by frugal. Mamaroneck is not a keep up with the Joneses community while Westport is. One of the most cherished restaurants in Mamaroneck is Sal's Pizzeria. You don't need an Audi A8 to fit in. Get it?

Also, cheaper rail ticket to Manhattan (and more importantly, half the time), no car tax in New York, and of course you write more taxes off your income.

Yes, Westport overall is "nicer," bit it's not for everybody.

[rubygreta]

Originally Posted by lginlg

Two vastly different worlds. Mamaroneck far more blue collar and staid, Westport upscale and artsy. Westport has become a culinary mecca with a thriving downtown and vibrant cultural scene. Westchester higher taxes, but NYC much more accessable. Community activities about even. Westport schools superior, though not as diverse. Westport makes better use of its waterfront and the Saugatuck that runs through the city.

Mamaroneck is friendly, non judgemental. Westport is see and be seen. These are generalizations, of course, and lots of exceptions. But there is a palpable difference in the vibe and lifestyle.

How do you know the schools are superior? Have you spent time in both districts interviewing faculty, administrators, and school board members?

Mamaroneck and Larchmont share a school system. Larchmont has has some of the most expensive real estate in Westchester County. And the kids tend to use the public schools. Enough said.

[NewJeffCT]

Not sure about the lower levels, but Staples HS in Westport has about 500 more students than Mamoroneck HS. So, a larger school more likely has more course offerings.

In a quick look at the course catalogs from both schools, Staples seems to have a more robust curriculum - SHS offers 6 languages, while MHS offers 3. SHS seems to have more offerings in Music & Arts as well. Not sure about sports.

[Raider111]

Originally Posted by NewJeffCT

Not sure about the lower levels, but Staples HS in Westport has about 500 more students than Mamoroneck HS. So, a larger school more likely has more course offerings.

In a quick look at the course catalogs from both schools, Staples seems to have a more robust curriculum - SHS offers 6 languages, while MHS offers 3. SHS seems to have more offerings in Music & Arts as well. Not sure about sports.

they also excel in extracurricular activities

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