Larchmont Woods (New Rochelle, Hope: broker, houses, neighborhoods)

[bodensee]

Hi everyone. Interested in your perspective on Larchmont Woods, New Rochelle.

We've been searching, finding, bidding, (and being outbid!) on houses in Larchmont for over a month and are broadening the search a bit. We're seeing a good number of homes in our price range walking distance to the Larchmont train, but over the border in N.R.

A few in "Beechmont Estates" seem nice...that area.

Would love thoughts on the neighborhood. We have 2 toddlers...is it a family-ish place? Are the people friendly...the parks and playgrounds abundant...how's the general vibe...is it safe....that sort of stuff.

From a schools perspective I've heard good (bordering on excellent) things about Davis elementary...does anyone have any first hand knowledge with that school?

Beyond that, this board has been extremely helpful exploring the middle school and high school situation in New Rochelle...so I think I have a good feel for what to expect when the kids are older.

Thanks for your help and opinions.

[GTDJ519]

Hi,
I do not live in that neighborhood, but I have a friend that does. She absolutely loves it. I think it is really beautiful as well. Tree lines streets, gorgeous tutor homes spotted throughout, very serene and peaceful in my opinion. We considered moving there at one point ourselves, but ended up elsewhere.
I have been in the neighborhood for play dates with our children and it really is a beautiful community. There are lots of families with young children. She frequently jokes that she feel like her radius of two blocks is like "one big playdate". Kids playing at each others houses, playing in the streets etc.
It has the great convenience of being so close to Larchmont for shopping,eating etc. Davis is a good elementary school in NR. Everyone that I know has been very happy there. I haven't heard many negative things about it. Sorry no first hand experience, but I have some expreience through my friends. Hope that helps a little!

[Larchmontbroker]

I agree! I'm a broker and constantly encourage buyers to consider Larchmont Woods. Same feel and neighborhoods as Larchmont, a little more house, a little lower taxes, and yes, Davis and Ward. Also have great friends there and they swear by them as well. A great option.

[jjinla]

Here is my two cents...I have several friends that live there and are generally happy but they do feel less of a community spirit than in Larchmont. Several reasons for that...greater percentage of people without kids, and a lot more people that go to private schools. By design, many people that would go to private school anyway pick LW because they figure, why pay more for a house in Larchmont if they aren't going to ever use public schools anyway (many of my Catholic and French friends are in this camp).

Getting to the train is a bit of a drag as you cannot park in the village or town lot. Not sure about metered parking, but many just cab it daily. You are pretty far from shopping and such, as compared to right in Larchmont. If you don't mind driving it is fine but not if you want to walk everywhere.

As for schools, my friends far prefer Ward over Davis. I'm told the principal at Davis is pretty old school and doesn't even use email, although I believe he or she is retiring this year, which could be a good or bad thing.

[Driftingwood1999]

How Jewish is the population in Larchmont woods?