Pretty impressed with Westchester (New York, Yonkers: how much, shops, buses)
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Long Island is really getting to me, so I have been taking some trips up to Westchester county. The first thing that strikes me is how clean, friendly, and reliable the Metro-North train service is compared to LIRR.
My 1st trip was to Mamaroneck, Saxon Woods, City of White Plains and Silver Lake. I noticed how much more land was preserved as parkland in Westchester, and there were even deer roaming around Saxon Woods, which was just a short 5 minute bus ride away from White Plains. The buses are much better than Long Island, the crowded routes get extended buses.
White Plains seems to be doing very well, lots of new shops. This is the kind of smart growth Long Island needed.
Silver Lake which was about a 25 minute walk from White Plains felt like I was way upstate somewhere.
My 2nd trip was along the Hudson, to Phillipse Manor and Rockefeller State Park. The park is huge, the paths are in very good condition (most the paths in LI's preserves are overgrown). Great views.
Later I took a bus up to the Cortlandt area, they got alot of shopping there but also lots of woodlands nearby.
Anyway I was pretty impressed. I know Westchester has it's bad parts, but they are mostly south (Yonkers,etc). The ghettos on Long Island are all over the place. Anyway I think for anyone moving into the New York area Westchester is a great place, esp for younger folks. I'd highly recommend the White Plains area.