Help (New York, White Plains, Rye: relocating, trip , work)

[alan35]

It looks as if I'll be relocating from the UK to New York in early summer.

I'm looking for somewhere around an hour's commute from Times Square. I have two children under 12 so I'd like a good, safe area with good schools and a nice place to live.

I'm looking for a three/four bedroom costing around 500,000 dollars.

Where should I be looking?

Thanks

[riley1999]

It's not easy to go to Westchester from Time Square. You are looking at bus and that means Long Island or NJ. To Westchester, you will need Grand Central Square for the train lines. With an hour commute requirement, it will be difficult to find something that fits all your other requirements for around $500k. Somethings will have to give. My suggestion is to figure out what's the most important and then find areas that fit that criteria.

For $500k and good school, you are likely looking at 1.5 hours of commute into Putnam Valley from Grand Central. Mohopac is supposed to have one of the better schools. But again, the definition of "good school" is subjective.

[dma1250]

The shuttle from Grand Central to Times Square has become very quick and reliable during rush hour. There are 3 trains that run in tandem and one of them is pretty much always in the station. The ride itself is just 3 minutes, and the whole trip from GC to Times Square usually only takes about 5 minutes (I do it daily). (At off-peak times there is usually just one or at best 2 trains running and it can take 15 minutes or more.)

Depending on what type of town and house you want, you might look at Croton. The train is 43 minutes, so (depending on how close to the station you are), the whole trip to Times Square should be just under an hour. The schools are excellent. For around 500K your options will be limited, but there are houses in that price range.

[Viralmd]

I agree, it's a piece of cake to get from Grand Central to Times Square. The shuttle is quick, fast...But you can walk it, too - albeit in about 15 minutes.

[jyyanks]

I worked in Times Square for 6 years. I took the Metro North from Crestwood into Grand Central. There was a shortcut that exited to Madison and 45th and I would walk 3 blocks to 45th and Broadway which is the heart of Times Square. Took me 10 minutes, if I was running for the train, 8 minutes, if I wanted to leisurely walk, more like 15. I drive to work now and I really miss my morning and afternoon walk

[AnNYYankee]

You may wish to take a look at Croton-on-Hudson. Its about an hour and ten minute commute on a local and about 45 minutes on an express, on the Hudson Line of the Metro North commuter railroad. The station is very large and also has Amtrak so there are a lot of trains. Many Manhattan commuters live there. Finding a place for 500k might be difficult, but you can probably get 600K. Its a very nice, safe town to live in.

As I remember it Croton has a very decent school system. Be advised that in New York State there's a law that says realtors are not allowed to tell you whether a school system is good or bad, I believe because its considered to be a form of bias. Therefore, you have to do your own research on the schools.

You get taken into Grand Central, then you shuttle over to Times Square.

[Kevrltr]

You can find homes in Valhalla, Hawthorne, or White Plains that could work for you, occasionally you can find something in Harrison or Rye Brook, but they would be smaller or in not as good condition.

All the best!

Kevin O'Shea