North Salem and Pound Ridge New York (Bedford, Greenwich: fit in, low crime)

[CollegeGuy987]

Hello,

I've been thinking about moving to either North Salem or Pound Ridge, New York, and I'm trying to find out as much infromation as possible about the areas.

What are crime rates like?

What is the culture like in these towns?

Are any of these towns RACIST? I am a black man and was told by a few people that I should shy away from places such as Greenwich, Ct...old money areas. That is very sad.

Which of the two towns are nicer?

Are these "affluent areas"?

What is there to do for recreation? (Shopping, food, etc...)

And please feel free to educate me on anything else that's necessary for me to know about these areas!!

-Thanks

[eileen824]

HI - I have not lived in either of these towns, but I am familiar. These towns are very private and country / affluent. If you have money and would like a big house with a country feel, but still be accessable to Manhattan or more populated areas of the metro area, they would be great for you. I am not black, but I am friends with a black family that live in the northern most part of Stamford CT (this area borders Pound Ridge) and they have never had a problem. Then again, they also live on a large piece of expensive property and are in the entertainment industry. My feeling is that race is not as much of a dividing issue as $$$$ - If you can afford to buy and maintain a lifestyle there, you will be accepted. There won't be a black population though, as the towns are predominately white. It is historical, quiet and beutiful there though - enjoy if you choose it!

[Natalpaz]

North Salem and Pound Ridge are very affluent. Both of them are very rural with not too many shopping/entertainment options. But residents like it that way. In Pound Ridge about 55% of its population are weekenders from NYC. It is home to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (4,700 acres park for nature lovers Ward Pound Ridge Reservation).
North Salem is a horse country - with lots of horse farms and riding trails. It is also home to a Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden (Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden).
There are town parks with organized activities for children in each town.
Typically homes have more privacy and larger lots comparing with other Westchester towns. And yes, they are pricey.
It is hard to say which town is nicer - you should drive around and get your own impression.

Check out these websites for more information:
Getting To Know magazines: Table of Contents - GTK Bedford & Beyond
Town of Pound Ridge, New York 10576
North Salem - Welcome

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions,

Natasha

[CollegeGuy987]

What are the people like in these towns? Nice, Mean, Snobby, Warm hearted? Any insight?

[Natalpaz]

Generally speaking people are very nice and helpful - they don't have to fight with each other for their place on NYC subway daily! But I am sure you can find representatives from each group on individual level. I would suggest to drive around, stop at local places - cafes, delis etc., start conversations and observe - that will give you a very good idea of what to expect.

[albala]

I have been in Stamford for 25 years and I love it here. I grew up in North Stamford which borders Pound Ridge and now I live in Shippan, by the water. Stamford is much more diverse than any of the surrounding towns except Norwalk, and I have always appreciated that. Pound Ridge and North Salem are both beautiful country towns with very little crime and very nice people. I am guessing that most houses will come with an acre or so of land, if not more, so there is a lot of privacy. Btw, I am white, or sorta white, but I rarely (almost never) hear about any racism around here. And if you can afford to live in Greenwich, and want to be a part of the Greenwich lifestyle, you will find some ethnic diversity. Basically, if you fit in with the lifestyle, being a minority shouldn't make a difference.

[Viralmd]

People keep to themselves in North Salem and Pound Ridge. Typically, the homes have a fair amount of land and there's not a huge amount of social interaction, except to say hello to a neighbor. Very pricey areas, both of them.

[CollegeGuy987]

Low crime?

[albala]

there are probably more white-collar crimes than all property and personal crimes combined. I'm sure there are burglaries like any other affluent area, and probably some drunk driving, but there are no gangs or violence. People move there because they want peace, quiet, and privacy.

[CollegeGuy987]

Any gated communities within Salem? Any videos of North Salem neighborhoods online?