Looking for Home - Bronxville, Eastchester, or Scarsdale??

[ExNooYawk]

Jjin, I am glad you live in Larchmont and like it there so much. Larchmont is a great little Westchesteer town. My Dad lived on Palmer Avenue for many years. Manor Park is lovely.
But. When the discussion is meant to condemn snobbery and you say that a half a million dollars is 'no big deal', that is sort of breathtaking. People from outside of Westchester wondering which town is right for them may be seriously put off by such comments.
It may not be a big deal for Westchester, which is perhaps why so many of its denizens are jaded, but I can assure you that $500,000 for a fixer-upper house is, indeed a big deal.

[jjinla]

"why are moms wearing high heels to pick up children?" Ha, ha...you tell me!! It would be one thing if they were going to work, but they were just wearing couture with full hair and makeup to go pick up their kids all covered in finger paint...routinely. It was just bizarre!

As for the half million dollars, I know it sounds God-awful to anyone outside of NY. I generally assume, correctly or not, that the great majority of the people on here looking to relocate are taking a job in the city and already have a sense of the exhorbitant cost to live here. It is nuts.

I do believe that for everyone, there are a few 'right' towns to choose from. Ultimately, as many have found, they just have to pick the top 2-3 things that are most important for them based on their budget. Unless you are rich, everyone has to sacrifice something...be it the house, the walkability, the commute, the schools, the neighborhood, the location...

[kletter1mann]

Originally Posted by ExNooYawk

But. When the discussion is meant to condemn snobbery and you say that a half a million dollars is 'no big deal', that is sort of breathtaking. People from outside of Westchester wondering which town is right for them may be seriously put off by such comments.
It may not be a big deal for Westchester, which is perhaps why so many of its denizens are jaded, but I can assure you that $500,000 for a fixer-upper house is, indeed a big deal.

Unfortunately you need to recalibrate. She's right. It's nothing to do with snobbery at all, it's just a fact of life. You'd be hard pressed to find any single family home in a "desirable" school district for $500K. That's the low end of the price of admission in all the towns in question. Snobbery is about the attitude, and that varies considerably.

[beyhive]

I noticed some of the posts suggest that Pelham is becoming run-down. I grew up in a neighborhood that changed for the worst and fear that when I purchase my own home- can we please elaborate on Pelham - not Pelham heights or manor - what do you mean by run down?

[likerman]

Sounds like Mamaroneck/Larchmont would be a good fit for you. They both have town areas with lots of restaurants and people walking around. It also meets the rest of your criteria...

[ExNooYawk]

Originally Posted by jjinla

"why are moms wearing high heels to pick up children?" Ha, ha...you tell me!! It would be one thing if they were going to work, but they were just wearing couture with full hair and makeup to go pick up their kids all covered in finger paint...routinely. It was just bizarre!

As for the half million dollars, I know it sounds God-awful to anyone outside of NY. I generally assume, correctly or not, that the great majority of the people on here looking to relocate are taking a job in the city and already have a sense of the exhorbitant cost to live here. It is nuts.

I do believe that for everyone, there are a few 'right' towns to choose from. Ultimately, as many have found, they just have to pick the top 2-3 things that are most important for them based on their budget. Unless you are rich, everyone has to sacrifice something...be it the house, the walkability, the commute, the schools, the neighborhood, the location...

I'll go with you on the half-million-dollar house issue. People in the area won't be surprised but those relocating to NY from outside the area might get some sticker shock.

When we lived in CT, most of the moms picking up kids were wearing tennis outfits. High heels and hose? Not often. It did amuse me to hear some of the women talking about having to go into the city for a hair cut or to buy a pair of shoes.