Best town for young couple with no kids, within 50 min to NYC? (Tarrytown: for rent, buying a home)

[Pilgrim324]

Sounds like Peekskill to me. It's "up and coming" and artsy, still kinda gritty in the old E. Village way. Interesting old buildings and, from what I've heard, plenty of young, creative ex-NYers. Right on the Hudson River, and with a walkable downtown.

A few towns up is Beacon, which has a walkable active downtown with cafes and galleries and such, plus DIA Beacon museum. Full of ex-NY artists, but too far for a daily commute in my opinion.

Alternatively, Tarrytown has an active & walkable downtown area, and is right on the river. And only about a half-hour on the train to NYC.

[emergencygirl]

The closest town to NYC that comes near to what you describe is Hoboken, NJ.

[doghead]

Tucker09, I think they didn't "click" with you for a reason--it's not for you! Just my opinion: I recently moved out of Westchester (Hastings-on-Hudson area). I lived there for 3 years and found it to be very unfriendly and very child oriented. A lot of it is physically beautiful, but it never grabbed me. I didn't like the shopping either, and Central Ave. in Hartsdale to me is really dumpy and depressing. I agree with Pilgrim to check out Beacon and also Cold Spring, which is on the water and beautiful and artsy; but the commutes are going to be longer than 50 minutes. Based on what you described, I'd move to New England around Boston. I've never been to Marblehead, MA but it looks beautiful. There's also Long Beach, NY--on the ocean and seems to be very friendly and young. The commute is under 1 hour. I'd stay out of Westchester, especially if you don't plan on kids.

[geoffgarcia]

Originally Posted by Tucker09

We are looking for:
- a walkable, energetic, VIBRANT town center
- other young people, who like being out & about in the town
- historic, interesting buildings... "up and coming" areas are OK!
- plenty of restaurants, bars, bookstores, shopping
- a good arts community -- music, museums, theater
- we LOVE being by the water, or within a 10-15 min. drive to it
- within 40-60 minute train ride to the city

I would definitely recommend Nyack for all of the above reasons. Awesome bar scene (open till 4am) with live music at 4-5 places in town each night. A few art galleries, coffee shops, a public library and YMCA (with a pool), nearby parks and of course the river. The only downside being the commute-ability since it is on the opposite side of the river from the train. There is a bus that goes from Nyack to White Plains Train Station (15 minutes), and then you could hop on the express train to Grand Central (39 minutes).


Mamaroneck has zero nightlife

White Plains has some night life, but it caters more to the college and immediately post-college crowd. If you like loud DJ music and shoulder to shoulder crowds then you might like it. It won't meet your requirements of "bookstores, music, museum, theater". I lived in and around White Plains for 3 years and found people in the area to be obnoxious and rude. A short trip over the bridge to Rockland County or NJ makes a world of difference.

Hoboken is pretty great although if you are going to live here you may as well just live in Manhattan. Its as close to the city as you can get without being in it.

[lindasmith6677]

Poets corner is a good choice in Hartsdale. Tax is lower than other W. towns.

[emergencygirl]

Hoboken has the benefit of being near water, nightlife, culture (such that it is) and proximity to highways and NYC. I left there in 2006. Rent for my apartment, a large 1BR with LR, separate full DR, original claw foot tub, and a much prized driveway parking space, was $1300/mth. Hoboken is not as artsy as it used to be due to frat sprawl but the town is again beginning to change with the proliferation of condo development and increase of couples in their 30's and 40's and young families moving into town.

[NJGirl12]

Tucker:

I'm not sure if it's downtown would quite qualify as "vibrant," but Peekskill does seem to meet the majority of your requirements. It has a lovely waterfront park area, that also has at least two restaurant/bars I can recommend. The downtown area still has a way to go, but it has a great coffee place and a sandwich/soup and coffee place that periodically do live music etc. and several good restaurants, a really nice used book store, a couple funky boutique type stores and the Paramount theatre for shows and movies. It also has a huge park for hiking, biking and a public pool and then is a short drive to Bear Mtn park.

We are relatively new residents, but we've slowly been getting to know people. Highly recommend you check it out.

[ddarnell]

Hi. I agree that Larchmont is a great area with a village-y feel to it, Rye is lovely and has loads of bars & restaurants and there are nearby cinema's in Mamaroneck & Port Chester. Both are on the Long Island Sound with lovely beaches nearby. The commute into NYC is easy, Rye for instance is about 35mins. Your price range will get you a small house, but like someone already pointed out, the taxes are high. There are some great new condo buildings in White Plains, with doormen/gym/pool facilities.

[bkhakis]

Do not leave the East Village. Take whatever people here say with a grain of salt. A lot of them are really suburbanites at heart. If you are one, then good luck. But if not, then you will be led astray. I know. I have lived in Rockland County and New York, including the E. Village. And nothing on earth compares to the access and artiness of NY.

[bkhakis]

People in Rockland are just as rude as White Plains. If you go to the wrong parts of Rockland. I should know.