researching white plains

[cyan29]

I'm also interested in knowing a bit more about White Plains. My husband and I moved from NYC to Fairfield, CT over a year ago. We love the town, but my husband absolutely hates the commute. He really wants to look into buying a home in White Plains. However, I know nothing of the town. When I did my research before we moved to CT, I found that not only were the property taxes outrageous, the home prices were high, and I also kept hearing about issues with the school systems.

He has been looking at these home sale prices listed between $400k-$500k. Either prices have really gone down or perhaps these aren't the best neighborhoods?? This is something we don't worry about Fairfield. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Either way, I told him we need to ride out this wave and stay put for a while. This gives us more than enough time to do some thorough research.

[havoc315]

Best way to evaluate a neighborhood is to drive through it, especially in the evening, and at night.

White Plains is a bit more affordable than other parts of Westchester, as it is more urban. The schools are not quite prestigious enough for everyone, though they not rated horribly. Property taxes are outrageous throughout Westchester, but slightly more reasonable in White Plains.

I do think for a fairly nice house, in a fairly good White Plains neighborhood, 500K would be a bit low. But go and take a look. Best to see with your own eyes.

[jyyanks]

I agree with havoc. WP has one of the lowest taxes in the county so if you think they are high, you would be hard pressed to find a place in Westchester that has lower taxes. Housing prices have gone down and WP is generally more affordable than other areas. Therefore I don't think 500K is too out of line but def drive around to make sure. Good Luck!

[ambarstone]

Originally Posted by cyan29

I'm also interested in knowing a bit more about White Plains. My husband and I moved from NYC to Fairfield, CT over a year ago. We love the town, but my husband absolutely hates the commute. He really wants to look into buying a home in White Plains. However, I know nothing of the town. When I did my research before we moved to CT, I found that not only were the property taxes outrageous, the home prices were high, and I also kept hearing about issues with the school systems.

He has been looking at these home sale prices listed between $400k-$500k. Either prices have really gone down or perhaps these aren't the best neighborhoods?? This is something we don't worry about Fairfield. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Either way, I told him we need to ride out this wave and stay put for a while. This gives us more than enough time to do some thorough research.

_______
Funny I am in same town as you but I used to live in WP and looking to move back. Prices in FF have come down in the past year more than in WP so you are 100% right about waiting. A house in WP for 400-500 will be an old house in need of work. Make sure about the school district because many WP houses are located in the not so great Greenburgh school district. The primary schools in WP school district are fine. Middle is OK but factor that kids in middle school change and become very testing (and by then, they've become mall brats too). Don't know much about high school but is only one and pretty big. Taxes may seem high but they are among the lowest in WC. For comparison, check taxes in Portchester, NY and you will see the difference. In my opinion, WP is the nicest city in Westchester. Easy commute to almost anywhere. Train station is great, with most express trains to NYC. Downtown is walkable but if you want a suburban feel, you can find that just a few streets away. Many people want to live there so this is why I think prices have remained somewhat strong.

Happy to answer any additional questions.

Best luck,

[cyan29]

Ambarstone-

Why do you want to leave FF? Do you own or rent?

My CT co-workers think we're nuts for wanting to leave FF for WP. I personally don't want to move; however, I want to be sensitive to my husband's commuting issue. I work one day a week in WP and one day a week in NYC, so I don't experience the same issues, so I'm neutral to the location. I would love to live in Westchester, but I just don't want to pay the high taxes that goes along with it.

We are both realistic about the market right now and we know it's going to take some time. We can thoroughly research WP before we make any decisions.

Thanks for the information.

[ambarstone]

Originally Posted by cyan29

Ambarstone-

Why do you want to leave FF? Do you own or rent?

My CT co-workers think we're nuts for wanting to leave FF for WP. I personally don't want to move; however, I want to be sensitive to my husband's commuting issue. I work one day a week in WP and one day a week in NYC, so I don't experience the same issues, so I'm neutral to the location. I would love to live in Westchester, but I just don't want to pay the high taxes that goes along with it.

We are both realistic about the market right now and we know it's going to take some time. We can thoroughly research WP before we make any decisions.

Thanks for the information.

Cyan,

Sadly, I own a condo in FF. Hoping to rent it for a while.

I lived for many years in WP and miss it a lot. Miss the diversity, the public transportation, the walkability and so much more. I don't like FF one bit-only moved there because could not afford buying in WP.

It looks you and your husband have to talk this further and do more research. You should know there is something called Star Credit which brings the taxes down a bit. I hope you both take the right decision for your family.

Best,