MetroNorth Parking Logistics in Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, Hastings-on-Hudson (Yonkers: house, purchase)

[MelissaT]

My husband and I identified Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, and Irvington, Tarrytown (w/Irvington school district) as serious contenders for our home search. We would rely on MetroNorth to commute into Manhattan and were wondering about the parking logistics at these stations.

Few questions:
1. How is parking alloted in each of these towns?
(ex is preference given town residence, lottery, first come basis?)

2. If people don't get parking, what alternatives are there in each of these towns?

3. Any general advice or stories that might help us avoid any potential pitfalls or tips for an easier commute?

We realize that MetroNorth parking is often an issue in Westchester as well as other areas, but would appreciate some first hand knowledge and sage advice!

Thanks in advance.

[jyyanks]

Dobbs ferry parking is relatively easy to get if you live in Dobbs Ferry. Its mostly reserved for residents though they do have about 5 spaces that they allocate to people who do not live in Dobbs Ferry.

Irvington has spaces in the Irvington train station and in the Ardsley on Hudson station but you must be a resident of Irvington.

Hastings-On-Hudson is like Dobbs Ferry - mostly reserved for Hastings residents but they do have a small number of spaces reserved for non-residents.

Coming from Ardsley, I tried the 3 stations above. Within a year, we got called by Dobbs. within 6 months, by Hastings. However, we had gotten our spaces by then in Scarsdale and Crestwood.

Once you know what town you want to live in call the train station and ask them how long the wait is for a space. Chances are that if you are a resident, the wait isn't so bad. In the meantime, call surrounding areas just in case so you have a back-up. The average time to close on a house is about 60-90 days in westchester. By then, a space should open up. Otherwise, there are buses that go to the train stations if you get really desperate.

[MelissaT]

Thanks, jyyanks.

This is very helpful information. Obviously, among other things, the commute is a serious factor to consider. Glad to hear that there are alternatives in other towns, if/when we are waitlisted. Also, great advice about starting the application process during closing--a valuable tip that we probably wouldn't have thought of on our own.

Thanks again for your help!

[SSchirm]

In Tarrytown, if you are a resident - you just purchase a parking pass for the year for a one time fee (i think it's approx $180 - renewable each May). There is no waiting list.

With the pass you can park at a few municipal lots including the train station. They are building a new Town Hall in the main train station parking lot and that lot seems to fill up by the 7:30am train. The secondary lot is on the other side of the tracks which is approximately the same walking distance to the train, but you just have to drive up and over the tracks.

I do not know what the deal is for non-residents.

[SSchirm]

another thing to consider is that Tarrytown is the last stop before the express trains go express. If you get a train in Dobbs Ferry it may actually take you longer to get to NYC because the Dobbs Ferry train will make more stops (until Yonkers at least).

[LisaGreenw]

I have a question about the Tarrytown train station parking. I saw that the large lot on the river side says permit parking. Is this permit marking 24/7 or can non permit holders park for free at certain times such as evenings and weekends? There was no information about the duration so I suspect it would be 24/7 permit parking only, and otherwise you risk a ticket but I'm wondering if there is any way to confirm.