Moving to Peekskill NY Area (Rye, Yorktown: apartments, rental, crime)

[militarywife08]

Hello,

I wanted to know if Peekskill NY a good place to live. We are a military, african american family. I also wanted to know are there good towns nearby thats also a great place to live. ANy additional information about rental houses and elementary school would be of great help also. Please be honest and do not hold back on anything. I am looking for a safe and diverse place to raise my kids. Thanks so much for your time.

[NJGirl12]

Where are you moving from and where will you/your spouse need to get to for work?

I don't live in Peekskill yet, but we are moving there in two weeks and we've spent quite a bit of time there. Its definitely diverse, as far as I can tell its safe, although there are likely some who would tell you otherwise, and I think that the schools are good, although schools in other districts/towns in Westchester have better reputations. It has several large parks and is close to lots of recreation options, which is one of the bigger selling points for us, as well as some of the friendliest people - the neighbors of one of the houses we looked all introduced themselves and one brought out a dish of water for our dog. It's also one of the relatively less espensive areas to live in Westchester. I've seen several homes for rent in Peekskill listed on craigslist. Yorktown, Mohegan Lake and Shrub Oak are all right there as well.

[militarywife08]

Thanks for the response, the information is very helpful. My husband will work in Peekskill and I am not sure if or where I will work. My husband is from Brooklyn NY. We are military so we have travelled a lot. We won't move there until the end of the year.

[dma1250]

I agree with NJGirl12. Peekskill is very diverse--racially, socially, and economically. Large middle class population that has been there for ever, large population of artists and more recent arrivals from the city, and large lower income population. The crime is relatively mild and largely centered on a small area. The schools are okay to good. Peekskill has a number of good restaurants, a great coffee house, performing arts center, museum, galleries, places with live music, and a number of great parks. It is very close to excellent hiking.

Croton, Cortland, and Yorktown are all nearby. Generally, the schools are "better" and the prices are higher, but all three towns have a huge range of prices depending on the area and specific house so you can probably find something at almost any price point between 350K and 5 million.

[mazou]

I hope your move is going well. I lived in Peekskill many years ago, and found many nice people there. The commute into the city is not bad, and the waterfront is simply gorgeous.

I have heard many great things about Furnace Woods Elementary, in fact, a friend moved from NYC specifically to put her daughter in this school. I believe it is in the town of Cortlandt Manor, which is right next to Peekskill. Good luck!

[Chayya]

Hi,
I have found a job in Peekskill, NY and will be relocating from Hartford, CT. Based on the all the reviews and research in this forum (thank you to all),. I wanted to know are there good towns nearby thats also a great place to live and commute to Peekskill for work. Since I would not have a car for the first few months, I am looking for an apartment that is close (walking distance or on a bus route) to day care center for my 2 year old son and provides transportation services to Peekskill.
Based on my research I know that there is Bee Line bus services. Can anyone recommend me apartments that is walking distance to day care center and bus stop. I also want to ensure that my kid goes to good day care center.

[Josh13]

How is your experience in Peekskill so far?

[dewitt425]

My husband and I are both from the northeast. We have both lived in NY a long time. My husband was born in NY. So, I am not sure whether or not you moved as of yet but stay in the more southern Westchester county area. Peekskill is notorious for poverty, crime, and drugs. The sad part is that it wasn't always like that. Many people blame it on the economy. Currently, we live in the Rye area and love it. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer but I just thought you should know.

[Virgolove825]

My family and I are relocating from NC back up north. We are originally from the city now that we are moving back North we're in search of an affordable 3 bedroom apartment in a diverse neighborhood that is kid friendly close to transportation within a good school district. Also near parks for the children. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance