1st time home buyer in Rockland County

[SAgosto]

Originally Posted by VA Yankee

I know the area you speak of and the proximity to NCJC is not a reflection on the surrounding area. The Synagogue is conservative not Orthodox and the members do not need to be within walking distance.

This is what I am looking for. What do you think of the surrounding area? Some of the houses near the NCJC are a bit sketchy but most of the houses seem to be well kept. Any concerns over the NCJC expanding? Resale is a big concern given the proximity.

[IrishLase123]

For the most part, the school districts are good except for the district w/Spring Valley in it. North Rockland is also very diverse, but I'm not sure about the quality of education. I grew up in lower Rockland. You would be better suited in towns like Nanuet, with close proximity to the thruway and the train. Pearl River (part of South Orangetown) also has the train, but you'd have to drive a bit furhter to get on the thruway. Both have excellant schools. For your price range, you can get a nice house with a good amount of property with taxes almost half of what you'd pay in Westchester....the diffrence is crazy. Something to think about with kids...Nanuet (part of Clarkstown) has a nice/basic town pool, but you have to live in the town of Nanuet (not PR with Nanuet schools). Pearl River has a town, which Nanuet doesn't and many homes are within walking distance. Both districts are small with less that 200 per class.

[SAgosto]

Originally Posted by IrishLase123

For the most part, the school districts are good except for the district w/Spring Valley in it. North Rockland is also very diverse, but I'm not sure about the quality of education. I grew up in lower Rockland. You would be better suited in towns like Nanuet, with close proximity to the thruway and the train. Pearl River (part of South Orangetown) also has the train, but you'd have to drive a bit furhter to get on the thruway. Both have excellant schools. For your price range, you can get a nice house with a good amount of property with taxes almost half of what you'd pay in Westchester....the diffrence is crazy. Something to think about with kids...Nanuet (part of Clarkstown) has a nice/basic town pool, but you have to live in the town of Nanuet (not PR with Nanuet schools). Pearl River has a town, which Nanuet doesn't and many homes are within walking distance. Both districts are small with less that 200 per class.

Let's be clear. Houses and taxes are NOT cheaper in Westchester unless you are talking about 1+ hour north of White Plains and even then I wouldn't make this statement.

[checkmatechamp13]

Originally Posted by SAgosto

Let's be clear. Houses and taxes are NOT cheaper in Westchester unless you are talking about 1+ hour north of White Plains and even then I wouldn't make this statement.

Re-read the post. He's saying Rockland is cheaper.

"For your price range, you can get a nice house with a good amount of property with taxes almost half of what you'd pay in Westchester....the diffrence is crazy."

[SAgosto]

Originally Posted by checkmatechamp13

Re-read the post. He's saying Rockland is cheaper.

"For your price range, you can get a nice house with a good amount of property with taxes almost half of what you'd pay in Westchester....the diffrence is crazy."

Thank you for pointing that out. I definately misread it. Yes, that's why we are looking at Rockland. Westchester is sickening.

[Teach277]

Northern Westchester/Putnam taxes are comparable to Rockland taxes. Anywhere from 8-13 grand depending on the town and amount of land. Other areas South compare to Nyack taxes which can be 15-25+....
Stick with PR, Nanuet, and South Orangetown Schools.

[lauradrops]

We are Italian and have lived here 10 yrs. I have not found it mostly jewish as people love to say. I have found a nice mix. That said,here are my opinions of the good and the bad.(and I know some will disagree)New City has great schools, and is very easy to live in (shopping,restaurants,movies,etc...)but it's not the most friendly town.They have also made keeping up with the Jones' a competition sport.(BIG sense of entitlement) I would stay away from Nyack schools. Nanuet is too close to Spring Valley for me. Pearl River is very,very Irish (so much so that I knew we would never fit in) but has good schools. Congers shares Clarkstown middle and high school and is next to New City . Hubby and I always say the only thing Congers has going for it is Clarkstown schools.That said, if I were to buy in Rockland again it would still be North New City.You get more for your money than Westchester and Long Island (where I am from). We are moving to North Carolina now, but New City was good for my family and for my hubby's Bronx commute.

[SaintsFan26]

My Wife and I are of Italian decent as well living in Nanuet without any major problems. We are looking to buy in West Nyack or Pearl River both strong/safe communities with good schools. If I had my choice I'd move to Jersey lot more options with different styles of houses and more land to choose from. But as city of NY employee I cant live in Jersey so Rockland is the next best thing.