Advice on Westchester areas for 40 year old couple

[dma1250]

Originally Posted by havoc315

But yes, in Westchester, and most American suburbs, walking is the exception rather than the rule.

Yes, we defintiely drive TO places, rather than walk. But I walk more than I did when I lived in the city. Now we go for long hikes every weekend (even in the winter). Hiking in the woods is one of my favorite things about living here. In the city I walked 2 blocks to the subway, but I rarely went for walks. I can't speak for others, but I definitely see lots of walkers (and bikers) around on weekends. It's a different approach to walking (as an end in itself, rather than as a means to getting somewhere).

[HKtoNY]

This only occured to me because a relative of mine regularly visits a friend in Michagan. When they are at home in the UK, they go for a walk every evening after dinner. They walk for about 30 mins to the pub, have a glass of wine and walk 30 mins home. When they said after dinner in the US that they were going for a walk with no real destination in mind their friend thought they were mad..... My husband and I walk to dinner here in HK about 20 mins downhill and back after dinner - about 30 mins uphill and find it great for digestion. It is a little routine I would quite like to keep, and also means you don't mind having a glass of wine 'cos you don't have to drive....

The more I read about Pleasentville the more I like the sound of it.....

[PJ120]

Hi HK
Start working on the drinks. You wont be allowed to bring any with your shipment. We had Crown Relocations. The only drinks we could bring were the 2 per person with our hand luggage (but this was when they still allowed liquids on board). We had a fab wine collection and I remember, running through 18 botles in about 2 weeks and giving away many to friends. FOr a while we were the most popular hosts in HK

Regarding, sealed food stuff, I remember bringing some along with my checked in luggage. I didn't risk bringing any with my shipment because if suspect, customs will open out your shipment and delay it. Not worth the trouble and fine, in my opinion.

I moved to HK from the US and would come back every year. So my license was always valid. Except for Manhattan, dont expect any other place you move to, in its vicinity (ok maybe Hoboken in NJ as well) to give you easy access to walking like HK did. I live in Princeton, NJ now

I got so excited seeing Queens Garden. I used to live in Clovelly Court so you probably came for groceries at "our" wellcome. We used to hike a lot to the Peak as well, from old peak rd, somewhere from Dynasty Court, there is a hiking trail straight upto the Peak tower. My daughter had a couple of friends from school at Queens Garden. We really miss HK, especially my daughter who loved her school. Life was very convenient there. However you will like it here as well.
Please DM me your email. I dont frquent this site very often so Sometimes I am late in replying. Good Luck once again.

Originally Posted by HKtoNY

PJ120 - Thank you !! so many questions...... What can I export with me to US - food drink wise ?? We have a wel stocked cabinet - whisky, brandy, port, vodka etc... do I need to have a series of cocktail parties to get rid of everything or can i ship it with the household ?? when we moved from the UK we would have to pay 100% duty to bring alcohol to HK so we ended up giving it to friends...... Are there any restictions on sealed foods. I might stock up on thai curry paste....

Who did you use to ship goods back ??

Where do you live now ?? Are you from US originally ??

We are on Old Peak Road - Queens Garden. May Road is my local supermarket. I think I will miss walking everywhere. I walk up the peak for exercise, walk to Soho for dinner/drinks, walk to Pacific Place via the botanical gardens to the cinema and walk to Welcome on may road or P&S on MacDonald.......It doesn't look like people in the suburbs walk much..... ?? also just discovered i will have to re-take my driving test to get a licence....
We are a way off with the move, next year but i find with things like the alcohol and eating the food you have in cupboards you never have enough time !! Just like to be prepared......

[ebeleye]

You are fortunate that schools are not an issue. I have two very specific suggestions:

1. "Bronxville PO"
If you want a real town feel, lots of walking, and very quick access to NYC. You get al the benefits of "Bronxville Village," but with much lower housing costs and much lower taxes. Many "Bronxville PO" homes are within walking distance to town and train, they just happen to be in Yonkers, Mt. Vernon, or Eastchester. If I did not have kids, I'd probably live here. There is also a great mix of housing, single family, townhouses, and a great 1920s feel.

2. Bedford
If you want real Westchester country, woods, trees, horses, more affordable housing (more for your money). Bedford has surprisingly low taxes, and if you are on the west side of town, you are really close to the shopping, etc. in Bedford Hills, Mt. Kisco.

[HKtoNY]

Thank you very much for that advice.... it follows on from what a friend recently told us apart from he said no to Bronxville but gave no reason.....

He suggested looking at Chappaqua, Mt Kisco, Rye, Greenwich.... I am hoping we can just come over for a lookie soon and at least narrow things down a bit