River towns vs. LI sound towns (Mamaroneck, Tarrytown: renting, houses, schools)

[leavingsf]

My husband will be taking a job in Tarrytown, NY this spring. We are trying to decide where in Westchester to live.

What are the differences between the river towns (Hastings, Dobb's Ferry, etc) and the sound towns (Larchmont, Mamaroneck, etc)? Do you feel they have different vibes?

We want a nice town with a village where we could walk to stores, restaurants, the train station, and parks. A friendly, community feel is important. Our children are in college, so schools are not an issue to us. We would ideally like to be around 30 minutes from Manhattan.

We would be renting as we will only be in NY for around 4-5 years and then will move back to San Francisco. We want a 4 bedroom house in excellent condition. Our budget is around $7,500. Is this feasible?

Thanks!

[Calla]

I don't think the difference in the LI sound towns vs River towns would be sufficient to justify the daily extra commuting time for your husband. Stay near the river, the towns there are all really wonderful places to live. (And if anything, the river towns are considered friendlier/more laid back anyhow!) Make sure to look at Irvington too. I think for $7500 you should be able to find something you are happy with as long as you aren't expecting a big lot. Train ride might be more like 40 minutes to the city though unless you find something in Hastings.

[havoc315]

I've heard repeatedly, that the river towns have more of a San Fran vibe than other parts of Westchester. Whether it's true, you can be the judge.

If you do need to cross over to Tarrytown from Mamaroneck, it would be adding 10-15 minutes to the daily commute, each way. Probably not a deal breaker.
Especially Larchmont, is a bit more upscale (not that any of the areas are less than affluent). But the river towns are friendly, and somewhat walkable.

[bmwguydc]

The Sound Shore makes sense if you are heavily into the sailing/yachting scene, since access to the water is easier than the Hudson (train tracks on much of the shoreline). The river towns are generally more laid back and friendly than many other areas in Westchester terms; however, they are quite hilly, and not as walkable as Larchmont. Larchmont is very similar to Bronxville, with a comprehensive downtown that features shops, restaurants, train station, and other merchants where it is feasible to walk around town.

The other benefit to the river towns, is the view that some have, particularly Irvington since you can get across the train tracks and out a bit onto the river where there is a park, some cafes, etc. on the river side of the train station. It's a big hill, however, back up to the houses, so it might be more reminiscent of home.

[jdf718]

I think Irvington is a great call, especially if you want views, proximity to water, easy access to the city, and something similar to SF in terms of topography.

[cswim06]

Oversimplification, but:

Sound town= UES
Rivers towns- UWS

[ponytrekker]

Originally Posted by leavingsf

My husband will be taking a job in Tarrytown, NY this spring. We are trying to decide where in Westchester to live.

What are the differences between the river towns (Hastings, Dobb's Ferry, etc) and the sound towns (Larchmont, Mamaroneck, etc)? Do you feel they have different vibes?

We want a nice town with a village where we could walk to stores, restaurants, the train station, and parks. A friendly, community feel is important. Our children are in college, so schools are not an issue to us. We would ideally like to be around 30 minutes from Manhattan.

We would be renting as we will only be in NY for around 4-5 years and then will move back to San Francisco. We want a 4 bedroom house in excellent condition. Our budget is around $7,500. Is this feasible?

Thanks!

You will find the hills of the river towns as challenging to walk as the hills back home.

Your best bet is to stay on the hudson side. The sound sider commute is probably a half hour more. Then every once, let's say, summer Thursday, you'll get nailed with traffic going west.

[KathyNY76]

Originally Posted by leavingsf

My husband will be taking a job in Tarrytown, NY this spring. We are trying to decide where in Westchester to live.

What are the differences between the river towns (Hastings, Dobb's Ferry, etc) and the sound towns (Larchmont, Mamaroneck, etc)? Do you feel they have different vibes?

We want a nice town with a village where we could walk to stores, restaurants, the train station, and parks. A friendly, community feel is important. Our children are in college, so schools are not an issue to us. We would ideally like to be around 30 minutes from Manhattan.

We would be renting as we will only be in NY for around 4-5 years and then will move back to San Francisco. We want a 4 bedroom house in excellent condition. Our budget is around $7,500. Is this feasible?

Thanks!

Live in Tarrytown. It has all the things you mentioned - the major drawback to most people is the school system (which still isn't horrible!). It's got a hip downtown area, tons of restaurants, does a Third Friday thing downtown each month, etc.