Eastchester vs Tuckahoe? (White Plains, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale: power lines, condo, coops)

[gwenrn]

We are starting to narrow down a few towns to check out. We have based our choices so far on commute to NYC, quality of schools, cost of living, village-type/community feel - all from what we've heard.

We are a HHI of 120K. We have a baby and my husband works downtown so once at Grand Central he has a subway ride. I am wondering how Eastchester and Tuckahoe compare? I am very unfamiliar with these areas. What metro-north station is Eastchester? Do either have an extra factors that we should know? What about someplace like Larchmont or Mamaroneck? We are willing to consider a condo as well as single-family home. For homes looking for max 500K and condo less than 400K. Thanks

[rubygreta]

Originally Posted by gwenrn

We are starting to narrow down a few towns to check out. We have based our choices so far on commute to NYC, quality of schools, cost of living, village-type/community feel - all from what we've heard.

We are a HHI of 120K. We have a baby and my husband works downtown so once at Grand Central he has a subway ride. I am wondering how Eastchester and Tuckahoe compare? I am very unfamiliar with these areas. What metro-north station is Eastchester? Do either have an extra factors that we should know? What about someplace like Larchmont or Mamaroneck? We are willing to consider a condo as well as single-family home. For homes looking for max 500K and condo less than 400K. Thanks

There is no Eastchester train station. However, Eastchester residents use either the Scarsdale station or the Crestwood station, both of which are very convenient. Travel time is around 30 minutes to Grand Central. Many Eastchester homes are within walking distance of either station.

Both communities are very nice. But the school districts are confusing. You can live in the Village of Tuckahoe and be in the Eastchester School District, or you live in Eastchester and be in the Tuckahoe School District. Both districts are very good, but I believe Tuckahoe is the smallest district in the county (depending on your perspective, that could be a good thing or a bad thing).

Tuckahoe has two "downtowns," one by the Tuckahoe station and one by the Crestwood station. Ten years ago downtown Tuckahoe was a complete dump. In the last five years it has been totally revitalized, with more revitilization to come. Eastchester's "downtown" is located at the corner of Mill Road and White Plains Road. Right now it is not attractive at all, but the town has commited $5 million to revitalize it (underground power lines, new walkways and landscaping, less street pavement, new traffic patterns, etc.). Construction should start this fall. When completed it will be very nice.

In both communities you are entitled, at an annual fee, to use Lake Isle Country Club, which has five pools, eight tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. It is a wonderful amenity.

For under $500K you will have a hard time finding a decent house. Same thing with under $400K for a condo (unless it's one bedroom). If you would consider coops you would have many more options. Garth Road usually has a very nice selection.

Quite frankly, the Village of Tuckahoe should be dissolved and merged with Eastchester (or at least merge the police and highway departments). The communities are so similar, and Tuckahoe is so tiny, there is no reason to have two separate and expensive governments.

Good luck!

[Tofusensei]

"In both communities you are entitled, at an annual fee, to use Lake Isle Country Club, which has five pools, eight tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. It is a wonderful amenity."

Hi, can you give me more info on this? Google doesn't seem to have much.

[rubygreta]

Originally Posted by Tofusensei

"In both communities you are entitled, at an annual fee, to use Lake Isle Country Club, which has five pools, eight tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. It is a wonderful amenity."

Hi, can you give me more info on this? Google doesn't seem to have much.

Town of Eastchester, NY: Lake Isle

Here is a photo of the two kiddie pools.

[NYGirl128]

Lake Isle is a public country club for lack of a better term. Eastchester acquired out of bankruptcy in the 70s (or 80s) and anyone living in town can join. Compared to private clubs it is an absolute steal and very popular. We've been tennis and pool members for 3 years and get tons of use out of it. The tennis program for kids is very strong.

I'd say both districts have very good elementary schools but once you get to middle/high school, Eastchester is probably a bit better. I agree about merging the towns, especially at the governmental level; it would probably help reduce property taxes in both towns.