Lesbian Couple Moving to Lower Westchester - No Kids (White Plains: renting, condo)

[Meglion]

Hi, All - we're both in our 40s and work in the city, but we love living someplace with more green space (preferably not with a suburban feel, though, if that makes any sense) and a kinder, gentler sensibility. If it were an area that was kind of artsy/"green" (i.e. Farmer's Markets, Whole Foods, etc., music scene), that would be a dream. We're laid back and friendly but still kind of nerdy/intellectual, and would love to find someplace to put down roots - we'd likely look for a house rather than a townhouse/condo, and be able to spend in the $800k range. Any input would be hugely appreciated.

[bmwguydc]

I would say that Hastings comes very close to your description, though there's no Whole Foods, but there are organic markets, and WF is in White Plains, not terribly far away. Irvington is great as well, though parts of it can be a little more stuffy since there is an older money contingent still left in Irvington, and it's not as artsy as some of the other towns along the river. Dobbs Ferry might also be worth a look as well.

[wordlife]

I agree that Hastings would be a good choice, or even Tarrytown for the matter. The river towns definitely have the vibe that your looking for, but bmwguydc is spot on when he says there is an "older money" contingent still left in Irvington (and its not for the best IMO).

There are a few other places you guys can check out like Mamaroneck, or Pelham (there is a great art center there).

One place that instantly came up in my head to suggest was Nyack, its a wondeful town but its located on the other side of the river in Rockland.

[nonny]

Hastings and Pelham are really suburban, albeit greenish.

Have you looked at Pleasantville?

Nyack, and the surrounding area, is artsy and less suburban. But the commute is horrendous.

[lc_nycity]

I am one half of a lesbian couple in our 30's and we just bought a house in Dobbs Ferry for the same reasons you are stating. As for music/art/etc- not so much. But, come on, we are living a train ride away from the city. The river towns are picturesque and it's hard to resist their charm. The nightlife will take place at neighbor's houses or in your own backyard, most likely. We're having a lot of fun though, fixing up our house and figuring out the town.
Best of Luck!
- The other lesbian couple in Westchester

Originally Posted by Meglion

Hi, All - we're both in our 40s and work in the city, but we love living someplace with more green space (preferably not with a suburban feel, though, if that makes any sense) and a kinder, gentler sensibility. If it were an area that was kind of artsy/"green" (i.e. Farmer's Markets, Whole Foods, etc., music scene), that would be a dream. We're laid back and friendly but still kind of nerdy/intellectual, and would love to find someplace to put down roots - we'd likely look for a house rather than a townhouse/condo, and be able to spend in the $800k range. Any input would be hugely appreciated.

[Meglion]

Thanks, everyone! It's starting to look like we're going to look further north - the Croton-on-Hudson area, I think, so we can get more land/house with lower taxes and not feel like we're on top of someone else. lc_nycity: do you like Dobbs Ferry? Is it what you'd hoped it would be? Living by the water is not so important, but being near a train is, and I'd like not to be more than 50 minutes from where I live currently (Warwick). That means Pleasantville and Mt. Kisco are a little too far. I'll likely re-post since we're widening our search a bit.

[chimera49]

You have been given some good suggestions on where to buy a home here in Westchester. At the price range you are looking in you can write your own ticket. I would also suggest Cortlandt Manor, Putnam Valley, Yorktown, Peekskill. Peekskill is a gay friendly place. What I would suggest you do is spend a few days in each of the places and see what suits you best. Nobody can tell you what place is best because you are the ones who have to live with your choice. I would even suggest renting something in the area and then see what its like before you make a final decision. Landlords here are very open to gay couples and singles. Being a landlord, I would rather have gay couples or single . They have always been the best tenants. Mod cut: no soliciting.Good Luck with your search

[lc_nycity]

I do like Dobbs Ferry.

I miss the diversity of races and cultures of the city- but all in all I do like it.
It's small towny, and so far the people have been nothing but friendly to us.

[znycgirl]

I agree with renting before buying...even if for a short period of time: it'll allow you to see which exact area appeals to you the most.

Before buying...we rented in White Plains (def. not what you are looking for). We would spend all of our time exploring restaurants and different main streets of neighborhoods. It's much easier to do a bit every day than come up on weekends if you are living in NYC (which we were).

I also agree with looking on the West side. The train commute is easy & it's a bit more green & earthy. Generally, the farther North you go, the longer the commute to NYC, but the more you can get for the $$. In addition to what is written here, Tarrytown is very cute.

I'd say most of westchester is open-minded.

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

Originally Posted by Meglion

Hi, All - we're both in our 40s and work in the city, but we love living someplace with more green space (preferably not with a suburban feel, though, if that makes any sense) and a kinder, gentler sensibility. If it were an area that was kind of artsy/"green" (i.e. Farmer's Markets, Whole Foods, etc., music scene), that would be a dream. We're laid back and friendly but still kind of nerdy/intellectual, and would love to find someplace to put down roots - we'd likely look for a house rather than a townhouse/condo, and be able to spend in the $800k range. Any input would be hugely appreciated.

I know you said lower Westchester but if you were open to another suggestion I would highly recommend Nyack. It's artsy, cuturally enrich, Farmer's Markets, and tons of things to do.