Moving from Pasadena, CA for job in Dobbs Ferry, 2 kids (Yorktown: rentals, condominium)

[Hondochan]

We recently found out of a job offer in Dobbs Ferry and plan to relocate from Pasadena sometime in August. We have 2 small children (1st grade and pre-K). We hope to rent a private home or something that will have a private yard for at least a year. Holding on to our CA property for a while and finances are a bit tight ($2500/rent) so a commute to Dobbs Ferry is assumed. (even considering CT and NJ if we need to) Schools - we are making the switch from private to public but hope for a progressive approach to education. We understand we have a tall order but are scrambling as our timeline is sudden and short. With only our web surfing, Pleasantville has sparked our interest but feels unattainable. Thank you for any help. (we'd like to stay clear of LI as we are originally from there)

[ckhthankgod]

What about Dobbs Ferry or some of the other Rivertowns?

[bmwguydc]

$2500 is a bit tight for a single-family in many of the towns. I would try Northern Westchester as you do not have to commute to Manhattan. Croton-on-Hudson, Yorktown, perhaps part of Somers, etc., though I would not anticipate a large supply of available single-family rentals in those areas. I think the budget is too restrictive for Katonah and Lewisboro, but perhaps you could find something in Goldens Bridge. Mount Kisco would have some rentals at that price point as well, though you might prefer the newer townhouse/condominium offering at that price point, as some of the single family homes may not be in the best condition, or in a well-maintained neighborhood.

The commute from NJ could be horrible as both bridges, George Washington and Tappan Zee are congested. If you commute at off-hours, you might consider Rockland County as an alternative, since your budget would allow more options, and you do not need a Manhattan commute right now, but the Tappan Zee can be a mess at rush hour, and Friday evenings in summer, so there's a reason for the price disparity between Westchester and Rockland. I would also look at Mahopac and Carmel in Putnam County, where you would find more inventory at the preferred price point for a single-family home.

[jjinla]

As a recently moved LA person myself, I can only caution you to take ALL additional costs into account before taking the leap. Your utility bills will skyrocket - certainly in the winter and maybe in the summer, too (we lived by the coast, so never used a/c but if coming from Pasadena you are likely used to a big summer bill). For an equally sized house our utilities easily increased 4x from what it was in CA. Food, goods and services seem to be at least 20%+ more, too. And if you ever plan on buying out here, know that property taxes will be almost 3% a year give or take. Just stuff to know when negotiating your salary.

Pleasantville isn't terribly expensive, IMO, but I agree that if you will work locally, you might want to push out further north to save money (we never looked that far up so have no advice there). With NJ you'll have to cross the Tappan Zee, which is terrible, and anywhere commutable in CT (lower Fairfield) really isn't much cheaper.

Dobbs Ferry is right along the Hudson line so you could go pretty far up if you were willing to do the train. Not sure if you are sold on commuting via car, though, and what that commute would be. Good luck!