tell me about the areas on the NY/CT border (Somers: rentals, condo)

[canyontothesky]

I've posted here before on similar topics. We're looking to move to the NY/CT border (on either side) in the spring. My DBF will be commuting into the city, so we want to be near any of these stations: Mt. Kisco, Bedford Hills, Katonah, Golden's Bridge, Purdy's, Croton Falls, Brewster and Southeast.

The most important factors are:
1. MTA parking. If we live within a few miles of the station, he'll bike, so there won't be a problem then, but otherwise, we need availability of parking within a 1/4 mile, guaranteed every day. But he won't be leaving the house until probably 10 or 11am, that might change, but we need to commute from a station that has parking left over after the morning rush, is the issue.
2. Crime. I want the safest area possible, but it doesn't have to be perfect. But do let me know where there are bad ares of towns, places to avoid, etc.
3. Availability of rentals. We want a single family with a backyard for under $2,000. We have dogs.
4. Quiet. I don't want to live somewhere too congested.

If you do live in these areas, here's a reference point. We spent a good deal of time in Connecticut last month and we fell in love with the Sherman/New Milford area, but we know that the commute from there would be too long. So if you know of any towns within the said area in NY, that have a similar feel to it, that would be great.

Tell me about the towns near these stations. We drove around a little bit last month, but we need to go back and look further. I have some familiarity with Somers (but I am not looking to live in Heritage Hills at all!), and we drove through Brewster which seemed fine. Tell me how you like it, how you think I'd like it, what is there to do, how's the commute, etc. Thanks!

[newtoli]

When you say a "single family" home under $2,000 - how many bedrooms?

Brewster and Southeast have become very grimy in recent years, I'd knock them off of your list. Out of the 8 towns you listed, Katonah is the nicest, but I doubt you'll be able to get a house under $2,000 there. Mount Kisco is more urban and walkable.

[dma1250]

I'd say Golden's Bridge, Purdy's, Croton Falls and Lewisboro are the best bets for a single family in the $2000 range, quiet, country, close to trains, etc. I believe Goldens Bridges has a huge station with lots of parking. Those are really long commutes, but I think you'd have to spend about 3K a month to get an actual house in Katonah, Bedford Hills, or anywhere more southern. If you're open to a condo or townhouse, you'd have more options.