Move to Westchester near Metro North (New York, Yonkers: apartments, condo, crime)

[RosaGneco]

Hi there,

I'm looking to possibly move to Westchester County. I work in the city so I would need a place that is near the Metro North. I'm willing to do a commute of up to 1 hour. Right now I pay $900 for a 1 bedroom in Dutchess County (it a condo- so there's a pool on the property, tenis court and a playground. I also have a washer/dryer and dishwasher). I would need to able to find something with a budget of about $1,000 (for a 1 bedroom). Does anyone have any suggestions on towns?

[ambarstone]

Rosa,

$1,000 won't get much of a nice place in Westchester. I wish I can be of more help but just wanted to say you should not waste time looking much at anything on the Metro North Harlem line. It will be a big change because you won't get anything with a pool. Places like Yonkers, and Mount Vernon on the Harlem line might have something...but they are not very safe. I would check out Portchester (New Heaven line)...maybe Fleetwood (Harlem line)...After these towns, it gets more and more expensive by the mile.

Maybe you should consider apartment sharing?

Best luck,

[RosaGneco]

Thanks for the information Ambar! I pretty much figured that I was not going to get another place that has a pool. Even for Dutchess County, I have a great apartment for the little amount I pay. What do you think I should have in a budget for a decent 1 bedroom in Westchester? I can pay more, I'm just cheap

[westchester]

Rosa You could find a place in Woodlawn, which is in the Bronx, or Yonkers, they are both next to the metro north........................

[ambarstone]

Originally Posted by RosaGneco

Thanks for the information Ambar! I pretty much figured that I was not going to get another place that has a pool. Even for Dutchess County, I have a great apartment for the little amount I pay. What do you think I should have in a budget for a decent 1 bedroom in Westchester? I can pay more, I'm just cheap

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Prices differ crazily, so that is a difficult question!

I think you should start at 1300+ and move up from there for a clean (small) place in a safe neighborhood. I'd like to recommend White Plains (most express trains to NYC) but I doubt you'll find anything even in that range there. Have you thought about using a broker? It will cost you but can save tons of work. If you have doubts about areas, I am familiar with the Harlem line and parts of the New Heaven.

Also, check Tarrytown (on the Hudson Metro North line). Is a diverse town that could have something if you are flexible.

[mmbmw]

Originally Posted by RosaGneco

Hi there,

I'm looking to possibly move to Westchester County. I work in the city so I would need a place that is near the Metro North. I'm willing to do a commute of up to 1 hour. Right now I pay $900 for a 1 bedroom in Dutchess County (it a condo- so there's a pool on the property, tenis court and a playground. I also have a washer/dryer and dishwasher). I would need to able to find something with a budget of about $1,000 (for a 1 bedroom). Does anyone have any suggestions on towns?

Rosa -- Try, in this order: Hawthorne, Thornwood and Pleasantville. Hawthorne and Pleasantville are both Harlem Line stops, and Thornwood is wedged directly in between the two (no metro north stop but its anywhere from a 3-10 minute walk to the Hawthorne train station). Each town shares the same main road (which changes name from Commerce Street-Franklin-Marble Avenue) but its all less than a 2.5 mile stretch. There are a lot of apartments above small business right along the train tracks that would fall near your budget. It is apprx. 40 minutes to GCT with the train turning express at White Plains.

They are great if you are looking for a quiet area that is somewhat walkable. You will be within walking distance to small delis and two major grocery stores and several bars...if you don't have a car. It gets quiet and empty at night.

The locals are friendly, but to the extent that you are not a family, there isn't much sense of community or a singles scene and the communities in that part of Westchester are not diverse, so if you are not white, you will stick out a bit.

[ambarstone]

Rosa,
It would be a good idea to check Craigslist too. I saw this today, posting link as an example only. Just be careful-scams are around.

Tuckahoe, New York (broken link)

[RosaGneco]

So it looks like so far the following towns have been suggested: Yonkers, Mount Vernon, White Plains, Portchester, Fleetwood, Woodlawn, Tarrytown, Hawthorne, Thornwood and Pleasantville.

Thanks for everyone's input. I really appreciate it!

Keep it coming....

[mmbmw]

Originally Posted by RosaGneco

So it looks like so far the following towns have been suggested: Yonkers, Mount Vernon, White Plains, Portchester, Fleetwood, Woodlawn, Tarrytown, Hawthorne, Thornwood and Pleasantville.

Thanks for everyone's input. I really appreciate it!

Keep it coming....

Just a word of advice: The southern Westchester areas you mention (Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Port Chester, even White Plains, etc..) are going to be sketchy at that price range. I would start looking at the Hawthorne, Thornwood, Pleasantvile and Tarrytown options before moving further south. There will be nearly no safety/crime concerns in those areas. Also, check out Ossining. It's a bit grittier around the train station than the other areas I mentioned, but is also more affordable.

[ghguy]

Don't be thrown off by Woodlawn. Yes, it's in the Bronx, but it's a great safe neighborhood, with plenty of restaurants and bars (if that's your thing). Take the Thruway or Bronx River Parkway, get off at E. 233 St (first exit in Bronx) and head to Katonah Ave. All the shops have bulletin boards - you'll find an apt in no time! Or by the irish Voice newspaper - it's a big-time Irish neighborhood....