burbs vs city (Hudson: manor house, organic, suburbs)

[bmwguydc]

Actually, I agree that here are good places on Long Island. It's just that the OP had been looking in Jersey and asked about Rockland and Westchester. I think that's how it got steered in that direction, but I certainly would not exclude Long Island at all.

[rlp123]

i guess one of the issues we had with montclair was more the "philosophy" of the area... i hate using that word, "philosophy", but it feels like its the most accurate to way to describe it which i think is what turned the husband off. I have less of an allergy to it as i feel that it's got good schools, beautiful homes, and fresh air but it didnt feel quite right for my husband who grew up in a more homegrown area that which almost had a hippie philosophy. we definitely arent like that, but would feel more comfortable in an area like that. i know its hard to find and maybe it just doenst exist in this country but we're trying to explore to find out if it does. Schools are extremely important to us, but feeling at home in the community is important as well. Ardsley seems like it could be very interesting.. i will look into it.

[rlp123]

Shall i throw an additional wrench in the plans? we'd like a jewish community as well or atleast the community should have a nearby synagogue.

[rlp123]

bmwguydc.. how do you know so much about these areas? you're a wealth of knowledge!

[bmwguydc]

Definitely consider the River side of Westchester for the philosophy you seek, with good schools.

Insofar as a Jewish community, you'd not be far away from many synagogues in that part of Westchester, but since I don't know if you want reform or conservative, I'll give you a link to a directory of them that can give the basics.

Jewish Temple & Synagogues - Westchester County, NY

[bmwguydc]

Originally Posted by rlp123

bmwguydc.. how do you know so much about these areas? you're a wealth of knowledge!

Thanks. I am happy to offer any assistance. I grew up between the Town of Bedford and Manhattan, and have always had an affinity for places and people. Part of my family lives in Riverdale and Brooklyn, so I generally expanded my knowledge of the areas from a young age. I also tend to have friends from all walks of life and I drive a lot to the surrounding countryside, and love to explore new places as well.

You're talking to someone whose parents think nothing of driving 30 miles for the best bakery or even for one specific type of roll, so part of it must be genetic. Hence, how I came to know Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester, Fairfield, Litchfield, New Jersey, etc. very well. Plus, we used to plot different routes on maps to explore a bit, and now we even have family rivalries with regard to navi systems, trying to confuse it and save the most amount of time with local knowledge.

[rlp123]

Amazing. Thank you so much. i will look into all of these communities. I'll let you know what we find!

[NooYowkur81]

Might want to try posting this in the Westchester or Jersey forums as well.

[dman72]

Plenty of synagogues in Nassau County. You're looking at a pretty small house for around $400k, but it can be done.

[Bronx-Rochester]

Why won't you try Throggs Neck, Bronx, Eastern Queens, Long Island or Staten Island. You can find something with the amount you have presented at those places. I don't know how expensive Staten Island is, however.

I don't know anything about or care about the rest of the burbs