Bedford/Bedford Hills, NY (New York, Greenwich: real estate, violent crime, houses)

[CollegeGuy987]

Hi guys,

I am considering moving to the Bedford area of westchester, NY and would like to know as must information as possible about the area. What is the culture like in bedford? What is the difference between Bedford and Bedford Hills exactly? (And which of the two is more favorable as a residence?) I read somewhere that there is a Womens Correctional facility located within Bedford Hills...is Bedford a dangerous place to live (inmate excapes...)? Please let me know all that you can. Thanks.

[CollegeGuy987]

Anyone have any info?

[Viralmd]

We have a country home here - only about an hour from Manhattan by train, but it's NOT cheap. Homes have a minimum acreage lot size. And expect to fork over a couple of million dollars for a home, unless you're right by the train station where there are smaller lots (and homes). Nice towns, but pricey. We've been there forever, otherwise we couldn't afford it now.

NO problem with the Women's Correctional facility. VERY safe area.

[CollegeGuy987]

What is the minimum acreage lot size, and why does it exist? What is the difference between Bedford and the Bedford Hills area?

[Viralmd]

I'm not sure about the minimum lot size - I think it's at LEAST one acre. Most houses in the area have larger lots of land. The difference between the two is that they're two different villages.

[CollegeGuy987]

Which is nicer/more favorable among residents? Is there much to do in the town(s) for recreation? What about access to food/shopping areas etc...

[Viralmd]

You need a car up there. Many people have horses....that's the big thing there.

[Natalpaz]

The town of Bedford incorporates hamlets of Katonah, Bedford Village and Bedford Hills.
Bedford Hills is where the government of the town is, as well as the train station and businesses around it (read - more traffic and noise). As you travel further away from the train station, you will see a lot of horse farms and secluded estates.
The real estate prices are cheaper in Bedford Hills as houses and lots they are sitting on are smaller (1/4 - 1/2 acre) comparind to the rest of Bedford. You can find decent houses in Bedford Hills in $500s, while in Bedford and Katonah that will be pretty impossible.
Violent crime is non-existent up here. And yes, you will need a car to move around.
Hope this helps. Here are some useful website to check out for more information:
The Town of Bedford New York / About Our Town
Getting To Know magazines: Bedford & Beyond Archives

Good luck!
Natasha

[CollegeGuy987]

thank you both for the information and links. how does bedford compare to other great westchester neighborhood such as scarsdale? what about against the infamous greenwich, ct?

[scgmhawk]

I grew up in Stamford, near Greenwich, CT. The one major difference I think you'll see between Greenwich and some of the upscale Westchester towns is that your Real Estate taxes will be much lower. I believe that all of the towns you mention will give you the same feel.