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Looking for anyone who has moved from Westchester to CT (or vice versa):
We currently reside in Manhattan and looking at options outside of the city. Property taxes - especially in lower Westchester - are norotiously high (~$30k on a $1mm home in areas like Rye, Pelham, Dobbs, etc). While pricier from a sq foot perspective, comparable houses in Greenwich have significantly lower tax bills (~11k on a $1mm home).
All other things constant, is there really a ~3x premium to live across the NY border? Maybe the schools are better in Westchester, but it's not like Greenwich High is a dump. Just trying to make sense of the large disparity.
Does anyone have any recent firsthand experience with this? There's just such a massive difference between the two that I feel like I am missing something (aside from a slightly longer commute).
Money isn't an issue on the margin, but the difference in monthly payment for a house in Pelham vs. Greenwich is ~$1,500 or more. It adds up over time since it's a safe bet that your taxes only move in one direction. There are also a fair amount of extra closing fees in NY (mansion tax, mortgage recording).
Totally agree on the condition of houses. I would say that ~50% of the properties we've seen in Westchester need immediate work. All of them have been over $1mm
Also, consider the reverse stigma of living in Greenwich..vs Pelham..greenwich, new canaan, Darien -- will be uppity, whereas Pelham, Dobbs more laid back and not full of egregious wealth.
Also, consider the reverse stigma of living in Greenwich..vs Pelham..greenwich, new canaan, Darien -- will be uppity, whereas Pelham, Dobbs more laid back and not full of egregious wealth.
Was just about to ask this. Is Greenwich significantly more "stuffy"? We haven't spent much time there.
We've spent a fair amount of time in Pelham and really like it. The laid back feel is surprising given housing prices and taxes (especially in Pelham Manor). I would imagine most married couples with children have to be pulling in at least $500k/year
Also, consider the reverse stigma of living in Greenwich..vs Pelham..greenwich, new canaan, Darien -- will be uppity, whereas Pelham, Dobbs more laid back and not full of egregious wealth.
And Westport
Side note, I don't understand why Pelham is considered to be such a great option. Its surrounded by New Rochelle and Mt. Vernon.
The HomeGoods shopping center in Pelham Manor is complete trash. I wouldn't park my car there for more than 20 min. I'd rather have Tarrytown's village, which is nicer.
I don't understand the fascination. Can someone explain?
Side note, I don't understand why Pelham is considered to be such a great option. Its surrounded by New Rochelle and Mt. Vernon.
The HomeGoods shopping center in Pelham Manor is complete trash. I wouldn't park my car there for more than 20 min. I'd rather have Tarrytown's village, which is nicer.
I don't understand the fascination. Can someone explain?
Pelham's allure is its commute, coupled with a safe, high-quality school district, and safe community. These aspects are not affected by a low-end strip mall, or the fact that their are some less-than-desirable neighborhoods nearby that exist in other communities.
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