living in westchester and commuting to columbia presbyterian hospital (Yonkers: house, school district)

[skraj011]

considering moving to westchester and commuting to columbia presbyterian medical center in washington heights. We have two kids 2 & 5.

We are trying to figure out where to live and would like some help.

Our priorities are:

1. quality of schools
2. commuting time
3. don't want it to be too suburban
4. some diversity would be nice
5. homes with some character (ie not split levels).

we were thinking of Hastings, Larchmont, Bronxville... any others?

thanks

[bmwguydc]

Do you have a budget in mind, and what means would you prefer for the commute? Driving or train? If you are looking to take Matro-North, for example, you should be looking on the Hudson Line as it stops at Marble Hill for connection to the subway to get to Upper Manhattan. On your list, Bronxville is perhaps one of the least diverse, and among the more expensive, villages in Westchester. The caveat when looking at Bronxville is that the school district is for properties within the village borders, yet the zip code extends into neighboring areas that do not have use of the school district. You may also look at Pelham if you plan to drive to Columbia, and Dobbs Ferry if you want to take the train.

Regarding not being too suburban, that's not Westchester as the county is largely suburban/exurban, save for White Plains, parts of Yonkers, parts of Mount Vernon, parts of New Rochelle, etc. Pelham, Bronxville, and Larchmont, in particular, are quintessential first suburbs, with small downtown areas that link communities.

[kletter1mann]

Originally Posted by skraj011

3. don't want it to be too suburban

In which direction? On the more urban side (more city-like) or more rural feeling?

[skraj011]

Originally Posted by kletter1mann

In which direction? On the more urban side (more city-like) or more rural feeling?

either. we like both urban and rural.

[skraj011]

Originally Posted by bmwguydc

Do you have a budget in mind, and what means would you prefer for the commute? Driving or train? If you are looking to take Matro-North, for example, you should be looking on the Hudson Line as it stops at Marble Hill for connection to the subway to get to Upper Manhattan. On your list, Bronxville is perhaps one of the least diverse, and among the more expensive, villages in Westchester. The caveat when looking at Bronxville is that the school district is for properties within the village borders, yet the zip code extends into neighboring areas that do not have use of the school district. You may also look at Pelham if you plan to drive to Columbia, and Dobbs Ferry if you want to take the train.

Regarding not being too suburban, that's not Westchester as the county is largely suburban/exurban, save for White Plains, parts of Yonkers, parts of Mount Vernon, parts of New Rochelle, etc. Pelham, Bronxville, and Larchmont, in particular, are quintessential first suburbs, with small downtown areas that link communities.

thanks for the info. we'll be driving into washinton heights. how are the schools in pelham?

[bmwguydc]

Pelham has a good school district, shared in the town between Pelham and Pelham Manor. The Cross County Parkway to the Henry Hudson makes for an easier commute to Columbia.

[skraj011]

Originally Posted by bmwguydc

Pelham has a good school district, shared in the town between Pelham and Pelham Manor. The Cross County Parkway to the Henry Hudson makes for an easier commute to Columbia.

Do you mean easier than commuting from Larchmont?

[lan3]

I would look at towns along the Saw Mill rather than the towns that are East such as Larchmont. I pass the Columbia exit everyday on my way to work (Harlem). The Saw Mill into the Henry Hudson is so easy and has very little traffic. It is much less of headache than commuting from the Deegan or I95. I would look at Hastings on Hudson, Irvington, Ardsley or Dobbs Ferry for a nice commute. I live in Pleasantville, from my house to work in West Harlem takes me 40 minutes. It would take you about the same or a bit less depending on what time you commute. The mileage may be better from Larchmont or pelham but the commute will be worse.

[ehmom]

Originally Posted by lan3

I would look at towns along the Saw Mill rather than the towns that are East such as Larchmont.

I would agree - avoid being so far east that you have to make heavy use of the major east-west connectors (95, cross county parkway, 287). The rivertowns would work - Hastings, Dobbs, Irvington. Bronxville is a nice short commute, but about as low on the diversity scale as you can go. I would put Scarsdale on your list. Edgemont and Ardsley have their fair share of split levels but there are also some homes with character - may be too suburban for you (if your definition of suburban means no real town center). But good commute, great schools.

[skraj011]

Originally Posted by lan3

I would look at towns along the Saw Mill rather than the towns that are East such as Larchmont. I pass the Columbia exit everyday on my way to work (Harlem). The Saw Mill into the Henry Hudson is so easy and has very little traffic. It is much less of headache than commuting from the Deegan or I95. I would look at Hastings on Hudson, Irvington, Ardsley or Dobbs Ferry for a nice commute. I live in Pleasantville, from my house to work in West Harlem takes me 40 minutes. It would take you about the same or a bit less depending on what time you commute. The mileage may be better from Larchmont or pelham but the commute will be worse.

thanks a lot for the great info. How do you like Pleasantville? It is a town we were considering. what do you think the commute time would be from there to columbia? Our general times would be 6-8am in and 5-7 going back up.