Chappaqua vs Greenwich - thoughts? (White Plains, Mount Pleasant: how much, house, neighborhood)

[rubygreta]

Originally Posted by hmez

Thanks jyyanks-your suggestion is helpful, I'll do that. I'm sure there is nice people everywhere, it's ridiculous to think that just because someone can afford to live in Greenwich or Chappaqua they're a snob.

I know someone renting a house in Chappaqua and they're moving out when the lease is up. Why? Because they cannot take the materialism and the snobbery. Of course there are nice down to earth people in Chappaqua. But the snob/materialism factor is very high.

If you want a wealthy community with real diversity, move one town up to Bedford. The school district includes Mount Kisco, which has a large working-class Hispanic population. And you get more house for your money than you would in Chappaqua.

[rubygreta]

Originally Posted by jyyanks

And I'm sure the 8th grade teacher in Chappaqua is just as good as the 8th grade teacher in Mt. Vernon. Doesn't mean I'll send my kids to the Mt. Vernon school district.

Mount Vernon has all sorts of troubles. But I didn't say Mount Vernon, I said Yorktown, which has no troubles. And I would bet that the top kids graduating from Yortown get into the same colleges as the top kids from Chappqua.

[jyyanks]

If someone wants and can afford to live in Chappaqua, why would they move to Yorktown or Bedford? Its about personal peference and the op said that she is choosing between Chappaqua and Greenwich. People are snobby anywhere - whether its Scarsdale, Chappaqua, Yorktown, etc. There may be more snobby people in wealthier areas but that does not mean EVERYONE is snobby. Snob/materialism factor is high because this is Westchester County, one of the wealthiest counties in NY. Snob factor is high in NYC too and there is racial AND economic diversity there. If Chappaqua's biggest problem is snobbiness and a school system that fosters competitivness, and not crime, than that's not so bad.

OP - Chappaqua is a very family oriented community. They have plenty of parks and playgrounds and programs for kids. I'm not that familiar with their recreation programs but I found a link on the new castle website (which is terrible) that lists some of their programs. Additionally, I found some NY Times articles about Living In Chappaqua.

The only thing that I would consider bad about living in Chappaqua is that it is a 50-60 min train ride into NYC and an even further drive (down the dreaded Saw Mill nonetheless). Greenwich is a shorter train ride (10 minutes shorter), so somthing to consider. Hope this helps.

New Castle Recreation & Parks Dept.

If You're Thinking of Living In: Chappaqua; A Hamlet That Cherishes Its Schools - New York Times

IF YOU'RE THINKING OF LIVING IN CHAPPAQUA - New York Times

[rubygreta]

Originally Posted by jyyanks

If Chappaqua's biggest problem is snobbiness and a school system that fosters competitivness, and not crime, than that's not so bad.

It's not the school system that fosters competitveness, it's the parents. You are missing the point. There is a disproportionate number of people who move to Chappaqua because it is the "best" school district, based on SAT scores. And they pay the big house price and the outrageous taxes because they think the "best" school district is going to get junior into the Ivy's. And God forbid if junior happens to be an average student, the parents are going to be in for a major letdown (can't put a Westchester Community College bumper sticker on the Mercedes).

[jyyanks]

Alot of parents foster competiveness no matter what school district their child is in. I think the real issue here is that Chappaqua happens to be a wealthy community. And they have a school district that happens to have mostly wealthy kids who perform well in school. There is nothing wrong with that. Statistically speaking, the Chappauqa school district is one of the top school districts in Westchester. I think any parent considering a certain town to live in would want a good school district which is why I gave her the stats.

From Op's posts, she is interested in Chappaqua and Greenwich. I think telling her about the school district is important. But obviously other things about the community are important to her too, such as recreation and town facilities, not the "snobbiness" factor. If she did ask about that, then ok, fire away but I did not feel like that was what she was asking for in her original post.

[hmez]

jyanks, thanks for the Chappaqua links, I will check into them. And you are right, I'm less concerned with exposing the "snobbiness" factor in either town--it is what it is. My intention was to gain some objective insight as to what it's like to raise a family in Chappaqua vs. Greenwich. Thank you for your assistance and attempts at keeping my thread on track!

[brooklyn-mom]

I too am interested in Chappaqua's amenties -- are there public amenties -- a pool for example -- or is all membership clubs? I'm also looking at Katonah and I occassionaly look at Scarsdale (but same problem as other writer -- small plots for my price point). I think Katonah has a modest outdoor pool facility (from Googling it's unclear -- maybe someone can confirm), and I know the Scarsdale pool facility is great and makes it almost worth the taxes and small plots. But, anyway, if anyone knows about Chappaqua town recreation facilities, I'd love to hear what you know. Thanks.

[Kevrltr]

Bottom line, I think both communities are Great. Greenwich is substantiallly closer to NYC than Chappaqua. Both have nice "town areas". Both have good schools.

Property taxes will probably be lower in Greenwich.

All the best!

Kevin O'Shea

[Kevrltr]

Hi again,

I forgot to mention, you might like Armonk also, a little closer to NYC and larger property.

Kevin O'Shea

[ponytrekker]

Originally Posted by hmez

Thanks, jyyanks. Chappaqua's test performance is impressive. Do you know anything about the daily living "vibe" in either town? I'm more concerned with what it's like to raise children in these towns. Which town is more conducive to an idyllic childhood (if either)? We've really been spoiled in Fairfield...

Greenwich you'll see more "What kind of car do you drive?" types. More but not many more. You know, the kind that talk incessantly about golf, skiing and the driveway lighting on their summer houses.

In Chappaqua you'll have a few people with whom you can actually discuss the weather.