Katonah, Garrison, or Croton? (Cold Spring: live, train station, things to do)

[Pilgrim324]

I need to take the train up there and take a look one of these days.... I hear that the town is fairly walkable. Too bad about the waterfront and parking lot.

Are you considering Garrison, as well? I've had a hard time getting a real sense of the place, if only because there's no town center, per se.

[dma1250]

It's true that Croton is cut off from the water by route 9 and the train, but you can walk to it from parts of town and there is plenty of access. Croton has a lovely little park on the Hudson, Senasqua, which is open only to residents (in the summer). In the summer there is music and movies every week (which are open to all). There is also Croton Point Park, which is a county park and is totally stunning. There is a nice bike path which runs from Sesnasqua park to Croton Point Park, partially along the river.

[jdf718]

We haven't really thought of Garrison only because we prefer to be part of or very near a walkable village, preferably on the water, preferably near a train. This is why we like Cold Spring so much. Plus it's in a spectacular location but it is a haul into the city--at least 70 minutes by train.

In general, the lower Westchester river towns don't speak to us, although Irvington is similar in layout and size to Cold Spring, and very beautiful. On the other side of the Hudson (but not particularly near the train), we like Piermont. Away from the water, we want to check out Katonah (I've only been once, many years ago), Mt. Kisco, and the general Yorktown area more. Possibly Ridgefield, CT, over the Westchester border as well. Many options.

[Pilgrim324]

By way of an update: Since writing last, we've made an offer on a house in Katonah and are now going through inspections, etc.... Unfortunately, neither Croton or Garrison had much housing inventory to choose from in our price range, so that ultimately tipped the scales. (And we're now expecting a baby in September, so hooray for good school districts!)

Thanks again to all who have helped guide us in our search. Hopefully all will go well with this transaction.

JDF: How is your search going?

[havoc315]

Congratulations Pilgrim....
We love Croton, but are having a similar inventory issue.

[Meglion]

I'm in the midst of a very similar process, but I ruled Garrison out first, as it was originally highest on my list. I found it unbelievably isolated - much more a bedroom community (is that the right use of that term?) if one can call it a community at all. I moved from Brooklyn to Warwick, NY 3+ years ago and am finally admitting the commute is killing me, as I work in NYC. The great thing about Katonah or Croton is the frequency and proximity of trains, while still having a rural feel. Would love to hear any further updates regarding where everyone ultimately moved!

[havoc315]

Ultimately stayed in our home in Chappaqua for the foreseeable future. Of the homes we were considering purchasing, within our budget, none of the homes felt like a significant enough upgrade. (Among other issues).

Though, Croton would have been out first choice, and I have noticed a slightly improved inventory at good prices, as of lately.

[annette gasparro]

depending on how much house and land you are looking for you can do well in any of the areas you are considering.. I live in croton on hudson. I know Katonah and Garrison fairly well also.. Born in Peekskill, have lived in Yorktown and in Croton now for 22 yrs.. Great Schools and commute to NYC..

[jdf718]

Hi Pilgrim324 - congratulations on your choice and your pending arrival. I hope you are happy. We are still mulling options - Cold Spring is still our top destination but we are considering others. I expect we will move in the next 6-12 months. Look forward to hearing how you like Katonah - do you commute every day?

[DouggieG]

Of course I am biased. As a 25-year Katonah resident ... who reared children here who went through the entire school system .. and who lives around the block from th4e Katonah Museum of Art .. I love this place. Regrettably it has become a stereotypical bedroom community over the years, but it is still dream-like, if you can afford it!