Considering a job in Westchester (Yonkers, New Rochelle: rent, low crime, house)

[yasadora]

Hello,

A potential job offer has manifested which would mean splitting time between Mount Vernon and Yonkers.
I would not want to live in either of those places from what I have read. I am looking for suggestions of towns with a shortish commute... we are an older couple , no children , a single family home with some yard ... but can't break the bank because we will not be selling our current Florida home. I'm guessing in the 500,000 range...any ideas would be helpful

[YukikoYamazaki]

Greenwich (near the border of Portchester)

20-30 minute drive to Mt Vernon/Yonkers (or take the train)
Cheaper Property Taxes but 500K will be a bit tight in options.

Another option would be White Plains or Elmsford both which have lower taxes.

I keep focusing on taxes mainly because you don't have children and the Westchester Taxes are terrible.

You can also rent a house instead of buying

[jaymtea]

If you don't have to worry about the schools, New Rochelle or White Plains could fit the bill. Short-ish commute while still being pleasant areas to live in.

[ABQConvict]

If you are not worried about schools, both Mount Vernon and Yonkers have fine, pleasant neighborhoods with low crime. You can be in either city with a walking distance to Bronxville's downtown, one of the most lauded neighborhoods in the county as opposed to the hell holes described in "what you have read".

Your $500k will go way further as well.

[Brooklynbutlooking]

Originally Posted by ABQConvict

If you are not worried about schools, both Mount Vernon and Yonkers have fine, pleasant neighborhoods with low crime. You can be in either city with a walking distance to Bronxville's downtown, one of the most lauded neighborhoods in the county as opposed to the hell holes described in "what you have read".

Your $500k will go way further as well.

If you live in Yonkers, you pay a city income tax there -- a big negative.

As an earlier poster said, I would recommend White Plains or New Rochelle. Both are small cities with lots of ammenities and housing options. New Rochelle is closer to Yonkers and Mount Vernon, but White Plains might give you more options on both housing and ammenities.

I would not suggest Greenwich (as someone else did above) -- yes, taxes are lower but the upfront housing costs are very high, I don't think $500K would go very far at all, particularly if you want a house with a small yard.