want to move out of manhattan -- w/in one hour commute, with GREAT public schools -- but where to even start?????? (Mamaroneck: relocation)

[beyondconfused]

i want to "downsize" my life. i have the life many people dream of, but i'm BURNED OUT. I own a great downtown loft, my son is in private school -- but i'm TOTALLY stressed with my job and want to start working part-time (or take off a year) and so need to move out of the city to make this work....

i am SO confused! how do you go about picking some random community -- i've thought of larchmont, greenwich, new rochelle, montclair nj, then LI towns like port washington -- but it seems so RANDOM to just pick somewhere!!

all i know so far is --
*i'm raising a 7-year old boy all by myself, so wouldn't want a community that would frown on that...
*assuming i did a freelance, part-time kind of gig, i'd be commuting just part of the week, so i could handle a door-to-door one hour commute, i guess, although it scares me to think i'll hate it....
*need great public schools
*want outdoor space, a yard of some sort
*can afford around $1-million give or take

ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

[ontheroad]

You might rent a car, if you don't have own one, and drive up to lower Westchester and visit one town and then another. Sit down at a local cafe or restaurant; walk into and out of shops and speak to residents and thus get a feel for the place. Also check Chambers of Commerce, and ask for their relocation packages.

I have some favourites up in the area, but they only became favourites because I'd been driving through them (from CT) and stopped for a coffee break or just a break in my travels.

The towns you've mentioned all have a different appeal, and offer different services. Many of the schools in the county are good, or were good, and many are easier to commute from (with services on both Amtrak and Metro North).

Good luck!

[wanderlost]

Westfield or Cranford in NJ....maybe not as high priced as you're looking for...but both right on the train line. Westfield is more upscale with very good schools. Probably an hour by train to Manhattan.

[skaneatelesmom]

I don't know. I would say no to most of Fairfield County as maybe not being a very comfortable place for a single parent. Perhaps Westport? Although Westport would be pushing the 1 hour limit; probably a bit further. But I think Westport, with its reputation for creativity, would fit the bill otherwise. Let's hear what others have to suggest.
Jo (in Skaneateles)

[eslteacher]

The best schools in Westchester include Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Edgemont. I would especially look into the Edgemont schools. The district is excellent, but also small so it might be easier to meet people.

[Natalpaz]

Getting into a car and driving around visiting different towns is an excellent idea. In Westchester you might want to consider Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, Pleasantville, and if you can tolerate longer commute (about 1 hr on the train) Mt. Kisco and Katonah. On the Hudson side - how about Irvington?
Visit the villages, local cafes and stores, and places you would take your son to (many Westchester towns have excellent libraries with ton of events and activities for children), this should give you an idea where you want to be.
I have a lot of info on Westchester in general and specific towns in particular that might be useful - PM me if you would like any of that!
Good luck!