rye versus greenwich, ct (Mamaroneck, Liberty: real estate, home, YMCA)

[kksk]

Hi Everyone -

I need some assistance. We currently live in Greenwich and are considering a possible move to Westchester county because of a new job in Rye.

Does anyone have any preferences when comparing the 2 cities? How does the housing stock compare (our price range is about 1.2 MM)? How do the people compare (ie, is there more diversity in one city versus the other)? How do the schools compare? What about the walkability factor (ie, can you walk to the library, etc. in Rye)? How do the shopping districts compare? We're looking for good schools, vibrant community, good activities for preschoolers, and as much diversity as possible in these regions.

We do like Greenwich...so, maybe we won't move. But, if Rye is just as good (or better), then perhaps we will move as it will be a bit better in terms of commute time. And, maybe there is another Westchester city that is better than Rye and not too far away in terms of commute time...if so, any recommendations?

(Oh, and as an aside, if anyone can recommend good preschools in the Rye area, that would be helpful!)

Thanks SO much!

[Ekulu]

Check out GreatSchools.net and SchoolMatters - Home for elementary thru high school ratings and other info. It is difficult to compare schools in two different states, but I have heard that the top tier Westchester Schools are better than Greenwich schools and that most people that can afford to in Greenwich send their kids to private schools. Since you live in Greenwich you are in better position to determine if this is true.

Unfortunately, $1.2m does not go very far in Rye but the property taxes there are better than most in Westchester. See Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate for an idea of what $1.2m will get you in Rye. If you are looking for diversity I will recommend adding Larchmont (Mamaroneck school district) and Mamaroneck (Mamaroneck and Rye Neck school district) to your list, you will probably get a little more for your money there too. A part of Rye shares a school district with a part of Mamroneck (Rye Neck), but you can't walk to most places apart from that part of Rye except for the private beaches located there, Rye Golf and Pool and the Middle/High schools.

All three communities have great activities for kids including preschoolers and all three have a beach that is easily accessible to residents. Rye has an Arts Center and YMCA, but you don't have to be a resident to enroll your kids in their programs.

You will need to live close to downtown Rye to be able to walk to most places, Larchmont is much smaller so you are more likely to find a home from which you can walk to everything there. Mamaroneck is also walkable depending on where you live.

With regards to preschools in the area (Larchmont, Rye, Mamaroneck)...most are located in a church or synagogue even if they are not religous. Examples are Mamaroneck Community Nursery School (located at United Methodist Church), Little Flower Nursery School in Mamaroneck (located at Holy Trinity Church), Westchester (Jewish) Day School in Mamaroneck, Larchmont Avenue Church,St John's in Larchmont, Larchmont Temple, Resurrection in Rye (Montessori) and Rye Presbyterian Nursery School.

[Ekulu]

I forgot to mention that I have heard good things with regards to Larchmont Temple, Mamaroneck Community Nursery School, St John's in Larchmont and Resurrection School in Rye. Another preschool you could also consider is Liberty Montessori School in Mamaroneck.

[Kevrltr]

Rye country day school is pretty good.
As for the move, Greenwich is so close it is funny, try the commute first it's only a few minutes.

All the best!

Kevin O'Shea