Help! Need to narrow down search in Westchester? (New Rochelle, Rye: trip , job)

[dnvn]

Hi Everyone - My husband & I are planning to move from NYC to Westchester (or Long Island). Here is our ideal criteria for a town:

- 45 min or less commute to NYC
- not too much of a haul to NJ (I have to commute to NJ 2-4 times a week for my job - I know this is the tough one!)
- homes with character and nice town setting (colonials, tudors, lots of trees, etc.)
- convenient/nearby restaurants & shops
- very good schools
- affordable to get in the market - we are looking at 625k or less (ideally less of course) for a 3BR

We have been told to look at the following towns, but the list is long and we need some help narrowing down our choices and/or getting some advice on other towns which may be a fit that we have not heard of:

- Tarrytown
- Larchmont (too expensive given our range??)
- Pelham Manor
- Scarsdale (too expensive given our range??)
- Rye (too expensive given our range??)
- Irvington
- Sleepy Hollow
- Dobbsferry
- Eastchester
- Mamaroneck
- New Rochelle - (if so, what parts??)

Help!! We could really use some advice on this...This will be our first home and it is SO overwhelming...Thanks everyone!!

[sallyg]

You are really going to have to search for a home under $625k- but it is possible. Where in NJ will you be commuting to? All the towns you mentioned are within 45 minutes to NYC and commutable to NJ. All are great towns, but very different from each other. You can pretty much rule out Larchmont, Scarsdale, Rye and Irvington- not in your price range. Pelham Manor is pricey, try Pelham- you may find something, a very small home. Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow (same schools) is/are a great village(s), but schools are not considered highly desireable, although many love the diversity and great programs- same w New Rochelle. I think your best bets may be Eastchester and Dobbs Ferry, but be forewarned taxes are high in both areas. Both towns have great schools and houses in 600's. Good luck!!! I am in the same boat right now and it is a good time to be looking!

[dma1250]

If you're considering Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, you should also check out Croton. The train ride is 3 minutes longer than the trip to Tarrytown, and is shorter than the trip to Sleepy Hollow. Croton is lovely, has great schools, and you should be able to find some homes in your price range. The town has a great range of home styles--from Victorians to Tudors to mid-century moderns. There is a resident-only beach on the Croton River, a park on the Hudson, and a large series of village hiking trails through the woods and up into the hills. You're close to great preserves with wonderful hiking, as well as excellent food shopping and restaurants. Take a look.