moving back to carmel (White Plains, Rye: vacation, house, gangs)

[kocomojo]

Hello all. I am looking for information/advice on our move back to Carmel, NY next month. I had lived in Carmel most of my life, moving away in 1988. Since then I married and have 2 girls, aged 15 and 11. We have been living abroad for 7 years (the UK) and have been finding it increasingly hard to be away from the family and friends we left behind. Since I never lived in Carmel as a married mom of 2, I know it is not the place I left and I was wondering how it is now in terms of the High School and Middle school for my girls.

Both of them are very outgoing and do not have a problem making friends. They are both good students. My eldest would be very into the typical teenage social scene of shopping, clothes, music, sleepovers, etc. My 11 year old is looking forward to joining sports such as gymnastics, basketball and softball.

My main concern is them making friends and fitting in socially. Will they be the "New Girls" for very long, and will this be a good thing or a bad thing. Are the students very "clichey" ? Any help would be much appreciated.

[Cubalibre7]

Hey there. Carmel is still a very nice area with very good schools. I live in Mahopac and the taxes are just killing us. But if that wasn't the case, we'd stay put.

Carmel (and most of Putnam County) still is in great shape. Sports are still strong, we still have that "country" feel but aren't so rural that we are out of touch. There are lots of activities for kids, but as with most towns like ours, teenagers may struggle a bit. Unless you have your license, teenagers are kind of stuck with Mom & Dad driving them around. There isn't much more than the malls, movies, diner to eat and of course house parties. But I grew up here and had a great time.

I think the girls will be fine here. We aren't the "Scarsdale or Rye" of NY. We are much more down to earth and even though there may be "clicks", we're not talking "gangs". I remember when a new kid came to town...everyone wanted to hang with them. My former Boss was from Sweden and her 2 children fit in great (9th & 11th grades). They love it here, so I wouldn't worry about the girls. One shoe-in is sports. If your youngest is into sports, that is an instant group of friends. My soccer friends are still my best of friends. Your oldest will have her license and be able to find new friends and expolre many things teenagers can do (Danbury Mall, White Plains - shopping, eating, hangouts, Bear Mountain, swimming, etc).

I think you have nothing to worry about. It is a great place.

[kocomojo]

Hello, thanks for the reply. Sounds like nothing much has changed!! Still not much to do, but I think teenagers everywhere complain on being bored and not having anything to do. Getting her license is a great incentive, don't know how I'm going to handle it though.

I remember in my time that the "New Girl" was looked on with some hostility untill she kind of proved herself. I think it is that attitude that I am concerned about. Liked what you said about your friends from Sweden.

Where are you going to move to? I know taxes are a killer. Our other choice was to move back to NYC, but would have paid in tuition much more what we are going to pay in taxes in Carmel.

Are drugs and drinking still the problem they were? I remember we all drank when we could and smoked pot also. Nothing serious, but some kids did get into trouble. I think parents are more aware and know what to look out for now.

The funny thing is that 20 years ago I could not wait to get out of Carmel, now I can't wait to go back. I appreciate the sacrifice my parents made for us, I just hope I am doing the right thing for my kids. I want them to have their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins close to them on a regular day to day basis, not just on vacation and phone calls. I have learned that family is EVERYTHING! Keep them close to you while you can. Thanks.

[mom2gurls]

I live in Dutchess...20 minutes north..and the area has boomed significantly in terms of route 9 shopping, there is a new shopping area where metro north brewster used to be(its called southeast station now)...even good old pawling has developed quite a bit..there are developments EVERYWHERE in dutchess. Our friends live in a one in Carmel.

We have only lived here in for 9 years...and have seen a massive change..so I can only imagine what 20 years would do!

But there still is a mentality of people wanting to leave though....but I guess its for the recent college grads.

And ditto to the previous poster..people are leaving in droves..not for a "promised land"..but just to really way the cost and benefit on quality of life.

IE a 4 bedroom colonial in my town STARTS at almost 600 with taxes at 12-15k.

In carmel I think the newer developments are even higher with regards to taxes..Of course there are going to be those posters that say..you dont need a larger home, lots of land, yada yada yada. But with a growing family..you do need to take in schools, a nice backyard to play or have a cook out in, even an extra bedroom for guests..and honestly up here..not alot of people want to deal with older homes anymore..of coure there are alot of people who are "old" home buffs who want to remodel or purchase a victorian..but its not the norm.

Since you have lived in the UK though..you will used to high cost of living. Because it is!!!!

[kocomojo]

Mom2girls, thanks. Yes, I remember going up 84 to shop in the old Mays Department store and having lunch in Mama Bravas! Best Baked Ziti outside the Bronx! I can also remember when the Sears Mall opened. Long time ago.

We are looking at Carmel homes in the 500 to 600 range with 4 bedrooms and taxes around 10ish a year. They are out there! With the property boom and the exchange rate in our favor we should do well with the sale of our house here. We do not need alot of property as Hubby is not a great gardener and I just want a nice deck to relax and enjoy a proper summer. Anything above 70 F is a heatwave here. I wore my winter coat to take the girls to school this morning, temperature around 40 F. Get me outta here!!!!