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Yeah I realize that I will have a longer commute if I end up working in the city. I am wanting a commute under an hour (whether by train or car). It looks like Stamford might have closer to an hour commute into NYC, but we can find a better apartment for $2200 in Stamford than say in White Plains. Westchester seems expensive from what I've seen. Maybe this is true or maybe I'm not looking in the right areas?
We also considered Stamford back in 2015, while shopping for a home. Ultimately our pro/con list of Stamford vs. Westchester (specifically lower Rivertowns) looked something like this (everyone's priorities will vary):
Pros:
Lower prices (purchasing & renting)
More selections to choose from (purchasing & renting)
Larger city/access to amenities
Access to larger freeways like 280/i95, etc
Cons:
New Haven Line much more crowded than Hudson Line
Longer in-train commute time vs. Westchester Rivertowns (Hastings/Dobbs/Arsley/Irvington/Tarrytown)
Crowded/congested neighborhood layout for most homes on the market
More traffic due to larger freeways like 280/i95, proximity to Long Island, etc
Commute time to the train station put total commute time well over an hour in good weather conditions (larger station in the downtown area, more traffic, less parking, etc)
Ultimately, we preferred the less congested neighborhoods and shorter commute and took the higher prices, taxes and lack of market selection as a consequence. The nice thing with renting is that you have some flexibility to choose one area and then later relocate if you find that there is a more desirable area. That's what we originally did from MN to NJ to NY after a couple years
The nice thing with renting is that you have some flexibility to choose one area and then later relocate if you find that there is a more desirable area.
Good list. I agree with the renting advice. We rented for three years while we shopped around and it was the perfect way to do it.
This has all been really helpful advice! I think we are going to focus on Stamford for prices after seeing some apartments within a 10 minute walk to the train station. All of your suggestions very much helped our process.
Downtown Stamford has really been revitalized in the last decade, so it could definitely be a good choice if you can find something that's walking distance to the train. Plenty of bars, restaurants, and shopping, and there are express trains into the city. Traffic on the I95 during rush hours is a nightmare through Stamford so be aware of that.
You mention that Westchester seems expensive though and that makes me think you haven't done enough homework - this is one of the most (if not THE most) expensive regions in the country. You need to prepare yourself for this. Being across the border in CT isn't going to make much difference. However, the further you get from NYC the cheaper things do get.
Yeah, I only say Westchester seems more expensive because I have seen a few 1 bedroom apartments in downtown Stamford with a 7-10 minute walk to the train, washer/dryer, and nicely updated for $2000-2200. From what I've seen in Westchester, those same apartments are closer to $2400-2800, which is out of our preferred budget. If you know of areas or apartment buildings in Westchester that fit the bill, please let me know!
My advice would be to take the lead of the advisors provided through your husband's work, and add the stipulations you need,like being close to the train. Granted it was over 20 years ago,but I lived in KC because of work for a bit, and the biggest thing to me was how much easier and accessible KC was compared to Manhatten. You will need to drive to a train station most likely in any Westchester town. By the way, if esl is what you are after, you will get plenty of higher paying jobs right here, check out YOUR job prospects in Westchester county first. Commutation and parking costs will easily eat away at any salary bump even if there is one.
Can you visit before the move? There are upscale "country" towns with train stations, as well as larger town/cities. If your husband is driving to Armonk, which is beautiful, he may not want to be driving from a congested downtown apartment building in White plains or Stamford for example. (Although both cities are great for restaurants) just my opinion. IMHO, since Armonk is close to CT, you can get apartments and entertainment and esl needs in the port Chester, greenwich,stamford corridor , living in those towns or any in between. ..check the job listing first.
By the way, a quick glance indicated that there are many more esl opportunities for kids,rather than adults in any location. However if you are bilingual there are plentiful non teaching jobs....
I'd also suggest Tarrytown - cute downtown (though more like a small town than city) and 38 min train to city. We live in Sleepy Hollow which is the town just next to it. People here are very friendly.... and remind me of growing up in the midwest!
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