Hastings-on-Hudson/Dobbs Ferry vs. Larchmont/Rye? (Tarrytown, Irvington: houses, neighborhood, schools)

[Meglion]

How would you characterize the differences between the two areas (with minimal snark)? Am I right in thinking that the Hudson towns are a bit more Vermont crunch-y, while the 95-corridor towns are somewhat more buttoned-up, high-powered financial-type-y? If you were advising someone on moving to either location, what would you tell them about the pros and cons of each?

We're a same-sex couple in our 40's, we can spend about $1.1 million, and we both work in NYC. We have a big dog and are environmentally conscious, but we also like really good restaurants and some kind of evening social options that don't require always going into Manhattan.

[Larchmontbroker]

You are pretty spot on. Disclosure. I'm born and raised in Larcchmont - and a realtor. I can tell you Larchmont is pretty relaxed. A mix of financial types but a lot of young couples in marketing and publishing, both work in NYC. The Village is a great for walking and we have more then a few decent restaurants and bars. We also are on the Sound, so great beaches and parks.

[Scott3790]

Originally Posted by Meglion

How would you characterize the differences between the two areas (with minimal snark)? Am I right in thinking that the Hudson towns are a bit more Vermont crunch-y, while the 95-corridor towns are somewhat more buttoned-up, high-powered financial-type-y? If you were advising someone on moving to either location, what would you tell them about the pros and cons of each?

We're a same-sex couple in our 40's, we can spend about $1.1 million, and we both work in NYC. We have a big dog and are environmentally conscious, but we also like really good restaurants and some kind of evening social options that don't require always going into Manhattan.

Meglion - Where did you end up moving? We are also a gay couple - we have baby twins and are looking in the river towns as well. So far everyone tells us to go with Hastings, curious though about the other towns.

[Scott3790]

Meglion - Where did you end up moving? We are also a gay couple - we have baby twins and are looking in the river towns as well. So far everyone tells us to go with Hastings, curious though about the other towns.

[ponytrekker]

Originally Posted by Meglion

How would you characterize the differences between the two areas (with minimal snark)? Am I right in thinking that the Hudson towns are a bit more Vermont crunch-y, while the 95-corridor towns are somewhat more buttoned-up, high-powered financial-type-y?

Correct.

We're a same-sex couple in our 40's, we can spend about $1.1 million, and we both work in NYC. We have a big dog and are environmentally conscious, but we also like really good restaurants and some kind of evening social options that don't require always going into Manhattan.

Rye, getting a permit for the train station takes 10 years. There was no wait for meter permits when I left Hastings 6 years ago. Plus, you can walk to the train from most of Hastings.

[Incre]

Generally agree with your description of Hudson River vs. Long Island Sound towns. I'm gay and grew up in Dobbs Ferry, so I think I have some sense of what you're looking for. Larchmont is probably the most congenial of the towns on the Sound that you could consider, but I still think the Rivertowns are a better bet. It's basically the same difference as between Park Slope-Upper West side (Rivertowns) and the Upper East Side (Larchmont/Rye). At your price point you could find something very nice in Hastings, which I think still has better schools than Dobbs Ferry. Look in particular at the Villard Hill (aka Riverview Manor) neighborhood that straddles the Dobbs/Hastings border. Lovely houses from the 1910s to the 1930s, as well as a lot of newer ones. You could also look at Irvington, north of Dobbs Ferry, which is more expensive and has fantastic schools. Tarrytown further north is similarly charming, but probably not schools you would want.