Cortlandt Manor, NY (Peekskill, Scarsdale, Hartsdale: new home, neighborhood, purchasing)

[ckarp]

I'm moving from LA to NY State. We're looking into Cortlandt Manor in Westchester County. Our concerns are public schools for our 4 and 6 year old, safety and proximity to Trader Joe's. Would appreciate any advice.

[jyyanks]

Corltlandt Manor schools are not great but they are not terrible either. They are sort of in the middle when you consider all the schools in Westchester County. One of my best friends lives in Cortlant manor and I believe she is in the Lakeland school district, though I think Walter Panas is the other Cortland manor district. She sends her kids to parochial school though I think she does that more for religious reasons than anything else.
Her neighborhood is very safe and family friendly. There are alot of new homes being built in the area which has driven up the prices of homes. My friend purchased her house in the early 90's for $130K and now they are going for over $400K. However, I would caution you against certain areas of Peekskill which is the neighboring town. If you are thinking of purchasing make sure the home is truly in Cortlandt manor and not Peekskill.
As far as Trader Joes, I think the closes one that I know of is the Hartsdale one which is a good 40-45 minutes away. Other Trader Joe's locations in Westchester are in Scarsdale by Rt 22 and Larchmont. Either way it is at least a 40 minute drive.

[Kathleenh54]

ckarp, I think compared to LA schools you will find Cortlandt schools to be very good. Jy's advice is good about steering clear of Peekskill.

[ckarp]

Thanks so much for the advice. Any input on the Jewish Community there?

[westchester]

Their is a very large Jewish Community in Cortlandt...... As for Trader Joes , your going to have to travel a little bit for that......Their are a lot of Great Areas in Westchester, It all depends on Your price Range,,, Good Luck....

[greenagain]

I have lived in Cortlandt 43 yrs. Schools not great, but its up to you as parents ,anywhere. Peekskill is a good City.Trying ,Theatre ,Paramount, Good restaurants. River front parks. Much improvement in past yrs. Getting better.Taxes getting high. As here. This is not a very good town for getting to know your neighbors though. New people seem to keep to themselves. Not like it used to be. No walking on streets to see friends and neighbors. To much traffic. A lot of congestion here. Trader Joes, Danbury CT. 45 mins away. Good luck in deciding. It's all what you make it. Home...

[Tia 914]

Originally Posted by greenagain

I have lived in Cortlandt 43 yrs. Schools not great, but its up to you as parents ,anywhere. Peekskill is a good City.Trying ,Theatre ,Paramount, Good restaurants. River front parks. Much improvement in past yrs. Getting better.Taxes getting high. As here. This is not a very good town for getting to know your neighbors though. New people seem to keep to themselves. Not like it used to be. No walking on streets to see friends and neighbors. To much traffic. A lot of congestion here. Trader Joes, Danbury CT. 45 mins away. Good luck in deciding. It's all what you make it. Home...

that's where my early childhood was...
thanks for the memories/updates!