Need Advise Please: Moving To Yonkers Area For Medical Residency Program..... (New York: apartment complexes, rentals)

[JasonJYoung]

Starting an Emergency Medicine Residency Program with St. John's Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, New York and Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx beginning July 2017.

After spending countless hours researching where to live, I’m more confused than ever. Based on the residency salary, I’m budgeting up to $2100 per month in rent. These prices were shocking at first, as I’ve spent my entire life in the Midwest to include college and Medical School at The University of Kansas. The prices I’m finding throughout areas of Westchester County seem to run $1800-$3000+ per month.

Would New Jersey be a good option or should I focus on the areas near Yonkers?

Could you please provide any advise on what areas to avoid and a list of good rental communities based on the following criteria:

• Safe neighborhoods (main concern)

• Commute options to the hospitals (both personal vehicle & public transportation)

• Neighborhood walkability

Thanks for any help!

[rubygreta]

DO NOT live in New Jersey, unless you enjoy paying tolls, a long commute, and the possibility of getting stuck in traffic.

Hastings and Dobbs Ferry would fit the bill. You should not limit yourself to apartment complexes. There are rentals in 2-family houses.

Upper Warburton Avenue in Yonkers is one mile from Hastings, and two minutes from St. John's.

[jaymtea]

I wouldn't rule out the Bronx either. I lived in Pelham Garden for 20 years - just moved out this year. It's walkable and still a safe spot. I would try and stay out of Westchester unless you have kids and need the schools - the taxes are killer

[rubygreta]

He's renting.

[JasonJYoung]

Ha, ok. I'll stay away from New Jersey. No children and not interested in purchasing a home until out of residency. I've been looking a lot at the Dobbs Ferry area.

I never even considered going closer to the city or the Bronx. I'm so uneducated on various aspects of New York city and it's neighborhoods. Well, I gotta be honest.......most Midwesterner's have preconceived notions about living "anywhere" in New York. Same thing could be said about Kansas: nothing but flat farm lands with cattle everywhere. Ha, this is obviously not true.

Must say, I have absolutely zero hesitation with New York, as it will be a learning experience on many different levels. Appreciate the responses thus far.