Relocating with two kids, need some grass (New York, White Plains: apartment, rent)

[luddylud]

I'll be moving to NY in a year or so, and am finding it hard to begin even looking for a place to live that's not in the city but where I can still get there for work in a reasonable amount of time. I don't mind a commute (I currently commute an hour each way) but there seem to be too many options to digest that fit that radius. So I will ask the audience.

I'll copy and paste from the other "Moving to New York" post:

1) What is your budget?
Budget is hard to estimate, as I don't know what the cost of living is. I would think we'd pay 2500-3000 rent or mortgage for a really good place.

My wife is working now, probably won't have a job immediately when we get there, but hopefully can get something part time within a few months. Guaranteed salary is about 100k, hopefully will rise to 120 or 130k when she starts working.

I have heard that day care anywhere in the area is about 2500 for two kids, so when I look at 2500 rent and 2500 daycare and figure another 2500 for various insurances etc. I don't see how we can do it on my salary alone. But maybe there's a secret...

2) Where is your job located?
10 minute walk from Grand Central

3) Living circumstances
Married, two young kids, both will be in day care for another 2-3 years. Maybe another kid in the next few years. Small dog.

4) Space requirements
3 bedrooms (2 1/2 would do)
1100-1200 sq feet
Back yard is kind of a must
Anything that is not an apartment, unless it was ground floor and had a back yard

5) Neighborhood amenities
Just like anybody I like some bars and restaurants in the neighborhood but this isn't a sticking point. With a young family the reality is we'll be spending most of our free time at home or otherwise in the neighborhood outdoors so some parks would be nice.

I never thought I'd be the person to send my kids to private school so a decent public elementary would be good, but maybe private is essential. Not essential though as my oldest won't be in school for another couple of years and by then we might be gone anyway.

6) Other interests/ General
I have looked in CT, Stamford and Fairfield etc. and although it looks nice it also looks incredibly pricey. I would go for anything in CT or New York or NJ as long as it's not in the shadow of a smokestack or next to a freeway and is within an hour or so to Grand Central. I would definitely prefer public transport.

I hope I have been specific enough, and I appreciate any replies. Thanks in advance.

[Viralmd]

I think Westchester might be somewhere you could look into. Also areas of Queens, like Bayside, might fill your needs...

[NooYowkur81]

Dude the name of your thread might elicit some other kinds of answers. Lol.

Seriously though, I would take a look at some parts of Queens. Maybe you can get a good deal in this market. Also Westchester like previously mentioned is another option. Also Jersey. Long Island if your willing to put up with longer commutes.

[Ace Rock]

[quote=luddylud;3414390]
Guaranteed salary is about 100k, hopefully will rise to 120 or 130k when she starts working.

I have heard that day care anywhere in the area is about 2500 for two kids, so when I look at 2500 rent and 2500 daycare and figure another 2500 for various insurances etc. I don't see how we can do it on my salary alone. But maybe there's a secret...

No way in hell on $100,000-$130,000 can you afford 2 kids, $2500 in rent, and $2500 in daycare and have a SEMI-decent standard of living. Daycare depends on where. In Manhattan, it'll be around $2000 per child.



Married, two young kids, both will be in day care for another 2-3 years. Maybe another kid in the next few years. Small dog.

3 bedrooms (2 1/2 would do)
1100-1200 sq feet
Back yard is kind of a must
Anything that is not an apartment, unless it was ground floor and had a back yard

You are really demanding. Best bet is Westchester. An average of 1.5 hr commute door to door.



I never thought I'd be the person to send my kids to private school so a decent public elementary would be good, but maybe private is essential.

I have looked in CT, Stamford and Fairfield etc. and although it looks nice it also looks incredibly pricey. I would go for anything in CT or New York or NJ as long as it's not in the shadow of a smokestack or next to a freeway

Looks like you're trying to recreate a middle class life for a family with 2-3 kids in NYC on $100,000-$130,000. That's very difficult. Either lower your standards or don't move here.

[Viralmd]

From Westchester, on the train, depending on where you live, it's a LOT less than 1.5h. White Plains is (depending on the train) less than 30 minutes to Grand Central.

Long Island will make your life a LOT less pleasant, since it leaves you at Penn Station on the West Side - a 20 minute walk from Grand Central, but certainly not fun in really cold weather.

[Rachael84]

Long Island would be the best. Places in Nassau only take about 20-30 minutes in the mornings when the express trains go into Penn station. Long island is more affordable than Westchester too.

[Ace Rock]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

From Westchester, on the train, depending on where you live, it's a LOT less than 1.5h. White Plains is (depending on the train) less than 30 minutes to Grand Central.

People always quote SCHEDULE times, not door-to-door times.

For a reality check, you have to consider: the time to get to/from the station, the waiting time for the train, the added time if you miss the train, the extra wait time if you take the train on offhours (non-rush hour/nights/weekends), the very frequent delays and breakdowns, etc. Westchester can easily AVERAGE 1.5 hrs. door-to-door.

[Viralmd]

The problem with Long Island (aside from it being Long Island, which is my personal prejudice) is that the trains go to Penn Station. He works near Grand Central. And it's not necessarily more economical than Westchester.

[NooYowkur81]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

The problem with Long Island (aside from it being Long Island, which is my personal prejudice) is that the trains go to Penn Station. He works near Grand Central.

Subway to times square one stop then S across. It will only add about 10-15 mins to his commute and $2 each way. However the S train is horrible in the morning because of how overcrowded it gets. It's a short but torturous ride.

I'm with you though, I was trying to not show my personal bias, but I hate Lawn Island as well. But different strokes for different folks.

BTW aren't they building an extension, so the LIRR will stop at Grand Central eventually, won't it?

[Rachael84]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

The problem with Long Island (aside from it being Long Island, which is my personal prejudice) is that the trains go to Penn Station. He works near Grand Central. And it's not necessarily more economical than Westchester.

I guess, but it isn't that far of a walk. And anyway, in a few years LIRR trains will be going into Grand central station.