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Having grown up in lower Dutchess county area I'm amazed (in a good way) that Beacon is now a desirable artsy enclave. It truly is a beautiful area and it's a shame it was so blighted in the late 80's throughout the 90's. If you're commuting 3 days a week I don't think it's an issue -- there's a direct train for like 70 minutes which goes straight to GC.
I would say that Peekskill is the most Beacon-ish town in Westchester in terms of the art scene and diversity, but I wouldn't recommend the schools and it is quite a drastic change from the rural vibe of PR. On the other hand, I do suggest you look into the lower river towns (Hastings, Irvington, Dobbs). They are not rural, but feel a bit more like small villages than your typical suburb. These are probably the most progressive-leaning towns in the county, and all have very good schools. Dobbs has a bit of diversity.
Honestly, I don't know Pound Ridge beyond having driven through a couple times. River towns seem like a better fit than Bedford though, IMO.
It needs to emphasized that Bedford and Pound Ridge have as many differences as similarities. In many ways Pound Ridge has much in common with the river towns apart from being "rural." In general there's probably more big money in PR than the river towns (I think). But there are also a lot of creative types. Pound Ridge has always attracted people from entertainment/creative/.alt industries. It's quite different from Bedford (much less New Canaan) where there are a lot more financial guys and fewer of the .alt types. The housing stock reflects this. PR has all kinds of contemporaries of every imaginable style, converted barns and generally funkier properties. Want a perfect center hall colonial and commuting financial types for neighbors? Bedford is for you. Want something more offbeat with a writer, professor or artist next door? [=> which exactly describes my neighbors, BTW.] Odds are much better in Pound Ridge.
Looks like it's time to bump this thread to set the record straight on Pound Ridge.
Addendum: while most of the above is certainly still valid (), the $4.5mio rec center never happened. Pity.
Umm, that entry on Pound Ridge was done in jest, right? It actually made me NOT want to live there despite the size and affordability (relative to the size) of the homes being what we need for my husband's work (among other great things). Sorry, but you made the folks living there sound douchey, for lack of a better description.
Umm, that entry on Pound Ridge was done in jest, right? It actually made me NOT want to live there despite the size and affordability (relative to the size) of the homes being what we need for my husband's work (among other great things). Sorry, but you made the folks living there sound douchey, for lack of a better description.
Yes, obviously tongue-in-cheek. But do understand that something similar - and actually much more extreme - could as easily be written about Bedford, Chappaqua etc. And thread after thread on this board go after Armonk, Scarsdale and the rest for the unrepentant doucheiness of of their residents. Bottom line: if that sounds douchey then those in lots of other places would come off as far, far douchier.
Seriously though, the best advice it to drive around and see for yourself. Visit the stores, the libraries etc. Say 'hi' to people on the street and take note of the prevailing responses.
Umm, that entry on Pound Ridge was done in jest, right? It actually made me NOT want to live there despite the size and affordability (relative to the size) of the homes being what we need for my husband's work (among other great things). Sorry, but you made the folks living there sound douchey, for lack of a better description.
It appears to me that you want to be surrounded by wild, free spirited hippy liberals. The occupy wall street types. Simple, just move to Peekskill, that's right up your alley. End of story. These other places in westchester are too clean, too quiet and too conservative for you.
I'd also take a look at Tarrytown. There are plenty of Brooklyn ex-pats, diverse population, walk / bike to the village, reservoir, trails, Mommy and Me yoga at Riverstone yoga. There are a few cute houses on the market currently for under 800k, a few under 600k, that all happen to be in great locations. Worth taking a look in my opinion.
Pound Ridge is very rural - you don't see kids riding bikes. The town park/ pool is nice. Pound Ridge does not have a train station - you have to drive to New Canaan or Stamford. The smallest storm causes the power to go out. My family just moved out. The only thing to do there is go to Scott's Corner which is 1 block long.
Pound Ridge is very rural - you don't see kids riding bikes. The town park/ pool is nice. Pound Ridge does not have a train station - you have to drive to New Canaan or Stamford. The smallest storm causes the power to go out. My family just moved out. The only thing to do there is go to Scott's Corner which is 1 block long.
You can sunbathe nude in your yard without fear of embarrassment or arrest. LOL, sounds like you're a city boy.
Last edited by kletter1mann; 03-04-2015 at 07:48 PM..
Reason: clarity
It appears to me that you want to be surrounded by wild, free spirited hippy liberals. The occupy wall street types. Simple, just move to Peekskill, that's right up your alley. End of story. These other places in westchester are too clean, too quiet and too conservative for you.
Sounds amazing. Too bad the schools aren't great. The proximity to Indian Pointe is a bummer also.
And btw, "occupy wall st types" can be as annoying as tea partiers.
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), the $4.5mio rec center never happened. Pity.
