Moving out of NYC with family, but still have to work here (New York: apartment)

[Onthemoveup]

So we're looking to move out of New York. We are renting a two bedroom apartment in the Morrisania section of the Bronx and would like to move our daughters ages 6 and 12 into a family-friendly area with good schools.

We are ready to purchase a home and relieve ourselves of thousands of dollars per year of school tuition.

After taxes, health insurance, transit card and retirement plans, our take-home is about $54,000. We are looking to purchase a home for no more than $250,000 and taxes of less than $6,000/yr.

The catch is; as stated in the heading, I would need to keep my job in the Bronx. We need a place that is close to commuter buses and or trains with a commute time of 1.5 hr or less.
This research has proven to be exhausting! We just need to have some areas pointed out to us. We are willing to go to NJ, CT, upstate as long as it's a good area with great schools and a diversity-friendly community.

Thank you in advance!

[Dreamshot]

IMO, it is in your best interest to stay in NY [for the easiest commute to the Bronx], your best bets are within Orange and Dutchess County. Look in to the Town of Newburgh, Montgomery, and the Town of Wallkill in Orange County. Fishkill, Beacon, and Wappingers are worthwhile options in Dutchess. Metro North rolls out of Beacon with a stop at 125th Street. Commute time from any of these spots will be around 1.5 hours.

[Onthemoveup]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will look into these areas!

[ckhthankgod]

Again, Nyack is good, but check transit options. Same with parts of the North Rockland SD. Not sure about housing that fits the budget criteria.

[Dreamshot]

Yeah, I based my response on the financial constraints. I think it will be difficult for onthemoveup to find something decent in Rockland (unless its in Spring Valley [stay away!]) on that budget, especially in Nyack.

[likerman]

your best bet is lower westchester there are some great neighborhoods that fit your criteria like Eastchester. We moved out of the city 6 month ago and it was the best decision I ever made wish I had done it sooner so do my kids!