Price point for house rentals in Lower Westchester ( Larchmont,etc) in 2009 (Brentwood: real estate market, houses)

[dweller101]

Hi,
we're a family of 4 with 2 young toddlers living in NYC. We're familiar with lower Westchester and we would like to rent there (rather than buying) at this stage.

Very good public schools (elementary/middle) , access to Metro-north/Manhattan and low-key/enjoyable downtown are important.

Our max budget is $4000 per month for a 3-bedroom house around 1800 sq.f.

Our preferred choice would be Larchmont, but is our budget compatible in 2009 for such a rental ? We were told Larchmont housing rentals are very expensive.

If not, which town would be a better fit for us ? Would Harrison NY be comparable to Larchmont ? Haven't read much about Harrison NY, which has to be cheaper ? What about Rye Neck or Rye Brook, or Mamaroneck ?

Or should we look instead in Hastings-On-Hudson/Dobbs Ferry area ?

[havoc315]

I don't really know the rental market well, but thinking of prices overall, Rye Neck tends to be a bit more afforable than Rye Brook and Mamaroneck. Dobbs Ferry is a bit more affordable than those other areas as well.

Considering the deterioration in the real estate market, I wouldn't be surprised if you could find an acceptable home at prices that didn't exist a year or two ago.

[Viralmd]

Harrison would be more expensive than Larchmont.

[movingover]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

Harrison would be more expensive than Larchmont.

No it would not be, not even close. Larchmont is the most expensive town out of all the shoreline towns in NY (technically Harrison is not shoreline, but you know what I mean). To get even close you need to go to Greenwich.

[Viralmd]

Originally Posted by movingover

No it would not be, not even close. Larchmont is the most expensive town out of all the shoreline towns in NY (technically Harrison is not shoreline, but you know what I mean). To get even close you need to go to Greenwich.

I find that a strange statement. I would think that Rye would have the dubious distinction of being the most expensive. And I do disagree with your assessment of Larchmont compared with Harrison. I've been looking at the listings.

[movingover]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

I find that a strange statement. I would think that Rye would have the dubious distinction of being the most expensive. And I do disagree with your assessment of Larchmont compared with Harrison. I've been looking at the listings.

Not sure it's a strange statement, even if it turns out to be inaccurate . Of course the devil is in the details. Harrison has some expensive areas, golf course residences, etc. Larchmont has the manor, which is no doubt more expensive than any area in Harrison. Views of the LI Sound pretty much dictate that, even though the land parcels are small.

I think Rye may in aggregate be less expensive than Larchmont because it has a larger area of land, more houses for less, taxes are lower by comparison. By comparison I think you probably get more land in Rye, and so for your money it is a slightly better deal.

At the end of the day they are all pricey towns for people who want to pay for the convenience of living close to the city and have quick access to the shoreline. I guess their value is probably subjective, like anything.

[fredjohnson]

Hate to get technical here, but Purchase is part of Harrison and there are monster houses there... There are also monsters in Sterling Ridge.... I grew up in Larchmont, and the Manor has some really nice houses, but Purchase and Sterling Ridge are more expensive... In fact, one of the largest houses in Westchester was just built in Purchase... North of 30,000 sq ft... The bottom line is that there are nice sections in both towns and both towns are expensive.... There are affordable places in both too... West Harrison and Brentwood are affordable... Palmer Ave and Mytle Bld, Blossom Terrance, Sections of Forest Ave. are more affordable in Larchmont...

[Dockside]

Originally Posted by fredjohnson

In fact, one of the largest houses in Westchester was just built in Purchase... North of 30,000 sq ft.

30,000!!! What are the property taxes on a house that size?

[fredjohnson]

that is a very good question, although I know the house up the street, which is a 1/3 the size is paying north of $70k a year...