Briarcliff Manor, Irvington, or Rye Brook (Ridge, Tarrytown: salons, daycare, neighborhood)

[LW123]

We think we've narrowed down our search for a new town in Westchester (moving from elsewhere in Westchester) and looking for advice. Our kids are 3 and 6 and good schools are important, but like others here, we're looking for a place that's down to earth, where our girls can make neighborhood friends easily, and where we won't be one of the few families with a working mom and dad. We'll be commuting to NYC and Purchase. Also important is that we're not too far from everyday conveniences like a good supermarket, bagel shop, maybe clothing stores, etc. Also, does anyone know how big the grades are in Briarcliff? Westchester Mag doesn't list senior class size for example. I know Blind Brook is very small - wondering if that should be a concern for availability of classes, school sports, etc. later on.
Thanks.

Editing to add that bussing would be helpful as would availability of an after school program for truly working parents (to 6pm!)

[mfenimore]

I live in Briarcliff. This is my sons first year in Kindergarten. Class size in Elementary school is about 100(5 classes, 20 per class). I think high school has about 150 per grade. I dtill think they have access to plenty of activities and classes with this size. The elementary school has an afterschool program right at the school which I use, its available until 6:30 and very good. My daughter who is 3 also attends a very good daycare in Briarcliff. Bus picks him up at 8am. I would not say working moms are the norm but there are some but I do find the people in town to be very nice and most are down to earth. Train is good as its a 42 minute express ride to NYC Plenty of supermarkets and daily conveniences within a 5-10 min drive and Mall in White plains is only 15 minutes away. Anywhere in Westchester you will be within 15 minutes of a lot of shopping. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[lan3]

I think any of the areas mentioned will be fine. Briarcliff schools are small and the senior class size is very small. I do not know exact figures but there is one elementary school, one ms and one high school. I know they have a bus that takes kids to the JCC in Pleasantville which has an afterschool program for kids from several towns (Armonk, Briarcliff, Mt Pleasant, Pleasantville, & Chappaqua). I do not know if they also have an afterschool program within their school. Many Westchester towns have a Y in their school for working parents. irvington kids can be bussed for afterschool to the JCC in Tarrytown.
Irvington and Briarcliff (I am not familiar with Blind Brook) both have bagel stores and nearby supermarkets. In Irvington, you are very close to Ridge Hill and the Palisades for clothes. If you are looking for boutiques, I am not sure. In Briarcliff, you are not too far from Route 6 which has the JV mall. I think Irvington is probably a bit more convenient.

[MrPleasantville]

Which area of Westchester would you prefer should be the question? All of those towns are great.

[LW123]

Thank you, all. I'm especially glad to hear that there is some after school care, as I'm nervous about finding a single, afterschool person to trust/not get sick, etc. Available until 6:30 is great too, since I'd be further from my office too. We visited again this past weekend, and are coming to terms with the taxes. Happy to see it seems small, friendly, yet convenient enough. Are you happy with the supermarket selection and daily conveniences - for clothing I'll drive 15 minutes, but not food shopping and dry cleaning!

Thanks.

[mfenimore]

Yes there is a large Stop and Shop and also a medium size A&P in town, both have everything you need. Also plenty of liquor stores, nail salons and dry cleaners and lots of Chinese and Italian dining! I love the afterschool program, its very convenient. And on half days they keep the kids for the extra hours also.