Anjanette

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4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
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  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
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  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Well-populated with people and with things to see and do..."

Poughkeepsie is a both a town and a city and although it is practically impossible to talk about one without mentioning the offerings of the other, they do have their own individual governments.

The 31.2 square mile town lays claim to Vassar College, Marist College and Dutchess Community College and therefore has an abundance of educational and cultural opportunities and entertainment experiences. Vassar College alone has both the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center which houses and displays over 15,000 impressive works of art as well as the incomparable Powerhouse Theater which is a partnership between the college and New York City’s renowned New York Stage and Film. The theatre presents top-notch plays and musicals, many of which feature major Broadway and motion picture stars.

The town of Poughkeepsie has a pretty well-developed parks and rec program with two solid day camps that offer arts and crafts, performing arts, games, sports and nature activities. There is little league, youth baseball and a soccer club. They hold tennis lessons in Red Oak Mills Park, swimming lessons for kids and adults at the popular, public Spratt Park Pool and ladies recreational softball played on the American Legion Field. There are often special events held at the pretty 160-acre Peach Lake Park such as apple pressing and bird-watching walks along its four miles of trails. In all actuality, an impressive total of twenty-two plus parks abound in the town of Poughkeepsie so there is a little patch of recreational green for everyone! And then of course the city of Poughkeepsie has the absolutely glorious wonder, Walkway Over the Hudson State Park which is an old, unused bridge that was cleverly turned into a lovely pedestrian park with bike paths and stunning views of the river. And there are plenty of more parks in Poughkeepsie proper to go around.

The town also proudly offers a senior citizen emergency watch program.

Historical Locust Grove is a town of P’keepsie claim to fame. It is a glorious 200 acre estate overlooking the Hudson River which includes the former Italianate villa home of famed artist Samuel Morse, winding carriage roads and stunning grounds. Visitors can tour the home and museum pavilion and just saunter around the beauteous gardens where they often hold special events. There is also a very cool education program for kids which offers classes such as Telegraphy, Machines and Levers.

There is enough shopping all over Poughkeepsie that you don’t have to leave the area if you don’t want to. The Poughkeepsie Galleria alone has hundreds of shops, varied eateries and the Regal Galleria Mall Stadium 6. There is also the Dutchess Center and Poughkeepsie Plaza and tons of other stores well peppering the whole of Poughkeepsie.

There are just oodles of great restaurants, eateries and cafes and such all over greater Poughkeepsie so it is easy to fulfill a food craving. Speaking of, Crave Restaurant and Lounge with its CIA alumni chefs has a sophisticated New York atmosphere and exquisite food made with the freshest of regional and seasonal ingredients. The Beech Tree Grill is an American bistro often well attended by Vassar students. The Artist’s Palate is a gorgeously decorated and more upscale bistro & bar that has fabulous food in addition to rotating art exhibitions, The Bull and Buddha Restaurant is an interesting Asian fusion destination that houses a two-ton hand-carved Buddha along with its great sushi. Alex’s Restaurant is a cozy downtown breakfast favorite. The Karma Lounge makes some really tasty tapas and creative cocktails concoctions. Café Bocca is a trendy, gourmet café that also has live local music, rotating art exhibits and poetry events, Mole Mole with its highly touted Enchiladas Con Mole, the Dubliner Irish Pub with its juicy burgers and finger-licking fish n’ chips and Babycakes Bakery and Café, with its distressed wooden tables, casual atmosphere and lovingly handmade goods. And there are plenty more including diners and chain favorites.

The Mid-Hudson Civic Center is the big area event venue and is comprised of Mair Hall & McCann Ice Arena. They have large-scale special events, concerts and performances such as the WWE Smackdown tour, Celtic Thunder, GLEE on Ice, the Hudson Valley Reptile Expo, competitive figure skating, ice hockey and public skating sessions. There is also the fantastic Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, the Cunneen Hackett Art Center, Mill Street Loft, yet more parks and another public pool, a good library system and an array of great bars, pubs, dance clubs and live music venues.

Saint Francis Hospital is located in the town so you have medical coverage readily available for peace of mind.

The actual city of Poughkeepsie also has a reliable bus system as well as a Metro North and Amtrak station. Commute time to Grand Central Station in Manhattan is anywhere between one hour and thirty-eight minutes and one hour and forty-five minutes.

Town of Poughkeepsie students appear to be divided among several different school districts depending on where they live, but all of them seem to be relatively decent.

The median income is about $55,327.

The population is approximately 42,777.
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3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
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  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
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  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
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  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
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Just now

"Nothing run of the mill here."

Red Oaks Mill is a 3.6 square mile part suburban hamlet in the parent town of Poughkeepsie (and partly in the town of La Grange) in Dutchess County, NY. It has attractive mid sized homes and a decent commercial district around the often busy intersection of Spackenkill Road, New Hackensack Road and Vassar Road.

There are some good eats in the immediate area including Hobnobbin Pub (which is both a bar and restaurant) with its beloved burgers and wings, pool table and down to earth atmosphere, Good Fellas Pizzas which is one of the better pizza places around, Chen’s Peking Restaurant and good ol’ Subway. If you venture a little further, the food possibilities are downright endless. The city of Poughkeepsie has a wealth of great eateries ranging from authentic Irish pub grub to trendy Manhattan’esque restaurants to charming bistros, cafes and bakeries. If you are a foodie, you will not be easily bored.

As far as retail shopping in the immediate area of Red Oaks Mill, there is a Rite Aid in the Red Oaks Mill Shopping Center.

Poughkeepsie Plaza is about 2.9 miles west and has Marshall’s, Modell Sporting Goods, Jo Ann Fabrics, Famous Footwear, Just a Buck, Sew n’ Vac, Blockbuster Video, Marshall’s, the UPS Store, Marino’s Barber Shop, County Optical, Card Smart, Weight Watchers, Dragon’s Den, instyle Salon, Nail Pro, Toys R Us, The Pastry Garden, Orient Buffet, Safari Restaurant and Wendy’s and more. The very popular Poughkeepsie Galleria is 3.3 miles away and has hundreds of big name retail and specialty stores, a food court, Ruby Tuesday’s, the Melting Pot and a multiplex theater.

In order to fulfill your grocery shopping wants and needs, you will find Welcome Oriental Grocery, a Stewart’s Shop and Military Prestige Market. The closest major supermarkets would be Stop & Shop (2.9 miles away) and Price Chopper (3 miles away).

Red Oaks Mill is home to Macghee Park. But the town of Poughkeepsie as a whole has twenty-two total parks to meet your outdoor needs, with even more in the actual city. The town of Poughkeepsie actually has a very nice Parks & Rec program with two quality day camps that offer arts and crafts, performing arts, games, sports and nature activities. The town has a good little league as well as youth baseball and a soccer club. They hold tennis lessons in Red Oak Mills Park, swimming lessons for kids and adults at the popular, public Spratt Park Pool and ladies recreational softball is played on the American Legion Field. There are often special events held at the pretty 160-acre Peach Lake Park And then, of course, in the city of Poughkeepsie you will surely love the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park, an old, abandoned bridge that was oh so cleverly turned into a pedestrian park replete with bike paths and picture-worthy views of the majestic Hudson River and surrounds.

Red Oaks Mill is relatively safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

The median household income is about $77, 533.

The population is approximately 3, 613.
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3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A fairly attractive fair deal of a hamlet."

Fairview is a fairly attractive mostly suburban 3.5 square mile hamlet in the town of Poughkeepsie, NY.

Although you have an absolute bonanza of amazing eateries all over Poughkeepsie and none are really very far to reach, I will try to highlight some of the ones that are closest to the Fairview hamlet itself. In a two mile range you have Cosimo Trattoria, a popular Marist college student hang-out with some pretty decent specialty pizza pies, The Palace Diner with great breakfasts and desserts, El Ameer Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Restaurant with pretty good falafel, The Artists Palate, a trendy little gem with out of this world lobster mac n cheese, the amazing Crave Restaurant & Lounge with CIA graduates at the helm of the kitchen, Mole Mole with its raved about enchiladas con mole, Alloy’s Italian Restaurant with its authentic Italian fare, Dough Boy’s Pizza, Pleasant Ridge Pizza, Yeung Ho II Chinese Restaurant (with take-out and delivery), Applebees, Starbucks and quite a few more.

And don’t forget you are only a hop and a skip (1.9 miles) from the internationally acclaimed Culinary Institute of American in nearby Hyde Park. The institute has five award-winning student-run restaurants on campus that are open to the public and to reservations. These include St. Andrew's Café, Ristorante Caterina de' Medici, the Escoffier Restaurant, American Bounty Restaurant and the Apple Pie Bakery Café.

Shopping in the immediate area includes a Staples in Fairview itself and a few other stores within a two mile range including Home Depot, Rite Aid, and a Family Dollar Store. The Dutchess Center, Poughkeepsie Plaza and the ever-popular Poughkeepsie Galleria are 2.4 miles, 4 miles and 7 miles away, respectively. The Poughkeepsie Galleria has hundreds of retail stores, a bunch of good eateries and a movieplex.

The closest major supermarket is Super Stop & Shop about 2.3 miles from Fairview. In closer range, however, you will find some mini-marts.

Marist College is less than a mile away and boasts an attractive 150-acre campus overlooking the Hudson River and academic programs highly touted by the Princeton Review, Barron’s and U.S. New & World Report. They have a gorgeous riverfront park, a very high-tech library, an art gallery and some great plays and musicals produced by the theatre department. Dutchess Community College is in Fairview and also has a pretty campus and offers 60+ rock solid programs should you want to pursue an associates degree at a far more reasonable cost.

The town of Poughkeepsie has a solid parks and rec program with two day camps that offer arts and crafts, performing arts, games, sports and nature activities. There is little league, youth baseball and a soccer club. Tennis lessons are given in Red Oak Mills Park. Swimming lessons for kids and adults are conducted at the Spratt Park Pool. Ladies recreational softball is played on the American Legion Field. There are special events held at the picturesque 160-acre Peach Lake Park like apple pressing and bird-watching walks along its four miles of pretty trails. There are actually a whopping total of twenty-two plus parks in the town of Poughkeepsie!

And of course, the city of Poughkeepsie is absolutely brimming with exciting educational, culinary and entertainment possibilities including but certainly not limited to the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, the Mid-Hudson Civic Center comprised of Mair Hall and McCann Ice Arena, an astounding collection of varied artworks at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at the world renowned Vassar College, the Barrett Art Center, the Cunneen Hackett Art Center, Mill Street Loft, yet more parks and another public pool, a good library system and a wealth of cool bars, authentic pubs and lively dance clubs and music venues.

And then in the city of Poughkeepsie, there is the not to be missed Walkway Over the Hudson State Park which is an old, unused bridge brilliantly turned into a pedestrian park with bike paths and glorious views of the Hudson river.

St. Francis Hospital is only a half mile from Fairview and is considered a very fine regional hospital.

The median household income is $45,676.

The population of Fairview is approximately 5,515.
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4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A picturesque artistic and historic Hudson River community."

Garrison is a lovely historical hamlet of parent town of Philipstown, NY with winding residential streets, attractive homes, proximity to the majestic Hudson River with breathtaking views of West Point and surrounds, some truly fine arts and culture and great golf clubs with sublime restaurants within. Garrison is filled with quiet charm and has less traffic than highly visited Cold Spring yet it is still close enough to all of the areas riches.

Garrison has a few high falutin restaurants including The Bird & Bottle Inn and Chalet on the Hudson, Bill Brown’s Restaurant, Valley Restaurant and The Tavern as well as the more casual and sporty The Stadium and the always popular Papa Johns for a quick pizza fix. In the charming neighboring hamlet of Cold Spring there are also some fabulous finds including Cold Spring Depot, Plumbush Inn & Restaurant, Riverview Restaurant, Silver Spoon Restaurant & Bar, Whistling Whillie’s American Grill, Angelina’s Restaurant & Pizza, Cold Spring Pizza, Brasserie Le Bouchon, Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill, East Side Kitchen, Foundry Café, Hudson House Inn, Main Course, Main Moon and Nick and Angie’s.

Garrison has a couple of antique stores, but the real shopping lies in the historic Main Street district of Cold Spring. It has a lovely little downtown section with a healthy dash of interesting boutiques, shops and services including The Beeswax Shop, Back in Ireland, The Country Touch, The Garden Studio, Romeo and Juliet, Silver Lady, Stationery Objects, Touch of Nostalgia, Shug, Momminia, Merritt Bookstore Volume II, Outdoor Sports, St. Claire Boutique and Knittingsmith. For more large scale retail shopping, the closest mall of some worth would be the Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights, about 8.1 miles away. There is also a Walmart in Mohegan Lake about 6.5 miles away.

As far as food shopping goes, Garrison has Appalachian Market and Maple Lawn Farm Market. There is a Food Town in Cold Spring as well as Philiptown Farm Market, Pete’s Hometown Grocery, D P Mart and Maison Glass Delicacies. The closest large scale supermarket is Stop & Shop in Peekskill, about 6.7 miles south of Garrison.

The Garrison Art Center at Garrison Landing is a wonderful art center that holds rotating exhibitions of paintings, prints, photography, and ceramic sculpture and holds courses for adults and children including fiddle classes, classical drawing, painting on silk, bookbinding, pottery on the wheel, basic etching and Ukrainian egg decorating to name only a drop in the bucket. They have a special program for teens as well as a summer arts program for kids in K-8. The Russell Wright Design Center in Garrison is where Wright’s beloved retirement home Manitoga (a national historic landmark) is located. Folks can tour the house and grounds.

The Philipstown Depot Theatre located at Garrison Landing is a local performing arts center and resource which hosts plays, festivals, films and has classes for children and adults.

Boscobel Restoration is a prime example of Federal Domestic architecture. It is a stunning country home with equally stunning grounds and they host a wealth of special events on those grounds including the one of a kind Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival which is a stellar theatre experience with the Hudson River setting quite a glorious backdrop. They also hold the Taste of Boscobel, Yoga with a View on summer Monday’s, an annual Snapping Turtle Walk, the Great American Concert & Picnic, an upcoming presentation on historic cocktails aka “How to Get Tipsy in the 1800’s.”

The Desmond Fish Library has story hours, arts and craft sessions, homework help and free computer help.

Parent town of Philipstown has quite a well-developed parks and recreation program which offers a ton of activities and resources for kids, adults and seniors alike. Some examples of their offerings include an indoor tot park, Little Sluggers, Junior Nature Explorers, t-ball, Fairytale Theatre, Beading Bonanaza, Nature Scouts, Junior Fire Academy, different day camps, Foot in Mouth Players for teens, a Youth Employment service for teens, teen travel camps, floral design and ballet classes for adults, family bingo and pasta nights, classes in cooking and clayworks, mah jongg open play for seniors, a senior spring lunch, senior bus trips as well as dog obedience classes.

Clarence Fahnestock State Park is a resplendent 14, 086-acre park that boasts a beautiful beach, picnic areas, wonderful hiking trails, a pretty campground, boating, hunting, fishing and birding. Hudson Highlands State Park is a primarily undeveloped and lovely 6,000 acre preserve with a famous trail called Breakneck Ridge. This ridge was even featured in Newsweek as being one of the top ten day hikes in America. The park in general has picture perfect views of West Point and the Hudson River.

There is also Constitution Marsh Audobon Center and Wildlife Sanctuary which has lovely hiking trails and is a great place for birding. There is an Education Center there with a 500 gallon aquarium.

The Garrison Yacht Club right on the waterfront is splendid. The Hudson Highlands Country Club houses the exceptional Tavern restaurant with its locally sourced fresh ingredients. There is a sparkling pool as well as tennis and golf. The Garrison Golf and Country Club is yet another remarkable area institution with its stunning 300 acres with jaw-dropping 360 degree views of the Hudson River and mountains. The Garrison is home to two high end restaurants, one being the critically acclaimed Valley restaurant, a wonderful bar, a working farm, a four-room Inn and a lovely 18-hole golf course.

Hudson Valley Outfitters is located in Cold Spring and it is a premiere local resource to rent canoes or kayaks or plan guided tours for your Hudson River excursion.

The hamlet has its own Metro North train station located right next to the Art Center on Garrison Landing and commute time to NYC is is an hour and sixteen minutes on a through train and anywhere from an hour and thirty-six to an hour and forty-one minutes when requiring a transfer at the Croton Harmon station.

Garrison students are a part of the Garrison Union Free School District which is very good.

Garrison is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is roughly $71,895.

The population of greater Philipstown is approximately 9,422.
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3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"It may not be Brooklyn, but it does have some great city ameneties nearby..."

Crown Heights is a predominantly residential 2.7 square mile hamlet of the greater town of Poughkeepsie, NY.

Crown Heights proper doesn’t really have much going on other than its well kept medium income homes, but it is very close to Route 9 (S. Road) where there are a number of fairly good restaurants. Some of the standouts within a mile to two mile radius are the Bonefish Grill, Crew, Giacomo Pizza Express with its delicious margherita pizza, Café Pazzo with its authentic Italian fare, Spice Aroma Restaurant with its fresh and delicious Indian cuisine, IHOP, Subway, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Red Robins with its outstanding burgers, Robbies North Star Deli, Bonsai Japanese, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks. You venture a little further than two miles and you will find a plethora of additional eateries throughout Poughkeepsie.

Shopping in the immediate area consists of the ever-popular Poughkeepsie Galleria which has hundreds of small and large scale retail stores as well as quite a few restaurants and a good movie theater.

The two closest supermarkets of worth near Crown Heights are Mother Earth’s Storehouse (1.4 miles away) and Stop and Shop which is 1.8 miles away. Mother Earth’s is quite an excellent natural food store and vitamin center.

Crown Heights is a smidge over a mile from the wonderful Casperkill Golf Club and Casperkill Country Club. The golf course has a lovely creek running through it and offers excellent pricing including an annual pass option. It once received a four-star rating from Golf Digest. The country club has a pool and you can also play baseball there.

Spratt Park in nearby Spackenkill (about 2.5 miles away) has the Spratt Park Swimming Pool which is a popular public pool run by the city of Poughkeepsie.

And speaking of Poughkeepsie, never forget that although Crown Heights may be on the quiet side, you are never far removed from the absolute wealth of restaurants, art centers, museums and performing arts institutions all within very reasonable driving ranges.

Crown Heights’ students are a part of the Spackenkill School District and Spackenhill High is purportedly very good.

The median household income is about $60, 994.

The population is approximately 2, 992.
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4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Lively collegiate hamlet"

Arlington is a historical 4.9 square mile collegiate hamlet in the parent town of Poughkeepsie, NY. I say collegiate because the biggest draw here is the renowned Vassar College. The area is laden with students and has a lively feel and as you might expect, a fair share of great bars and trendy eateries.

Some notable restaurants in the immediate area (all within a mile of Arlington) are Mole Mole with its cool atmosphere and highly recommended Enchiladas Con Mole, the fabulous Dubliner Irish Pub with its outstanding burgers and fish n chips, Babycakes Bakery and Café, with its distressed wooden tables, casual atmosphere and made from scratch fare, Beech Tree Grill, a student fave of an American bistro with great micro brews, the beloved Acropolis Diner with its delicious onion rings, Marco’s Gourmet Pizzeria with excellent pies, Tokyo Express with its amazing Volcano rolls, Twisted Soul with its yummy dumplings, Noshi’s Coney Island with its superb soups and hot dogs and S G Kismat Restaurant with its fabulous masalas. And those are but a drop in the bucket of all that you can eat and drink in the area.

As far as retail shopping is concerned, once again you don’t have to go far. Within a half mile alone you will find Kmart, Sears, Big Lots, Dollar Tree, Collage Hair & Color, House of Nutrition, Jubilee Christian Book Store and Quackles. And beyond that small radius, you have oodles of great shopping all over Poughkeepsie including the popular Poughkeepsie Galleria which has myriad retail stores, restaurants and a multiplex theater.

For grocery shopping, there is a Super Stop & Shop a little over a half mile away. There is also a My Market II, Taha Halal Grocery and Casa Latina Supermarket.

Vassar College, of course, is an incredible resource in and of itself. The 36,000 square foot Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center houses an unbelievable art collection of 18,000 works from antiquity to the present day including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, textiles, glass works and ceramics. The Powerhouse Theater is a renowned performing arts partnership between New York Stage and Film and the college which presents exceptional plays and musicals many which feature major stars as well as a top-notch apprenticeship program. And of course you have an abundance of lectures and other intellectual engagments right at your doorstep.

The Vassar Golf Course, located on campus, is a charming 9-hole golf course with a shop.

Poughkeepsie has a well-developed parks and recreation program. There is a Skate Park in Waryas Park. Spratt Park Pool is a popular summer destination for cooling off and having gun. You can buy a family pass, an adult season pass, children (under 13) season pass or daily pass. They offer swimming instruction there for kids and adults. There is also Pulaski Park Pool. There is a great little league program.

Arlington is also less than two miles from the glorious Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park.

Parents can bring their kids to the fantastic Mid Hudson Children’s Museum (2.4 miles away) which has outstanding educational resources including STARLAB Planetarium, games, arts and crafts in the Art Activity Center, hands-on exhibits, interactive story times, a rock climbing wall, the Great Bubble Machine, science demos, field trips, outreach programs, scout adventures and summer programs to name but some of its offerings

The median household income is about $43,141.

The population of Arlington is approximately 4,061. It is a little more diverse in its racial make-up, largely due to the student population.
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
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  • Schools 4/5
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Just now

"An attractive residential neighbor of Cold Spring."

Nelsonville is a tiny but attractive all residential hamlet in Philipstown, NY that often gets overshadowed by its very popular brother hamlet of Cold Spring, NY. It becomes sort of a quickie pass-through for the tourists who flock to the historical Cold Spring commercial district or, for that matter, to Garrison’s famous Boscobel Restoration where the yearly Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is held.

That being said, Nelsonville is beautiful in its own right with broad winding streets and really pretty historical Victorian homes. It is also slightly cheaper to live there than in Cold Spring, yet close enough to reap Cold Spring and Garrison benefits.

There are definitely some pretty good restaurants in the area including Bird & Bottle Inn and Chalet on the Hudson in parent town of Philipstown, Bill Brown’s Restaurant and Bar located at the Garrison Golf & Country Club, The Stadium and Papa Johns in Garrison, as well, and the Cold Spring Depot, Plumbush Inn & Restaurant, Riverview Restaurant, Silver Spoon Restaurant & Bar, Whistling Whillie’s American Grill, Angelina’s Restaurant & Pizza, Cold Spring Pizza, Brasserie Le Bouchon, Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill, East Side Kitchen, Foundry Café, Hudson House Inn, Main Course, Main Moon, Nick and Angie’s in Cold Spring.

Cold Spring also has abundantly adorable shopping interesting and eclectic boutiques and shops such as The Beeswax Shop, Back in Ireland, The Country Touch, The Garden Studio, Romeo and Juliet, Silver Lady, Stationery Objects, Touch of Nostalgia, Shug, Momminia, Merritt Bookstore Volume II, Outdoor Sports, St. Claire Boutique and Knittingsmith, Indigo Chic, to name but some. It makes for a really pleasant afternoon. It’s the type of place you can walk your dog, sit on a bench with an ice cream cone, chat with familiar faces on the street. It has a very Americana friendly and wholesome feeling and vibe.

As far as local grocery shopping, Cold Spring has a Food Town, Philiptown Farm Market, Pete’s Hometown Grocery, D P Mart and Maison Glass Delicacies. Garrison is home to the Maple Lawn Farm Market.

Boscobel in Garrison is a stunning and elegant example of a neo-classical Georgian mansion. Visitors can tour the house, view the exhibitions and stroll through the lovely gardens. Events are often held there such as the incomparable Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival which is a divine theatre experience with the Hudson River as a backdrop. They also hold the Taste of Boscobel, Yoga with a View on summer Monday’s, an annual Snapping Turtle Walk, the Great American Concert & Picnic, an upcoming presentation on historic cocktails aka “How to Get Tipsy in the 1800’s.”

For an art fix, The Philipstown Depot Theatre in Garrison Landing is a terrific performing arts center which hosts plays, festivals, films and has classes for kids and adults.

Philipstown has a pretty well-developed parks and recreation program which offers a slew of quality activities and classes for little ones through seniors. Some examples of their programs, services and resources include an indoor tot park, Little Sluggers, Junior Nature Explorers, t-ball, Fairytale Theatre, Beading Bonanaza, Nature Scouts, Junior Fire Academy (running ten years strong), day camps, Foot in Mouth Players for teens, a Youth Employment service for teens, teen travel camps, floral design and ballet classes for adults, family bingo and pasta nights, classes in cooking and clayworks, mah jongg open play for seniors, a senior spring lunch, senior bus trips and several dog obedience classes for canine town residents.

Hudson Highlands State Park is right nearby and is a wonderful natural resource. It is a glorious 6,000- acre preserve that is mostly undisturbed and is home to the infamous Breakneck Ridge, a 5.5 mile hiking trail which has even been rated by Newsweek as one of the top ten day hikes in the country. The park in general has absolutely stunning views of the region, including of West Point and the Hudson River. The 14,000-acre Clarence Fahnestock State Park is also a relatively short drive away and this stunning park has a beach, hiking trails, picnic areas, a pretty campground and also allows for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. And of course one can just sit and reflect at the waterfront at the bottom of the Cold Spring main street.

Both Cold Spring and Garrison have a boat club. Also, the wonderful Hudson Valley Outfitters are located in Cold Spring and they can get you all set up for a canoe or kayak trip on the majestic Hudson River. Garrison is also home to the Highland Country Club which has a golf course and the terrific Tavern Restaurant. It is a popular place for weddings and parties. The Garrison is equally beautiful and has a lovely 18-hole golf course, two fine dining establishments, a four-room Inn, a yoga studio and a salon.

Nelsonville students are a part of the Haldane Central School District which is considered to be quite good.

Nelsonville is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is roughly $60,000.

The population of Nelsonville is about 565 people.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A safe residential hamlet very close to P'keepsie ameneties..."

Spackenkill is a pleasant enough mostly residential hamlet of Poughkeepsie, NY. It is a safe and quiet area but in extremely close proximity to a good slice of Poughkeepsie’s many quality amenities.

The closest restaurants to Spackenkill are technically in the greater parent town of Poughkeepsie, but they are but a short one mile to a mile and a half up and down and around the Route 9 thoroughfare. These eateries include the excellent Giacomos with its terrific pizza and calamari, Red Lobster, Umberto’s of Mamma Mia’s with its Italian fare and banjo band on Monday nights, the Bonefish Grill with its tasty seafood offerings and self-proclaimed “big city bar,” Red Robin, famous for its delicious burgers, the modern and energetic Crew Restaurant & Bar, which offers up eclectic European fare and has received good ratings from Zagat, Caffe Pazzo with its always good old school classic Italian eats, Coyote Grill which is a 1950’s roadhouse’esque joint known for its global menu and martini lounge, the Table Talk Diner, Pizza Hut, Five Guys, TGI Fridays, Subway, IHOP and Starbucks and more. Not to mention all the other endless restaurants in greater Poughkeepsie.

Poughkeepsie Plaza is about 1.1 miles up the road from Spackenkill and is an easy convenient shopping center that houses a Modell’s Sporting Goods, Joann Fabrics, Blockbuster Video, Famous Footwear, Sew n’ Vac, County Optical, County Dental, Marshalls, Nail Pro, Weight Watchers, Harmon Beauty Discount, the Parent Teacher Store, Just a Buck, Dragon’s Den, Hudson River Yoga, Art Craft, Chase Bank, Craftsmen by Design, Rainbow, T & J’s Tailoring, in style Salon, Women’s Work, Jumpin Jakes Discovery, and more, as well as a handful of restaurants, cafes and caterers. For even more retail shopping options, you needn’t go far. The popular Poughkeepsie Galleria with its hundreds of retail stores and plethora of food choices is only about two miles from Spackenkill. It also has a good movie theatre.

Food shopping can be accomplished at the Stop & Shop or the Price Chopper, about one mile away.

Spratt Park is Spackenkill’s very own local park and has a popular swimming pool. You can buy different daily or season passes.

The Casperkill Golf Club and Country Club is right nearby (less than a mile away) and has a beautifully kept golf course, driving range, baseball field and pool. McCann Golf Course is a smidge over a mile away and has a good 18-hole golf course and a pro shop.

Spackenkill is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

Spackenkill students are a part of the Spackenkill School District and Spackenhill High is apparently pretty darn good.

The median household income is about $77,689.

The population is approximately 4,123.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"You will be hooked by its charm."

Red Hook is an utterly charming village within the parent town of the same name.

Red Hook does have some terrific eateries including Mercato Osteria and Enoteca is an absolutely adorable café, pasta shop and wine bar run by a Butoni brand family member, Max’s Memphis BBQ which produces excellent smoked meats, the sophisticated Flatiron Restaurant with its quirky burgers (one is actually made of duck) and sumptuous steaks, the Historic Village Diner, a nostalgic pre-fabricated dining car made in the 1920’s, An Apple a Day Diner, Red Hook Curry House, Salvatore’s Original Pizza, Hana Sushi, Dunkin Donuts and Subway. Taste Budd’s Chocolate and Coffee Café serves alternative foods, dazzling pastries and sweets and has rotating art exhibitions and live music.

There isn’t a ton of shopping here, but you will find the amazing Me Oh My Pie Shop and Café, Red Hook Drugstore, Annex Antiques Center, Cider Mill Antiques, East Market Street Antiques, Tiki Boutique, Wiltsie Bridge Country Store, Chocolate Factory, Sipperley’s Grog Shop, Kids Shop, The Awards Shop, and CVS.

Also, just a few miles away in gorgeous Rhinebeck, NY you have a fun slew of cool boutiques, shops and outlets like Rhinebeck Antiques Fair, Asher House Antiques, Warren Kitchen & Cutlery, Hudson Valley Blooms, Northern Dutchess Pharmacy, Cabin Fever Outfitters, Hummingbird Jewelers, Montgomery Row, SugarPlum Boutique, Workers and Dreamers, Winter Sun and Summer Moon, Darryl’s, EB’s Hudson Valley Finds, Pet Country, Haldora, Floral Fantasies by Sara, Paper Trail, Rhinebeck Artist’s Shop, Chamonix Bride, Wing and Clover, Country Comfort Furniture, Hammertown, Wonderland Florist, Hudson Valley Footwear, Verizon Wireless, A.L. Stickle Variety Store, Oblong Books and Music, Merriweather’s, Madison’s Avenue and The Pottery Shack. You can easily make a fun afternoon of it.

There is a local Hannaford supermarket and Red Hook Natural Foods for grocery shopping. If you want to pick your own raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, apples and pumpkins, just head on over to the lovely Greigs Farm which also houses an indoor farmer’s market and a café.

For local entertainment, there is the Lyceum Six Cinemas and Ro-Rin Lanes which is a bowling alley with a miniature golf course on the premises, as well. The Old Rhinebeck Aerodome in is a fun family-friendly outing, for sure. It is, essentially, a museum with an amazing collection of early airplanes, motorcycles, cars, engines and other assorted memorabilia from 1900 to 1935. They offer biplane rides and hold air shows on the weekends from mid June to mid October.

The Richard B. Fischer Center for Performing Arts at the exceptional Bard College has two great theatres and dance studios. It produces outstanding plays, shows fine films, holds a summer music festival and often brings in big name acts like Buckwheat Zydeco.

Red Hook has a pretty good parks and recreation program as well as some quality senior resident activities. Red Hook Recreation Park is a popular area park and has a very popular Olympic sized pool and playground, handball courts, basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, an outside running track and an inside fitness center with cardio and weight lifting equipment and classes. Poets Walk Park is an idyllic place to hike with amazing views of the Hudson River, the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and the Catskill Mountains. Some say this is where Rudyard Kipling dreamed up his famous Rip Van Winkle story!

Red Hook village students are a part of Red Hook Central Schools which are considered high quality and have an excellent sports program to boot.

The village is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income of the town of Red Hook is roughly 46,701.

The population of the greater town of Red Hook is approximately 11, 319.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Pretty and pretty quiet, too."

There are several Clintons in New York (four, in fact if you want to include the “neighborhood in NYC) so be careful not to confuse them. The one I speak or write of here today is the 38.8 square mile town of Clinton in Dutchess County, NY, near Rhinebeck and Hyde Park. Clinton Corners is a charming hamlet in the southeast corner of the town and the most well known.

There is only one restaurant in Clinton and that is Wild Hive Farm, Store and Café in Clinton Corners. In nearby Salt Point, which is about five and a half miles away, there is Fireside BBQ & Grill, Happy Days Café, La Puerta Azul and Copperfields. At various locales in Rhinebeck, ranging from five and a half to seven and a half miles away, you have the beloved local Terrapin Restaurant (with bar), Cinnamon Indian Cusine, Beekman Tavern, Gigi Trattoria, Osaka Japanese, the wonderful Aroi Thai, the fantastic Calico Restaurant, Foster’s Coach House and the famous Eveready Diner. In Staatsburg, about 5.7 miles away, you have the highly regarded Italian favorite, Portofino Ristorante

And finally, in Hyde Park, which is about 8.9 miles away, you have the world renowned Culinary Institute of America with its epic restaurants run by students and open to the public.

As far as retail shopping goes, your best bet would be to head west to Rhinebeck or south to Poughkeepsie. Rhinebeck has a slew of interesting and eclectic boutiques and shops such as Rhinebeck Antiques Fair, Asher House Antiques, Warren Kitchen & Cutlery, Hudson Valley Blooms, Northern Dutchess Pharmacy, Cabin Fever Outfitters, Hummingbird Jewelers, Montgomery Row, SugarPlum Boutique, Workers and Dreamers, Winter Sun and Summer Moon, Darryl’s, EB’s Hudson Valley Finds, Pet Country, Haldora, Floral Fantasies by Sara, Paper Trail, Rhinebeck Artist’s Shop, Chamonix Bride, Wing and Clover, Country Comfort Furniture, Hammertown, Wonderland Florist, Hudson Valley Footwear, Verizon Wireless, A.L. Stickle Variety Store, Oblong Books and Music, Merriweather’s, Madison’s Avenue and The Pottery Shack.

Poughkeepsie is home to the Poughkeepsie Galleria which is a major shopping destination with hundreds of popular retail stores and quite a few restaurants. There are also an abundance of other choices in Poughkeepsie proper.

The closest supermarket that has even a decent supply of everyday fare would be Ianucci’s Stagecoach Market in nearby Millbrook, NY which is 5.8 miles away. As far as the big bad boy supermarkets go, there is an A&P Food Store in Pleasant Valley which is about 6.7 miles away, a Hannaford in Schodack Landing which is about 8.9 miles away and a Super Stop & Shop in Hyde Park which is about 9.9 miles away.

Clinton has a decent parks and rec program. The town’s Frances J. Mark Memorial Park, also known as “Rec Park” has a rentable pavilion perfect for larger family gatherings, playgrounds, a baseball field and a nice swimming pond. One does have to have resident sticker to swim there. There is also Friends Park which has a baseball field, tennis courts and a small pavilion. There is the Taconic Little League, The Clinton Card Club where everyone is welcome and a Senior Exercise Class.

The Clinton Community Library has various activities and events for kids, teens and adults including story hours, arts and craft sessions, adult computer classes, First Friday flicks and a book club.

Clinton students are divided up amongst the Rhinebeck, Millbrook and Pine Plains school districts depending on what area they live in.

There is Upton Lake Christian School in Clinton Corners, as well.

Clinton is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is $66,406.

The population of Clinton is approximately 4,312.
Pros
  • Green and serene
  • Not much traffic
Cons
  • Not a place you can easily walk where you need to go
  • A bit isolated
  • Little to do here
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Pretty and peaceful lakeside hamlet."

Lake Peekskill is a completely residential lakeside hamlet within the parent town of Putnam Valley in Putnam County, NY. It is very tranquil and quite secluded and one should really desire to live a quiet, somewhat private and unhurried existence. That being said, it isn’t exactly isolated, either. You do have some amenities in Putnam Valley and plenty more to choose from in nearby Mohegan Lake, Jefferson Valley, Garrison and Cortlandt Manor.

Lake Peekskill only has one eatery to speak of, the Lakeside Market & Deli on Lake Drive which has a great view of the lake and equally great pizza. Putnam Valley has Forno III Brick Oven Pizzeria, Spruce Hill Inn, Panda Garden and Richy’s Pub Grub. For yet more dining options, you only have to go an additional two miles into Mohegan Lake where you will discover Augies Prime Cut Restaurant & Bar, Café Pizazz and Pizza Pizzaz, Hanada Hibachi, Brodie’s Pub, Piazza Roma, Baskin Robbins, Napoli’s Pizza and Restaurant, Panera Bread and Mohegan Diner.

Lake Peekskill has no stores or businesses, but you are only 3.9 miles from the popular Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights which has all the favorite staples plus a huge food court. Also within reasonable respective driving distances are Walmart and The Home Depot in Mohegan Lake (about 2.2 miles away), Kohl’s and Marshalls in Cortlandt Manor (about 2.3 miles away) and a few dollar stores and a Walgreens in Peekskill (about 3 miles away).

Cortlandt Town Center Stadium 11 in Mohegan Lake (about 1.9 miles away) is the closest movie theatre.

Every September, Putnam Valley throws the festive Putnam Valley Town Day with exhibits, vendors, a concert and even a nice fireworks display.

For outdoors enthusiasts, Putnam Valley Town Park has three lighted tennis courts, several multi-purpose courts, two playgrounds, a rentable pavilion that boasts a full kitchen, two volleyball courts, several playing fields, a roller hockey rink, horseshoe pits and some nice hiking trails. Putnam Valley also has access to Clarence Fahnestock State Park which is a beautiful 14,086- acre park that has a great beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, a pretty decent campground, and allows boating, hunting, fishing and makes for some quality birding. Lake Peekskill itself has three private beaches.

Lake Peekskill is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

Lake Peekskill students are a part of the Putnam Valley Central School District which is fairly good.

The median household income is about $72,938.

The population of the greater Putnam Valley area is approximately 11,000 with the population of Lake Peekskill being considerably less.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A historical Hudson River village that just gushes with charm."

Cold Spring is an utterly charming, eclectic and lively little scenic Hudson River village within the parent town of Philipstown in Putnam County, NY. It is filled with really nice homes of varying architecture including Victorians, Colonials, row-houses, more modern affairs and condos. There is a plethora of stuff to do, goodies to eat and history to sop up. Not to mention tons of great photographs just waiting to happen.

There are a ton of great restaurants in the village including Cold Spring Depot, Plumbush Inn & Restaurant, Riverview Restaurant, Silver Spoon Restaurant & Bar, Whistling Whillie’s American Grill, Angelina’s Restaurant & Pizza, Cold Spring Pizza, Brasserie Le Bouchon, Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill, East Side Kitchen, Foundry Café, Hudson House Inn, Main Course, Main Moon and Nick and Angie’s.

The historic Main Street district of Cold Spring is brimming with interesting and eclectic boutiques and shops and one could spend an entire delightful afternoon sauntering around and poking through The Beeswax Shop, Back in Ireland, The Country Touch, The Garden Studio, Romeo and Juliet, Silver Lady, Stationery Objects, Touch of Nostalgia, Shug, Momminia, Merritt Bookstore Volume II, Outdoor Sports, St. Claire Boutique and Knittingsmith and Indigo Chic, to name but a few.

For your grocery shopping needs and wants, Cold Spring is home to Grand Union supermarket, Food Town, Yannitelli Wines Philiptown Farm Market, Pete’s Hometown Grocery, D P Mart and Maison Glass Delicacies.

As for local arts and entertainment, you have the Philipstown Depot Theatre located in Garrison Landing which is a local performing arts center which hosts plays, festivals, films and classes for young and older alike.

Philipstown has a decent parks and recreation department with a nice array of events and programs including but not limited to a cool indoor tot park, Little Sluggers, Junior Nature Explorers, t-ball, a Fairytale Theatre, Beading Bonanaza, Nature Scouts, Junior Fire Academy, day camps, Foot in Mouth Players for teens, a Youth Employment service for teens, teen travel camps, adults-only classes like flower design and dance, family bingo and pasta nights, dog obedience instruction, classes in cooking and clayworks, mah jongg for seniors, a senior spring lunch and senior bus trips.

There are some seriously stunning parks in the region including Clarence Fahnestock State Park which boasts 14, 086 acres and harbors a beautiful beach, picnic areas, wonderful hiking trails, a nice campground, boating, hunting, fishing and birding. Hudson Highlands State Park is a fantastic mostly undeveloped (thankfully) 6,000 acre preserve with a famous trail called Breakneck Ridge, which was even featured in Newsweek. The park has absolutely breathtaking views of West Point and the Hudson River.

The Garrison Golf and Country Club is located in Garrison and boasts an 18-hole golf course on its 300 acre location. It also has a stunning inn popular with wedding parties and a salon, the yoga co-op and gym, The Terrace Restaurant and The Worlds End Bar. You can also visit the Hudson Highlands Country Club, also in Garrison which is proud of its Tavern and the Garrison Farm where organic herbs and veggies are grown.

Another Garrison area bragging right is the divine Boscobel Restoration, a magnificent example of New York Federal Domestic architecture. Visitors can tour the home and saunter the gorgeous gardens. It is also where the superb Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is held during the summer. Exceptional acting is backdropped by the magnificent Hudson River. Boscobel also hosts a Taste of Boscobel, Yoga with a View on summer Monday’s, an annual Snapping Turtle Walk, the Great American Concert & Picnic and the upcoming tongue in cheek and throat presentation on historic cocktails also known as “How to Get Tipsy in the 1800’s.”

Also, very cool is the trolley that takes folks along a point of interest-route from Cold Spring to Garrison. There is a museum tour and a nature lover’s tour.

The popular Hudson Valley Outfitters is located in Cold Spring and it is the popular area resource to get equipment and instruction for canoeing or kayaking on the glorious Hudson River.

There is a Metro North train station in Cold Spring and commute time to NYC is anywhere between one hour and twelve minutes and one hour and twenty minutes.

Cold Spring students are a part of the Garrison Union Free School District which is very good.

Cold Spring is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is around $53,382.

The population of Cold Spring is approximately 1,983.
Pros
  • Scenic views of the Hudson
  • Great school system
  • Historic value
  • Local charm
Cons
  • Tourist destination
  • Parking can be challenging
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A close~knit hamlet of wealth and good cheer."

Hopewell Junction is an affluent and historical hamlet in the town of East Fishkill in Dutchess County, NY filled with well-manicured homes, some of which are rather grand in scope. There is definite wealth here, but in spite of that fact, the area retains a communal sense of well-being and friendliness.

There are some really nice restaurants located in Hopewell Junction including Daddy-O’s, Tokoharu with its fresh and tasty sushi, the elegant Le Chambord Inn, the rustic ItalianTiramisu, the intimate Muscoot North Restaurant, the award-winning Blue Fountain Restaurant, the kid-friendly Gian Bruno’s Restaurant, Joe’s Dairy Bar with its awesome chili fries, Monte Rosa Lodge Restaurant, Nick’s Brick Oven Pizza, Pizza Village, Hopewell Deli, Hopewell Hot Bagels, Golden Jade, Simone’s Pizza & Pasta, Dunkin Donuts, Subway and KFC.

Retail shopping in the junction consists of CVS Pharmacy, Hank the Painter, Flowers by Twilight, Star Printing USA, Williams Lumber and Clove Branch Gift Shoppe. There is a Walmart Supercenter, Ocean State Job Lot and a Sam’s Club in nearby Fishkill about six miles away, give or take. Also, a 6.4 mile drive to nearby Poughkeepsie and you arrive at the very popular South Hills Mall which has 250 retail stores, a bunch of eateries and a multiplex cinema.

For grocery shopping, Hopewell Junction does have an A & P Food store, Frankie’s Superette, Hopewell Farms, Fishkill Farms and a Stewarts shop. Nearby Wappinger Falls (about 5.1 miles away) has a Hannaford Supermarket, a Stop and Shop, Meadowbrook Farm Market, Saraswati Grocery, 7-Eleven and various other convenience stores. There is also a Shoprite in Fishkill (about 5.5 miles away).

Hopewell Junction is home to the popular Red Wing Park, an eighteen acre with an eight acre lake and nice beach, a bath house with restrooms and showers, a basketball court, a volleyball court, badminton, playgrounds, swimming, fishing, picnic areas and a pavilion. Swimming instruction is provided there for children and adults alike as well as lifeguard training. They also have a quality swim team. The amazing Sylvan Lake Beach Park is also located in the junction and yes, has a glistening lake and a nice beach and is a wonderful outing for the whole family on a sunny summer afternoon.

Parent town of East Fishkill has a well developed parks and rec program (as indicated by the swimming instruction mentioned above) in addition to a great new summer camp coming up this year called “Extreme Teens.” East Fishkill is also home to some other great parks such as Limekilm Recreation Park which has a fitness center, showers, restrooms, basketball courts, tennis courts, softball fields, soccer/football/frisbee all purpose field; boccie ball and horseshoe courts, a handball court and a walking trail. The town of East Fishkill also has a cool skate park.

East Fishkill holds a series of lovely free outdoor concerts featuring some great bands throughout the summer at various locations. Every September, for the past seventeen years, the town holds its Community Day with a nice parade along Route 82, live music, food vendors, community information booths and even a fireworks display.

Hopewell Junction students are a part of the Wappingers Central School District which is fairly good.

The closest Metro North train station is in Poughkeepsie which is about eleven miles away.

Hopewell Junction is very safe and the crime rate is practically non-existent.

The mean household income is around $102,421.

The population of Hopewell Junction is small at approximately 376.
Pros
  • Beautiful homes and properties
  • Private yet it feels like a community
  • Growing in size
Cons
  • Car necessary
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A pretty and pretty isolated town."

Milan is a 36 square mile town in Dutchess County, NY comprised of sprawling farmland, red barns and mid to large scale old and newer homesteads many of which have ample parcels of land. It is almost painfully quiet here with no real local businesses to speak of and the closest Metro North train station to Manhattan is in Poughkeepsie which is nineteen miles away. This is a place for those who truly want to live a peaceful and rural life.

Milan has one restaurant within Jenny’s Country Manor Lodge. It is aptly named Jenny’s BBQ and it has received some rave reviews for its outstanding cornbread, hush puppies, jalapeno poppers, pork spare ribs, pulled pork, smoked Italian sausage and BBQ chicken.

The other closest restaurants of note and worth are in nearby Rhinebeck and Red Hook, NY, both of which are anywhere between 2.5 and 7 miles away. In Rhinebeck you will find Foster’s Coach House Tavern, Modern Taco, Wild Hive Farm Café & Bakery, Momiji Sushi Steakhouse & Bar, China Rose, Fransesca’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Pete’s Famous Restaurant, Calico Restaurant & Patisserie, Gigi Trattoria, Arielle, Gaby’s Café, Terrapin Restaurant, Bistro & Bar, Tavola Rustica, Oliver Kita Chocolates, Bread Alone, Tavern at the Beekman Arms, Grand Cru Cheese and Beer Market, C.J.’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria and Osaka Japanese Restaurant.

In Red Hook, you will discover Mercato Osteria and Enoteca which is an adorable café, pasta shop and wine bar with a Butoni brand family member running the joint, Max’s Memphis BBQ which serves scintillating hickory-smoked meats, the casual but sophisticated Flatiron Restaurant with its luscious oysters, interesting burger choices (one is made of duck) and five varied steak selections, the Historic Village Diner which is actually a dining car made in the 1920’s, An Apple a Day Diner, Red Hook Curry House, Salvatore’s Original Pizza, Hana Sushi, a Dunkin Donuts and a Subway. Another great Red Hook hang out is Taste Budd’s Chocolate and Coffee Café with its alternative foods, delectable baked goods, superior confections as well as rotating art exhibitions and live music.

If you want to shop and you want your drive to count, I suggest heading over to Rhinebeck which has Antiques Fair, Asher House Antiques, Warren Kitchen & Cutlery, Hudson Valley Blooms, Northern Dutchess Pharmacy, Cabin Fever Outfitters, Hummingbird Jewelers, Montgomery Row, SugarPlum Boutique, Workers and Dreamers, Winter Sun and Summer Moon, Darryl’s, EB’s Hudson Valley Finds, Pet Country, Haldora, Floral Fantasies by Sara, Paper Trail, Rhinebeck Artist’s Shop, Chamonix Bride, Wing and Clover, Country Comfort Furniture, Hammertown, Wonderland Florist, Hudson Valley Footwear, Verizon Wireless, A.L. Stickle Variety Store, Oblong Books and Music, Merriweather’s, Madison’s Avenue and The Pottery Shack.

For more practical every day shopping, the closest outlet would be the Hudson Valley Mall in Kingston, NY which is 10 miles away. They have all the major retail stores as well as a multiplex cinema.

For your grocery shopping needs, you can hit up the Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy in Red Hook (4.9 miles away) or the Super Stop and Shop in Rhinebeck which is 5.6 miles away. There are also a number of liquor stores in Rhinebeck and Red Hook.

Milan does have a Memorial Day Parade at Wilcox Town Hall. They occasionally hold a rescue squad pancake breakfast. They also have a senior social club which meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

Milan Rec Park has a softball field, a children’s play area and a trailway. Also in the area are Wilcox Memorial Park, Roeliff Jansen Kill Multiple Use Area and the Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area.

Milan students are divided up, depending on where in Milan they live, into the Red Hook School District, the Pine Plains School District and the Rhinebeck School District.

Milan is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is around $54, 491

Milan is pretty sparsely populated at about 2,453.
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Quiet
  • Peaceful and green
Cons
  • Boring
  • Few local businesses
  • Isolated
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Rich in Native American history and lush with man-made snow"

Patterson is a 32.9 square mile town in Putnam County, NY. It has pretty landscapes and lovely homes and is rich in history, particularly Native American history.

One of the biggest attractions in Patterson is the Thunder Ridge Ski Area which offers great skiing on thirty trails, snowboarding, high quality instruction, comfortable lodging (with great “ski and stay” packages) and a ski shop. During the off-season, they have a haunted house, haunted hayrides, pumpkin picking, scenic chairlift rides, paintball and catered events.

Patterson has a few decent eating establishments including Magnolia’s Café which is a cute and cozy fave for breakfast and lunch, Mama Pizza which is supposed to be very traditional, other local fave the Carriage House Restaurant and Tavern which has “upscale” tavern food, Abruzzi Trattoria which is casual and has solid Italian fare, Rocco’s which is supposed to have excellent pizza and Thai Elephant II which is said to have really good and authentic Thai food.

As far as retail shopping, there is Patterson Commons with Dollar Tree, a Verizon store, a nail and hair salon, a Dunkin Donuts and an A & P Food Store. The nearby town of Pawling (only about 1.8 miles away) has quite a few options including CVS Pharmacy, Dollar General, a Radio Shack, Good Tidings Gift Shop, Stage Door Furniture, Synchronicity, The Bead Vault, Greer Gallery, Red Barn Gifts & Antiques, Hobnail Antiques, Simply Unique, The Yarn & Craft Box, Made with Love, Earth Lore, Magnolias, Bailey’s TV & Appliances, the very cool The Book Cove, a couple of redbox locations, Tonis Hair & Nail Design, Family Quick Stop, Pawling Beer & Soda and Pawling Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy.

The Patterson Town Hall has a small museum that exhibits Native American pottery and is open for viewing Monday through Friday from 9-5 PM.

The newly constructed Patterson Library has a decent collection as well as a terrific kids’ summer program, cooking demonstrations, online access to a job resource center, homework help, story times, battle of the books, parents’ nights out, pottery talks, children’s health screenings, yoga for kids, computer classes and other various activities.

Haviland Hollow Farm is a swanky polo and equestrian center located in Patterson.

Patterson does have a decent parks and rec department with many varying activities and programs including a brand new upcoming Lego Camp, kindergarten pizza nights, soccer camps, multi-sports camps, lacrosse camp, theatre summer camp, a varsity high school basketball league, a pre-K summer camp, a multi-activity summer camp, a flag football summer camp, a basketball summer camp, a cheerleading summer camp as well as dog obedience classes, pre-school karate classes, a Pokemon club and more.

For adults and seniors, they offer dog obedience classes, an adult summer basketball league, mat Pilates, Zumba, senior citizen luncheons, senior fitness sessions and a senior drop-off program.

Parks in the area include Patterson Veteran Memorial Park, the Great Swamp, Wonder Lake, the Cranberry Mountain Multiple Use Area and the Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area.

Patterson does have a Metro North train station but the commute time is a little long at an hour and forty-three minutes and it does require a transfer at the Southeast station. But it is still doable, especially if you plan to make it an all day affair or a weekend visit.

Patterson is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is about $66,250.

Patterson students appear to be a part of the Carmel Central School District which is excellent. The high school reports a 94% graduation rate.

The population of Patterson is approximately 12,023.
Pros
  • Kid-friendly environment
  • Recreational Programs
  • Great elementary school
Cons
  • Car is necessary
  • No nightlife
  • Not very diverse
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Poughkeepsie is a keeper!"

Poughkeepsie is a bustling, dynamic Hudson River city brimming with great restaurants, great shopping, exceptional educational institutions, oodles of history, tons of entertainment and lots of arts and culture to go around.

Hudson River Housing is an organization that provides affordable, quality housing in the area to individuals, families and seniors.

There are far too many interesting, exotic, humble, mom and pop, indie and exciting restaurants, bakeries and eateries to mention in one review, but I will do my best to provide a nice handful or two of the very best out there. Crave Restaurant and Lounge with its CIA alumni chefs has a sophisticated New York ambiance and excellent fare made with the freshest regional and seasonal ingredients. The Beech Tree Grill is an American bistro often well attended by Vassar students. The Artist’s Palate is a beautifully appointed and sophisticated bistro & bar that has exquisite food and rotating art exhibitions, The Bull and Buddha Restaurant is a very cool Asian fusion joint that boasts an enormous (two-ton) hand-carved Buddha and some great sushi. Alex’s Restaurant is a cozy downtown breakfast favorite which also makes some great shakes. The Karma Lounge puts together some really tasty tapas and some interesting signature cocktails. Café Bocca is a trendy, gourmet café that also has live local music, rotating art exhibits and poetry events. And there are many, many, many more.

Shopping is a-plenty in the area and you will find everything your little heart could desire. The Poughkeepsie Galleria has 250 shops and varied eateries. It is home to Regal Galleria Mall Stadium 6 as well as a wealth of other indie stores.

The Mid-Hudson Civic Center is comprised of Mair Hall & McCann Ice Arena. They have large-scale events, concerts and performances such as the WWE Smackdown tour, Celtic Thunder, GLEE on Ice, the Hudson Valley Reptile Expo, competitive figure skating, ice hockey and public skating sessions.

Main Mall Row is a great example of Renaissance Revival architecture and is on the National Historic Registry of protected places. The main street district in Poughkeepsie is a source of local pride and has been steadfastly revitalized throughout the years.

The Chance Theatre is “The Hudson Valley’s Premiere Live Music Venue” and hosts an outstanding roster of up and coming talents. Bardavon Opera House has been in operation since 1869 and has a stellar calendar of world-class performers and productions including the likes of Michael McDonald, Laurie Berkner, exceptional operas, the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, a wonderful children’s series,

Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at the world renowned Vassar College has over 15,000 impressive works. The Cunneen Hackett Arts Center has rotating gallery exhibits, educational programs and tours of local Victorian historical houses. The Mill Street Loft offers year round art classes and the award-winning Dutchess Arts Camp. The Barrett Art Center, which is located in the historic home of Thomas W. Barrett (a former famous local artist), has incredible rotating exhibitions, varied art classes, lectures and demonstrations. Twice a year they hold an impressive shows juried by the curators of some of the most famous museums around including The Whitney Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim Museum, the International Center of Photography and the DIA Art Foundation in NYC. They hold a wonderful annual High School Show. They also have a fantastic Barrett ClayWorks program

Mid Hudson Children’s Museum has wonderful educational resources for children including STARLAB Planetarium, games, arts and crafts in the Art Activity Center, hands-on exhibits, interactive story times, a rock climbing wall, the Great Bubble Machine, science demos, field trips, outreach programs, scout adventures and summer programs to name but some of its offerings.

Empire Cruise Lines, which operates on the mighty Hudson, has just launched a new dinner, sightseeing and tour boat called M/V Mystere. They offer wonderful cruises including a High Tea Cruise, Theatre Cruise, Sunset Cruises, Theme Party Cruises, and Farm Fresh Tour amongst quite a few others.

Poughkeepsie has a well-developed parks and recreation program. There is a Skate Park in Waryas Park. Spratt Park Pool is a popular summer destination for cooling off and having fun. You can buy a family pass, an adult season pass, children (under 13) season pass or daily pass. They offer swimming instruction there for kids and adults. There is also Pulaski Park Pool. There is a great little league program with its own website.

The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a wonderful local resource. An old, unused bridge was turned into a lovely pedestrian park replete with bike paths.

The Main Street Farmer’s Market is a terrific weekly event held every Friday from 2 to 6 from June through October. It features fantastic local producers.

The city of Poughkeepsie also has a very good and mostly reliable bus system and a Metro North and Amtrak station. Commute time to NYC is between one hour and thirty-eight and one hour and forty-five minutes.

Poughkeepsie has a very good city library system with a nice collection and a series of solid events and programs.

City of Poughkeepsie students are a part of the Poughkeepsie City School District.

The median household income is about $28,389

The population of Poughkeepsie is approximately 32, 736.
Pros
  • Lots and lots of arts and culture
  • Renowned colleges
  • Larger population
  • Lots of restaurants and bars
  • Major transportation hub
  • Public transit
Cons
  • High poverty rate
  • Higher crime rate
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now
Editors Choice

"A vibrant little village with some great eateries and a cheerful atmosphere."

Wappingers Falls is a cheerful and bustling village that half-straddles the town of Wappinger and half-straddles the town of Poughkeepsie.

Wappinger Falls has a fair share of good eateries including the colorful and eclectic Double O Grill, Longobardi’s Restaurant with its purportedly great pizza, the adorable Locanda with its scrumptious Italian cuisine, Greenbaum & Gilhooley’s with its very fresh seafood, family-friendly favorite, Franks Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, with its authentic southern Italian cuisine, Gino’s Restaurant, the family-friendly and vibrant Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, Perkins with its outstanding chicken pot pies, the steadfast Outback Steakhouse, Tony’s Gyro and Grill, Chen Young Restaurant, Planet Wings, Wappingers Buffet, McDonalds, Subway, Wendy’s, Sonic Drive-In, Los Hornitos Bakery and the very chill Bad Ass Coffee.

Retail shopping in Wappinger Falls includes BJ’s Wholesale, Big Lots, The Home Depot, Babies “R” Us, Dollar General, Sleepy’s, Alto Music, Mavis Discount Tire, Rosemary Flower Shop, Westside Plaza, Lumber Liquidators, AC Moore, Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies Goodwill,

For more extensive options, drive over to the ever-popular South Hills Mall in nearby Poughkeepsie which is only 2.5 miles away. It has 250 retail stores and many restaurants. There is also a Walmart Supercenter and a Sam’s Club in nearby Fishkill which is about 4.6 miles away.

For grocery shoppers, Wappinger Falls has a Hannaford Supermarket, a Stop and Shop, Meadowbrook Farm Market, Saraswati Grocery, 7-Eleven and various other convenience stores.

The town of Wappinger hosts an annual Community Day at Schlathaus Park in June featuring various kid-friendly activities, fireworks, craft and food vendors and a parade. That park is also site to a Halloween Parade, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, The Playground End of Summer Picnic, a summer concert series and a memorial race.

Wappingers Falls is home to the Grinnell Library, a lovely library that has the historical significance of being the sixth oldest in the state! Another wonderful local resource is the Country Players, a performing arts group that was voted the “Best Community Theatre in the Hudson Valley.” They put on popular shows like City of Angels, Aida, Forever Plaid and Full Monty. Ticket prices are only a mere twenty dollars.

There are quite a few additional parks of note in the area including the 38 acre Reese Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park with ball fields, a basketball court and playing fields as well as Mesier Park, Little Falls Park, Castle Point and Rockingham. There is also beautiful Wappinger Lake where people often go fishing. The parks and recreation department also offers a terrific Youth Arts Program, a good gymnastics program, a summer day camp, a summer tennis program, a summer fishing program and a summer basketball program.

Wappingers Falls is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

Wappingers Falls students are a part of the Wappingers Central School District which is considered to be pretty good.

The median household income is roughly $58,079.

The population of Wappinger is approximately 5,552.
Pros
  • Country Players performance group
  • Community spirit and friendliness
  • Proximity to Poughkeepsie
  • Good restaurants
  • Shopping nearby
  • Things to do
Cons
  • Can get congested
  • Parking limited
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Nothing stormy here. In fact, it is quite placid, sometimes too much so."

Stormville is a hamlet in East Fishkill, NY. It doesn’t have a whole lot going on so your best bet is to head to the more dynamic sister hamlet of Hopewell Junction our out of Town to Fishkill proper or Poughkeepsie.

Stormville has three eateries to speak of, Stormville Pizza and More, Danny’s Pizzeria and Collins Ale House.

There are some additional decent restaurants in sister hamlet Hopewell Junction including the elegant La Chambord Restaurant Inn, the casual and cozy Tuscan-infused Tiramisu restaurant, pizzeria and bakery which hosts live music on Wednesday nights, the family-friendly Gian Bruno’s Restaurant, the warm Muscoot North Restaurant which has been around for a quarter of a century, The Blue Fountain which was awarded best Italian restaurant in the Hudson Valley by Zagat as well as Goodfellas Inn, Empire Wok, Peza Modern Bistro, Pizza Village, Dunkin Donuts, Monte Rosa Lodge Restaurant, Nick’s Brick Oven Pizza and KFC and Subway.

Shopping that does exist is mostly in sister hamlet Hopewell Junction and includes CVS, Hank the Painter, Out of the Loop Yarn Shop, Hopewell Plaza, and Unity Plaza. In the town of Fishkill there are quite a few more options including the Hudson Valley Towne Center, Ocean State Job Lot, Talbots, a cigar lounge, a Dollar Tree and a hallmark store.

The very popular South Hills Mall with over 250 stores in Poughkeepsie is only 9.7 miles away.

To fulfill your grocery shopping needs, you can head to Stop & Shop, A & P, Cumberland Farms, Hopewell Farms and Fishkill Farms or Stewarts in sister hamlet Hopewell Junction, go to the Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenter or ShopRite in Fishkill or go to the BJ’s Wholesale Club in Wappingers.

Stormville does have one cool locale going for itself: The Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market which holds half a dozen family-friendly and festive shows each year that are extremely well-attended. In fact, people come from miles upon miles away to treasure-hunt and HGTV even recently filmed there. They have great bargains, great food and various cool events.

Parent town of East Fishkill has a well-developed parks and recreation program. Red Wing Park is a very popular 18 acre spot with an eight acre lake and beach, a bathhouse, a basketball court, a volleyball court, badminton, playgrounds, swimming, fishing, picnic areas and a pavilion. Swimming instruction is provided there for kids and adults, lifeguard training and they also have a swim team. Limekilm Recreation Park has a fitness center, showers, restrooms, basketball courts, tennis courts, softball fields, soccer/football/frisbee all purpose field; boccie ball and horseshoe courts, a handball court and a walking trail. The town also has an awesome Skate Park. There are quite a few other parks in the area including Route 52 Recreation Complex, Wiccopee Recreation Area, Leewood Road Recreation Area, Brettview Recreation Area and Emmadine Pond. There is a great new summer camp coming up called “Extreme Teens.” The town also hosts lovely and free outdoor summer concerts and an annual fireworks display.

In September, the town of East Fishkill holds its annual Community Day with a parade along Route 82, live music, food vendors, community information booths and fireworks.

Stormville is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

Stormville students are a part of are divided amongst the Arlington, Carmel, Pawling and Wappingers school districts.

The median household income is about $78, 394.

The population of greater East Fishkill is approximately 29, 029.
Pros
  • Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market
  • Good for outdoorsmen
  • Very quiet
  • Green and picturesque
  • Little traffic
  • Major highway access nearby
Cons
  • Hardly anything to do
  • No business or nightlife
  • Sparsely populated
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Brewster, a likeable, walkable village."

Brewster is a lovely well-populated and popular village in the heart of the town of Southeast, NY that does have its own government, court system and train station independent of its parent town. Brewster is sometimes used synonymously with Southeast, however. This may be due to its good reputation and the abundance of offerings in the village itself.

Brewster has some pretty good eating establishments including Rraci Restaurant, which has received praise from the NY Times for its excellent Italian cuisine, Southeast Grille House, a more casual fine dining affair, Arch Restaurant which is a warm, gracious and beautifully decorated country home known for its out of this world soufflés, Aversano’s with its New York style lounge décor and delicious Italian fare, Jaipore Royal Indian Cusine has exceptional Indian cuisine and is located in a Brewster mansion, Fiesta Mexicana with its delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, family-friendly Kelly’s Corner, the famed Eveready Diner which was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, the Red Rooster Drive-in with its excellent cheeseburgers and onion rings, Filia’s and Sciortinio’s Restaurant.

Brewster has Kohl’s, Marshall’s, Animal Kingdom USA, Home Depot, Design Ease and Michaels. The Lakeview Shopping Center in Brewster has a Value Village which is a huge combination of drugstore, discount store and variety store extraordinaire. Right behind that Value Village is Empire Cinemas. Also located in the shopping center is McDonald's, a car wash, a pizzeria, a dry cleaners, a hair salon, Beneficial Financial, Laundry, H&R Block, a bagel place, a video store, a Chinese restaurant, a sushi restaurant, a dentist, Brewster Athletic Club, some medical offices, R & D Flooring, Cingular Wireless and Putnam Federal Credit Union.

For groceries, Brewster has an A& P, DeCicco Food Market, Kobacker’s IGA, Brewster Superette, Latinos Unidos Deli and the Brewster Community Food Pantry. There is also a Hannaford Supermarket and a Shoprite in nearby Carmel.

The Brewster Library has a great collection and has many terrific programs and events including but not limited to DIY projects, a visiting therapy dog, chess classes, homework help, book discussion groups, author visits, tech classes and much more. The Southeast Museum is a great local resource where one can learn all about its namesake and the history of the region.

The village of Brewster holds a Veterans Day Parade, a Memorial Day Parade, a Good Friday Parade and celebrates Founders Day. Brewster also has a lovely farmer’s market every Wednesday and Saturday from June through November.

Parent town of Southeast has a well developed parks and recreation program with many terrific activities for young’uns, teens, adults and seniors. The area has many great parks, as well. Henry Wells Park is the site of a terrific summer day camp. It also has a spray park, picnic tables, playing fields and restrooms. Markel Memorial Park has a community pool, playing fields, a basketball court, several playgrounds, benches and restrooms. Southeast Town Park at pretty Tonetta Lake has a beach. Douglas J. Scolpino Park has a picnic area, a playground and ball fields. There is also Blackberry Hill Park District.

Carmel Bowl is three miles away in nearby Carmel, NY.

Brewster has its own train station and commute time to NYC is about one hour and twenty-two minutes making it a feasible option for working professionals and weekend visitors.

Brewster is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

Brewster students are a part of the Brewster Central School District which is excellent. There are also two private schools in the area: The Melrose School and Longview School.

The median household income is around $42,750.

The population of Brewster is approximately 2,162.
Pros
  • Metro-North access
  • Great school system
  • Walk to amenities
  • Cultural programs
Cons
  • Metro-North parking
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A homey part of Pawling"

Holmes is pretty much an all residential hamlet within the parent town of Pawling, NY in Dutchess County. The area, in general, is quite tranquil and undisturbed and filled with mid to large scale colonials, Victorians and more modern single family homesteads. Holmes is a place to come home to and just enjoy your abode and/or loved ones. But if you want to get out for a nosh or have some fun there isn't much of anything in the immediate vicinity so it is best to head into Pawling.

There are some decent restaurants in Pawling proper including McGrath’s Tavern, the highly lauded McKinney and Doyle Fine Food Café and Corner Bakery with its tremendous ambience, exquisite food, outstanding desserts and kids menu, Dante’s Trattoria, Hacienda Los Tres Potrillos, Pawling Tavern, Dunkin Donuts, a KFC, a Great Wall II Chinese and Hong Kong Chinese Kitchen.

Shopping options are predominantly in Pawling and include CVS Pharmacy, Dollar General, Radio Shack, Good Tidings Gift Shop, Stage Door Furniture, Synchronicity, The Bead Vault, Greer Gallery, Red Barn Gifts & Antiques, Hobnail Antiques, Simply Unique, The Yarn & Craft Box, Made with Love, Earth Lore, Magnolias, Bailey’s TV & Appliances, The Book Cove, a couple of Redboxes, Tonis Hair & Nail Design.

For your grocery shopping needs you can hit up the Family Quick Stop, Pawling Beer & Soda and Pawling Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy.

A gem of a Pawling institution is the beloved Town Crier Café which proudly presents exceptional live music and has been doing so since 1972. In fact, people from other towns and states flock here to hear everything from folk to jazz to blues to rock to Celtic music, Cajun music, Zydeco, roots and world. Pete Seeger, Roseanne Cash, Suzanne Vega, Sawn Colvin, Arlo Guthrie, Lucinda Williams are but a few of the amazing talents to have performed there.

The town of Pawling has a very well developed parks and recreation program. They hold a wonderful annual Fireman’s Parade and Carnival. They have terrific programs for toddlers, pre-adolescents, teens, adults and seniors. They have great summer day camps. There are quite a few decent parks, as well. Edward R. Murrow Memorial Park has a playground, swimming, a picnic area, camping as well as lovely hiking and horse trails. The town’s “Music by the Lake” summer series is held in Lakeside Park which has tennis courts, a lake and a beach where you can boat and swim as well as bbq grills and picnic tables. Pawling is also home to The Dutcher Golf Course which is the oldest public golf course in the nation. And last but not least, there is the very cool Appalachian Trail for eager hikers.

Holmes is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

Holmes’ students are a part of the Pawling Central School District which is very good,

The median household income is about $61,380.

The population of greater Pawling is approximately 8,463.
Pros
  • Secluded environment
  • Nature setting
Cons
  • Car needed for most travel
  • Commuter lifestyle
  • Very isolated
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now
Editors Choice

"A village with wealth and character"

Millbrook is a lovely little 1.9 square mile village in the center of the greater town of Washington, NY in Dutchess County. It is quite affluent and is sometimes compared to the Hamptons in Long Island. It has a village green, a stunning Main Street district decorated with gorgeous pots of flowers, handsome homes, historical buildings, adorable shops and boutiques and some stellar eateries.

Those notable restaurants include the adorable Café Les Baux with standout dishes like mussels and crepes, the tried and true Millbrook Diner, the pretty Aurelia restaurant which showcases fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare and houses a lovely terrace and a nice bar, the local casual favorite the Millbrook Café, China Chinese Restaurant, Coach’s Food and Spirits , Marcello’s Restaurant and the elegant Charlotte’s Restaurant and catering which is situated in a lovely homestead replete with a fireplace. Ianucci’s Stagecoach Market is affectionately termed the “everything you need market” and sells super homemade ice cream at their “ice cream station” as well as a range of hot and cold deli sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, bagels and retail items.

Babette’s Kitchen and Coffee Bar with its tagline “simply good food” is a restaurant, coffee shop, gourmet market and caterer all rolled into one. It actually was a reader’s choice winner in 2008 for Hudson Valley’s “Best Gourmet Shop” and is known for its luscious baked goods, cheeses and organic coffees.

Millbrook R & B Bar and Grill is a popular dinner and after-hours hot spot. It hosts all kinds of great live music, Sunday 3D movie nights, darts, beer pong, “Tipsy Tuesdays” with cool drink specials and a DJ, lively karaoke on Wednesday nights, open mic nights on Thursdays, happy hour bands, a DJ and live bands on Friday nights and bands and jukebox sessions on Saturday nights. It is an intimate, hip and beautifully decorated and has some really cool cocktails and mouth-watering munchies.

Millbrook is definitely a fun destination for antique hunters with the Millbrook Antique Center, Gracie’s Attic, Millbrook Antique Mall, Yellow Church Antiques and Red School House Antiques & Decorative Accessories.

There are two great independent booksellers in Millbrook: Copper Fox Farm Books and Merritt Bookstore. There are some really nice clothing and jewelry boutiques including Manic Trout, Citrus, Hillscape Bag Company, J. McLaughlin, Millbrook Department Store, Punch, and Uncle Al’s Thrift Shop as well a few home décor stores, a dry cleaners, a spa, two personal training centers, a couple of sporting goods stores, four beauty and hair salons, a florist, several gift boutiques, two hardware stores and quite a few garden centers, farm supply stores and nurseries.

Grocery shopping can be fulfilled at Brennan’s Supermarket & Video, Marona’s Market, Slammin’ Salmon Fish & Charcuterie, Stewarts, Quattro Farm Store and Village Wine & Spirits.

Innisfree Garden is a Chinese-style “tea garden” with a 40 acre lake, cliffs, waterfalls and streams. Millbrook Tribute Gardens has a garden and playground. On Route 44 in parent town of Washington is the Town of Washington Park & Pool which has a sun bathing beach, volleyball courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, pavilions and picnic areas. Tribute Gardens is a lovely set of gardens with a nice playground and lots of sand for the kiddies.

Millbrook also has the Millbrook Golf & Tennis Club, a polo club and a la dee da equestrian organization called Millbrook Hunt that sponsors trail rides, hunter paces, hunter trials and hound and puppy shows. In fact, there are many farms, stables and equestrian activities here in general. The town of Washington’s park and rec department has decent sports programs, as well, senior activities, adult classes plus a swimming pool and a half day camp.

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery makes for a lovely afternoon outing and you will feel as if you are in the middle of wine country. The actual winery is located in a Dutch dairy barn. They offer great tours and wine tastings. They hold a wine-growers boot camp, various release parties, buffet lunches, jazz Saturdays, lobster bake dinners and an annual harvest party.

The town itself sponsors quite a few parades and the whole community really shows up. There are also free summer concerts at the local bandshell. There is definitely a sense of togetherness and pride here.

Millbrook students are a part of the Millbrook Central School District which is excellent.

The household income is around $68,552.

The population of Millbrook is approximately 1,452.
Pros
  • Some great restaurants
  • Cute shops and boutiques
  • Sense of community pride
  • Green and picturesque
  • Many well-to-do residents
  • Quiet and safe
Cons
  • Little nightlife
  • Fairly Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"MA-HOE-PAC, or MAY-O-PAC, the debate rages on, but the place remains the same..."

Mahopac is a hamlet in the greater town of Carmel, NY in Putnam County. It is a well-populated area for a hamlet and is steadily growing. Part of that is due to it having a fair amount of slightly, and I mean slightly more affordable, housing options including single family dwellings, condos, townhouses and apartments and access to a gorgeous lake.

Mahopac has a fair share of notable restaurants in the area including The Terrace Club Restaurant which has two outdoor terraces right on stunning Lake Mahopac and a dining room interior reminiscent of a 1940’s supper club, Dish Bistro & Wine Bar which has received numerous media accolades for its warm atmosphere and outstanding food, the more casual and family friendly Four Brothers Restaurant & Pizza, Holy Smoke Restaurant with its amazing beer & bourbon list and sinfully good fall off the bone ribs, 151 Grill and Bar with its range of fabulous BBQ and classic American comfort foods, Marco’s Restaurant known for its excellent ever-changing menu of steak, seafood and wild game, Frankie’s Waffles & Burgers, Bamboo Village, bliss, Ramiro’s 954, Rick’s Seafood, Sea Chic, Route 6 Bistrant, Amatos, Anthony’s Deli & Catering, Ariano’s Trattoria, Arturo’s Tavern, Bucci Brother’s Deli and McDonalds amongst quite a few others.

Shopping and services in Mahopac include Kmart, Dress Barn, Trimmings Interiors, Rita’s Cleaning, CVS, Mahopac Flower Shop, Aljan Jewelers, Yellow Shed Antiques, Eagle Eye Two Thrift Shop, La Sposa Bridal Shoppe, Hrh Boutique, Mahopac Launderaid, Carol’s Boutique and Victoria Gift Shop, Sacred Heart Gifts & Apparel, Jumpin Jeepers, Hulya’s Tailoring, Brothers Connections and Gifts, Advance Auto Parts, Mandee Shop, Caterina’s Boutique, Game Fix, Card Smart, redbox amongst quite a few others. Parent town of Carmel also has a RiteAid and a Dollar World.

For grocery shopping, you can head on over to the Grand Union, Mrs. Green’s Natural Market, Longshot Foodmart, and Putnam Wine & Liquor. Carmel has a Shoprite and an A&P.

Putnam Valley Arts Council, located in the newly reconstructed Bella Levine Arts Center, is a treasure of a local resource which promotes the visual, performing and literary arts. They host revolving exhibitions, art in public spaces, workshops, a summer arts program, various concerts, theatre performances and other various events.

The area is also home to some lovely parks. Chamber Park is a stunning waterfront park located on the gorgeous 587-acre Lake Mahopac. It has a fountain, a gazebo, benches, a playground and walking paths. You can boat and jet ski on the Lake, as well, and it is a very popular warm weather destination. Putnam County Memorial Veteran Park is a 200-acre park with a lake for swimming and ice skating and some great hiking trails. The 32-acre Sycamore Park has a large beach, four tennis courts, a playing field, a playground, a picnic area, a paddle ball/hand ball court and concessions. Jimmy McDonough Memorial Park has three playing fields, a skate park, concessions and restrooms. There is also a dog park called Sycamore Bark Park. Chuang Yen Monastery is nearby as well and boasts the largest Buddha statue in all of the U.S. and Europe in addition to having lovely grounds for walking and communing with nature.

Putnam National Golf Club in Mahopac is a public 18-hole championship course that is considered an absolute gem and of great value. Carmel is also home to the Centennial Golf Club which is a professional 27-acre golf course. There is also the Carmel Fitness and Racquet Club which houses a pool, tennis courts and racquetball courts.

Mahopac is in close proximity to the Putnam Hospital Center.

Mahopac is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

Mahopac students are a part of the Mahopac Central School District which is pretty good. They also have excellent sports teams.

The median household income is $86,592.

The population of Mahopac is approximately 8,675.
Pros
  • Lake Mahopac
  • Access to good shopping
  • Excellent library
  • Good schools
  • Great local business
  • Nice restaurants
Cons
  • Commute can be challenging
  • No major highway outlet
  • Lacks the character of the smaller towns
  • Route 6 has terrible traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Close-knit, friendly community with arts, culture, good grub and natural wonders."

Tivoli is a very cool little village within the pleasant parent town of Red Hook, NY. It is a close-knit family-friendly community with a lot going on for itself including some terrific village sponsored activities and events, some great restaurants, terrific outdoor recreation areas, a developing waterfront district and a nice arts and culture scene.

There are quite a few great eateries in the area including Luna 61, Santa Fe Restaurant, Broadway Pizza, Osaka Japanese Restaurant, Patty’s Little Italy, Back in Time Pizzeria & Café, Murray’s, Black Beans and Rice and Pan Zure. For even more options, head on over to parent town Red Hook where there are a slew of others including the notable Mercato Osteria and Enoteca, owned by a Butoni family member and the succulent Memphis Max’s Barbecue.

Taste Budd’s Chocolate and Coffee Café in Red Hook has fantastic alternative foodstuffs, yummy pastries, tasty confections, art exhibitions and live music and is great place to just hang out, relax and indulge your senses while taking in the scenery.

As for retail shopping, there isn’t a ton here, but most people don’t seem to mind too much as there are soo many other wonderful resources to make up for it. Plus, the area retains its charm that way. Tivoli is home to Fabulous Yarn and Village Books. In Red Hook, you will find the Me Oh My Pie Shop and Café with its luscious offerings, Red Hook Drugstore, Annex Antiques Center, Cider Mill Antiques, East Market Street Antiques, Wiltsie Bridge Country Store, a CVS Pharmacy and Hannaford supermarket and Gigi Market (an indoor farmer’s market and café located on the 500 acre Greig’s Farm) for grocery shopping and super fresh farm to table food items.

Tivoli hosts a lot of wonderful community events including but certainly not limited to an annual Easter Egg Hunt replete with coloring contests, a village-wide Yard Sale Day, a Street Painting Festival with hosted music and entertainment, a Halloween Bash & Block Party with a costume contest, live music and various games for kids, and a WinterFest Tree Lighting Ceremony with music, arts and crafts, a bonfire and a fireworks display.

The Tivoli Free Library has a wonderful book collection and a slew of other great resources including Homework Help, story times, an adult book club and free use of public computers

Kaatsbaan International Dance Center is located within the village and is a world renowned dance center which provides creative residences, educational outreach, extreme ballet, workshops and often hosts stellar events and performances.

The stunning park-like Bard College is also nearby and is brimming with cultural and intellectual activities to partake in. It offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River from the rose garden at Blithewood Mansion. The Richard B. Foster Center for the Performing Arts at Bard is exceptional and hosts a wonderful music festival amongst myriad other spectacular events.

The Tivoli Bay Visitor’s Center is located in the historic Watts dePeyster Hall and they can tell you a lot about Tivoli’s interesting history as well as provide maps, directions and tips. Sometimes they sponsor interesting events, as well.

For a lovely day spent outdoors, first stop at the Tivoli Commons and sit in the pretty gazebo before you walk the trail behind the aforementioned visitor’s center to the amazing not-to-be-missed Tivoli Bays. The Tivoli Bays is a national park, nature preserve and research area consisting of 1,700 acres of freshwater tidal marshes right on the Hudson. It is filled with creeks and swamps and streams and coves and mudflats and islands. It is also a very popular birding area as noted by the Audobon Society. Tivoli Memorial Recreation Park is a popular outdoor area with a playground, pavilion, basketball court and a baseball field.

Red Hook Recreation Park is another highly popular area park and has an outstanding Olympic sized pool, a playground, handball courts, basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, an outside running track and an inside fitness center. Poets Walk Park is a really romantic place to hike and boasts great views of the Hudson River, the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and the Catskill Mountains. Some say this is where Rudyard Kipling developed the idea to write his famous story Rip Van Winkle!

Red Hook is also home to Lyceum Six Cinemas and a mini golf course and 20-lane bowling alley called Ro-Rin Lanes. Red Hook Golf Club is also in proximity.

Tivoli students are a part of the Red Hook Central School District which is considered to be excellent.

Tivoli is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is $40, 536.

The population of Tivoli is approximately 1,118.
Pros
  • Dance Institution
  • Tivoli Bays
  • Bard College
  • Beautiful Park
  • Good restaurants
  • excellent schools
Cons
  • A little too quiet some days
  • no train line
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
PureKrome
PureKrome Anjanette, lovely review :) You mention that there's no train line near by. So there's no real public transport options? One of the photo's has a picture of a train line near the water.. ??
2yrs+
Anjanette
Anjanette Thanks soo much! Actually, I don't think I mentioned trains at all, but upon investigation I can confirm that there isn't a train line here, unfortunately.
2yrs+
Add a comment...
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Beekman beams about its history."

Beekman is a town in Dutchess County with a friendly atmosphere, a close knit community and rich and colorful history. There are tons of historical sites to visit or photograph including The Old Upper Road, Town Hall, Toll Gate, The Beekman Furnace, Old Mill, Millstone, Green Haven Prison, Camp Whitman, Apoquage Friends Meeting, St Denis Church, Beekman Baptist Church, Beekmanville Baptist Church Cemetery, M.F. Church & Burial Grounds, Vanderburgh Burial Grounds, Rogers Burial Ground and Bentley Burial Ground. There will soon be a Historical Museum & Visitor’s Center in Beekman. The area is filled with mid to large scale homes, wooded areas and lovely lakes.

Beekman has a couple of restaurants including the family owned and operated Beekman Square Restaurant which is essentially a family-friendly diner with really good food and Pleasant Ridge Pizzeria which is said to have some of the best pizza around. For more options, I suggest you head on over to nearby Hopewell Junction.

Retail shopping in Beekman is slim to none but residents are only a good eleven miles from Poughkeepsie which has a ton of varied choices.

There are a number of good supermarkets in the immediate area including Stop & Shop in Hopewell Junction which is only 1.3 miles away and A & P in LaGrangeville which is only 3.3 miles away. That being said, it would be good to own a car if you are going to move here.

Beekman Library has many great resources including homework help, story times for various ages, arts & crafts events, Weight Watchers meetings, Yoga instruction, a Chess Club, Lego building events, various parties, movies and lectures.

Beekman has a very solid parks and recreation department and offers summer day camps, sports-specific camps, play groups, fitness classes, family fun nights, egg hunts, an annual Community Day, a teen leadership council, road trips to Lake Compounce and other fun destinations, swimming lesions, lifeguard training, teen party nights, parenting classes and an extensive seniors program including the wonderful “Friends of Seniors” Program which provides door to door transportation for its senior residents to run non-emergency related errands, etc. and much more. Beekman is home to Beyer Drive Soccer Field and is close to Beekman Recreation Park, Sylvan Lake Beach Park, Doherty Park and quite a few others in nearby Hopewell Junction.

Beekman Athletic Club offers baseball and softball.

Beekman students are a part of the Arlington Central School District which is quite good.

Beekman is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is $65,610.

The population is approximately 14,621.
Pros
  • Growing Quickly
  • Safe
  • Still relatively quiet
Cons
  • A bit expensive
  • Not much to do
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Better than it sounds..."

East Fishkill is a 57.3 square mile town in Dutchess County comprised of the better known hamlets of Hopewell Junction, Stormville and Hillside Lake, amongst quite a few others. The area has mid to large scale homes and developments as well as some apartments and condos. Although it is a fairly large town with a fairly sizable population of around 29,000, it does retain a small town feel and a great deal of community spirit.

Notable area restaurants include the Euro chic La Chambord Restaurant Inn, the rustic, Tuscan Tiramisu restaurant, pizzeria and bakery which hosts live music on Wednesday nights, the casual, family-friendly Gian Bruno’s Restaurant, the cozy Muscoot North Restaurant which has been around for a quarter of a century, The Blue Fountain which was given the honor of best Italian restaurant in the Hudson Valley by Zagat, Pizza Village, Dunkin Donuts, Monte Rosa Lodge Restaurant,

Shopping in the region includes Hank the Painter, Out of the Loop Yarn Shop, Hopewell Plaza, and Unity Plaza. In the town of Fishkill there are quite a few more options including the Hudson Valley Towne Center, Ocean State Job Lot, Talbots, a cigar lounge, a Dollar Tree and a hallmark store. For grocery shopping, you can head to Stop & Shop, A & P, Cumberland Farms, Hopewell Farms and Fishkill Farms or Stewarts in Hopewell Junction or go to the Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenter or ShopRite in Fishkill or the BJ’s Wholesale Club in Wappingers

Every September (now in its 17th year) the town holds its festive Community Day with a parade along Route 82, live music, food vendors, community information booths and a fireworks display.

East Fishkill has a terrific community center and a very well-developed parks and recreation program. Red Wing Park is a very popular 18 acre spot with an 8 acre lake and nice beach, a bath house with restrooms and showers, a basketball court, a volleyball court, badminton, playgrounds, swimming, fishing and picnic areas and a pavilion. They offer swimming instruction there for kids and adults, lifeguard training and they also have a swim team. Limekilm Recreation Park has a fitness center, showers, restrooms, basketball courts, tennis courts, softball fields, soccer/football/frisbee all purpose field; boccie ball and horseshoe courts, a handball court and a walking trail The town also has an excellent Skate Park. There are quite a few other parks in the region including Route 52 Recreation Complex, Wiccopee Recreation Area, Leewood Road Recreation Area, Brettview Recreation Area and Emmadine Pond. There is a great new summer camp coming up called “Extreme Teens.” The town holds a ton of free outdoor summer concerts with great bands throughout the summer at various locales and they do hold an annual fireworks display.

Hudson Valley Research Park aka IBM Fishkill is also located in town.

East Fishkill students are divvied up amongst the Arlington, Carmel, Pawling and Wappingers school districts, all of which are quite good.

The median income is $78, 394.
Pros
  • Community spirit
  • Fun parks, golf courses and more for the nature lover
  • Growing economy
  • Safe and good schools
  • Safe environment for children
  • Strong recreational programs
Cons
  • A bit expensive
  • Need a car to travel most places
  • Not as quiet as other towns
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A Large Buddha and a Haunted Restaurant"

Carmel is a 40.7 square mile town in Putnam Valley laden with woodlands and picturesque lakes. Property here is a little more affordable which is great, especially in light of its close proximity to more affluent Westchester County, NY.

Notable restaurants in Carmel proper include the legendary Smalley’s Inn & Restaurant which is purportedly “haunted” and where many serious ghost hunters make pilgrimages, Cutillo’s Restaurant, which has four star fare and is located in a lovely large white homestead, Pasquale Trattoria, a classic family-friendly Italian restaurant, Thai Golden Restaurant, Toro Restaurant with its quality sushi, Pueblo Viejo, Izumi Japanese Restaurant, Valentina’s Restaurant, Ice Cream Café and Wendy’s.

Shopping in Carmel includes the Carmel Shoprite Center with of course, a Shoprite, Putnam Plaza Shopping Center, a Dress Barn, an A & P, Rite Aid, and Dollar World. There is a Kmart in nearby Mahopac and a Kohl’s and Marshalls just east in Brewster

Carmel is home to some lovely parks. Putnam County Memorial Veteran Park is a 200-acre park with a lake for swimming and ice skating as well as some nice hiking trails. The 32-acre Sycamore Park has a well sized beach, four tennis courts, a playing field, a really nice playground, a picnic area, a paddle ball/hand ball court and concessions. Jimmy McDonough Memorial Park has three playing fields, an awesome skate park, concessions and restrooms. Chamber Park is a gorgeous waterfront park located on Lake Mahopac. It has a fountain, a gazebo, benches, a playground and walking paths. There is also a dog park called Sycamore Bark Park.

For even more ardent fitness, Carmel harbors the Centennial Golf Club, a professional 27-acre golf course and the Carmel Fitness and Racquet Club with a pool, tennis courts and racquetball courts.

Chuang Yen Monastery is a really tranquil and interesting must-see local destination which houses a huge Buddha, the largest in the U.S. and Europe, and also has lovely grounds to saunter through and commune with nature and meditate.

For peace of mind, Carmel is home to a great medical facility, the not for profit Putnam Hospital Center. Arms Acres, an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Facility is also located in town.

Carmel students are a part of the Carmel Central School District which is excellent. It is reported that its high school has a 94% + graduation rate.

The median household income is roughly $92,000.

The population is approximately 33,200 and is about 90 % White.
Pros
  • Small town appeal
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Good school system
  • Local watering holes
  • Beautiful in the summer
Cons
  • Not pedestrian-friendly
  • Not much going on during the weekends
  • Fairly spread out
  • Familiar faces
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Tranquil ''Town of Lakes""

Putnam Valley is both a town and hamlet in Putnam County, NY and is affectionately referred to as the “Town of Lakes,” as it does indeed have many pretty ones. It doesn’t have many amenities, however, so it is good for those who prefer a quiet lifestyle and do own a reliable car.

Putnam Valley is a little scant on decent eateries but does have Forno III Brick Oven Pizzeria, Spruce Hill Inn, Panda Garden and Richy’s Pub Grub. For more options one need not go far to nearby Mohegan Lake where there is Augie’s Prime Cut, Café Pizzazz, Piazza Roma, Panera Bread, Baskin Robbins, Applebees, Cold Stone Creamery, Wild Fusion and Mohegan Diner.

As far as retail shopping, there isn’t a whole lot in Putnam Valley itself, but there are some major stores in nearby towns. Cortland Manor has a Marshalls and a Kohl’s. Mohegan Lake has a Walmart, a Bed Bath & Beyond, a Barnes & Noble, an Old Navy and an UA Cortland Stadium 11 multiplex showing the latest biggies. The Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights is within reasonable driving distance at 4.3 miles and there you will find Macy’s and Sears as well as over 90 specialty stores including such favorites as H & M, Hollister, Victoria’s Secret, Express, Foot Locker, Gap, etc. They also have a 400-seat food court and a lot of other great restaurants, chain and independent, in the immediate area.

There is a Super Stop & Shop in Peekskill which is about 2.9 miles away and a DeCicco Marketplace in Jefferson Valley which is about 3.3 miles away.

Every September, the town holds the wonderful Putnam Valley Town Day with fun exhibits, vendors, a concert and a fireworks display.

There is also Putnam Valley Town Park which has three lighted tennis courts, several multi-purpose courts, two playgrounds, a rentable pavilion with a full kitchen, two sanded volleyball courts, several playing fields, a roller hockey rink, horseshoe pits and some nice hiking trails. Putnam Valley has access to Clarence Fahnestock State Park, a stunning 14,086 acre park that boasts a beautiful beach, picnic areas, wonderful hiking trails, a pretty campground, boating, hunting, fishing and birding.

Putnam Valley is also not far from the fantastic Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights which has an enormous and very popular outdoor pool, disc golf, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, boat rentals, boat launches, playgrounds, playing fields, hiking, fishing, pavilions, picnic tables, concession areas and restrooms and showers. The town park has a wonderful concert series that kicks off in May and hosts some pretty great acts including the likes of Steve Forbert. The concerts are always free and they sell reasonably priced food. The park also holds a fun car show. Putnam Valley also has the Lucky Dog Park. Just make sure you register your furry friends at the park and rec office first!

Putnam Valley students are a part of the Putnam Valley Central School District which is quite good.

The median household income is $72,938.

The population is approximately 11,000.
Pros
  • Great school system
  • Peaceful and quiet
  • Solid recreational programs
Cons
  • Lacks commercial development
  • No nearby Metro-North Station
  • No shopping
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Decent ameneties and community pride"

Wappinger is a town in Dutchess County comprised of the hamlets of Chelsea and Myers Corner and the village of Wappinger Falls. It is an area with great community spirit and neighborliness.

Restaurants in Wappinger include the colorful and sophisticated Double O Grill, the charming Locanda with its tasty Italian cuisine, Greenbaum & Gilhooley’s with its fresh Cape Cod seafood, the beloved family-favorite, Franks Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, with its authentic southern Italian cuisine, Gino’s Restaurant, the family-friendly (replete with kids’ menu) and festive Margaritas Mexican Restaurant and the tried and true Outback Steakhouse. Bad Ass Coffee is another great little local joint with a terrific atmosphere and some delish java.

Shopping in Wappinger is fairly decent and includes BJ’s Wholesale, Big Lots, The Home Depot, Babies “R” Us, Dollar General, Goodwill, Sleepy’s, Foot Locker, AC Moore, What’s New Again Consignment Boutique, Bikeway (a sporting goods store), Wheet and Heel Bicycle Shop, Fashion Exchange (a thrift shop), Just for Kids, Alto Music (for instrument rentals), Rosemary Flower Shop, Jewelry Annex and Jaymark Jewelers. For more extensive options, you will surely find what you need at the South Hills Mall or Kmart in nearby Poughkeepsie which is only 2.5 miles away.

For grocery shopping wants and needs, there is a Hannaford Supermarket, a Stop and Shop, Meadowbrook Farm Market, Saraswati Grocery, some convenience stores and Los Hornitos Bakery.

Country Players is a performing arts group that was voted “Best Community Theatre in the Hudson Valley.” They put on popular shows like City of Angels, Aida, Forever Plaid and Full Monty. Ticket prices are only twenty dollars which is a steal for such quality local entertainment.

The town of Wappinger holds a festive Community Day at Schlathaus Park in June featuring various fun activities, fireworks, craft and food vendors and a parade. That park is also site to a Halloween Parade, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, The Playground End of Summer Picnic, a summer concert series and a memorial race.

As you can see, Wappinger has a well developed parks and rec department. There are quite a few other decent parks in the area including the 38 acre Reese Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park with ball fields, a basketball court and playing fields as well as Mesier Park, Little Falls Park, Castle Point and Rockingham. There is also beauteous Wappinger Lake where people often go fishing. There is a nice gymnastics program, a summer day camp, a summer tennis program, a summer fishing program and a summer basketball program.

For more entertainment options and such, Poughkeepsie is only twenty minutes away and has plenty to do and see and then some. There is also a Metro North Train Station tin Poughkeepsie which would bring you into NYC for a fun day outing or weekend get-away in around one hour and forty minutes

Students are a part of Wappingers Central School District which is pretty good.

The median household income is roughly $58,079.

Wappingers has a total population of about 27,048.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A historical gem and a scenic beauty"

Rhinebeck is a scenically gorgeous 39.6 square mile Hudson River town and National Landmark District that is absolutely steeped in history and has oodles of great restaurants, great shopping, outdoor recreation, cultural activities and an interesting medley of architectural styles with everything from charming Victorians to stone churches to modern condos to handsome Colonials.

There are restaurants here to suit all tastes and moods, including fine dining establishments, kid-friendly family restaurants, coffee shops and bars. You have Foster’s Coach House Tavern, Modern Taco, Wild Hive Farm Café & Bakery, Jenny’s Country Manor Lodge & BBQ, Momiji Sushi Steakhouse & Bar, China Rose, Fransesca’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Pete’s Famous Restaurant, Calico Restaurant & Patisserie, Gigi Trattoria, Arielle, Gaby’s Café, Terrapin Restaurant, Bistro & Bar, Tavola Rustica, Oliver Kita Chocolates, Bread Alone, Tavern at the Beekman Arms, Grand Cru Cheese and Beer Market, C.J.’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria and Osaka Japanese Restaurant.

There are a also a bunch of cool, eclectic and cute boutiques in town such as Rhinebeck Antiques Fair, Asher House Antiques, Warren Kitchen & Cutlery, Hudson Valley Blooms, Northern Dutchess Pharmacy, Cabin Fever Outfitters, Hummingbird Jewelers, Montgomery Row, SugarPlum Boutique, Workers and Dreamers, Winter Sun and Summer Moon, Darryl’s, EB’s Hudson Valley Finds, Pet Country, Haldora, Floral Fantasies by Sara, Paper Trail, Rhinebeck Artist’s Shop, Chamonix Bride, Wing and Clover, Country Comfort Furniture, Hammertown, Wonderland Florist, Hudson Valley Footwear, Verizon Wireless, A.L. Stickle Variety Store, Oblong Books and Music, Merriweather’s, Madison’s Avenue and The Pottery Shack.

For your grocery shopping needs, you can hit up the Stop and Shop supermarket, Rhinebeck Health Foods, Breezy Hill Farm Market, Old Mill Wine and Spirits and Park Plaza Liquor Store.

The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is a fabulous cultural and entertainment institution that shows outstanding Broadway musicals a la Fiddler on the Roof, Avenue Q and The Wedding Singer. They also have an education program with various offerings including Kids on Stage, field trips and summer camps and workshops. Also in town is the Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society.

The Old Rhinebeck Aerodome is what they call a living museum with an amazing collection of early areoplanes, motorcycles, cars, engines and other assorted memorabilia from 1900 to 1935. They have biplane rides and air shows on the weekends from mid June to mid October. The Aerodome is truly a special place and tons of fun for the entire family.

Rhinebeck also has a whopping four hundred homes that are listed on the National Historic Registry!

Rhinebeck has an extremely well-developed parks and recreation department with a plethora of programs and activities for all ages. The Rhinebeck Town Pool is a popular summer destination. The new pavilion at the town pool is the site of a Friday Music Night which has some great performers and is free to the public. There are wonderful summer camps for kids. There is the Rhinebeck-Red Hook bike route. Rhinecliiff Landing is a lovely Hudson River waterfront park with ramp access for boats, canoes and kayaks as well as facilities for picnicking. Lion’s Mini-Park has a playground, a gazebo and stream fishing. Burger Hill Park is a 76 acre park with a great hill for sleigh riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking trails, picnicking and bird watching. Dogs are allowed. Thomas Thompson & Sally Mazzarella Community Park is where the outdoor pool is located and also has a picnic pavilion, a volleyball/badminton court, a basketball court, a shuffleboard court, lighted tennis courts and seasonal food concessions. American Legion Park has a pond with a waterfall, picnicking, fishing and a hill for sledding, as well. There is also the beautiful Northern Dutchess Botanical Gardens

Rhinebeck students are a part of the Rhinebeck Central School District which is very good.

The median household income is about $52,679.

The population is 7,458.
Pros
  • Good restaurants
  • Quality Performing Arts Center
  • Great Parks
  • Local shopping
  • Quaint
  • Community programs
  • Recreational facilities
  • Great historic value
Cons
  • Not the greatest nightlife
  • A bit expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now
Editors Choice

"Putnam County's pretty southeast corner..."

Southeast is a town in the southeastern corner of Putnam Valley comprised of the attractive hamlets of Brewster and Brewster Hill. It contains a hodgepodge of homes in varying sizes and architectural styles as well as condos and apartments. The area is pretty with pristine lakes and has a quiet, rustic charm while still retaining ameneties and being close to both Connecticut and Westchester County. The town also has two train stations and commute time to Grand Central is anywhere between seventy-two and eighty-six minutes which makes it feasible to work in the city.

Notable restaurants in the hamlet of Brewster include Southeast Grille House, Rraci Restaurant, Fiesta Mexican, the famed Eveready Diner which was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, Aversano’s Restaurant & Pizza, Jaipore Royal Indian Cusine, Arch Restaurant, Filia’s Restaurant, the Red Rooster Drive-In and Kelly’s Corner.

As for shopping in Southeast, Brewster has Kohl’s, Marshall’s, Animal Kingdom USA, Home Depot, Design Ease and Michaels. The Lakeview Shopping Center in Brewster has a Value Village which is a huge combination of drugstore, discount store and variety store. Behind Value Village is Empire Cinemas, a multiplex. Also located in the shopping center is McDonald's, a car wash, a pizzeria, a dry cleaners, a hair salon, Beneficial Financial, Laundry, H&R Block, a bagel place, a video store, a Chinese restaurant, a sushi restaurant, a dentist, Brewster Athletic Club, some medical offices, R & D Flooring, Cingular Wireless and Putnam Federal Credit Union. There is also a Kmart in nearby Mahopac and the Putnam Plaza Shopping Center and Carmel Shoprite Center in nearby Carmel.

Southeast has a well developed parks and rec department with many great activities for young ones, teens, adults and seniors alike. The area has many great parks. Henry Wells Park is the site of a terrific summer day camp. It also has a spray park, picnic tables, playing fields and restrooms. Markel Memorial Park has a community pool, playing fields, a basketball court, several playgrounds, benches and restrooms. Southeast Town Park at pretty Tonetta Lake has a beach. Douglas J. Scolpino Park has a picnic area, playground and ball fields.

The Southeast Museum is a great local resource where one can learn all about its namesake. It has exhibits about Southeast’s history including the early American circus, the Harlem Line railway, the Tilly Foster Mine, The Borden Milk Condensery and the Croton Reservoir. There are also several nationally protected historical sites in town such as the Old Southeast Church, the Old Doansburg Schoolhouse, the Old Town Hall and the Walter Brewer House.

Southeast students are a part of both the Brewster Central School District and the North Salem School District which are considered excellent.

The median household income is $69,272.

The population is around 17,316.
Pros
  • Great educational programs
  • Proximity to Connecticut, NYC and Westchester
  • Diverse business
  • Great for families
  • Great for outdoorsy types
Cons
  • Nightlife is lacking
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Gorgeous area close to Carmel's ameneties..."

Kent is a largely residential 43.2 square mile town in Putnam County which has gorgeous rustic large-scale properties, a few interesting modern homes, smaller to mid-range single family dwellings and some apartments. The area is known for its bucolic landscape filled pristine sparkling lakes, ponds, mountain ranges and lush greenery. It is truly a charming scene and way of life.

There is a Johnny Gelato and Healy’s Corner Restaurant & Bar in Kent, but otherwise most people head to nearby Carmel where you will discover a bunch of great eateries including Margheritas Lake View Restaurant , Cutillo’s Restaurant, McCarthy’s Family Eatery, Cacciatore’s Trattoria & Pizzeria, Redendo’s Pizza, Pueblo Viejo, Deli Land, Foo Kam Chinese restaurant, New Grace II, Thai Golden Restaurant, Smalley’s Inn, Ice Cream Café, Mimi’s, Gappy’s, Toro Restaurant, Carmel Diner and Subway.

McGuire’s Pub & Restaurant in Carmel is a good choice for some local nightlife. They have a bar that seats 100 peeps, darts, pool and some great wings and burgers.

Carmel is home to the Carmel Shoprite Center with a Shoprite, Carmel Movieplex 8, Carmel Nails, Coinstar, Gold's Gym, Grapevine Wine, Health Quest Medical Practice, Image Cleaners, Magic Clippers II, Redbox, Rite Aid, Sunscape Tan and a Verizon store. There is also the Putnam Plaza Shopping Center with a Hannaford Brothers Supermarket, New York Sports Club, Rite Aid, Radio Shack, Starbucks and Dress Barn.

There is also Kohl’s, Marshall’s and True Value hardware in Brewster and a Kmart in Mahopac.

Senior Citizens in Kent often meet for social events at the Lake Carmel Community Center.

Kent is home to Sagamore Lake, Kentwood Lake, Lake Tibet, China Lake, Palmer Lake and White Pond. The Ninham Mountain State Multiple Use Area is located in Kent and is purportedly a great place for mountain biking. Wonder Lake State Park is a 973 acre park with a pond, streams, rivulets, ledges, ravines gorgeous meadows surrounded by stone walls, 8.7 miles of hiking trails and a bridle path. Fahnestock State Park in nearby Carmel is a wonder with 14,086 glorious acres. The park has hiking trails, a beautiful beach, picnic areas, campgrounds and allows boating, hunting, fishing, birding, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing. There are row boat rentals by the hour and the park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center.

Kent students are a part of the Carmel Central School District which is considered very good.

Kent is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is $72,346.

The population of Kent is approximately 14,000.
Pros
  • Hiking trails
  • Peaceful neighborhoods
  • Recreational programs
  • Seasonal swimming lake
  • Cultural Programs
Cons
  • Car needed for activity
  • No businesses
  • Can feel remote
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Tranquil haven with few ameneties"

Stanford is a small and very quiet town in Dutchess County comprised of the hamlets of Stanfordville and Bangall. The area is pretty enough but as for amenities and entertainment, it is pretty slim pickings and you really have to drive to neighboring towns. That being said, if you want a peaceful, relatively undisturbed rural lifestyle with no hustle and bustle, then this place might be for you.

As far as what Stanford does have to offer, you will find Elvin’s Market in Stanfordville. Your best bet for shopping is to head West to Kingston to the Target or down South to Poughkeepsie where you will find just about everything you could want or need, goods and service-wise.

Luckily, there are some fairly decent restaurants in Stanford to satisfy your need for good food and social interaction. The lovely Red Devon Restaurant & Market in Bangall which serves environmentally friendly locally grown sustainable fare which is super fresh and delicious. They have organic beer and wine at the bar. They sell goods in their market during the week and serve breakfast and lunch there. The actual restaurant is open for dinner on Fridays thru Sundays. There is also Stanford Pizza, Picolo 82, Home Plate, Uncle Sonny’s Café & Pizzeria, The Bangall Whaling Company and Doreen Brown in Stanfordville,

The Stanford Free Library does hold some nice programs including a defensive driving class, a writer’s group, a watercolor class, a meditation workshop, a mountain lion presentation and the wonderfully wholesome “Songs Around the Campfire,” a festive night of singing, s’mores and hot chocolate.

For outdoor activity in Stanford itself, there is Stanford Recreation Park, Whitlock Preserve and the beautiful Buttercup Preserve where you can picnic. Stissing Mountain is within driving range in nearby Pine Plains, NY and has an elevation of 1,400 feet as well as 595 beautiful acres. One can hike here on several trails and mountain bike and there are absolutely splendid views.

Stanford students are a part of the Millbrook Central School District.

Stanford is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is about $54,118.

The population of Stanford is approximately 3,825.
Pros
  • Green
  • Peaceful
  • Little local traffic
  • Safe
Cons
  • Few local businesses
  • Nothing to do
  • Somewhat isolated
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Staatsburg, a pretty postage stamp of great Hyde Park"

Staatsburg is a teeny tiny two square mile hamlet on the west side of parent town Hyde Park with a population of only 377 people. Staatsburg is home to Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park where you can camp in tents or cabins, hike, bike or boat from the marina. It also houses the second oldest golf course in the country, Dinsmore Golf Club. The Mills Mansion is another Staatsburg bragging right and is a glorious example of Beaux-Arts architecture and is a state owned and operated historical site. It was actually the site of the Hudson Valley Green Festival in 2010. And finally, there is the John Hendricks House and Dutch Barn which dates back to the 18th century and is on the National Historic Registry.

There isn’t really much going on in Staatsburg itself other than the park and two stately homesteads, but it really doesn’t matter all that much because Hyde Park has oodles of stuff to do. So really, one best think of Staatsburg as a green country-quiet place to hang one’s hat, kick back, relax and/or raise a family.

Hyde Park has a fun little medley of interesting stores including an Amish Market, Deer Hill Farm Cross Stitching, Green Oak Florist, Hyde Park Jeweler, Hyde Park Farmer’s Market, The Kitchen Drawer, and Liquorama Wine Cellars.

But the true draws of Hyde Park are the Culinary Institute, The Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site where Springwood, his revered home is located, as well as “Top Cottage,” the president’s get-away retreat, Val-Kill, the first lady’s cottage, and The Vanderbilt Mansion Historical Site.

At the Culinary Institute, there are actually five award-winning public restaurants on campus that are student-run: St. Andrew's Café, Ristorante Caterina de' Medici, the Escoffier Restaurant, American Bounty Restaurant, and the Apple Pie Bakery Café are all visitable and open to reservations.

Other less lofty but very good restaurants in Hyde Park include Hyde Park Brewing Company, Eveready Diner, Coco’s Pizza, Joe Cristiano’s Pizza, Antonella’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Belvedere Country Inn, Coppola’s Italian Bistro, 2 Taste Food & Wine Bar, Cranberry’s at Tilley Hall, Pete’s Famous Restaurant, Portofino Ristorante, Rita’s Italian Ice, Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen and McDonalds.

Hyde Park is also home to several nice parks including Pinewood Park which has a very cool skate park, a playground, tennis courts, a basketball court, a ball field, a nature trail and fishing, Hackett Hill Park which has a swimming pool, a pavilion, hiking trails, campsites, and playing fields and a day camp. Hyde Park holds many terrific community events including parades and a concert in the park series which is held at the aforementioned Vanderbilt Historic Site as well as other places in town. Hyde Park also has a well-developed Senior Activities Club.

Students are a part of the Hyde Park Central School District which is pretty good.

Staatsburg is very safe and the crime rate is quite low.

The median household income is $59,375
Pros
  • Close to wonderful Hyde Park ameneties
  • Peaceful
  • Green and picturesque
  • Mills Mansion is beautiful
  • Quiet and safe
Cons
  • Small population
  • Very little to do
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Millerton, more than first meets the eye"

Millerton is a small hamlet within the greater town of North East in Dutchess County. The area as a whole is picture-perfect and laden with horse farms, requisite red barns, handsome Colonial homes and more modern and modest single family dwellings.

There are a small slew of decent restaurants in Millerton including the highly acclaimed Number 9 which offers exceptional farm-to-table American fare featuring innovative French and Austrian twists and turns, a decent wine list and a lovely outdoor patio for al fresco dining in the warmer months. The Wienerschnitzel is apparently a menu must-try! In the area you will also find Manna Dew Café, Irving Farm Coffee House, Salsa Fresca, Oakhust Diner, Martha’s Restaurant, Taro’s NY Style Pizzeria, Sky Farm Exquisite Salads and The Round Tuit Restaurant.

Millerton is also home to an eclectic little mix of shops and services. Oblong Books and Music is a very cool little indie joint which hosts book signings by acclaimed authors and interesting book readings and discussions. They have a nice selection of books and a helpful, knowledgeable staff. Also in the hamlet are Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders which houses a cafe, BW's Eagle Eye with its vintage clothing, Copper Star Alpaca, Eckert Fine Art, GIlded Moon Framing and Gallery, Country Garden Florist, Saperstein’s Clothing & Footwear, O’Halloran Co., with its elegant and upscale equestrian apparel, Gilmor Glass Works, Green River Gallery, Hunter Bee, which is an antique store, Johnson's Antiques, Mary Magdeline's Boutique with its upscale fashions, Millterton Antiques Center, Masha's Fitness Studio, Agway and the not to be overlooked, Terni's, the oldest shop in Millertown that sells hunting and fishing gear, but actually contains a really cool vintage marble soda fountain!

The charming Movie House on Main Street houses three screens and shows all the best first-run, independent and documentary films. It also boasts a nice art gallery and a cafe where the hot chocolate is delicious, especially on a cozy winter night.

Grand Union, Millerton Food Mart and McEnroe Organic Farms are your local grocery markets and should contain everything you need.

North East Community Center is a gem of a local resource that is devoted to the improving the quality of life of its community members. It has great toddler, youth and senior programs including playgroups, after school programs, a teen team and a volunteer driving program which takes senior residents to medical appointments. The center also offers many terrific classes and programs like Kindermusik, a folk jam, gymnastics, yoga, defensive driving, tax assistance and GED preparation. They also hold a wonderful farmer’s market.

There are several good recreation areas in the immediate area and within acceptable driving distance including Taconic State Park/Rudd Pond is pretty large and lovely and has campsites, boating on the 64-acre pond, fishing, ice skating in winter and an extensive trail system for hikers and bikers alike. There is also Millerton Recreation Park in Millerton, Stissing Mountain in nearby Pine Plains, Taconic State Park and Housatonic State Forest over the border in Connecticut.

The beauty of Millerton's geographical located is that it is within close range of many other wonderful places to visit. It is only a half hour from Great Barrington, Massachussets and Hudson, NY and borders beautiful Litchfield County, CT so if you hvae a car, there are many great day and overnight trips for the taking.

The median household income is roughly $42,038.

The population of greater North East is approximately 3,031 and the hamlet is composed of about a third of that.
Pros
  • The Movie House
  • Number 9 Restaurant
  • Some eclectic shopping
  • Great Local businesses
  • Phenomenal community feeling
  • Little traffic
  • Picturesque surroundings
Cons
  • Very small
  • Cut off from public transport
  • Isolated
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Quaint and quiet"

Amenia is a charming and picturesque if not terribly quiet little hamlet within the parent town of Amenia located in Dutchess County, New York. It is an attractive area with a rolling landscape interspersed with gorgeous horse farms, charming red barns and lovely homes ranging from large scale Colonials to mid-scale modern single family dwellings.

Shopping in Amenia is slim but does includes Sears, Label Shopper, Family Dollar, Video Forum, Happy Endings Antiques, Apple Antiques Classic Modern Furniture, Drug World Pharmacy, Cascade Spirit Shoppe, Subway and Old Books N’ Such.

Serevan Restaurant is a beloved local culinary treasure with a warm, rich décor and outstanding Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare. It was awarded Best Restaurant in the Hudson Valley and Best Chef in the Hudson Valley in 2008. Also in the area you will discover Santo Pizzeria & Restaurant, Four Brothers Pizza, Yi Kitchen, Happy Days Café, Xe Sogni, De La Vergne Steakhouse, Steakhouse on the Ridge, Moe and Julia’s, East Dragon, The Metro Café, Fudgy’s Ice Cream and Charlotte’s Restaurant located in a beautiful home with both outdoor and indoor hearthside dining.

Psk Supermarket and Food Town are the local places to fulfill your grocery wants and needs.

Cascade Mountain Winery & Restaurant offers wine tours and wine tastings. The Harlem Valley Rail Trail has a paved section of trailway stemming from the Wassaic Metro North Station which will in the future wind its way all the way up to Chatham. You can commune with the likes of ducks, beavers, deer and foxes on your walk. Nearby you will also find the 488 miles Wassaic State Forest and Beekman Park with three baseball and softball playing fields. Amenia is home to Silo Ridge Country Club which has a nice public golf course and driving ranges.

There is a Metro North Train Station called Ten Mile River Station in Amenia as well as one in the hamlet of Wassaic. Commute time to NYC is anywhere between two hours and ten minutes and two hours and twenty-five minutes which makes it a far less appealing choice for professionals looking to work in NYC.

Amenia is part of the Webutuck Central School District and the Dover School District which are both decent. There is also the Kildonan School, a private day and boarding school which provides marked quality of life improvements as well as an impressive education for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

Amenia is relatively safe and the crime rate is quite low.

The median household income is around $56,216. The median home value is about $307,830.

The population of greater menia is approximately 4,436 and is predominantly White at 93%.
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Appealing Pawling"

Pawling is a mostly residential 45 square mile town harboring a village of the same name. There are lovely homes here including relatively large handsome Colonials, some stunning Victorians peppered here and there and a slew of more modest modern single family dwellings. Most homes have nice land parcels. Overall, Pawling has an attractive landscape and a warm, old-fashioned community-oriented feel to it.

Shopping options in town include a CVS Pharmacy, Dollar General, a Radio Shack, Good Tidings Gift Shop, Stage Door Furniture, Synchronicity, The Bead Vault, Greer Gallery, Red Barn Gifts & Antiques, Hobnail Antiques, Simply Unique, The Yarn & Craft Box, Made with Love, Earth Lore, Magnolias, Bailey’s TV & Appliances, the very cool The Book Cove, a couple of redbox locations, Tonis Hair & Nail Design, Family Quick Stop, Pawling Beer & Soda and Pawling Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy.

There are a small slew of solid to great eateries in town including the casual, unpretentious and family-friendly McGrath’s Tavern, the highly lauded McKinney and Doyle Fine Food Café and Corner Bakery with its tremendous ambience, exquisite food, outstanding desserts and kids menu, Dante’s Trattoria, Hacienda Los Tres Potrillos, Pawling Tavern, Dunkin Donuts, a KFC, a Great Wall II Take Out Chinese and Hong Kong Chinese Kitchen.

For great entertainment to go along with equally great eats, be sure to visit the beloved local institution, the Town Crier Café proudly presenting outstanding live music since 1972. In fact, music aficionados from other parts of New York, and beyond, have made the trek to this little gem to hear everything from folk to jazz to blues to Celtic music, Cajun music, Zydeco, roots and world. Pete Seeger, Roseanne Cash, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, Arlo Guthrie, Lucinda Williams are but a few of the greats who have graced the stage, if that tells you anything.

Pawling has a well developed parks and rec department. Every year they hold the best Fireman’s Parade and Carnival. They have wonderful programs for youth, teens, adults and seniors alike. They have great summer day camps. Their parks are quite good, too. Edward R. Murrow Memorial Park has a playground, swimming, a picnic area, camping, hiking and horse trails. Their lovely “Music by the Lake” series is held in Lakeside Park which also has tennis courts, a lake and a beach where you can boat and swim as well as bbq grills and picnic tables. Pawling is also home to The Dutcher Golf Course, the oldest public golf course in the U.S. There is also the lovely Appalachian Trail for avid hikers.

Pawling does have two Metro North train stations and commute time to NYC is anywhere from ninety-eight to one hundred and nine minutes.

Pawling is pretty safe and the crime rate is quite low.

Pawling students are a part of the Pawling Central School District which is very good,
Pros
  • One or two outstanding restaurants
  • Town Crier Cafe, an awesome live music venue
  • Beautiful, natural setting
  • Reasonably affordable
  • Recreational activities
  • Safe
Cons
  • Limited nightlife
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Quiet Northeastern Portion of Dutchess County"

North East is a relatively quiet town in Dutchess County comprised of the hamlet of Millerton. The area has long beautiful stretches of land, handsome farms, red barns, stately Colonials and more modest single family dwellings.

There are a good handful of great restaurants in the actual hamlet such as the critically acclaimed Number 9 which offers outstanding farm-fresh American fare with creative French and Austrian twists, a lovely wine list and a beautiful patio out back. Apparently the Wienerschnitzel is out of this world. Also worth noting, Manna Dew Café, Irving Farm Coffee House, Salsa Fresca, Oakhust Diner, Martha’s Restaurant, Taro’s NY Style Pizzeria, Sky Farm Exquisite Salads and The Round Tuit Restaurant.

Millerton is also home to Oblong Books and Music, a very cool little indie place which hosts great events such as the upcoming book signing by Frank Langella. They also have many interesting book readings and discussions as well a wonderful selection of books and a helpful, knowledgeable staff. Also in the hamlet are Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders (replete with café) Country Garden Florist, Saperstein’s, O’Halloran Co., with its chic equestrian apparel and Gilmor Glass Works. There is a Grand Union Family Market in town on Route 44 so you can fulfill your grocery needs. For a few extra (though not many) shopping options you can head south to Amenia or west to Sharon, CT.

Luckily there is a cool local movie house on Main Street that has a Gallery Cafe with rotating exhibitions and a lovely little menu of coffee, chocolate and tea. There is also a Blockbuster Express if you'd prefer to stay in and rent a good flick.

North East Community Center is a wonderful local resource that is devoted to the enrichment of its community members. It has great toddler, youth and senior programs including playgroups, after school programs, a teen team and a volunteer driving program which takes senior residents to medical appointments and such. The center also offers myriad classes and programs like Kindermusik, a folk jam, gymnastics, yoga, defensive driving, tax assistance and GED preparation. They also hold a farmer’s market in summer and partly in winter.

There are quite a few great outdoor recreation areas in the immediate region and beyond including Taconic State Park/Rudd Pond is pretty large and lovely and has campsites, boating on the 64-acre pond, fishing, ice skating in winter and an extensive trail system for hikers and bikers alike. There is also Millerton Recreation Park in Millerton, Stissing Mountain in nearby Pine Plains and Housatonic State Forest over the border in Connecticut.

The median household income is $42,038.

The population is approximately 3,031.
Pros
  • Peace and Quiet
  • Round Tuit Restaurant is excellent
  • Safe
Cons
  • Need to drive to nearby towns to find something to do
  • Not much to do
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Quiet residential rurality"

Union Vale is a predominantly residential town in Dutchess County which doesn’t have a whole lot going for itself other than its pretty landscapes, nice nearby parks and large fancy homes. If you don’t mind the quietude and have a good car with which to drive to more happening Poughkeepsie, then you should be just fine.

There are no real restaurants that I know of in Union Vale, but you will find some decent choices in nearby towns. In Verbank, you have Verbank Delicatessen, Joey’s Pizza Café, and Perri’s Verbank Inn. In Poughquag, you have Beekman Square Diner and Pleasant Ridge Pizzeria. In Hopewell Junction you have a Dunkin Donuts. In LaGrangeville you will discover Villa Pasta and Grille with their delicious traditional Italian cuisine, The Daily Planet, a vintage diner, Sonny’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Kelly’s Steak & Spirits, Pizza Express, Happy Wok, Brooklyn Bagels and Bakery and the ever popular and festive States Grill. And last but certainly not least, you have a wide range of dining options in the saving grace of Poughkeepsie.

Do keep in mind, however, that all the above excursions are a good twenty and thirty minutes away from Union Vale.

Shopping in Union Vale is practically non-existent as well, so again, your best bet would be to head west to Poughkeepsie and hit the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall or the South Hills Mall which have an abundance of retail and specialty stores and a Kmart, Target and Big Lots.

Poughkeepsie has two movie theatres: the very cool Overlook Drive-in Theatre and the Silver Cinemas South Hills 8. Poughkeepsie also has an abundance of arts and culture if you desperately need a fix, including opera, museums, book stores, lectures at the colleges, theatre, you name it.

For your basic grocery store needs, there is a Stop & Shop and Cumberland Farms in Hopewell Junction and an A&P, IGA and a Hannaford Supermarket in LaGrangeville.

Union Vale is close to Tymor Park which is a fantastic local resource and actually the largest municipal park in New York State, boasting over five hundred acres! It is laden with recreational possibilities including playing fields, a pool, playground, pavilions, a concession stand, a senior center, rental halls, an equestrian center, camp sites, a fishing pond, ice rinks in the winter, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts as well as twelve plus miles of hiking, biking and horse trails. Godfrey Memorial Park is twelve acres and has hiking trails, a playground, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a playing field and restrooms.

Union Vale is pretty safe and the crime rate is low.

Union Vale students are a part of the Arlington Central School District which is pretty good.

The median household income is about $70,500.

The population of Union Vale is approximately 4,877 and is roughly 94% White
Pros
  • Peace and Quiet
Cons
  • Can feel isolated
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Rural suburban pleasantries right near Poughkeepsie..."

Pleasant Valley is a picturesque town within close range of well known Poughkeepsie that has wide open spaces, a few large scale dwellings and many small to mid scale single family homes.

Restaurants in the valley include The Purple House Italian Restaurant which is indeed a vibrant plum purple and serves really good “home-cooked” Italian fare. Many folks just rave about the pizza there. Other establishments include Village Restaurant, Subway, Four Brothers Pizza, Amore Pizzeria & Café, Madison’s Pizza Café, Comx Cyber Café, Beijing Chef and McDonalds.

The popular Publick House Bar and Camaraderie has a full menu of great American food including award-winning wings, and has been touted as one of the best restaurants in the Hudson Valley. But perhaps even more importantly, it offers some nice nightlife and was ranked as one of the top five hotspots in/around Poughkeepsie. They have Wi-Fi access, big screen HDTVs for sports enthusiasts, a pool table, beer pong, darts, a DJ and dancing, live entertainment, cool cocktails and great happy hours.

Shopping in the area includes the likes of PV Bike Shop, Past n’ Perfect which has fashions for the whole family and cool consignment items, gifts and jewelry, etc., Valley Hardware, Family Dollar, Dollar General, The Barn Thrift Shop, Pleasant Valley Frame Shop, Party-Rific, Glitz, The Jewelry Store, Cotter’s Wine and Liquor Store, Tomorrow’s Treasures, redboxes and some gas stations. And never fret, for the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall and many other shopping and entertainment resources are only twenty minutes away.

For your local grocery shopping needs, you can head over to the A & P on North Avenue which also has an associated Valley Wines & Spirits. There is also the lovely family-owned Quattro Farm Store and the Branch Health Food Center.

Local Bower Park will give you access to the beautiful Bower Quarry Trails that are open for walking, biking and cross-country skiing. James Beard State Park harbors the wonderful James Beard State Park Golf Course whose 13th hole is known as one of the most challenging in the entire Hudson Valley! The golf course also has a driving range, a pro golf shop, a clubhouse and a snack bar. The park itself has wooded picnic areas, picnic pavilions, a playground, a nature center and a sports complex where you can enjoy basketball, softball, tennis and volleyball. The park also has seven miles of scenic wooded trails for walking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

The parks and rec department holds some fabulous summer camps for kids in grades one through nine. The Pleasant Valley/La Grange Senior Drop-in Center is located in the town hall and they host classes, games and luncheons as well as informational programs concerning health, transportation, medicine, nutrition and music.

Students are part of the Arlington School District which is pretty good.

Pleasant Valley is pretty safe and the crime rate is quite low.

The median household income is about $54,578.

The population of Pleasant Valley is approximately 9,672.
Pros
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Good restaurants, especially for pizza
  • Great hiking trails!
  • Mostly peaceful
  • Not far from conveniences
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Pine Plains, home to a landmark restaurant and a nice mountain"

Pine Plains is a 31.4 square mile town in Dutchess County, NY although it does directly border Columbia County, NY.

The Stissing House is one of America’s oldest and longest operating restaurants and was once voted as one of THE very best in the Hudson Valley region. Agriturismo is housed in a long yellow building and has a cozy interior with whimsical black and white checkerboard floors where the chef shows off his ever-changing and creative farm to table cuisine. Other area eateries include Lia’s Mountain View Restaurant, Mountain Cow Café, New Chinatown Restaurant, USA Pizza Restaurant and Crumpets. There is also the very cool The Scoop Creamery, a family-friendly ice cream parlor that serves local Ronnybrook brand ice cream.

There isn’t much shopping to speak of in Pine Plains, but there is Pine Plains Pharmacy, Chisolm Gallery, Grassi Copy Shack, Flower Basket, Deuel’s Home Center (a hardware store) and Hammertown Barn which is a cool country store that sells antiques, home furnishings and décor items, kitchen utensils, gardening paraphernalia and gifts. For more extensive shopping options, one can drive to nearby Red Hook where you will find Red Hook Drugstore, Annex Antiques Center, Cider Mill Antiques, East Market Street Antiques, Wiltsie Bridge Country Store, a CVS Pharmacy and a Hannaford supermarket for grocery shopping and a slew of good restaurants.

Also in Red Hook, you will find the Lyceum Six Cinemas and a miniature golf course at Ro-Rin Lanes which is a bowling center with twenty lanes.

Peck’s Market in Pine Plains is a full service grocery store.

The HOPP (Heart of Pine Plains) is a wonderful community center that proudly promotes community well-being and provides engaging activities to all the town’s residents. It has engaging senior activities, a gamer’s club, contests, creative arts events, family sessions to help local area families, a shelter for emergencies and/or inclement weather, a safe teenage hangout, yoga and Zumba sessions, tutoring, digital photography instruction as well as the Brad Pulver Movie Theater. It holds an annual Soup Fest and a town decorating day.

Stissing Mountain is a park with what they call a geologically significant mountain with an elevation of 1,1403 feet. There is a steep hiking trail that leads up to a fire tower with long and magnificent views. Mountain biking and dogs are allowed there, as well. Twin Island Lake is in the center of town. Just west of town is Stissing Lake where you can go swimming. Pine Plains is also home to the Thomas Carvel Country Club.

Local students are a part of the Pine Plains School District which is pretty good.

Pine Plains is pretty safe and the crime rate is low.

The median household income of Pine Plains is around $43,125.

The population of Pine Plains is approximately 2,473.
Pros
  • Genuine local businesses
  • Stissing Mountain is a cool hiking area
Cons
  • Kinda sleepy
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Red Hook has natural allure and some good eats"

Red Hook is a 40.1 square mile town in Dutchess County. It has a friendly feel and an old-fashioned down home atmosphere. Houses there range from small to medium size single family dwellings to pretty Victorians to more large scale Colonials. It has some wonderful outdoor recreational activities, a few decent entertainment options, some good eateries and lots of gorgeous scenery to go around.

Dining out options in Red Hook include Mercato Osteria and Enoteca which is an absolutely adorable café, pasta shop and wine bar with a Butoni-famed family member at its helm. They turn out some pretty exciting and delectable pasta dishes. Even Iron Chef Mario Batali brings his family here! Other notables are Max’s Memphis BBQ which serves up some pretty stellar hickory smoked meats, the casual but sophisticated Flatiron Restaurant with its luscious oysters, eclectic burgers (one made of duck) and five different succulent steak selections, the Historic Village Diner which is actually a nostalgic pre-fabricated dining car made in the 1920’s, An Apple a Day Diner, Red Hook Curry House, Salvatore’s Original Pizza, Hana Sushi, a Dunkin Donuts and a Subway.

Another fun little place to hang out a while is Taste Budd’s Chocolate and Coffee Café with its alternative foods, yummy pastries, tasty confections, art exhibitions and live music.

Shopping is scant but the town does have a few spots like the amazing Me Oh My Pie Shop and Café, Red Hook Drugstore, Annex Antiques Center, Cider Mill Antiques, East Market Street Antiques, Wiltsie Bridge Country Store, a CVS Pharmacy and a Hannaford supermarket for grocery shopping.

Gigi Market is a wonderful indoor farmer’s market and café located on the 500-acre Greigs Farm. Greig’s Farm also has wonderful pick your own raspberries, blueberries, blackberries opportunities as well as apple-picking and pumpkin picking.

Red Hook has a good parks and recreation program as well as some decent senior activities. Red Hook Recreation Center/Park is a beloved area destination and has a very popular Olympic sized pool and playground, handball courts, basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, an outside running track and an inside fitness center with cardio and weight lifting equipment and classes. Poets Walk Park is a romantic place to hike with great views of the Hudson River, the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and the Catskill Mountains. Some say this is where Rudyard Kipling found inspiration to write Rip Van Winkle!

Also in town is the Red Hook Golf Club.

Red Hook is home to Lyceum Six Cinemas and a miniature golf course at Ro-Rin Lanes which is a bowling center with twenty lanes.

Red Hook is part of the Red Hook Central Schools which is considered excellent. Also, the sports programs in the high school are pretty high caliber.

Red Hook is quite safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

The median income for a household is about $46,701.

The population of Red Hook is approximately 11,319 and is 94% White,
Pros
  • Indoor and outdoor recreation center/park
  • Fair amount of restaurants
  • Good Schools
  • Great Golf
Cons
  • Scant shopping
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"If you love history, food and the great outdoors, you may have found your paradise..."

Hyde Park is a historical town in the glorious Hudson River Valley known for being the birthplace of FDR and for playing long-time host to the internationally renowned Culinary Institute of America. But Hyde Park has yet more tricks up its sleeves, boasting many beautiful parks with myriad recreational activities and events, glorious Hudson River views, some great food destinations, a wonderful farmer’s market, eclectic shopping and antiquing and an equally wonderful community spirit made known by people proud of the area’s heritage.

History buffs can rejoice for Hyde Park is home of the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site where you can visit FDR’s beloved home, Springwood, the first presidential library and a great museum. A fourteen dollar ticket will afford you a visit of two days, however, the elaborate grounds, pretty rose gardens and FDR burial site are all free. One hour guided tours are offered. You should start off your visit at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center where they show a short, introductory film and where you can get info and arrange the tour. You can also visit “Top Cottage,” a little Dutch colonial retreat that FDR built to escape the hub bub of Springwood. There is also “Val-Kill,” the first lady’s cottage retreat of choice.

The Vanderbilt Mansion Historical Site is a wonderful glimpse into the “Country Home Lifestyle.” You can tour the house and walk the 200 plus acre grounds that are replete with old trees, beautiful gardens and awesome views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains.

For more outdoor resources, there is Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park in Slaatsburg which houses the second oldest golf course in the country, Dinsmore Golf Club. Pinewood Park has a very cool skate park, a playground, tennis courts, a basketball court, a ball field, a nature trail and fishing, There is also Hackett Hill Park which has a swimming pool, a pavilion, hiking trails, campsites, and playing fields. This is where the town’s terrific day camp is held. In fact, the town of Hyde Park has a well-developed parks and rec department, appropriately enough, and holds many community events including parades and a concert in the park series which is held at the aforementioned Vanderbilt Historic Site as well as other places in town. Hyde Park also has a fantastic Senior Activities Club.

And as if that wasn’t enough, The Culinary Institute of America is also located in Hyde Park. What is very cool is that the CIA actually has five award-winning public restaurants on campus where students gain invaluable experience and local foodies can partake in sumptuous fare. St. Andrew's Café, Ristorante Caterina de' Medici, the Escoffier Restaurant, American Bounty Restaurant, and the Apple Pie Bakery Café are all visitable and open to reservations.

Other notable area eateries include Hyde Park Brewing Company, Eveready Diner, Coco’s Pizza, Joe Cristiano’s Pizza, Antonella’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Belvedere Country Inn, Coppola’s Italian Bistro, 2 Taste Food & Wine Bar, Cranberry’s at Tilley Hall, Pete’s Famous Restaurant, Portofino Ristorante. There is also a Rita’s Italian Ice, Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen and McDonalds. Hyde Park also has a Super Stop and Shop and Stewart's shop for your grocery needs.

Crossroads Pub and Darby O'Gills are two nice quality bars in the area.

Hyde Park also has a roller rink, a drive-in movie theatre, the River Connection which has guided Kayak Tours and Hyde Park Landing which has Hudson River access.

As a shopping destination, Hyde Park is also quite fun with a wonderful array of interesting stores including an Amish Market, Deer Hill Farm Cross Stitching, Green Oak Florist, Hyde Park Jeweler, Hyde Park Farmer’s Market, The Kitchen Drawer, Liquorama Wine Cellars, The New Deal Store, Molloy Pharmacy (which is like a General Store), Hyde Park Antiques Center and Village Antiques as well as some additional bookstores, antique stores and florists.

Students are a part of the Hyde Park Central School District which is pretty good.

Hyde Park is quite safe and the crime rate is low.

The median household income is about $50,870.

The population of Hyde Park is approximately 21,571.
Pros
  • Fabulous parks
  • Some stellar restaurants
  • Interesting shopping
  • Culinary Institute of America
  • Home of Franklin D Roosevelt
  • Safe
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Relatively uneventful plains."

Dover Plains is a slow-paced rural hamlet of greater Dover, NY.

It is a pretty enough area and housing is somewhat more affordable, but it is a little lacing in the amenity and enterainmnet department. That being said, if you enjoy a simpler, more rustic and peaceful way of life, you should do fine here. As long as you own a car!

In Dover Plains itself, you will find some reprieve to the tranquility in its small stock of fair restaurants including a Subway, a McDonald’s, an American-Mexican Deli called Freshco 22, Dover Café and Four Brothers Pizza Inn, a family-friendly favorite with fresh salads and quality pizza. In brother hamlet, Wingdale, there are a few more decent dining options including the likes of Il Compare Restaurant, an intimate family-friendly place with solid Italian fare, The Lodge Restaurant with its charming decor, Ben’s Deli, Valley Diner and the big rave, Big W’s Roadside BBQ with its incredibly fork tender, succulent and savory hickory smoked meats.

When it comes to shopping, Dover Plains has a Freshtown, Renny’s Store, which is a specialty food store, a CVS Pharmacy, a Dollar Plus, a Redbox, Good Tidings and A Little Bit of Everything. Wingdale has the Wingdale Supermarket, Blue Owl Boutique and Consignment, Hunt Country Furniture, Style Haven, Tilly’s Accessories, Webatuck Craft Village and Grind Inc, which is a sporting goods store and Wingdale Hardware.

Parent town of Dover has a pretty well developed parks and rec department with a good sports program, lots of classes, a quality senior program and a lovely park, Thomas J. Boyce Park where you will find a nice playground and a skate park. Dover Plains also has the J H Ketcham Memorial Pool.

There are movie theatres up north in Poughkeepsie as well as over the border in CT.

There is a Metro North Train Station in Dover and the commute time to NYC is between two hours and two minutes and two hours and seven minutes.

Dover Plains students are a part of the Dover Union Free School District which is decent.

Dover is relatively safe and the crime rate is fairly low.

The median household income is about $50,361.

The population of the greater Dover area is approximately 8,699 people with far less than that in each of the hamlets.
Pros
  • A few decent restaurants
  • Good parks and rec department
  • Peace and Quiet
  • Safe
  • Little traffic
  • Mostly green
Cons
  • Nothing to do
  • Small population
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"An uncomplicated, rural hamlet"

Wingdale is a quiet, rural hamlet located within the greater town of Dover, NY. There isn't much here in the way of shopping or nightlife. Houses here are more modest and affordable, which is nice, but the lack of ameneties and entertainment are definitely the big trade-off. You really do need to enjoy peace and quietude or you might feel isolated and lonely. It is also practically imperative to own a car here due to its stretched out nature and especially if you have anything more than very basic needs.

In Wingdale, you will find a few decent restaurants, at least, including Il Compare Restaurant, an intimate family-friendly place with solid Italian fare, the elegant Lodge Restaurant, Ben’s Deli, the Valley Diner and the awesome Big W’s Roadside BBQ with its oustanding fall of the bone tender smoked meats. In Dover Plains, you will find a Subway, a McDonald’s, Freshco 22 which is an American-Mexican Deli, the Dover Café and Four Brothers Pizza which is a family-friendly local favorite that serves up excellent salads with luscious Greek dressing and some fairly food pizza.

As for shopping, Wingdale has the Wingdale Supermarket, Blue Owl Boutique and Consignment, Hunt Country Furniture, Style Haven, Tilly’s Accessories, Webatuck Craft Village and Grind Inc, which is a sporting goods store and Wingdale Hardware. Dover Plains has a Freshtown, Renny’s Store,a specialty food store, a CVS Pharmacy, a Dollar Plus, a Redbox, Good Tidings and A Little Bit of Everything.

Parent town of Dover has a relatively well developed parks and rec department, thankfully, with myriad classes, a nice senior program and a pretty good park that is home to many of these events, Thomas J. Boyce Park. There you will also find a nice playground and a skate park. In Dover Plains, there is the community pool, J H Ketcham Memorial Pool.

For more entertainmnet options, one can drive up to Poughkeepsie to see a movie or to New Milford, CT to go bowling.

Wingdale is relatively safe with little crime.

There is a Metro North Train Station in Dover and commute time to NYC is between two hours and two minutes and two hours and seven minutes.

Wingdale students are a part of the Dover Union Free School District which is decent.

The median household income is about $50,361.

The population of greater Dover is approximately 8,699 people.
Pros
  • Quiet and simple lifestyle
  • Big W's BBQ is Awesome
  • Picturesque rural setting
  • Virtually no traffic congestion
Cons
  • Hardly anything to do
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Must love peace, quiet and outdoor recreation."

Dover is a 56.3 square mile town in Dutchess County made up of the hamlets of Dover Plains and Wingdale. There is not a ton going on in this area so you really must enjoy the simple pleasures of peace and quiet and nature. And you should almost definitely own a car so you can make use of the amenities in the surrounding areas,

In Wingdale, you will find Il Compare Restaurant, an intimate family-friendly place with solid Italian fare, The Lodge Restaurant with its charming elegance, Ben’s Deli, Valley Diner and the very cool Big W’s Roadside BBQ with its amazingly tender and succulent hickory smoked meats. In Dover Plains, you will find a Subway, a McDonald’s, Freshco 22, an American-Mexican Deli, Dover Café and Four Brothers Pizza Inn, a family-friendly favorite with excellent salads and pizza.

As for shopping, Dover Plains has a Freshtown, Renny’s Store, which is a specialty food store, a CVS Pharmacy, a Dollar Plus, a Redbox, Good Tidings and A Little Bit of Everything. Wingdale has the Wingdale Supermarket, Blue Owl Boutique and Consignment, Hunt Country Furniture, Style Haven, Tilly’s Accessories, Webatuck Craft Village and Grind Inc, which is a sporting goods store and Wingdale Hardware.

For more grocery store options, you can take a drive to Millbrook, NY to Merona’s Market or J.P. Gifford Market in Kent, CT, a short drive across the border. A little farther out you will find a Food Town in Amenia and a Super Stop and Shop in Hopewell Junction.

The closest movie theatres are in Poughkeepsie and Millerton, NY and across the border in CT.

Dover is a short drive to Macedonia Brook State Park in Kent, CT. Also within range is the absolutely breathtaking Innisfree Garden in Millbrook which is famous for its Chinese landscape design.

Dover itself has a pretty nice parks and rec program and offers a quality half and full day day camp as well as tennis lessons, softball, karate, pilates, kick boxing, family movie nights, volleyball and basketball to name but some. Thomas J. Boyce Park is THE park in the area where many of these activities are held. The park also has a nice playground. There is also J.H. Ketcham Memorial Pool and a skate park.

There is a Metro North Train Station in Dover and commute time to NYC is between two hours and two minutes and two hours and seven minutes.

Dover students are a part of the Dover Union Free School District which is fairly good.

Dover is fairly safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

The median household income is about $50,361.

The population of Dover is approximately 8,699 people.
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Far better than its name implies..."

Fishkill is a small modestly wealthy suburban town in Dutchess County with quite a few amenities as well as gorgeous views of the glorious Hudson River. Fishkill has everything from Victorian homes to small and mid-scale single family dwellings to condos and apartments. It also has affordable housing options and senior housing.

Fishkill restaurants include Locanda Restaurant with its family-friendly atmosphere and terrific Southern Italian cuisine, Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, Toro which has excellent sushi and Korean kalbi, Mamma Carmela’s Italian Deli, Ruby Tuesday, Sapore Steakhouse with its succulent aged beef offerings, Tanjore Cuisine of India, a little gem with delicious and diverse Indian fare, the romantic and casual-chic Il Barilotto Enoteca, the I-84 Diner where breakfast is served twenty-four hours a day, the festive Maya Café replete with mariachi music, Boston Market and old stand-by, Friendly’s Ice Cream Shop. There is also a beloved local Cracker Barrel

Shopping in Fishkill consists of Simply Chic Consignment Boutique, Once Again, Dean’s Books, Hallmark Cards and Gifts, Payless Shoe Source, Nifty Thrifty Resale Shop, Anthony Jewelers, Special Occasions & Bridal, Country Curtains, Play n' Trade, Radio Shack, Old Navy, Ames Department Store, Chico’s, Sears, Talbots, Famous Footwear, Gap, Dollar Tree, a Home Depot, a Walmart and a Sam’s Club. There are also several dry cleaners, laundromats, liquor stores, gas stations, jewelry stores, opticians and florists.

For additional grocery food options other than Walmart and Sam’s, you can head to Shop Rite, Osbourne Mini Market, Convenient Food Mart, T & F Grocery Center and Fishkill Beer & Soda Discount.

The Fishkill Recreation Center has great summer camps and a ton of terrific sports programs including little league as well as classes such as karate. They also offer a babysitting course. You can even rent rooms at the center to host special events. Their main hall has a full kitchen.

For further entertainment, Splash Down Beach is a very cool water park located in Fishkill with a monster wave pool, a lazy river, huge slides, a super bungee jumper, winding water tunnel rides, a shipwreck lagoon, a new Big Cat Encounter Animal Show and a rock beach with a Nathan’s Famous and a Pepsi Stage where even Justin Bieber has performed! There is also a Regal Cinemas 10 and Schneider’s Fishkill Bowl.

Maurer Geering Park has four tennis courts, two basketball courts, a little league playing field, a senior league playing field, a playground, a pavilion, a concession area and restrooms. It also holds summer concerts in the parks. Shepheard Memorial Park has a baseball field, a softball field, two little league fields, a concession stand and restrooms. Sarah Taylor Park has a nice new jungle gym for kids. Doug Philips Park has a basketball court, three tennis courts, nature trails, two softball fields, a playground, picnic areas and restrooms. Friendly Paws Park is located within Doug Philips Park.

Fishkill is only ten miles from Steward International Airport. The nearest train station is in nearby Beacon and the commute time to NYC is one hour and seventeen minutes to one hour and a half, depending on time of day.

And speaking of Beacon, many Fishkill residents head there for an arts and culture fix as it has an amazing contemporary art museum, the Howland Cultural Center with its myriad offerings as well as a ton of very cool art and sculpture galleries. It also has a very eclectic mix of shopping in its Historic Main Street District.

Fishkill students are a part of both the Wappingers Central School District and the Beacon School Board, both with bragging rights to award-winning schools.

The median income is about $52,145 and the median home value is roughly $151, 000.

The population of Fishkill is approximately 22,000. .
Pros
  • Fairly good shopping
  • Movie theatre, bowling alley and amusement park
  • Some pretty decent restaurants
  • Strong school system
  • Village-like atmosphere
  • Access to major roadways
  • Safe
Cons
  • Not great for professionals
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A bright beacon of delightful possibilities..."

Beacon is a city of about 15,000 folks with a growing arts culture, a charming downtown shopping district, tons of restaurants, great parks, wonderful community spirit and some really interesting history. In fact, the city was actually named after the fires once set ablaze atop nearby Beacon Mountain which served as a signal to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Another little known factoid: Beacon was once the hat-making capital of the U.S.!

Beacon is filled with gorgeous whimsically colored Victorian homes with wraparound porches, modest to mid size single family houses, condos, town homes and some apartments.

The historic Main Street Shopping District is a lovely Italianate old-school red brick shopping district with an eclectic mix of shops including the likes of Dickinsons, an old-fashioned clock shop, Hudson Valley Auctioneers, Blackbird Attic, Echo Boutique with ladies’ fashions, Jaqueline, a hat and handbag boutique, Lauren and Riley, Modern Vintage, The Dance Bag, Batt’s Florists & Sweets, Beacon D'Lites, a soy candle shop, Lady Gray Bridal, Hudson Beach Glass, Beacon Bath and Bubble and Dream in Plastic, to name but a chosen few of the funky places with the beautiful Beacon mountaintop as a backdrop.

For more standard shopping, the area is also home to a Rite Aid, a Vogel Pharmacy, wine shoppes, bakeries, a year-round farmer’s market on Sundays, the Beacon Natural Market with its organic fare and goodies, Main Street Grocery, Home Spun Foods, Key Food grocery store, Pinoy Outlet which is an Asian-Fillipino grocery store, several gas stations, bicycle shops and sports equipment stores, hardware stores, auto supply stores and a check cashing place.

Notable Beacon culinary destinations include Beacon Falls Café, Texas Lunch, Craftsman Serious Soul Food, Crumb, the Vintage Café, B.J.’s Restaurant, Brother’s Trattoria, Café Amarcord, Cascadas, Cup and Saucer Restaurant and Tea Room, Gate’s Fish and Fries, Isamu, La Tasca, Max’s on Main, River Terrace, The Round House, Tito Santana Taqueria, Virgo’s Sip n Sour Café, Quinn’s Luncheonette, Yankee Clipper Diner, Bank Square Coffeehouse and a whole bunch of pizzerias, deli’s, gourmet gift shops and take-out favorites.

There are also a couple of good bars in the area such as Chill Wine Bar and Joe’s Irish Pub,

The Madam Brett Homestead is the oldest known building in the county and it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Beacon has a flourishing art scene. Dia Beacon is a wonderful contemporary art museum and the Riggio Galleries inside host a collection of some of the finest works from the 1960's on. The Howland Cultural Center, located in a gorgeous Norwegian-style building, has a terrific children’s program, a coffeehouse concert series, a gospel café, a chamber music circle, a spoken word poetry series and the wonderful monthly “Movies at the Howland.” Beacon itself is absolutely laden with art, jewlery and sculpture galleries and studios.

Every year the city holds a fun and festive event called "Beacon Barks" which celebrates animal shelters with a dog parade, awards, live music and food.

Hudson Highlands State Park is a huge park that includes Mount Beacon. Mount Beacon itself has a terrific trailhead called Fishkill Ridge. Memorial Park in the city center and Riverfront Park at the water’s edge are both very popular and host many wonderful community events. The Beacon River Pool, a partially submerged pool in the Hudson River, is a wildly popular summer destination located in Riverfront Park. Madame Brett Park is a stunning 12-acre park with a waterfall. Forrestral Park has a nicely sized playground and a basketball court.

Beacon does have its own train station on the Metro-North Hudson Line and commute time to NYC is one hour and seventeen minutes to one hour and a half. There is also a ferry that runs from Beacon City Harbor to the Newburgh City Waterfront. There are also two nearby airports: Dutchess County Airport in Wappingers Falls and Stewart International Airport in Newburgh.

Beacon students are a part of the Beacon City School District. .

The median household income is roughly $45,236. The median home value is around $161,430 and the median rental rate is roughly $1,000.

Beacon is definitely more ethnically diverse than many of its Dutchess County compatriots with a substantial Hispanic and African-American population of almost 40%.
Pros
  • Great historic shopping district
  • Gorgeous Parks
  • Terrific Restaurants
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A bright beacon of delightful possibilities..."

Beacon is a city of about 15,000 folks with a growing arts culture, a charming downtown shopping district, tons of restaurants, great parks, wonderful community spirit and some really interesting history. In fact, the city was actually named after the fires once set ablaze atop nearby Beacon Mountain which served as a signal to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Another little known factoid: Beacon was once the hat-making capital of the U.S.!

Beacon is filled with gorgeous whimsically colored Victorian homes with wraparound porches, modest to mid size single family houses, condos, town homes and some apartments.

The historic Main Street Shopping District is a lovely Italianate old-school red brick shopping district with an eclectic mix of shops including the likes of Dickinsons, an old-fashioned clock shop, Hudson Valley Auctioneers, Blackbird Attic, Echo Boutique with ladies’ fashions, Jaqueline, a hat and handbag boutique, Lauren and Riley, Modern Vintage, The Dance Bag, Batt’s Florists & Sweets, Beacon D'Lites, a soy candle shop, Lady Gray Bridal, Hudson Beach Glass, Beacon Bath and Bubble and Dream in Plastic, to name but a chosen few of the funky places with the beautiful Beacon mountaintop as a backdrop.

For more standard shopping, the area is also home to a Rite Aid, a Vogel Pharmacy, wine shoppes, bakeries, a year-round farmer’s market on Sundays, the Beacon Natural Market with its organic fare and goodies, Main Street Grocery, Home Spun Foods, Key Food grocery store, Pinoy Outlet which is an Asian-Fillipino grocery store, several gas stations, bicycle shops and sports equipment stores, hardware stores, auto supply stores and a check cashing place.

Notable Beacon culinary destinations include Beacon Falls Café, Texas Lunch, Craftsman Serious Soul Food, Crumb, the Vintage Café, B.J.’s Restaurant, Brother’s Trattoria, Café Amarcord, Cascadas, Cup and Saucer Restaurant and Tea Room, Gate’s Fish and Fries, Isamu, La Tasca, Max’s on Main, River Terrace, The Round House, Tito Santana Taqueria, Virgo’s Sip n Sour Café, Quinn’s Luncheonette, Yankee Clipper Diner, Bank Square Coffeehouse and a whole bunch of pizzerias, deli’s, gourmet gift shops and take-out favorites.

There are also a couple of good bars in the area such as Chill Wine Bar and Joe’s Irish Pub,

The Madam Brett Homestead is the oldest known building in the county and it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Beacon has a flourishing art scene. Dia Beacon is a wonderful contemporary art museum and the Riggio Galleries inside host a collection of some of the finest works from the 1960's on. The Howland Cultural Center, located in a gorgeous Norwegian-style building, has a terrific children’s program, a coffeehouse concert series, a gospel café, a chamber music circle, a spoken word poetry series and the wonderful monthly “Movies at the Howland.” Beacon itself is absolutely laden with art, jewlery and sculpture galleries and studios.

Every year the city holds a fun and festive event called "Beacon Barks" which celebrates animal shelters with a dog parade, awards, live music and food.

Hudson Highlands State Park is a huge park that includes Mount Beacon. Mount Beacon itself has a terrific trailhead called Fishkill Ridge. Memorial Park in the city center and Riverfront Park at the water’s edge are both very popular and host many wonderful community events. The Beacon River Pool, a partially submerged pool in the Hudson River, is a wildly popular summer destination located in Riverfront Park. Madame Brett Park is a stunning 12-acre park with a waterfall. Forrestral Park has a nicely sized playground and a basketball court.

Beacon does have its own train station on the Metro-North Hudson Line and commute time to NYC is one hour and seventeen minutes to one hour and a half. There is also a ferry that runs from Beacon City Harbor to the Newburgh City Waterfront. There are also two nearby airports: Dutchess County Airport in Wappingers Falls and Stewart International Airport in Newburgh.

Beacon students are a part of the Beacon City School District. .

The median household income is roughly $45,236. The median home value is around $161,430 and the median rental rate is roughly $1,000.

Beacon is definitely more ethnically diverse than many of its Dutchess County compatriots with a substantial Hispanic and African-American population of almost 40%.
Pros
  • Great historic shopping district
  • Gorgeous Parks
  • Terrific Restaurants
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A bright beacon of delightful possibilities..."

Beacon is a city of about 15,000 folks with a growing arts culture, a charming downtown shopping district, tons of restaurants, great parks, wonderful community spirit and some really interesting history. In fact, the city was actually named after the fires once set ablaze atop nearby Beacon Mountain which served as a signal to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Another little known factoid: Beacon was once the hat-making capital of the U.S.!

Beacon is filled with gorgeous whimsically colored Victorian homes with wraparound porches, modest to mid size single family houses, condos, town homes and some apartments.

The historic Main Street Shopping District is a lovely Italianate old-school red brick shopping district with an eclectic mix of shops including the likes of Dickinsons, an old-fashioned clock shop, Hudson Valley Auctioneers, Blackbird Attic, Echo Boutique with ladies’ fashions, Jaqueline, a hat and handbag boutique, Lauren and Riley, Modern Vintage, The Dance Bag, Batt’s Florists & Sweets, Beacon D'Lites, a soy candle shop, Lady Gray Bridal, Hudson Beach Glass, Beacon Bath and Bubble and Dream in Plastic, to name but a chosen few of the funky places with the beautiful Beacon mountaintop as a backdrop.

For more standard shopping, the area is also home to a Rite Aid, a Vogel Pharmacy, wine shoppes, bakeries, a year-round farmer’s market on Sundays, the Beacon Natural Market with its organic fare and goodies, Main Street Grocery, Home Spun Foods, Key Food grocery store, Pinoy Outlet which is an Asian-Fillipino grocery store, several gas stations, bicycle shops and sports equipment stores, hardware stores, auto supply stores and a check cashing place.

Notable Beacon culinary destinations include Beacon Falls Café, Texas Lunch, Craftsman Serious Soul Food, Crumb, the Vintage Café, B.J.’s Restaurant, Brother’s Trattoria, Café Amarcord, Cascadas, Cup and Saucer Restaurant and Tea Room, Gate’s Fish and Fries, Isamu, La Tasca, Max’s on Main, River Terrace, The Round House, Tito Santana Taqueria, Virgo’s Sip n Sour Café, Quinn’s Luncheonette, Yankee Clipper Diner, Bank Square Coffeehouse and a whole bunch of pizzerias, deli’s, gourmet gift shops and take-out favorites.

There are also a couple of good bars in the area such as Chill Wine Bar and Joe’s Irish Pub,

The Madam Brett Homestead is the oldest known building in the county and it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Beacon has a flourishing art scene. Dia Beacon is a wonderful contemporary art museum and the Riggio Galleries inside host a collection of some of the finest works from the 1960's on. The Howland Cultural Center, located in a gorgeous Norwegian-style building, has a terrific children’s program, a coffeehouse concert series, a gospel café, a chamber music circle, a spoken word poetry series and the wonderful monthly “Movies at the Howland.” Beacon itself is absolutely laden with art, jewlery and sculpture galleries and studios.

Every year the city holds a fun and festive event called "Beacon Barks" which celebrates animal shelters with a dog parade, awards, live music and food.

Hudson Highlands State Park is a huge park that includes Mount Beacon. Mount Beacon itself has a terrific trailhead called Fishkill Ridge. Memorial Park in the city center and Riverfront Park at the water’s edge are both very popular and host many wonderful community events. The Beacon River Pool, a partially submerged pool in the Hudson River, is a wildly popular summer destination located in Riverfront Park. Madame Brett Park is a stunning 12-acre park with a waterfall. Forrestral Park has a nicely sized playground and a basketball court.

Beacon does have its own train station on the Metro-North Hudson Line and commute time to NYC is one hour and seventeen minutes to one hour and a half. There is also a ferry that runs from Beacon City Harbor to the Newburgh City Waterfront. There are also two nearby airports: Dutchess County Airport in Wappingers Falls and Stewart International Airport in Newburgh.

Beacon students are a part of the Beacon City School District. .

The median household income is roughly $45,236. The median home value is around $161,430 and the median rental rate is roughly $1,000.

Beacon is definitely more ethnically diverse than many of its Dutchess County compatriots with a substantial Hispanic and African-American population of almost 40%.
Pros
  • Great historic shopping district
  • Gorgeous Parks
  • Terrific Restaurants
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A town with communal spirit."

LaGrange, or LaGrangeville as it is also commonly known, is a pretty 39.9 square mile town in Dutchess County marked by its strong sense of community. They even have a “Think Local First” campaign to promote local businesses and services.

There are some notable restaurants in town including the casual and family-friendly The Villa Pasta and Grille with their delicious traditional Italian cuisine and pleasant servers, The Daily Planet Diner, a vintage throwback with fun memorabilia adorning the walls, Sonny’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Kelly’s Steak & Spirits, Pizza Express, Happy Wok, Brooklyn Bagels and Bakery, Dunkin Donuts and the ever popular and festive States Grill with is tried and true American fare, world class beers and nightly live entertainment. There is also the wonderful Dolce Italian Bakery and Charel’s Liquors.

Shopping in LaGrangeville includes an A&P, IGA and a Hannaford Supermarket for your grocery shopping needs, an Agway, Candlestick Antiques, Heart to Sole which is a gift shop, High Octane Sports, La Grange Eyecare, La Grange Instruments, Peachetree Gifts, Upstate Comics, Scrub Street USA, Rosepetals, Aq Toys, Dollar Plus, Dragonfly Nursery, Intentions Jewelry and Margaret's Hope Chest.

The town has a lovely farmer’s market every week starting in June at M & T Bank Plaza. Vendors are proud to provide locally grown and produced goods including amazing produce, outstanding honey and maple syrup, delectable baked treats and goat milk soaps and lotions. The town also holds an annual Community Day with various community service booths, games, entertainment, a D.J., a petting zoo, a concert by In the Pocket Arlington Schools Music Groups as well as a fireworks display.

The Links at Union Vale is a very cool local golf course with its unique links-style course much like those in Ireland and Scotland. It was once voted as Best New Public Golf Course of the Year by Suburban Golf Magazine. Lagrange Park houses baseball fields, softball fields, basketball, a pavilion, a concession area, picnic tables and stream fishing. Freedom Park has a softball field, basketball, a playground, swimming, volleyball, picnic tables, grills, a bandshell, a concession area, pavilions, stream fishing and trails. Freedom Park also has a good day camp and offers both swimming instruction at the lake and life guard training. Stringham Park has soccer fields, basketbal, ice skating, a concession area, a pavilion, pond fishing and trails.

Since dogs are not allowed in the above mentioned parks, La Grange has seen to it that your canine friends have a designated place to romp and play as well: See Spot Run Dog Park located in Overlook Park.

The Arlington Central School District is considered to be quite good.

The median income is about $75,000. The median household value is about $366,200/

LaGrange is fairly safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

The population of LaGrange is approximately 15,730.
Pros
  • Some decent area restaurants
  • Sense of community pride
  • Good Schools
  • Great dog park at Overlook Park!
  • Great Farmer's Market in the summer/fall
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Pleasant to the eye"

Amenia is a very attractive town marked by verdant rolling hills and handsome horse farms. Amenia actually means “pleasant to the eye,” and it most certainly is.

There is some shopping in Amenia which includes a Family Dollar, Video Forum, Happy Endings Antiques and several others, Classic Modern Furniture, Drug World Pharmacy, Sears, Cascade Spirit Shoppe, Subway and Old Books N’ Such.

The beloved Serevan Restaurant with its warm, beautifully appointed décor serves up excellent Middle Eastern and Mediterranean delights. It was voted Best Restaurant in the Hudson Valley in 2008 and the chef won that same year as well for Best Chef in the Hudson Valley. There is also Santo Pizzeria & Restaurant, Four Brothers Pizza, Yi Kitchen, Happy Days Café, Xe Sogni, De La Vergne Steakhouse, Steakhouse on the Ridge, Moe and Julia’s, East Dragon, The Metro Café, Fudgy’s Ice Cream as well as Charlotte’s Restaurant and Catering situated in a beautiful home with outdoor and hearthside dining.

Psk Supermarket and Food Town are the local places to tick off your grocery list.

Cascade Mountain Winery & Restaurant offers lovely wine tours and holds wine tastings. The Harlem Valley Rail Trail has a paved section of trail way stemming from the Wassaic Metro North Station that will one day wind its way all the way up to Chatham. You may spot ducks, beavers, deer and foxes on your route. Nearby you will also discover the 488 miles Wassaic State Forest. There is also Beekman Park with three baseball and softball playing fields.

There is a Metro North Train Station (Ten Mile River Station) in Amenia as well as one in the hamlet of Wassaic. Commute time to NYC is anywhere between two hours and ten minutes and two hours and twenty-five minutes which makes it far more difficult to work in NYC. This can be a bit of a drawback for professionals.

Amenia is part of the Webutuck Central School District and the Dover School District which are both considered good. There is also the wonderful private day and boarding school, Kildonan School, which prides itself on improving the quality of life and education for students with dyslexia and learning disabilities.

Amenia is pretty safe and the crime rate is very low.

The median household income is roughly $56,216. The median home value is about $307,830.

The population of Amenia is approximately 4,436 and is predominantly White at about 93%.
Pros
  • Some nice restaurants
  • Really pretty area
  • Clean
  • Great Place for Families!
  • Safe
Cons
  • Can seem too quiet, at times
  • A little slow
  • Minimal Employment Opportunites
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A quiet area surrounded by ameneties"

North White Plains is actually a part of North Castle, NY although in my mind (as long-time White Plains resident) I’ve always considered it to be a calmer, less trafficked and less developed Northern extension of White Plains where homes are slightly more affordable than in White Plains or nearby wealth-ridden sister hamlet, Armonk. There a few apartments available for rent in private single family homes from time to time. North White Plains has its own library and its own Metro North Train Station.

North White Plains has a few eateries to its name including a Dunkin Donuts, an Italian restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, and a really cool landmark hot dog and hamburger drive-in called the Little Spot. And then, of course, White Plains proper is a good five minutes away with its absolute abundance of varied eateries and its wealth of shopping and entertainmanet possibilities. Valhalla, also minutes away, has a great chicken wings joint called So Dam Hot as well as a terrific pizza place, a great deli and a Dunkin Donuts/ Basksin Robbins combo. A more eccentric and unusual spot is Valhalla Crossing, a restaurant located in the historic Valhalla train station. They have outdoor dining during the warmer months, a tiki bar and even a Victorian dining room, trackside dining room and an old red caboose dining room. Their bar was actually voted as one of the best in Westchester.

Neighboring Armonk does have its small share of great local restaurants including the Beehive Restaurant which serves continental and classic cuisine and has received rave reviews, the sophisticated Moderne Barn which touts itself "urban country chic," Opus 465, Restaurant North with its innovative farm fresh fare, Gavi Restaurant, David Chen Chinese Restaurant, Enzo's Antichi Sapori Restaurant and Route 22, a nostagic throwback to bygone days with whimsical decor and memorabilia.

Cranberry Lake Preserve is a wonderful local resource. It is a 190 acre park which plays safe haven to many birds and small animals. There is a large lake where you can rent boats, cliffs, scrubland, hardwood forests and a swamp. The Nature Center has family-friendly programs on most weekends as well as interesting exhibits. North White Plains is also a two minute drive to the wonderful Kensico Dam in Valhalla, NY which has a large open center field which is great for playing frisbee and watching concerts on summer nights, as well as a great path that surrounds it which is very popular with walkers, bikers and rollerbladers.

North White Plains is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

Most of North White Plains is part of the White Plains School District and the rest are a part of the Valhalla system which some argue is better. The median SAT score of White Plains High School students is 1518 and it is reported that 93% of its graduates do go on to attend college compared to Valhalla student’s median SAT score of 1567 and their reported 99% rate of graduates who go on to attend college.
Pros
  • Less trafficked
  • Down the road from bustling White Plains
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A village rampant with history, charm and celebrity."

Bedford Village is sometimes used synonymously with Bedford, but it is actually a 3.7 square mile hamlet located in the southwestern portion of the town of Bedford, NY. Bedford Village was the site of the original 1680 settlement and is absolutely abundant with old New England charm and even has a village green with historic buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th century. The Bedford area as a whole is quite wealthy and is rich in handsome farmland and filled with large colonial homes and estates.

The Bedford Post Inn in the actual town of Bedford is a luxury inn where Richard Gere and his wife have their farm to table restaurant, The Farmhouse, with both an a la carte dinner menu and tasting menu, has received some great reviews. The Barn with its more rustic, casual vibe is a little more wallet-friendly and does serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other great restaurants in the area include The Meeting House Restaurant, La Cremaillere, Ristorante Lucia, Bistro Twenty-Two and Bedford Gourmet.

In Katonah, there are also wonderful restaurants including Blue Dolphin Ristorante, Katonah Bar and Grille, Jimmy's Pub, Wooden Nickle, La Famiglia, Deer Park Tavern, Willy Nick's, Muscoot Inn, Tengda Asian Bistro, the cool Perk's Coffee, Peppino's Restaurant in the historic train station and Katonah Restaurant where you can have a pretty stellar breakfast all day long.

In Bedford Hills, you will find Nino’s, a popular family-friendly Italian restaurant with frequent celebrity sightings. They have fantastic pasta and their veal dishes have been a source of raves. There is also a nice ShopRite for your grocery needs with a nearby Panera Bread. Bedford Hills also has Gianfranco’s Pizza, Kicho Japanese Bistro, Bedford Diner and Restaurant, Salsa Fresco and McDonalds.

As for shopping, Bedford Village has two stores: Jewel Corner offering fine jewelry and repairs as well as Small Joys which sells really cool gifts, glassware, ceramics and bedding. Bedford Hills has a Kohl’s Department Store, a Marshall’s Shoe Store, Bedford House and Country Willow, both lovely home furnishing stores, a gift shop called James, Kitch n’ Kaffe, Pedigree Ski Shop, a cool consignment shop called Penny Pincher, several fashion boutiques, a golf store and Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop. Shopping can also be found in Katonah on Katonah Ave with its cute selection of antiques, consignment and home furnishing stores, gift shops, a consignment shop, children’s, men's and women's fashion boutiques, a card/stationary store, a beauty lounge, a book and music store, a jeweler and a hardware store.

The Bedford Historical Society who has been proudly preserving the integrity of the area since 1916, caretakes for two museums in Bedford: one at the 1787 Court House and one at the 1829 Schoolhouse. The society operates out of the old General Store where they have rotating exhibitions and even offer Bedford Souvenirs and penny candy. In the village you will also find the wonderful Bedford Playhouse, a two-house movie theatre. There is a wonderful community theatre in Bedford Hills which shows terrific plays and Broadway–style musicals. In sister hamlet Katonah, you have both the Katonah Museum of Art which hosts ten to twelve exemplary exhibitions each year as well as Caramoor Center for Music and Arts, a stunning mansion set amongst glorious grounds and gardens where they hold in-and-out-of-doors internationally acclaimed concerts and music festivals.

There are quite a few pleasant outdoor recreational opportunities in the general area, as well. Rosaforte Park has playing fields and a picnic area. Beaver Dam Sanctuary Park has walking trails and a designated dog park called Canine Commons, open to town of Bedford residents only. Bedford Hills Park and Bedford Memorial Park both have swimming pools and tennis courts. Bedford Hills is also home to the GlenArbor Golf Club, considered one of the finest and most beautiful courses in the world. Westmoreland Sanctuary, a 625-acre nature preserve with eight miles of really nice hiking trails. The village is also home to the Bedford Golf and Tennis Club.

Bedford Village is quite safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

The Bedford School District is excellent. The median SAT score of Fox Lane High School students is 1631.

The Bedford area is 79% White, 12% Hispanic, 5% Black and 3% Asian.

The median income for a household in Bedford Village is about $120,325. The median home value is around $725,434 and the median rental rate is roughly $2,000.

The population of Bedford Village is approximately 1,834 and the median age is 41,
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Has the corner on charm and is cornered by greatness."

Bedford Corners is a small predominantly residential hamlet located in the southeast corner of the town of Bedford, NY. It has much of the same bucolic charm, small town feel and prestige of Bedford and its sister hamlets, with the inclusion of a few more mid-scale and slightly more affordable homes. Bedford Corners is home to Stonecrest, a historic home from 1879 which is famous for being in the unusual Stick-Eastlake style and is on the National Historic Registry. Other than that, it is mostly a quiet corner and should be enjoyed as such. The good news is one need not go far to enjoy the wealth of varied amenities.

In parent town Bedford, you have The Bedford Post Inn, a luxury inn with a yoga studio, daily classes, cool workshops and special events. This is where Richard Gere and his wife have their farm to table restaurant, The Farmhouse, with its excellent a la carte dinner and tasting menus which have received much critical praise. The Barn with its rustic beams and more casual vibe is the more affordable dining option and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other great restaurants in the area include the famous La Cremaillere (one of the most beloved irestaurants n the nation according to Town and Country Magazine), The Meeting House Restaurant, Ristorante Lucia, Bistro Twenty-Two and Bedford Gourmet.

In Katonah, there are also wonderful restaurants including Blue Dolphin Ristorante, Katonah Bar and Grille, Jimmy's Pub, Wooden Nickle, La Famiglia, Deer Park Tavern, Willy Nick's, Muscoot Inn, Tengda Asian Bistro, the cool Perk's Coffee shop, Peppino's Restaurant in the historic train station and Katonah Restaurant where you can have a pretty stellar breakfast all the live long day.

As for Bedford Hills dining, you will find Nino’s, a popular family-friendly Italian restaurant where you just might have some celebrity sightings as you relish the kitchen's excellent pasta dishes and sumptuous veal. There is also a nice Shop Rite for your grocery needs with a nearby Panera Bread. Bedford Hills also has Gianfranco’s Pizza, Kicho Japanese Bistro, Bedford Diner and Restaurant, Salsa Fresco and yes, even a McDonalds.

And don't forget, the corners are bordered by the eclectic and varied village of Mount Kisco with its array of fabulous restaurants, as well.

In immediate Bedford Hills there is Kohl’s Department Store, a Marshall’s Shoe Store, Bedford House and Country Willow, which are both lovely home furnishing stores, a gift shop called James, Kitch n’ Kaffe, which is a housewares and kitchen supply store, Pedigree Ski Shop, a cool consignment shop called Penny Pincher, several fashion boutiques, a golf store and Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop. Shopping can also be found in Katonah on Katonah Ave with its cute selection of antiques, consignment and home furnishing stores, gift shops, children’s, men's and women's fashion boutiques, a card/stationary store, a beauty lounge, a book and music store, a jewelry store and a hardware store.

For your entertainment needs or a quick cultural fix, Bedford Village is home to Bedford Playhouse, a two theatre movie house. Bedford Hills has a wonderful community theatre that hosts fantastic plays and Broadway musicals. Katonah harbors the one of a kind Caramoor Center for Music and Arts, an exquisite Mediterranean-style villa set amongst stunning grounds and gardens. Chamber music concerts are held in Rosen Hall and an outdoor music festival is held out of doors under a big white tent and features everything from opera to bluegrass to jazz. The Katonah Museum hosts ten to twelve outstanding exhibitions each year.

There are quite a few pleasant outdoor recreational opportunities in the general area, as well. Rosaforte Park has playing fields and a picnic area. Beaver Dam Sanctuary Park has walking trails and a designated dog park called Canine Commons, open to town of Bedford residents only. Bedford Hills Park and Bedford Memorial Park both have swimming pools and tennis courts. Bedford Hills is also home to the GlenArbor Golf Club, considered to be one of the finest and most beautiful golf courses in the world. Bedford Village has a country club.

Bedford Corners is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

Bedford Corners is part of the Bedford School System which is considered to be terrific. The median SAT score of Fox Lane High School students is 1631.

The median household income is about $150,000. The median home value is roughly $725,434 and the median rental rate is about $2,000.

The Bedford area is 79% White, 12% Hispanic, 5% Black and 3% Asian.

The population of greater Bedford is approximately 18,133 with the median age being 41.
Pros
  • Some exceptional restaurants in the surrounding area
  • Decent shopping in the surrounding area
  • Beautiful terrain
  • Good Schools
  • Peaceful
Cons
  • Can feel remote
  • Not much night life
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Quiet pocket of Somers"

Amawalk is a small, somewhat uneventful but pleasant enough residential and rustic rural hamlet located within the greater town of Somers, NY. It is home to the Amawalk Reservoir which supplies water to the New Croton Aqueduct which in turn, provides 10% of the Big Apple's drinking water.

Since there really isn't anything much to do in Amawalk itself, your best bet would be to utlize the greater town of Somers and its surrounds to your advantage. There is plenty of stuff going on in the extended area and that being said, it would be helpful to own a car.

If shopping is on the agenda, you can head over to Somers Town Shopping Center which has a few banks, a CVS, a few restaurants, a tanning salon, a nail salon, a dry cleaners and a Verizon store. There is the Baldwin Place Shopping Center/Somers Commons in nearby Baldwin Place which has a Super Stop & Shop, a New York Sports Club, a Chilis, a Home Goods, a Q's Garden, a dollar store, a Radio Shack, a card store and a Learning Center. For yet more retail therapy, you can drive westward and hit the Jefferson Valley (JV) Mall in Yorktown Heights.

In Somers, there are several great Italian eateries including Luce Seafood and Pasta House, Il Forno Trattoria Brick Oven Pizza, Fratelli's Pizza and Pasta and Tazza Cafee and Espresso Bar. There is also the Firehouse Deli, Imperial Wok, Seasons American Bistro and Lounge and King Cone. In Yorktown Heights, you can relish in Thyme Restaurant, Peter Pratt's Inn, Feinnegan's Grill, Mimi's Cafe, Gaudio's Restaurant, Murphy's, The Piatto Grill, Taco Bell and Friendlys.

In Somers, there is the popular Reis Park where you will discover playing fields, playgrounds, trails, basketball and tennis courts, a skate park and a library. Koegel Park has lovely walking trails, as well. Muscoot Farm in nearby Katonah, NY, is a must-visit family-friendly destination that is open year-round and offers farm tours, hayrides, cool special events and seven miles of pretty walking trails that pass through fields, forests and wetlands. Also in Katonah is the glorious 234-acre Lason Park with its aboreturm and stunning woods, meadows, formal gardens as well as several memorial and a museum that honors Westchester County war veterans.

Amawalk is part of the Somers Central School District which is pretty good. The median SAT score of Somers Senior High School students is 1669.

Amawalk is quite safe and the crime rate is very low.

The median household income is $148,401. The median home value is $434,000 and the median rentail rate is $1,798.00

The greater Somers area is approximately 89% White, 5% Hispanic, 3% Asian and 1.5% Black.
Pros
  • Good resources in surrounding areas
  • one of the safest towns in NY state
  • very peaceful
Cons
  • no night life
  • not enough shopping
  • too quiet
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"These hills are alive..."

Bedford Hills is one of the three picturesque hamlets that make up Bedford, NY. The area is filled with wealth and prestige and many big name celebs call it home. Even with its star-studded place on the map, Bedford Hills has a small town vibe and sensibility. The region is pridefully and painstakingly well -maintained, has beautifully appointed homes and mansions with attractive land parcelage and handsome horse farms.

In immediate Bedford Hills there is Kohl’s Department Store, a Marshall’s Shoe megastore, Bedford House and Country Willow, which are both lovely home furnishing stores, a gift shop called James, Kitch n’ Kaffe, which is a housewares and kitchen supply store, Pedigree Ski Shop, a cool consignment shop called Penny Pincher, several fashion boutiques, a golf store and the ever-interesting Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop. And then there is Nino’s, a popular family-friendly Italian restaurant where you just might rub elbows with local A-list elite while savoring the kitchen's excellent pasta dishes and sumptuous veal. There is also a nice ShopRite for your grocery needs with a nearby Panera Bread.

Bedford Hills also has Gianfranco’s Pizza, Kicho Japanese Bistro, Bedford Diner and Restaurant, Salsa Fresco and McDonalds.

For even more dining options, be sure to check out the acclaimed Bedford Post Inn in Bedford with its eight-room luxury inn featuring a yoga studio, daily classes, cool workshops and special events. Richard Gere and his wife have their farm to table restaurant, The Farmhouse, there, with its excellent a la carte dinner and tasting menu which has received numerous accolades. The Barn is on the premises, as well, with its rustic beams and more casual vibe and more affordable prices. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings. Other great restaurants in the area include The Meeting House Restaurant, La Cremaillere, Ristorante Lucia, Bistro Twenty-Two and Bedford Gourmet.

Bedford Hills has a great Parks and Recreation Department. Rosaforte Park has playing fields and a picnic area. Beaver Dam Sanctuary Park has walking trails and a designated dog park called Canine Commons, open to town of Bedford residents only. Bedford Hills Park and Bedford Memorial Park both have swimming pools and tennis courts. Bedford Hills is also home to the GlenArbor Golf Club, considered one of the finest and most beautiful courses in the world. Bedford Village has a country club.

Bedford Hills is pretty safe and there is very little crime.

The Bedford Central School District is quite good and the median SAT score of Fox Lane High School students is 1631.

The median household income is $150,000. The median home value is $725,434 and the median rental rate is $2,000.

Bedford is 79% White, 12% Hispanic, 5% Black and 3% Asian.

The population of greater Bedford is 18,133.
Pros
  • Good restaurants
  • Good schools
  • Good parks and rec dept.
Cons
  • Not a ton of nightlife
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"JV isn't just synonymous with shopping..."

Although many folks refer to Jefferson Valley as the mall and the mall only, it is actually a census designated place within the greater town of Yorktown, NY. It is an underrated and pleasant enough seven mile area which offers a range of more affordable living options including modest single family homes, town homes and condos. There is even low-income housing available.

The Jefferson Valley Mall, or JV Mall as it is often called, is the popular shopping destination in the region. There you will find a Macy's and Sears as well as over 90 specialty stores including such favorites as H & M, Hollister, Victoria's Secret, Foot Locker and Gap, to name but a few. The mall also has a 400-seat food court.

Jefferson Valley has some decent food establishments including Salsa Latin Eatery, Golden House Chinese Restaurant, Frankie and Augie'Z Ristorante & Pizzeria, Number One Chinese Restaurant and Carvel. Yorktown itself has the requisite Starbucks replete with a lovely outdoor patio, Peter Pratt's Inn, Edwin's Gourmet Deli, Gaudio's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, Matilde's International Restaurant, Tommaso's Bistro Italiano, Okinawa, Friendly's and Panera Bread.

The Yorktown Community and Cultural Center is a wonderful facility that boasts impressive educational, arts-based and fitness programs. It also takes care of its senior residents by proficing nutrition advisement. Additionally, the center is home to regionally acclaimed Yorktown Stage, which shows big Broadway musicals and often offers special dinner package deals with local restaurants.

Jefferson Valley itself has a lovely park called Sparkle Lake Park that offers swimming, fishing, hiking tand sometimes even, ice skating. It also has a playground. In Yorktown, you will find Turkey Mountain which is 831 feet above sea level. One can hile along with a jaw-dropping panorama of the Croton Reservoir, the glistening Hudson River, and on a clear day, a glimpse of the New York City skyline. FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights is brimming with family-friendly fun including a lake, a pond, fishing, row boat rentals, picnic areas with volleyball nets, playing fields, baseball courts, a golf course, a playground, two concession areas and a enourmout swimming pool that is twice the size of an Olympic-regulation pool!

Jefferson Valley is relatively safe with some crime, but not an overwhelming amount.

It is part of the Yorktown School District which is considered to be very good. The median SAT score of its high school sutdents is 1633.

The median household income is about $88, 648. The median home value is roughly $386, 894 and the median rental rate is around $1,300.

The population of Yorktown is approximately 36, 081 and the population of Jefferson Valley is approximately 14, 412. The area is 82% White, 9.5% Hispanic, 5% Asian and 3% Black.

The median age is 40.
Pros
  • some decent area restaurants
  • Lake in town
  • Shopping options
  • Relatively low housing costs
Cons
  • Not much of a nightlife
  • Neighborhood isn't very pretty
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Affordable sister hamlet to Chappaqua"

Millwood is a small hamlet within the greater town of New Castle, NY. It is a wealthy area, for sure, although Millwood is a little more affordable than its neighbor hamlet Chappaqua where the Clintons currently reside. The area as a whole is filled with gorgeous residential properties. It is a beautiful area with rustic ambience.

Millwood has a great animal hospital, its own post office and one pretty good eatery, Spaccarelli's Ristorante, with tasty traditional Italian fare, a nice wine list and lovely al fresco dining during the warmer months. Spaccarelli’s also caters and hosts many black-tie events and family gatherings.

For additional dining options, there a bunch of stellar restaurants in Chappaqua including the handsome Crabtree and Kittle House which dates back to 1790 and has an inn, a fine dining restaurant and an award-winning wine cellar. Le Jardin du Roi is a very cozy French restaurant which has a dark wooden interior, excellent food and a pretty outdoor patio. Other worthwhile restaurants are Quaker Hill Tavern, Grappolo Loconda, Spoon Asian Fusion, Pizza Station, Ole Stone Trattoria, Gail Patrick's Cafe, Villarina's Deli & Catering, Local Organic Bites & Ice Cream, and, of course, a Starbucks.

As for shopping, there aren’t a whole lot of retail shops in the area, but there are some, including several children's fashion boutiques, a few women's fashion boutiques, two home furnishing and decor stores, a jeweler, a consignment shop, several gift stores, a wine shoppe, a hardware store, a gallery, a fine florist, a sporting goods store, a cosmetic lounge, an antique store, a card/stationary store and a village market.

New Castle is laden with interesting history. For starters, Horace Greeley, founder of the New York Tribune and one-time unsuccessful presidential candidate, had a large farm in the area that is now Chappaqua. There are quite a few places to visit and explore including the Horace Greeley House, the Chappaqua Friends Meeting House, the Chappaqua Railroad Station and Plaza, Church of St. Mary the Virgin and the Horace Greeley Statue in addition to a whole bunch of old homes, farms and statutes and monuments peppered throughout the area.

There is a wonderful music school called the Amadeus Conservatory of Music in Chappaqua which offers top-notch music instruction and vocal training to both kids and adults. Many of its devoted instructors were graduates of the highly acclaimed Julliard School of Music. There is also a place called Music in Chappaqua which has a beautiful new facility.

Outdoor recreational activities include two terrific Parks, Gedney Park and Whipporwhill Park. Gedney Park is a 126-acre park filled with playgrounds, a good hill for sledding, playing fields and picnic areas. It was voted a Best of Westchester Park in 2008. Whipporwhill Park has many nice walking trails and a nice pond. Chappaqua holds a wonderful outdoor farmer’s market with a diverse and eclectic selection of vendors every Saturday from 9 AM to 1:30 PM at St. Mary’s Church.

Millwood is quite safe and there is very little crime.

The school system in New Castle is excellent. The median SAT score for Horace Greeley High School students is 1915.

The population of Millwood is about 1,200.
Pros
  • Rich in history
  • Some pretty good restaurants in the greater area
  • Great schools
  • Less expensive than some neighboring towns
  • Quiet charm
Cons
  • Car dependent lifestyle
  • No night life or entertainment
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A quaint village close to the big city"

Pelham village is one of two villages incorporated within the greater town of Pelham, NY. Pelham Village is sometimes also called “Pelham Heights.” The village does have its own police department and mayor. Pelham as a whole does have a combination of lovely single-family homes of varying sizes as well as some rental opportunities.

For shopping, head on over to the The Pelham Manor Shopping Center which houses retail big-wigs like BJ’s wholesale warehouse, PetSmart, Michaels, and Sleepy’s. The fifth Avenue shopping district has the beloved Accents on Antiques and the innovative Pelham Pet Shop which sells quality, holistic products for small animals.

Pelham is now a food shoppers dream with the opening of Fairway Food Market in 2010 It has a colorful produce section, super fresh seafood, big brown barrels of coffee beans, a global olive oil tasting station, delectable baked goods and a terrific cafe with a hot buffet and ample seating.

There are some nice restaurants in the general Pelham area including Edo’s Japanese Restaurant, considered by some to be the best hibachi restaurant in the county, Bistro Rollin, Cafe Regatta Oyster Bar & Grill, La Fontenella, Villa Nova E., Rockwell’s American Restaurant and Villagio Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Pelham’s lynchpin is the historical 90-year old Pelham Picture House, a not for profit jewel that shows outstanding artistic and indie flicks and hosts special evenings with world-acclaimed directors, actors and writers. They also offer a heady educational program for adults and young adults alike featuring a movie-making camp in addition to stellar acting and screenwriting classes for adults.

Pelham is a short drive from Mount Vernon's wonderful Wilson’s Woods which is a very old county park that has a large wave pool and water slides sure to delight the kids, nice picnic areas and even fishing. The greater town of Pelham has a well-developed Parks and Rec. Dept, as well. And for some big city fun, the commute to Grand Central Station is only 28 minutes.

Pelham students belong to the Pelham Union Free School District which is considered to be one of the finest school systems in the county with a reported 100% graduation rate and 94% of those Pelham Memorial High School graduates going on to attend college. The median SAT score is 1632.

Pelham is relatively safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

The median household income is about $92,000, the median home value is about $504,000 and the median rental rate is $1,550.00

Pelham is approximately 70% White, 12% Hispanic, 9% Black and 6% Asian.

The population of Pelham Village is approximately 6,000 with the median age being 38 years old.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Affordable, attractive living with a lake and some good commerce"

Mohegan Lake is a pretty, rustic, close-knit, family-friendly and amenity-rich area of Yorktown which is relatively more affordable than some of its Southern Westchester neighbors and has a healthy mix of attractive mid to large size homes and modern condominiums.

For your shopping needs, you need not look further than Cortland Town Center which has all the major players including Barnes and Noble, Bed Bath and Beyond, Pier 1 Imports, PetSmart, Office Max, Walmart, Sleepy's, Michaels, Rite Aid, the Home Depot, a FIve Guys Burgers and Fries and the Stadium 11 multiplex.

Restaurants in Mohegan Lake include Augies Prime Cut Restaurant & Bar which has a good wine and martini list and serves a nice Sunday Champagne brunch, Café Pizazz and Pizza Pizzaz which serves gluten-free pasta and pizza, Hanada Hibachi, Brodie’s Pub with its tasty Shepherd’s Pie and Piazza Roma which hosts fun comedy nights, a Baskin Robbins, Napoli’s Pizza and Restaurant and Mohegan Diner.

The lake itself is open to residents only and has lovely little beaches.

Lakeland School District is quite good. The median SAT score of its high school students is 1568.

Mohegan Lake is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median income is $80, 719. The median home value is $283,355 and the median rental rate is roughly $1,650.

Mohegan Lake is about 80% White, 12% Hispanic 5 % Black and 3% Asian.

The population of Mohegan Lake is approx 6010 and the median age is 38.
Pros
  • Lakefront Beaches
  • Family friendly
  • Shopping in town
  • Good shopping
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"An affordable and pleasant village with a bit of a bum rap"

Buchanan is a small village situated within the greater town of Cortlandt, NY. It is a quiet, humble and rustic area and would be more popular if it weren’t for the fact that the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant is located there. Most people tend to get squeamish about moving there as a result, but those that do have found themselves fortunate to enjoy cheaper real estate and lower taxes as a result of its active existence. Buchanan is mostly residential with winding suburban streets, pretty mid-size homes and a few choices of apartments and condos.

Buchanan does have a small commercial district which looks like it may have years upon years ago which gives it a quaint charm. There is the Palace Deli & Pizza, Bark Ave Pet Boutique, a post office and a cute gazebo at Village Hall.

As far as restaurants are concerned, the village does have a Subway and a Baskin Robbins as well as Taste Restaurant and Lounge, an unexpected little gem with locally sourced and delicious American fare with global twists and turns. It is a comforting space where you can hear yourself think, and talk, and the proprietors are lovely people.

For more extensive shopping and entertainment, it is a mere hop and a skip to Cortlandt Town Center which has an abundance of big name stores such as Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Barnes and Noble, Pet Smart, Marshalls, Modells and Game Stop. The center also contains a 12-screen movie theatre and family-friendly eaters like Applebees, Panera Bread, McDonalds, Nathan’s Famous, Subway and Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

Buchanan itself has Monroe Park, Tropiano Trail and Lents Cove Park by the water, a boat ramp, and F. Webster Pierce ball field. It is also a short drive to the amazing Blue Mountain Reservation Park with its 1,538 scenic acres including many elaborate trailways for walking and mountain biking and more rigorous hiking opportunities on its two peaks. The park also contains a bath house, a trail lodge and the Sportsman’s Center which has a rifle target range. Buchanan is also relatively close to Georges Island County Park.

Buchanan is quite safe and the crime rate is very low.

Buchanan is part of the Hendrick Hudson School District which is very good. The median SAT score of its high school students is 1608.

The median income for a household is about $91,000. The median rental rate for a one bedroom apartment is $1,250 and the median home value is $443,688.

The greater town of Cortlandt is approximately 76% White, 13% Hispanics 5.5% Black and 3.5% Asian.

The population of Buchanan is approximately 2,230 with the median age being 39.
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Low Taxes
  • Nice Community
  • Lots of recreational activities
Cons
  • Nuclear Power Plant
  • Boring
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Quiet Somers hamlet"

Granite Springs is a tiny residential hamlet located in the town of Somers. It is pretty and peaceful, but you definitely have to think of it as a place to hang your hat and relax. For shopping and entertainment and the likes, you have to drive elsewhere, namely to parent town Somers or nearby Yorktown Heights or Baldwin Place.

In Somers you will find the Somerstown Shopping Center has several banks, a CVS, a few restaurants, a tanning salon, a nail salon, a dry cleaners and a Verizon store. There is also the Baldwin Place Shopping Center/Somers Commons in nearby Baldwin Place which has a Super Stop and Shop, a NYSC, a Chili’s, a Home Goods, a Q's Garden, a dollar store, a Radio Shack, a card store and a Learning Center. And then of course is the Jefferson Valley, or JV Mall, in Yorktown Heights which has a Macy’s, a Sears and

There are some decent restaurants in Somers including Luce Seafood and Pasta House, Il Forno Trattoria Brick Oven Pizza, Fratelli's Pizza and Pasta and Tazza Cafe Coffee and Espresso Bar as well as the Firehouse Deli, Imperial Wok, the fancier Seasons American Bistro and Lounge and King Kone. In Yorktown Heights, there is Traditions 118, Somers 202 Restaurant and Grill and Gaudio’s Italian Family Restaurant. In Baldwin Place you will find New Bon Buffet and Peppino’s Pizza.

There are lots of wonderful outdoor recreation areas around Granite Springs including family-friendly Muscoot Farm Park which is open year-round and offers tours of the farm, hayrides, varied special events and programs as well as a good seven miles of walking trails that run through fields, forest and wetlands. The 234-acre Lasdon Park is glorious with woods, meadows and manicured formal flower gardens. It also contains several memorials and a museum that honors Westchester County war veterans. In Reis Park, there are playing fields, playgrounds, trails, basketball and tennis courts, a skate park and even a library!

Granite Springs is quite safe and the crime rate is very low.

Granite Springs is part of the Somers Central School District which is pretty good. The median SAT score of Somers Senior High School students is 1669.

The median household income is roughly $148,401. The median home value is $434,000 and the median rental rate is $1,798.00.

The greater area of Somers is approximately 89% White, 5% Hispanic, 3% Asian and 1.5% Black.

The population of parent town Somers is around 20,224 and the median age is 45.
Pros
  • Close to shopping and restaurants
Cons
  • no real shopping or nighlife
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Small exclusively residential hamlet of Somers"

Shenorock is a small, entirely residential hamlet within the greater town of Somers, NY. It is a bucolic area with great natural beauty but be forwarned, it doesn't have a commerical sector or any real restaurants other than one local pizza place.

To fulfill at least some of your retail needs your best bet is to head on over to Somers Town Shopping Center which houses a few banks, a CVS, a few restuarants, a tanning salon, a nail salon, a dry cleaners and a Verizon store. There is also the Baldwin Place Shopping Center/Somers Commons in nearby Baldwin Place which has a Super Stop and Shop, a NYSC, a Chilis, a Home Goods, a Q's Garden, a dollar store, a Radio Shack, a card store and a Learning Center.

There are a fair amount of decent restaurants in Somers including Luce Seafood and Pasta House, Il Forno Trattoria Brick Oven Pizza, Fratelli's Pizza and Pasta and Tazza Cafe Coffee and Expresso Bar, Firehouse Deli, Imperial Wok, the more upscale Seasons American Bistro and Lounge and King Kone.

Shenorock is situated near many outstanding parks including the family-friendly Muscoot Farm Park which is open year-round and offers tours, hayrides, festive special events as well as a good seven miles of walking trails that run through fields, forests and wetlands. The 234-acre Lasdon Park is lovely, with woods, meadows and manicured gardens. It also contains several memorials and a museum that honors Westchester County war veterans. In Reis Park, you will discover playing fields, playgrounds, trails, basketball and tennis courts, a skate park and even a library!

Shenorock is very safe with little crime.

Shenorock students are part of the Somers School District which is high caliber. The median SAT score of its high school students is 1669.

The median household income is $148,401. The median home value is $434,000.

The populations of Shenorock is approximately 1898 and is predominantly white at just over 95%. The median age is 45.
Pros
  • High ranking school system
  • Lake for fishing in the community
  • Quiet & private
Cons
  • Can get too quiet, at times
  • No entertainment
  • No stores; only one restaurant
  • Not a very diverse community
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A quaint village with an old-time feel and affordable housing."

Ossining village is a slow n steady work-in-progress. It has come a long way in recent years by way of gentrification and urban renewal and is a popular choice for students, artists and young starter families in particular. There are lovely old homes of modest to large size as well as many apartment complexes and in-house apartment rentals in the area, all of which are still quite affordable especially in light of being in very affluent Westchester County. Ossining retains an old town by the docks feel and doesn’t feel as harried and hurried, which to some, is a huge draw to living there.

There are quite a few decent restaurants in the area including family-friendly Wobble café known for its outstanding waffles, the tiny storefront Lonnie’s Fish and Chips place where the owner is almost always present behind the counter with a warm, welcoming smile on his face, Goldfish Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Los Abuelos, a tiny joint with authentic Mexican food, Ossining Pizzeria and Restaurant, Okinawa Hibachi Steak House, Karma Lounge , Brasserie Swiss with excellent bratwurst and yodeling music in the background, and the Boat House, which offers fine food and cocktails with a sea-faring décor, lovely river views and a bar that is often called “Cheers on the Hudson.”

The village itself is very quaint and plays host to a hodgepodge of delis, coffee houses and a more upscale dollar store. Minutes from downtown, within walking distance, is the recently renovated Ossining Library which has a great collection and quality programming.

For shopping there is the nearby Arcadian Shopping Center which has a McDonalds, a GNC, a card store/gift shop, a Subway, an impressively outfitted Dollar World, the Purple Monkey Ice Cream Store, a pet store, a dry cleaners and an optician. There is a C-Town and a Stop and Shop for all one's grocery needs.

For those who want to learn about the darker side of Ossining, there is the Sing-Sing Museum located in the Caputo Community Center which talks of the infamous prison's history and has two actual cells displayed as well as some weaponry. It definitely makes for an interesting afternoon and a unique history lesson.

Ossining has an extensive Parks and Rec Department and a good summer day camp for children. There are several nice parks near the village including Louis B. Engel Waterfront Park which is adjacent to the train station parking lot. It has a beach, fishing areas, picnic tables, a playground and restrooms. Nelson Park has athletic courts but one must first obtain a permit. And lastly there is Snowden Avenue Park.

Ossining recently became home to a satellite branch of the highly regarded Westchester Community College.

Ossining is mostly safe with some pockets of crime. It is best to avoid certain areas by night and certainly use the buddy system when you can.

The Ossining Union Free School District is fairly good and the median SAT score is reported to be 1512. Ossining High School has made the list of the best 250 schools in the nation in the past.

Ossining is approximately 78% White, 12% Hispanic, 6% Asian and 3% Black.

The median household income is $70,468. The median home value is $295,464 and the median rental rate for an apartment is $1,253.00

The village population is approximately 24,010 people with the median age being 35 years of age.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A town that makes you want to linger on and on...and on..."

Tarrytown is one of my other favorite places in the county. It has an old-world charm and flavor unto its own and there is nothing else quite like it in the area. The name alone implies a slowing down of pace, even though there is nothing backwater about this town. It is rich in history, has a smattering of unique shops, high falutin eateries and quality quick-fix places alike, arts and entertainment, ethnic diversity and, best of all, breathtaking views of the mighty Hudson River. Housing ranges from lovely single-family homes in the center of town to condo's, co-ops and apartmental rentals. There is a size and style to suit most everyone and it is somewhat more affordable than many of its affluent neighbors. And that is a coup considering all that it has to offer!

There are a ton of great restaurants peppering the Main Street of Tarrytown including an excellent store-front Chinese eatery, the intimate and classy Chiboust Bistro, Bakery and Wine Bar with its French-Mediterranean inspired cuisine, award-winning desserts and creative cocktails, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, the regionally acclaimed Sol Mar, Isabella Bistro and Brick Oven Pizza, the family-friendly Sweet Grass Grill with its seasonal offerings and bar made of a fallen oak tree, J.P, Doyles and the beloved Lefteris Gyro, a Greek restaurant that has outstanding authentic fare and people spilling out the door and onto the streets to prove it. If you want to sip a cocktail while watching the sun set over the Hudson, be sure to check out Sunset Cove and Striped Bass.

Coffee Labs Roasters is a popular coffee shop with an outstanding coffee bean menu and a devotion to sustainability. They are quite artful, too, with the pictures they draw in your foam.

On that same main street and its satellites, you can find a small treasure trove of unique retail finds including funky consignment shops, an attic filled with eccentric and one-of-a-kind jewelry, an interesting toy store and a whimsical gift shop. There is also the very cool Flying Fingers Yarn Shop, selling some of the best world wools,

For your grocery wants and needs there is a C-TOWN, a Super Stop & Shop and a 7-Eleven.

And then there is one of the ultimate treasures of Westchester, the 843-seat historic Tarrytown Music Hall which prides itself on a stellar year-round roster of Broadway-style shows, family-friendly productions, outstanding classical films and a breadth of world-renowned acts including Bonnie Raitt, Joan Osborne, Ani Difranco, Lea Salonga and Louie Anderson. The Music Hall was voted the “Best Music Venue” and “Best Kids Theatre” by readers of the acclaimed Westchester Magazine.

There are a lot of wonderful historical sites to visit in the area including Sunnyside, the famed writer, Washington Irving’s, home. It is a glorious place with beautifully groomed grounds and gardens by the water. Tours are given by guides in period costumes and the experience is both enchanting and educational.

Lyndhurst is an exquisite Gothic Revival mansion with a 67-acre park that has had some famous residents including former NYC mayor William Paulding, George Meritt and railway tycoon, Jay Gould. You can tour the magnificent mansion with its stunning stained glass and fine art works as well as the beautiful rose gardens.

Kykuit, a six-story stone home on a hilltop, is the former residence of generations of Rockefellers, starting with John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil. Tours take guest through the main rooms of the six-story stone house and then on to the expansive and gorgeous,terraced gardens containing Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller's exceptional collection of 20th-century sculpture. There is even one by Picasso!

Philipsburg Manor is another fascinating family-friendly area attraction. This 300-year old seventeenth century manor offers tours by well-learned guides all clad in period costumes. At the farm, you can visit with sheep, cows, chickens and oxen, view a working gristmill, and work with wheat in the Dutch barn. In the house itself, there are many interesting artifacts for visitors’ viewing and learning pleasure. Engaging stories are told about the slave trade and the resistance during colonial times.

The Rockefeller State Park Preserve in nearby Sleepy Hollow is an absolutely idyllic spot for mild hiking, jogging, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and licensed fishing. It is also a National Audubon Society recognized site for birding with over 180 different species! There are unique scenic old carriage roads that wind languidly through wetlands, woodlands, meadows, fields lakes, rivers and streams. One of those carriage roads passes by the remains of Rockwood Hall, once the 220 room home of William Rockefeller, a spot with breathtaking Hudson Views. They also have a visitor’s center and a gallery with rotating exhibitions. You can easily spend several days exploring all this treasure of a park has to offer

Tarrytown also have an award-winning family-friendly YMCA as well as the acclaimed Warner Library with top notch programming and events including the Friends of the Library Concert Series, book fairs, blood drives, visiting authors, a chess club, cooking demos and parties, gardening classes and tax help.

The commute to NYC is anywhere betweent 41-55 minutes from the Tarrytown train station.

The public schools of the Tarrytowns are fairly decent.

Tarrytown is relatively safe with some crime although it's not high.

The median household income is $87,294. The median home value is $408,135 and median rental rate $1492.00.

Tarrytown is 63.2% White, 20% Hispanic, 8% Asian and 6.7% Black,

The population of Tarrytown is approximately 11,277 with the median age being 37.
Pros
  • Tarrytown Music Hall
  • Waterfront Dining
  • Great community events
  • Historic sites
  • Lots of nature
  • easy to get to places
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Priceless nature with more modest price tags"

Cross River is a small hamlet within the greater town of Lewisboro, NY. It is brimming with rural ambience and is mostly a middle to upper middle class sanctuary filled with lovely modest to larger scale homes of varying architectures as well as some townhomes. It is relatively more affordable though by no means cheap. Although there is no actualy downtown center or shopping, there are options in nearby towns or in neighboring Danbury, CT across the border.

Cross River has a handful of local eateries including Cameron's Deli, La Famiglia, Treat Frozen Yogurt, Haiku Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar with is fantastic fusion fare including the luscious Pad Thai dish and Bacio Trattoria known for its family-friendly atmosphere and self-proclaimed status as "Gourmet of Northern Westchester's Mediterannean Cuisine." In nearby South Salem, you will find the well-appointed Le Chateau with its fine french plates as well as the Horse and Hound Inn, Nino's Restaurant and Panda Garden. Grocery lists can be checked off at the A & P supermarket in nearby Goldens Bridge.

Cross River Shopping Center houses a few of the above eateries as well as the Cross River Pharmacy, a wine shoppe, a dry cleaners and a hardware store. For more extensive needs, it would be wise to head either east or west to the Jefferson Valley Mall in Yortkown Heights or the Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury CT.

Cross River is fortune to be in short distance to the wonderful Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, a 4,700-acre park with trails, a Trailside Museum and campgrounds. The Lewsiboro Town Park in parent town of Lewsiboro has a lovely community pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, playing fields and when permitted, even ice-skating. Onatru Farm has great tennis facilites, playing fields and walking trails. Mountain Lakes Camp has pretty ponds for reflection and some decent walking trails. There is also Bronwell Preserve which has 118 acres of forests and a two miles stretch of trail with a beautiful overlook of Lake Katonah.

Cross River is part of the fine Lewisboro-Katonah School District. The median SAT score for John Jay High School is 1702.

Cross River is pretty safe with a low crime rate.

The median household income is $157,412. The median home value is $ 438,000.

The population of Cross River is approximately 1,300 and it is predominantly white at 90%. The median age is 43.
Pros
  • Great parks
  • Peace and Quiet
  • great camping spots
  • great schools
Cons
  • must own a car
  • no night life
  • can get pretty quiet
  • no real shopping
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Pleasant, it is..."

Mount Pleasant is a 32.7 square mile town that encompasses the hamlets and villages of Hawthorne, Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, Thornwood, and Valhalla, each of which have their own unique offerings. Mount Pleasant is a lovely family-friendly area with some ethinic diversity, pretty good schools and a good deal of shopping and entertainment options. The area is a mixed bag of larger more upscale homes, stunning old Victorians, Tudors, Colonicals, more modest single-family homes, condos and apartment rentals. There is a little something for everyone in this area and it is hard to get bored.

Hawthorne has a huge mulitplex showing all the big blockbuster hits. Before or after your movie, you can head on over to the Executive Diner, Applebees, Wendy's or even Gasho of Japan, a very cool long-standing Hibachi house that has a beautiful strolling garden out back replete with a bridge and large bulbous koi fish. Pleasantville will charm you with its fairy tale Victorian houses set on quiet and quaint tree-lined streets that jut out from the artsy, laid back center of town. The town is rightfully proud of the Jacob Burns Film Center and Media Lab, which shows the best of the best artistic and independent films and often holds special events with celebs and interesting Q&A sessions with acclaimed writers, directors, actors and producers. Sleepy Hollow is a charming hamlet with spectacular Hudson River views and tons of explorable historical sites. Must-visits are the Old Dutch Church, the original Sleepy Hollow cemetery and Philipsburg Manor, a 300 year old manor where families can visit with oxen, view a working gristmill or work wheat in their old Dutch barn. Thornwood has a great night spot, Lucy's Lounge, where one can get their groove on listening to the best live local music around. Valhalla is home to the Kensico Dam and plaza with its large grassy field where concerts are held in the summer. Families come and spread out their picnic blankets and enjoy a festive night of music under the stars. In the daytime, you will see many people spinning their rollerblading wheels around the perimeter of the field. They even have a nice memorial to September 11th. For a nosh in Valhalla, check out Valhalla Crossing Restaurant in the local train station and dine in a caboose!

Mount Pleasant has a community pool as well as the wonderful Grahams Hills Park, a beautiful 431-acre park with five miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and Caroll Park which has a baseball field, fishing, ice skating, picnic areas and a playground.

For peace of mind, there are three well known excellent medical facilities in the area, Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center in Sleepy Hollow and Blythedale Children's Hospital in Mount Pleasant.

The Mount Pleasant School District is quite good. The average SAT score is 1606 and it is reported that 100% of its high school students do go on to attend college.

Mount Pleasant is fairly safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median income is roughly $96,403 and the median home value is around $647,000.

Mount Pleasant is 78% White, 7.5% Hispanic, 5.5% Asian and 2.5% Black.

The population is approximately 43,724 and the median age is 35.
Pros
  • community pool
  • good restaurants and entertainment options
  • excellent medical facilites
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"A heightened hamlet"

Yorktown Heights is a popular and well-populated hamlet withing the town of Yorktown. It is a congenial, family-friendly place where people tend to know each other and wave or stop to say hello on the streets. There is a community feel unlike some other Westchester County hamlets which can feel a little more cliquey and isolating. The area has a somewhat more wallet-friendly hodegpodge of housing including medium to large scale, homes, modest condos and apartment rentals, some of which offer affordable housing options.

There are some fairly good restaurants in the area including the requisite Starbucks albeit this one has a nice outdoor patio perfect for people watching, Thyme Restaurant, Peter Pratts Inn, Finnegan's Grill, Mimi's Cafe, Gaudio's Restaurant, Murphy's, The Piatto Grill and Taco Bell and Friendlys.

There is some shopping in town including the Triangle Shopping Center with an A&P, TJ Maxx, Mrs. Green's Natural Market, Panera Bread, Radio Shack, Carvel, and Bank of America. There is also a Kmart in the Yorktown Green Shopping Center and There is also a Turco's Super Ranch in town which has very fresh meat and produce. For more extensive shopping, one can make the short drive to the Jefferson Valley Mall and surrounds.

The Yorktown Community and Cultural Center aka YCCC provides educational and arts-related programs in addition to its wonderful daily nutrition programs for its senior residents. The center is where the terrific community theatre, the Yorktown Stage, is located.

Yorktown Heights is also a place that begs for one to be outdoors with its many bike paths, walking trails and lovely area parks. Turkey Mountain is a swooping 831 feet above sea level and affords hikers breathtaking views from its summit including farmlands, the Croton Reservoir, the Hudson River and on a good day, the far away skyline of New York City. It is a wonderful way to commune with nature and put life in perspective. FDR State Park is also nearby and is brimming with family-friendly resources including a lake, a pond, fishing, row boat rentals, picnic areas with volleyball nets, multiple playing fields, basketball courts, a golf course, a playground, two concession stands and a mammoth swimming pool that is twice the size of an Olympic regulation sized pool. It is a great way to pass a full day with family and friends. And with a short drive West to Somers and you will find the incomparable Muscoot Farm, a family-friendly favorite which offers tours of the farm, hayrides, varied special events and programs and has a good seven miles of walking trails that run through fields, forest and even wetlands.

Yorktown Heights is quite safe with little crime.

The Yorktown Central School District is very good and the average SAT score of its high school students is 1633.

The median household income is roughly $88,648. The median home value is around $386,894 and the median rental rate is about $1,300.

Yorktown Heights is roughly 82% White, 9.5% Hispanic, 5% Asian and 3% Black.

The population is approximately 1,781 and the median age is 40. .
Pros
  • Beautiful Scenery
  • Shopping in town
  • Friendly Neighbors
  • Great recreational activities
  • Incredibly family-friendly
Cons
  • Not much of a nightlife
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Westchester goodness in big city range"

Pelham is actually the oldest town in Westchester County with its history dating back to 1654. And the town retains that old-world charm and sensibility. Parts of it, like Pelham Manor, have mega million estates and a sense of closed circle snootiness, but much of the rest of Pelham feels like a warm and friendly mixed collar area that is welcoming to people of all walks of life and does have a combination of lovely single-family homes of varying sizes as well as some rental opportunities. And it is only a short 28 minute train ride to the Big Apple.

The Pelham Manor Shopping Center is a popular shopping destination featuring retail giants like BJ’s wholesale warehouse, PetSmart, Michaels, and Sleepy’s. The fifth Avenue shopping district has the beloved Accents on Antiques, a huge and very cool consignment shop with proceeds going to the Sound Shore Medical Center. There you will also find the awesome and innovative Pelham Pet Shop which champions and sells holistic and quality products for small animals. Fairway Food Market opened a large colorful store there in 2010 much to the delight of Westchesterites who were just waiting for it to come to this area. It has a picture-worthy produce section, outstanding seafood, a glorious coffee bean area, fresh olive oils for the tasting, wonderful baked goods and a terrific cafe with a hot buffet and ample seating.

There are some nice restaurants in the area including the family-and-date-night friendly Edo’s Japanese Restaurant, considered by many to be the best hibachi-style restaurant in the county, Bistro Rollin, Cafe Regatta Oyster Bar & Grill, La Fontenella, Villa Nova E., Rockwells American Restaurant and Villagio Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Pelham's piece de resistance is the historical 90-year old Pelham Picture House, a not for profit jewel that hosts the best of the best artistic and indie flicks as well as special evenings with world-acclaimed directors, actors and writers. They also offer a heady educational program for adults and young adults alike featuring a movie-making camp in addition to stellar acting and screenwriting classes for adults.

Pelham is a short drive from Mount Vernon's wonderful Wilson’s Woods which is a very old county park that has a large wave pool, water slides, picnic areas and even fishing.

Pelham students fall under the Pelham Union Free School District which is considered to be one of the finest school systems in the county with a reported 94% of Pelham Memorial High School graduates going on to attend college.

Pelham is relatively safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

The median household income is about $92,000, the median home value is about $504,000 and the median rental rate is $1,550.00

Pelham is approximately 70% White, 12% Hispanic, 6% Asian and 9% Black,

The population of Pelham is approximately 12,400 with the median age being 38 years.
Pros
  • Good shopping
  • Fairway Market
  • Amazing old-school movie theater
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Charming, rustic and pridefully well-maintained"

Briarcliff Manor is a hamlet in the town of Ossining which is primarily a rustic and pridefully well-maintained residential area with gorgeous homes, some worth well into the millions, some slighly more modest, modern condos and a few rental apartments every now and again. Mostly, it is big money, but luckily, it doesn't exude the same uptight and stuffy pretention of some other places in Westchester County. There is a cheerful charm to the area with its brick sidewalks, old-fashioned light posts and adorable tree-lined commerical district.

And speaking of, the village does have some great gift shops, a consignmentt store, several women's fashion boutiques, , a home accessory and furniture store, a couple of galleries, a frame shop, a laundoromat, a Dress Barn, a jewelers, an optician A Radio Shack, a tailors, a toy shop and a few nice florists. For more extensive needs, White Plains is only an easy twenty minute drive away.

There are quite a few excellent restuarants in the area including the family-owned Orfino's Italina Restaurant which is cheerful by day and romantic by night, Amalfi with their famous Osso Bucco, The Tuscan Grille, a wonderful family-friendly eatery, Flames Steak House and Grill and Italian Cuisine whic has been hailed by critics, The Briar's Restaurant with its handsome wooden interior and fireplace, Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant with its big portions and tasty Margaritas and The Patio, a restaurant in the center of town that was once the town hall and firehouse in 1914. It serves big portions of breakfast, lunch and dinner at affordable prices and even has an old-fashiioned ice cream parlor with outdoor benches, perfect for lapping at dessert under the summer stars.

The village also has a well-developed parks and recreation department, ten tennis courts, two paddle tennis courts and a nice pool usable for a fee. The area is also privvy to two attractive golf courses, Sleepy Hollow and Trump National. While it doesn't have a train station (the neartest one is in the Scarbourough section of Ossining, the manor is easily accessible via many routes and highways including Route 9A, Route 100, Saw Mill River Parkway and Taconic State Parkway.

The Briarcliff Manor School District ias considered top-notch. The middle school won a blue ribbon for its academic excellence and the mean SAT score for its high school students is 1806 with a reported and impressive 100% of its graduates going on to attend college.

Briarcilff is very safe and the crime rate is low.

The median household income is about $133,272. The median home value is around $652,558 and the median rental rate, when rentals are available, is roughly $1,860.00 .

Briarcliff is approximately 83% White, 5.3% Hispanic, 7% Asian and 3% Black.

The population is 7,867 and the median age is 40.
Pros
  • Some really nice restaurants
  • Good parks and rec department
  • Excellent School System
  • Great Pool
  • Incredible views
  • Interesting history
Cons
  • No Nightlife
  • High taxes
  • Can feel insular
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Quiet rusticness"

Baldwin Place is a small section of Somers with great natural beauty and quietude and a small amount of decent amenties.

As far as restaurants go, Baldwin Place itself has Chilli's Bar and Grill on Route 6, New Bon Buffet with very fresh buffet fare, Peppin's Pizza, Subway, a bagel place and P.J.'s Restaurant. There is also a nice Home Goods in the area as well as a Grand Central Market for very basic grocery needs like cold cuts. The market also serves soups, salads and pizza and does have a catering service. The town does have a Super Stop and Shop in the Somers Commons Shopping Center. That particular shopping center also houses a New York Sports Club, a dollar store, a Radio Shack, a card store adn a Learning Center. For other options, one needs to drive up to Mahopac or to Yorktown Heights where the Jefferson Valley Mall is located.

Baldwin Place may not have an abundance of modern ameneties, but it is rustic and close to amazing natural resources including Muscoot Farm Park, Lasdon Park, Veterans Memorial and Arboretum, Angle Fly Preserve and Reis Park all offering wonderful hiking trails and varied recreational family-friendly activities.

Baldwin Place is pretty safe and the crime rate is low.

The ethnic make-up of greater Somers is 89% White, 5% Hispanic, 3% Asian and 1.5% African American.

The population of greater Somers is 20, 224 and the median age is 45.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Lincolndale put on the map for its outstanding golf course."

Lincolndale is a 1.4 square mile hamlet located within the town of Somers. The area is filled with natural beauty and offers abundant peace and quiet. It is a little more affordable than other parts of Somers, but by no means is it cheap. Lincolndale doesn't have a whole lot of amenities but it does have Sunshine Restaurant near the Post Office.

In greater Somers, there are more restaurant selections including Luce Seafood and Pasta House, Il Forno Trattoria Brick Oven Pizza, Tazza Cafe Coffee and Espresso Bar, the Firehouse Deli, Imperial Wok, the slightly more upscale Seasons American Bistro and Lounge and King Kone.

For your shopping needs, you will want to head on over to Somerstown Shopping Center which has a CVS, several banks, a few eateries, a nail salaon, a dry cleaners and a Verizon store. There is also the Bladwin Place Shopping Center/Somers Commoms in Baldwin Place which has a Stop & Shop, a New York Sports Club, a Chilis, a Home Goods, a Q's Garden, a dollar store, a Radio Shack, a card store and a learning center. You can also take a short drive east to Yorktown Heights and visit the Jefferson Valley Mall.

Lincolndale is home to the Ridgewood Golf Club, touted at the "16th best in New York State," by Golf Digest. Reis Park has playing fields, playgrounds basketball and tennis courts and walking trails. Lasden Park, Veterans Memorial and Arboretum is also close by and this 234 acre expanse harbors woodlands, meadows and gorgeous manicured formal gardens. Weddings often take place there. It also contains a few memorials as well as a museum honoring war veterans. And then there is the magnificent Angle Fly Preserve nestled between Reis Park and the Arboretum. It is a wonderful 654 acre affair which offers hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and is really good for bird-watching. There are quite a few trails for the enthusiastic hiker.

Lincolndale is part of the Somers Central School District which is considered very good. The median SAT score of its high school students is 1669.

Lincolndale is quite safe and crime is relatively low.

The population of Lincolndale is approximately 1,521 and is predominantly white at 96%.
Pros
  • Part of a great school system
  • Golf course
  • Relatively affordable (for NY)
  • Strong sense of unity
Cons
  • No nightlife or entertainment
  • not good for low income
  • Very few choices for eating out or shopping
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"A community unto its own"

West Harrison is actually a community/neighborhood just south of the ritzy hamlet of Purchase in the town/village of Harrison. Merritts Hill in West Harrison was the site of the important Battle of White Plains during the American Revolutionary War. West Harrison is somewhat isolated due to the fact that it is surrounded by two steep hills, a cliff, a lake and Interstate 287. There is only one actual road that leads into West Harrison and that is Lake Street. On the left side of the street is the ever-popular Silver Lake Park which has well-used playing fields where lively little league games are played with plenty of spirted sports lovers and vocal parents. It is actually a wonderfully wholesome atmosphere. Across the street from that very park, is a very small business district where you will find 97 Lake, a cheerful sports cafe and restaurant replete with wide screen tv's, a full bar and delcious sweet potato fries. Also on that strip is Silver Lake Deli and Pizzeria and nearby you will find Trevi Ristorante with its delcious brick oven pizza and a Salumeria. Harrison is also home to Veterans Memorial Park with athletic fields, picnic pavillions and playgrounds. Delfino Park, which is technically located in White Plains, is just two minutes away, and I spent a lot of tiime there in my youth at the wonderful, now covered, Ebersole Ice Rank. The park also has a wall to practice tennis, picnic tables, grills, softball fields and tennis courts.

Another great West Harrison resource is the Leo Mintzer Community Center with has a nice gym, a game room with table tennis, foos ball, billiards and air hocket, as well as a TV room with cable, a Playstation and a wii system. Participation in any of the center's activities are open to Harrison residents who hold a valid park and rec. id card.

West Harrison is quite safe and the crime rate is very low. People tend to look out for one another in this community and it is pretty tight-knit and family-friendly. There is a definite sense of community and neighborliness.
Pros
  • Decent shopping in the actual town of Harrison
  • Community pool
  • Some good restaurants in town
Cons
  • Can feel too quiet, at times
  • Only one road leads there
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Arts, culture, good food and a body of water. What more could one ask for?"

The 6.7 square mile village of Mamaroneck was founded in 1661 and is said to be one of Westchester County's oldest settlements. The actual village is located parially in the town of Mamaroneck and partially in the town of Rye. In fact, the area closest to Rye is sometimes called Rye Neck.

The village has a wonderful folksy vibe even in spite of its wealth and ocassional upscale boutiques. It is truly a pleasant place to saunter around on a summer's night with an ice cream cone or cup of gelato in hand or sit on the outside patio of the eclectic Euro-chic Mozart Cafe and people-watch. Mozart Cafe has a nice selection of fresh gourmet sandwiches, entrees like Steak Frites, fine coffee selections and an assorted array of delectable baked goods. Not to mention occasional live music nights. But Mozart doesn't stand alone on the thoroughfare of Mamaroneck Ave. There are other equally notable eateries including Haiku Asian Bistro with its fantastic rendition of Pad Thai, Piri-Q, with is outstanding bbq chicken dish and lip-smacking sauce, Enzo's for authentic Italian fare and Le Provencal Bistro wonderful mussels and frites, to name but a small slew.

Mamaroneck Village has a wonderful weekly farmer's market, frequent parades, and then of course the gem at the end of Mamaroneck Ave, the incomparable Harbor Island Park and Marina, with its boat slips, playground, playing fields, concession stands, swing chairs, state of the art tennis center which offers lessons, yearly two-day long Harbor Fest, and a small beach overlooking Long Island Sound. It really can't be beat and for the small price of parking, it is a one of a kind treasure in southern Westchester County.

For those seeking a night life, there is the newcomer Molly Spillanes which has a bar and a festive atmosphere as well as the tried and true local watering hole, The Duck Inn, where you are sure to meet some interesting characters. The Emelin Theatre is right around the corner from the village center and offers top-notch programming featuring an acclaimed film series hosted by Marshall Fine, outstanding dance troupes like Ailey II, big name comedians and singers as well as children shows and quality plays. Next to the theatre is the recently renovated modern library which has a wonderful collection and a book store to boot. And in the center of town is an old-fashioned looking theatre which shows both blockbuster hits and Indies.

I love Mamaroneck, personally, and hope to get the chance to move there one day. It has soo many wonderful features going for itself. Not to mention a good police force, a relatively safe community, great schools, its own convenient train station and a welcoming vibe. It doesn't have the snootyness of other Westchester County towns which I very much appreciate.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Pretty Purdys"

Purdys is an idyllic little hamlet located in the greater town of North Salem in Westchester County, NY. Purdys is laden with rolling farmland, hills and dales, winding roads and forests and handsome colonials resting on ample parcels of land. There is not a whole lot going on in Purdy's itself, but that's the trade-off for the congestion-free tranquility one can revel in. In Purdy's, you will find Swan Deli and Grill, but if you want more diining and shopping options, you will have to go to its parent town, North Salem.

In North Salem, you will find Kingsley Deli & Pizzeria, 121 Restaurant, Vox, and the award-winning Irish joint, the Blazer Pub, known for its amazing burgers, outstanding chili and delectable tomato soup.

Shopping in North Salem includes BB Abode, a nice home decor/home furnishings boutique, Horse Tales which sells refined equestrian apparel and Second Time Around, a cool consignment shop which sells "gently used" clothes as well as saddles for the budding rider. North Salem Market is the local market to buy groceries in the area. North Salem also habors the fine Ruth Keeler Memorial Library and the post office.

For more diverse and extensive shopping options, your best bet would be a a pretty drive across the border into Connecticut to the Danbury Fair Mall with its bonanza of retail stores, or to the Somerstown Shopping Center in nearby Somers.

Purdy's hamlet is in close range to some splending parks. One of them happens to be Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, a 1,082 acre expanse that offers hiking, camping, fishing, ice skating, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, picnic areas, row boat rentals and even a cool low rope/high ropes challenge course! The park also harbors five lakes and a beautiful overlook. Joe Bohdrum Park has two tennis courts, two baseball fields, a soccer field, a basketball court, a playground and a nice picnic area.

The closest train station to Purdys is in nearby Croton Falls ,and the commute time to Grand Central Station is a soild one hour and fifteen minutes which makes it doable for the patient commuter or the weekend visitor who wants to partake in some NYC adventure.

Purdys is quite safe with not much crime.

The North Salem School District is top-notch and has been nationally recognized for its excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. The mean SAT score of North Salem High School students is 1673.

The mean household income is roughly $147,258. The median home value is $727,817.

The population of Purdys is approximately 583 and it is about 89% White, 7.5 % Hispanic, 2% Asian and 1% Black, with the median age being 41.
Pros
  • Peaceful and quiet
  • Pretty safe
  • Good parks
Cons
  • Can feel too quiet and isolated, at times
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Yorktown, a nice combo of country life and modern amenities."

Yorktown is an affordable and friendly town in Westchester County. It has a hodgepodge of housing including large scale estates, modest homes, townhouses, condos and apartment rentals which do include assisted living options. The town itself is very walkable with sidewalks and bike paths and you will often see people milling about on warm, sunny days making for a congenial, community atmosphere. Yorktown is surrounded by idyliic landscape and makes for pretty country living with modern amenities still close at hand. It is definitely the best of both worlds.

Grocery shopping in town includes Turco's in the Turco's Shopping Center and A & P in the Triangle Shopping Center. The Triangle Shopping Center also houses a T.J. Maxx, Greens Nature Market, a CURVES for women, a hair cutters, and a My Gym. In and around town also exists a Build-a-Bear Workshop, a jewelers, a Gap Kids and Gap Baby, an appliance store, a cool consignment shop and a gift shop. There is also a K-mart in the Yorktown Green Shopping Center. Then, of course, there is the nearby Jefferson Valley Mall with Macy's, Sears and 90 other specialty shops.

Yorktown does have a decent restaurant selection with something to suit everyone's taste. There is the requisite Starbucks replete with a lovely outdoor pation, Peter Pratt's Inn, Edwin's Gourmet Deli, Gaudio's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, Matilde's International Restaurant, Tommaso's Bistro Italiano, Okinawa, Friendly's and Panera Bread.

The Yorktown Community and Cultural Center is a wonderful facility that prides itself on its varied educational, arts-based and fitness programs as well as a nutrition advisement center for seniors. The center is home to the fantabulous Yorktown Stage, which shows big blustery Broadway musicals and often offers special dinner packages with local food eateries. It makes for a fun and light-hearted night on the town.

For outdoors enthusiasts, there are several wonderful parks. Turkey Mountain is 831 feet above sea level and makes for lovely hiking with a breathtaking panaromic view of Croton Reservoir, the green iron bridge, the majestic Hudson River, and on a good day, at the far horizon, a glimpse of the New York City skyline. FDR State Park is also nearby and is brimming with family-friendly resources including a lake, a pond, fishing, row boat rentals, picnic areas with volleyball nets, multiple playing fields, basketball courts, a golf course, a playground, two concession stands and a mammoth swimming pool that is twice the size of an Olympic regulation sized pool! It is a great way to pass a full day with family and friends and make some joyous ever-lasting memories.

Another Yorktown treasure is Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center which is a regional education center that has programs on sustainable food production and even teaches courses on small scale suburban and urban farming for kids and adults alike!

The nearest train station to Yorktown lies in Croton-Harmon, Mount Kisco and Chappaqua and the commute to NYC takes a good one hour and fifteen minutes.

Yorktown is relatively safe with some crime but not an overwhelming amount.

The Yorktown Central School District is considered very good. The median SAT score of its high school students is 1633.

The median houshold income is about $88,648. The median home value is about $386,894 and the median rental rate is around $1,300.

The population of Yorktown is approximately 36,081 and is roughly 82% White, 9.5% Hispanic, 5% Asian and 3% Black. The median age is 40.
Pros
  • family friendly
  • IBM Watson Research Center
  • North County Trail access
  • pet friendly
  • Schools
Cons
  • long wait for low income housing
  • near Indian Point
  • no real night life
  • not too much diversity
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Fall for the beauty of Croton Falls."

Croton Falls is a quiet and picturesque hamlet within the greater town of North Salem. The falls are composed of winding roads, large estates, Dutch Colonials, some modern homes, bountiful acreage and idyliic farmland. Folks love their horses around here and there are equestrian goods sold in shops as well as horse murals on local restaurant walls to prove it. This is as close to true country living as you can get in Westchester County.

In Croton Falls itself there is the modern and sophisticated Primavera Restaurant & Bar lodged in a beautiful white home that just about glows at night. The menu is filled with authentic Italian food delights and an ample wine list. In parent town of North Salem, you will find the Kingsley Deli & Pizzeria which has terrific pizza and some pretty good homestyle cooking, 121 Restaurant & Bar with its emphasis on regional and organic fare, the amazing Vox restaurant which has received NY Times accolades and The Blazer Pub, a forty year old Irish instutition that was voted as having the best burger in 2007 by renowned Zagat and is also a Westchester Magazine award winner for its outstanding chili.

In North Salem proper, there are a few stores including BB Abode, a home décor and home furnishings boutique housed in Union Hall, Horse Tales with its equestrian apparel, and Second Time Around, a consignment shopp with “gently used” clothing and saddles. North Salem Market is the local place to buy groceries. North Salem also has the post office and the wonderful Ruth Keeler Memorial Library. For more advanced shopping, many people cross the border and go to the Danbury Fair Mall in CT or make the trek to White Plains for upscale shopping at the fancy Westchester Mall.

There are two noteworthy parks in the area: Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, a sprawling 1,082 acre park which boasts camping, hiking, fishing, ice skating, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, picnicking, rowboat rentals and even a high/low ropes challenge course. The park has five lakes in all, as well as an overlook to behold sumptous scenery while hiking. Joe Bohrdrum Park has two tennis courts, a soccer field,two baseball fields, a basketball court, a playground and a picnic area. There is also the family-friendly Outhouse Orchards with barnyard animals and chicken coops, apple and pumpkln picking, pony rides and a country store that sells pies and jams and delicious fresh donuts.

Croton Falls has a Metro North Train Station and the commute time to NYC is about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Croton Falls is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The North Salem School District is excellent and has been nationally recognized as being such by the Department of Ed. The mean sat score of NS MSHS students is 1673.

The average household income is around $147,258 and the median home value is roughly $727,817

Croton Falls is predominantly White at 88%.

The population of greater North Salem is approximately 5,104 with the median age being 41.
Pros
  • Charming countryside
  • A handful of quality eateries
Cons
  • Can feel quiet and isolated at times
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Gentile and Countrified Living"

North Salem is a town comprised of the hamlets of Purdy’s, Croton Falls and North Salem. The area is filled with stunning estates and handsome Colonials on ample acres. This is true rural living at its best, replete with winding roads, forests, lakes and sprawling farms with regal horses and well dressed equestrians cutting a picture perfect country scene. But it does come at a steep price. There is definitely great wealth here and it does have a feeling of highly elite living. This is actually the home town of David Letterman, amongst other rich and famous celebs.

There is very little shopping in North Salem itself though there are a few cool places such as BB Abode, a home decor boutique housed in Union Hall, Horse Tales with its equestrian apparel and Second Time Around, a great consignment shop with "gently used" clothing and saddles. North Salem Market is the local place to buy groceries. The town also has a post office and the terrific Ruth Keeler Memorial Library. For additional shopping options, many folks cross the border into CT and go to the Danbury Fair Mall or even head into White Plains with its endless retail stores and fancy mall, The Westchester.

There are a fair amount of good restaurant choices in North Salem including Kingsley Deli & Pizzeria which has good pizza and some pretty good homestyle cooking, 121 Restuarant, the amazing Vox restaurant which has received NY Times praise and The Blazer Pub which has been around for a good forty years and was voted as having the best burger in 2007 by Zagat and is also a Westchester Magazine award winner for its chili.

There are two worthwhile parks in North Salem. One is Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, a 1,082 acre affair with camping, fishing, ice skating, hiking trails, snow-shoeing, cross country skiing, picnic areas, row boat rentals and even a high/low rops challenge course. The park contains five lakes and sports a gorgeous overlook for the viewing enjoyment of hikers. Joe Bohdrum Park has two tennis courts, a soccer field, baseball fields, a basketball cout, a playground and a picnic area.

The closest train station is in nearby Croton Falls and the commute time to Grand Central Station is about an hour and fifteen minutes which is definitely still doable for a day long excursion to Manhattan.

The North Salem School District is excellent and has been nationally recognized as being such by the Department of Education. The median SAT score for North Salem Middle School High School Students is 1673.

The median household income is about $147, 258 and the median home value is around $727, 817.

North Salem is approximately 88% White, 7.5% Hispanic, 2% Asian and 1% Black.

The population is roughly 5,104 with the median age being 41.
Pros
  • Nice parks
  • Horseback riding
  • scenic country roads
  • very peaceful
Cons
  • no night life except pubs and bars
  • no public transportation
  • not much shopping
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Remote country charm with abundant natural beauty"

Lewisboro is a town in Westchester County comprised of the pretty little hamlets of Cross River, Golden's Bridge, South Salem and Waccabuc. It is chock full of hills and dales and winding roads and has an idylic country get away from it all charm that is appealing to nature lovers and those wishing to seek a more simple, noise-free existence. Another plus is its relative affordability, at least in comparison to many other wildly expensive county towns. But it is still, by no means, cheap.

In its hamlets you will find a wide range of cuisines to suit everyone's taste or craving. In South Salem, you will discover the wonderful Le Chateau, One Twenty Three, The Horse and Hound Inn, Nino's Restaurant and Panda Garden. In Cross RIver, you can choose from Bacio Trattoria, Haiku Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, Cameron's Deli, Bagel Boy's Cafe and Treat Frozen Yogurt.

There is no real downtown area in Lewisboro, which some may find unappealing, but really, a short drive (thus you really should own a vehicle of some sort) will get you to proper shopping and services in mamy different directions. A lot of folks take the short trek to nearby Danbury, CT to the well endowed Danbury Fair Mall and surrounds. One can run to the A & P in Golden's Bridge to fulfill any and all grocery shopping lists.

But what Lewisboro may lack in commericalism, it more than makes up for with its gorgeous abundance of natural resources. This is a nature lover's and fitness guru's paradise with parks a-plenty. The Lewisboro Town Park has a nice community pool, tennis courts, playing fields, basketball courts, and when permitted, even ice-skating. The Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a lovely 4,700 acre park with a Trailside Museum, trails, and camp grounds. Onatru Farm has top-notch tennis facilities, playing fields and walking trails. Mountain Lakes Camp has pretty ponds and walking trails. And finally, Bronwell Preserve has 118 acres of forests as well as a two-mile trail with a pretty overlook of Lake Katonah. Lewisboro is actually home to seven lovely lakes in total!

The Lewisboro-Katonah School District is considered to be fantastic. The median SAT score of John Jay High School students is 1702.

The median household income is about $157,412. The median home value is roughly $600, 000 and the median rental rate is around $1,200. .

Lewisboro is approximately 90% White, 4.5% Hispanic, 2.5 % Asian and 1% African American.

The population of Lewisboro is 12,411 with a median age of 38. .
Pros
  • Great nearby restaurants
  • Caters to country-lovers
  • great parks and reservations
  • Great schools
  • Lovely location
Cons
  • not enough night life in some areas
  • Can feel remote
  • can get pricey depending on what you can afford
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A pretty penny of a village and town."

Harrison is both a town and a village of historical significance. An important Revolutionary War battle was staged there. Harrison Village. The area is definitely affluent and peppered with lovely homes of good size and well-manicured facades and land parcels.

Harrison is home to beautiful Silver Lake Park where many rip-roatrng little and adult league softball games are played. It makes for a family-friendly and fun communal atmosphere. Harrison is also home to Veteran’s Memorial Park, a nice community pool, as well as the well-developed Leo Mintzer Community Center which has a great gym, a game room with ping pong tables, foos ball, air hockey and billiards, a TV room with cable, a Playstation and a wii system. All one needs to participate in any these myriad activities is a valid town rec i.d.

In the summer months, Harrison hosts free "Movies in the Park" at West Harrison Park. Harrison also has a great public library which hold story times for tots, a "meet the artist" series, animal based therapy sessions for younguns, book talks and book signings, academic help, defensive driving and other assorted courses.

Halstead Avenue in Harrison is home to some decent shopping and quite a few good restaurants including Rues des Crepes, Dunkin Donuts, Land and Sea Restaurant, Trattoria Vivolo, Emilio’s Restaurant, Gus's Franklin Park Restaurant, Al Dente, Uncle Henry’s Bar and Grill, Re Aldo Restaurant and Pizza, Silver Spoon Cafe, Hajime Japanese Restaurant, Mamma Sofia's, and Halstead Avenue Bistro.

Harrison is quite safe and the crime rate in Harrison is very low.

Harrison has a decentl system with the median SAT score being 1600. It is reported that an impressive 98% of its high school graduates do go on to attend college.

The median household income is $106,749. The median household value is $661,125 and the median rental rate is $1,747.00

Harrison is 77% White, 12% Hispanic, 7.5% Asian and 2% African American.

The population of Harrison is 25,402 with the median age being 38.
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"CNN-voted best place to live."

Greenburgh is a fairly large, 36.2 square mile town in Westchester County that is comprised of the six villages of Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington and Tarrytown, and the unincorporated areas of Edgemont, Fairview and Hartsdale. Greenburgh was recently included on CNN Money's 100 best places to live, coming in at number 80. The honor is due, in part, to Greenburgh's purported "open government" which is apparently ahead of its time in comparison to many other regions in New York. And then there is soo much more.

Greenburgh has a fantastic, newly revamped modern library, a terffic nature center, an active community center with a pool, enriching arts and sports programs, a quality summer camp, pretty suburban streets with homes in varying price ranges and sizes, and more than enough food, shopping and entertainment options to go around.

In Elmsford, you will find a terrific multiplex showing all the latest and greatest blockbuster movies, as well as the Westchester Broadway Theatre which offers a tasty meal and a Broadway-caliber show for a fraction of the normal cost. Dobbs Ferry houses the main campus of Mercy College which offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate programs. Irvington, named after famed writer, Washington Irving, is brimming with explorable history. Sunnyside in Irvington is a glorious home with beautiful grounds and gardens right by the Hudson River. Tarrytown is also rich in history, has an adorable Main Street filled with quaint and unique shopping, delcious eats and most importantly, the incomprable Tarrytown Music Hall, a historical goldmine with an active roster of big name acts.

Greenburgh is also minutes away to the mini-metro hub of White Plains with its plethora of shopping,food and entertainment possibilities, and a mere 35-37 minutes away from Grand Central Station via an express train from the stations is Hartsdale, Scarsdale or White Plains. Greenburgh is also close to many highways and byways including the Saw Mill River Parkway, the Sprain Brook Parkway, the Bronx River Parkway and I-287.

The school system is quite spread out and is actually composed of Ardsley Union Free School District, Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District, Edgemont Union Free School District, Elmsford Union Free School District, Greenburgh Central School District #7, Hastings Union Free School District, Irvington Untion Free School District and the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.

Greenburgh has different degrees of safety, of course, contingent upon which area you live in, and it is best to contact each locat police department to find out individual statistics.

The median incomes if $100, 656. The median home price is roughly $600,000.

Greenburgh is definitely more ethnically diverse. It is approximately 54% White, 17.5% Black, 13.5% Hispanic and 12% Asian.

The population is about 42,863 with the median age being 42.
Pros
  • Lots of shopping in every direction
  • Movie theatre, Music Hall and Live Theatre
  • Diversity
  • Great new library
Cons
  • Parking can be a problem
  • Traffic in certain places
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Puttin' on the ritz..."

Armonk is a very wealthy and elite area in the town of New Castle, NY. It is a small community with a somewhat snobby closed circle feel and people really do dress, and almost everythingn else, to impress here. If you aren't up for the rigorous challenge of keeping up with the Joneses, then this area may not be for you. It is a residental area with large scale attractive homes and well manicured land. The IBM World Headquarters is actually located there.

Armonk is very close to the Westchester County Aiport which is a nice, relatively modern and user-friendly hub that files to many portions of the continental U.S. including Florida.

Nearby parks worth visiting are Herbert L. Nichols Preserve which has trails, a pond and many interesting shrubs and trees to admire, and Whipporwhill Ridge Park, a woodsy 167-acre expanse with a pond a few good hiking trails. Byrnwood Gold and Country Club and Whipporwill Country club are also in close range, no pun intended.

The commute to Manhattan is only 40 minutes and White Plains is only ten, fifteen minutes down the road. Shopping is plentiful in White Plains and since Armonk doesn't really have any retail stores, most people do make the sojourn there.

Armonk does have a small share of great local restaurants including the Beehive Restaurant which serves continental and classical cusine and has received quite a few accolades, the sophisticated New York'ish Moderne Barn which touts itself "urban country chic," Opus 465, Restaurant North with is creative farm fresh fare, Gavi Restaurant, David Chen Chinese Restaurant, Enzo's Antichi Sapori Restaurant and Route 22, a nostagic throwback to bygone days with whimsical decor and memorabilia.

Armonk is quite safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

The Byram Hills School District is considered very good. The average SAT score of its high school students is 1790. The school has a 99% graduation rate and 100% of its graduates do go on to attend college.

The median household income is approximately $150,000 and the median home value is $741,000. Taxes are lower in Armonk, however, at least when compared to the exorbinant rates in many other parts of the county.

The populuation of Armonk is 4,080 and is 89% predominantly white, 6% Asian, 5% Hispanic and 1% Black. The median age is 40.
Pros
  • Good Schools
  • Safe
  • Beautiful parks
  • Clean
  • Lower taxes
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • Neighborhood is uptight
  • People can be snobby
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Family-friendly and very quiet Yorktown haven."

Crompond is a small, family-friendly and mostly residential community located within the town of Yorktown, NY. Compared to some of its other Westchester County compatriots, it is definitely more affordable. But that still does't mean living there comes cheap.

Crompond is a pretty quiet area devoid of a town center and it can feel somewhat isolated, at times. Luckily, it is in close proximity to Yorktown which has the popular Jefferson Valley Mall. The JV Mall, as it is called, is home to Macy's and Sears as well as 90 other typical mall outlets and specialty stores. Also nearby is Mohegan Lake with its wealth of shops including a Wal-Mart, a Michael's, Old Navy, Game Stop, Payless, Dress Barn, Lane Bryant and a Barnes & Noble.

If you have a hankering to dine out, you can head on over to Cortlandt Manor where you will find the New City Diner, Little Sorrento's Restaurant, Grandma's Restaurant and Ernesto's Grill. In nearby Yorktown Heights, you can grab a nosh at Gaudio's Italian Family Restaurant, Piatto Grill or Thyme Restaurant.

The Yorktown Central School system is considered excellent and even one of its elementary schools, Lincoln Titus Elementary, has received national acclaim. The median SAT score of its Yorktown High School students is 1633.

For outdoor recreation, there is the nearby Mohanisc Golf Course in Yorktown Heights and the beautiful 1,538 acre Blue Mountain Reservation Park in Cortlandt Manor which offers walking and mountain biking trails and the Sprtsman Center which has rifle shooting ranges.

Crompond is a relatively safe community with little crime.

The median income in Crompond is $88,408.

The population is approximately 2,300 and it is predominantly white.
Pros
  • Well ranked school system
  • Has access to Yorktown's amenities
  • Lots to do throughout Yorktown
Cons
  • Can seem too quiet at times.
  • Lacks a town center
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A neighbor of Scarsdale with great prestige, less 'snootiness' and super schools."

Edgemont is a small, intimate and prestigious residential area in the town of Greenburgh that is filled with attractive Colonial and Tudor-style homes on winding, tree-lined streets. Although it falls under the Greenburgh jurisdiction, many people confuse it as being a part of Scarsdale; partially because of the similiarty of features, but mostly because it sits right next to Scarsdale. In fact, many residents of Edgemont affectionately call their stomping grounds, "Scarsdale Light." Why "light"? Well, they believe that the general attitude in Edgemont is less stuffy and snooty and a little more laid-back and down to earth than that of its well-known neighbor. Also, houses, while by no means cheap (or even affordable for that matter) are not quite as steep as Scarsdale.

Edgemont itself doesn't have shopping, but is literally a hop and a skip away from Scarsdale Village with its quaint medley of boutiques, shoppes and restaurants and almost equally close (a three minute trip down a steep hill) to the Midway Shopping Center on the popular and bustling Central Ave. retail strip. The Ridgeway Shopping Center habors Annie Sez, CVS, Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, Red Lobster, a Tae Kwan Do center, a Panera Bread, a Pizza Hut, a learning center, several banks, JoAnne's Fabrics and a terrific discount center called Amazing Savings which has a little bit of everything to meet everyones needs. Also in that center is a wonderful, relatively new and large ShopRite supermarket which has a couple of buffet stations and a small cafe.

Nearby is also the Greenburgh Nature Center, also located on Cenral Ave., which is a 33-acre nature preserve with pretty walking trails, a pond and lovely gardens, including one for butterfies! They have outdoor animal displays with prairie dogs, rabbits, chickens and turkeys. Sometimes you will even spot a hawk there! They often host birthday parties and special programs and interesting events. Edgemont residents can also enjoy all Greeburgh's eight parks and parklets, two ponds, thirty tennis courts and community pool.

Edgemont is a 10 to 15 minute drive to more metroplitan White Plains and between 25 and 40 minutes to Grand Central Station in New York City.

The Edgemont school system is exceptional and is often on many "best of" lists.

Edgemont is pretty safe and people keep a helpful eye on the various goings on. The crime rate is on the low end.

The population of Edgemont is approximately 1,706 and the area is predominantly white.
Pros
  • Close to shopping in many different directions
  • Situated on a hilltop
  • *** Wonderful school district ***
  • Definitely has a small-town vibe
  • Fairly short commute to Manhattan
Cons
  • Pricey (although it is cheaper than Manhattan or Scarsdale)
  • No nightlife
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Shrub Oak is brimming with old school charm"

Shrub Oak is a hamlet within the town of Yorktown. It is definitely more affordable than many of its Westchester County counterparts and one can still find a nice home (there are no apartment buildings here) for a more reasonable price tag. There is a tight-knit sense of community here and the hamlet still retains a semblance of old-fashioned ways and values.

The small Shrub Oak Shopping Center has an A & P supermarket, the post office and two banks. There is also a liquor store in town. However, most folks head on over to the abundance of stores in Mohegan Lake or to the nearby Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights, which has a Macy's and a Sears as well as a good hundred other typical mall finds and specialty stores.

The Paradise Bake Shop is a beloved local stop and they make some of the best Italian Pastries, cookies and Italian Ices around. There is also Francesca's Pizza and Pasta, Bangkok Spice Thai, China Star II, Bob's Bar B Q, Pizza Pizzazz, Buoni Amici Pizza and Pasta, Shrub Oak Deli, Campagna Pizza which some argue has the best Italian food in the area as well a Abbott's Frozen Custard.

Two parks in the hamlet, Ivy Knolls Park and Blackberry Woods, have walking and nature trails and tennis courts. There is a community pool for residents as well as the lush Mohensic golf course. There is also the Shrub Oak Athletic Club which is a terrrific all-volunteer run organization dedicated to keeping youngsters active and its programs include baseball, basketball, soccer,lacrosse and even cheerleading, to name some.

The John C. Memorial Hart Library in Yorktown is a lovely 1920's era house that serves as both a library and a cultural and intellectual community center of sorts. The children's room offers over 400 programs each year, including story times, a chess club, arts and crafts workshops and even animal programs. The center for young adults has drawing and writing workshops and even SAT review sessions. Adult programs include book circles, arts and crafts nights, computer instruction and mind and body courses.

Shrub Oak is part of Lakeland Central School District which is pretty good. The median SAT score for Lakeland High School students is 1568.

Shrub Oak is pretty safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

Median income is about $80,000. Median home value is $306,000 and the median rental rate is $1,300.

The population of Shrub Oak is approximately 2,000 people and it is predominantly white at 90%. The median age is 36.
Pros
  • Friendly neighborhood
  • Family-friendly
  • Great small-town vibe
  • Relatively affordable
  • Several Parks
Cons
  • No apartment buildings
  • must have a car
  • near Indian Point
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Gorgeous parks, a mini Niagara Falls and an authentic BBQ place."

It is certainly hard to beat the location of this lovely Westchester County village located in Cortlandt, NY. It sits directly on the majestic Hudson River and has stunning views. The village itself is comprised of lovely residential homes and is perfect for nature lovers and outdoorsy types with a plethora of green acres at your doorstep.

Croton Point Park is a popular, rollicking 508-acre park which offers a beach with swimming, hiking, camping, picnic areas, boating, fishing and walking trails. It is a fun, festive, family and dog friendly place to whittle alway the summer weather, commune with nature and make some great memories. The park is also the site of the annual Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival, an incredible two-day festival which celebrates the best of folk music featuring such giants as Ani DiFranco, Joan Osbourne, Jill Sobule, Josh Ritter, Arlo Guthrie, Martin Sexton, Melissa Ferrick and Ollabelle, to name but a drop in the bucket. There is also an incredible array of vendors selling food, jewelry and arts and crafts. A lot of folks, kids and even babies included, camp out there for the duration and it is a fun weekend of good cheer and camraderie.

The New Croton Dam is also a marvelous sight to behold and one can watch the water cascade as they loll around the Croton Gorge Park. Some actually call the dam a "mini Niagara Falls." In the winter months, it is even a popular sledding and cross country skiing destination.

Another fun and simultaneously educational afternoon excursion would be a visit to Van Cortlandt Manor, an exquisite 18th century stone manor that re-creates life as it was lived during the Revolutionary era. They offer call-ahead group tours of the manor, the ferry house and the beautiful gardens led by well-versed guides dressed in period costumes. There are mulitple demonstrations and guests are invited to try blacksmithing, brick-making, open-hearth cooking, spinning and weaving.

The wonderful Hudson Stage Company is also based in Croton and produces unique plays of social importance in its residency at the Briarfcliff Manor campus of Pace University.

There are some terrific restaurants in Croton-on-Hudson, as well. One popular hot-spot and a Best of Westchester magazine award winner is Memphis Mae's BBQ Bistro, which offers authentic BBQ dishes including Mepmphis Ribs, Texas Brisket, Mississippi catfish, fried oyster Po' Boys, pulled pork, side dishes like fried green tomatoes and collard greens and desserts like banana bread pudding. Other notable area restaurants include the uber kid-friendly Umamai Cafe, Justin Thyme Cafe, Samurai Japanese Restaurant, The Tavern at Croton Landing, Ocean House, T.K. Casquarelli's, Gaetano's Italian Grill and the very cool Black Cow Coffee Company, which has unique coffee blends, live music and artwork.

Elena's Boutiqe and Consignments on Riverside Ave. is fun for the treasure hunter in you. Groovy on Grand has what they call "cool clothes for cool kids." There is a really great Goodwill store in the area in addition to several nice florists, an optician, a pharmacy, some terrific antique shops, a few beauty and nail salons, an A & P and a ShopRite.

Croton is quite safe and the crime rate is low.

The school system in Croton is pretty good and the median SAT score is 1663.

The median household income is $100,200. The median home value is $395, 833 and the median rental rate is $1,356.00

Croton-on-Hudson is 80% White, 11.4% Hispanic, 3.7% Asian and 2.5% Black.

The population of Croton is approximately 8,070 and the median age is 41.
Pros
  • Annual music festival at Croton Point Park
  • Memphis Mae's BBQ
  • Friendly neighborhood
  • Lots of nature
  • Incredibly family-friendly
  • Best tasting water in the county
  • Strong sense of unity
Cons
  • Boring - no nightlife
  • Lack of diversity
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"A city with a bad reputation yet some wonderful resources"

Mount Vernon is a city in Westchester County that borders the Bronx and retains much of the samel feel. Its Northside, which is close to affluent Bronxville, is the supposed "right side of the tracks," and includes the pleasant, more upscale (and safer) neighborhood of Fleetwood as well as an area of estates with property values that soar into the millions. This is strikingly different to the remainder of Mount Vernon which sadly, still suffers a terrrible reputation that it just can't shake. That rep is due to its high crime rate, which is above the national average, "rumored"gang action, high unemployment rate, high poverty rate and terrible school system.

It is a crying shame, really, for Mount Vernon does have some fantastic features and amenities including some great architectural elements, affordable homes and apartments, great shopping, some terrific restaurants, nice parks and a short, 29-33 minute commute into Manhattan.

A very cool must-visit culinary destination is The Bayou, a restaurant that offers authentic Cajun comfort cuisine at its best, with such favorites as crawfish, catfish Po' Boys, succulent fried chicken and even alligator sausage. It is also a great place to catch some stellar live music including blues and Zydeco acts. Another culinary claim to fame is Ripe Restaurant, which was featured on Bobby Flay's "Throwdown," and has the best Jamaican jerk dishes around. There is also the renowned Westchester County favorite for pizza, Johnny's, which serves by the pie only and is well worth the visit, and sometimes, the wait.

Sanford Square, considered the city's "commerical district," houses Best Buy, Target, Petco, Staples, Restaurant Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond and Famous Footwear. The downtown shopping district mostly comprised of Gramatan Ave, as well as Broad and Grand Streets, has an A & P supermarket, a dry cleaners, a bagel shop, florists, discount beauty supply stores, antique shops, thrift stores, home furniture and accessory stores, a couple of bakeries and several restaurants including a great teahouse.

Mount Vernon also has two wonderful parks: Wilson's Woods is a very old county park that has a wave pool, water slides, picnic areas and fishing. Hunt's Woods, which borders Fleetwood, is actually a Westchester County Preserve and has woods with nice hiking trails.

The Mount Vernon Public Library is the largest in Westchester County. There is also a terrific and well-developed Boys and Girls Club.

Mount Vernon's motto is "A City that Believes" and it is home to over 80 places of worship! St. Pauls National Church is a National Historic Site and is famous for once serving as a medical hospital during the Revolutionary War. It also contains a really cool old cemetery with gravestones that date all the way back to 1704.

Unfortunately, as mentioned before, the school system is not that good and actually borders on shoddy. The median SAT score is 1225 and 79% of Mount Vernon High School students do go on to attend college, however.

The median household income is $55,288. The median home value is $350,000 and the median rental rate is $1,175.00.

Mount Vernon is 61% African American, 18.5% White, 14% Hispanic and 2% Asian.

The population of Mount Vernon is approximately 68,000 with the median age being 37.
Pros
  • Close to New York City
  • Diverse architecture styles
  • Relatively affordable housing
  • Some fantastic and famous restaurants
  • Pretty good shopping
Cons
  • High unemployment rate
  • Crime Rate
  • Poverty Rate
  • Awful schools
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Peace, parks and affordability."

Montrose is a lovely little hamlet within the town of Cortlandt. It sits near the glorious Hudson River and is characterized by hills and dales, woodlands, wetlands and pretty streams. It is definitely a peaceful and idyllic place to call home and would be best for those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Houses here are far more affordable than in other regions of normally expensive Westchester County with one to four bedroom homes ranging in price from 1around $190,000 to the mid $300,000's. It is a good place for young couples or new families to buy their first starter home.

Montrose is a dream for outdoor recreation with two stunning parks. George's Island Park is a 208-acre park right by the water which has glorious views of the majestic Hudson River and is laden with welands, wooded walking trails and a lovely pond. There is also a boat launch there so be sure to bring your kayaks! The park also has a playground, some playing fields and picnic areas. It is a wonderful way to pass a sunny afternoon with family and/or friends. Also in Montrose is Montrose State Park, a 100 acre park, with some well-marked walking trails and a pretty Hudson River lookout.

There are a few restaurants in town including Portobello, a combination of a Italian and Mexican cafe, Montrose Italian Deli, India House Restaurant, Fulgrum's Restaurant and Bar and Two Brothers Restaurant and Pizza. For more extensive shopping needs, most folks make the drive to neighbors Peekskill and Croton-On-Hudson.

A Montrose claim to fame is Cole Market, a family-owned market that has been in existence for 100 years and won the "Best of Westschester" award in 2007 for having the "Best Butcher." It is renowned for having 100% pure beef hamburgers and a wide selection of different sausages which are all preservative-free. The market also has a wonderful seafood and produce selection as well as some nice gourmet goods.

Montrose is quite safe and the crime rate is low.

Montrose is part of the Hendrick Hudson School District which is very good. The median SAT score for its high school studens is 1608.

The median household income is about $65,500 and the median home value is roughly $197,200.

The population of Montrose is approximately 3,487 and it is predominantly white.
Pros
  • Cole's Market --open over a 100 years!
  • Peace and quiet
  • Good school system
  • awesome parks
Cons
  • No nightlife
  • No real shopping
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Clintons hamlet of choice"

Chappaqua is a very wealthy hamlet located in New Castle, NY and the current home of President Bill and Hilary Clinton. It is a well-maincured la-dee-da suburban enclaave filled with gorgeous homes.

The Horace Greeley House is located in Chappaqua and is well worth an afternoon visit. The museum is open by appointment.

There is a wonderful music school called the Amadeus Conservatory of Music which offers top-notch music instruction and voal training to both kids and adults. Many of its dedicated instructors were actually graduates of the highly acclaimed Julliard School of Music.

As far as shopping goes, there isn't a great deal to be found, but there are some children's fashion boutiques, women's fashion boutiques, two home furnishing and accessory stores, a jeweler, a consignment shop, some gift stores, a cosmetic lounge, an antique store, a card/stationary store and a village market.

There a handful of great restaurants in Chappaqua including the handsome Crabtree and Kittle House which dates back to 1790 and has an inn, a fine dining restaurant and an award-winning wine cellar. Le Jardin du Roi is a dark and cozy French restaurant which has a romantic wooden interior, superb food and a lovely outdoor patio for al fresco dining in the warmer months. Also of note are the Quaker Hill Tavern, Grappolo Loconda, Spoon Asian Fusion, Pizza Station, Ole Stone Trattoria, Gail Patrick's Cafe and, of course, a Starbucks.

Outdoor recreational activities include two terrific Parks: Gedney Park and Whipporwhill Park. Gedney Park is a huge 126-acre park filled with playgrounds, a good sleigh riding hill, playing fields and picnic areas. Whipporwhill Park has many picturesque walking trails and a nice pond.

Chappaqua is quite safe and there is very little crime.

The school system in Chappaqua is excellent. The median SAT score for Horace Greeley High School students is 1915,

The median household income is roughly $163,201. The median home value is about $736,000.00

The population is approximately 9,500 with the median age being 40.
Pros
  • Prestigious area
  • School system highly rated
  • Great recreational activities
Cons
  • Lacks Diversity
  • Somewhat exclusive
  • Boring - no nightlife
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
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"Ritzy but lovely village with decent shopping and great schools"

Bronxville is a small village within the town of Eastchester that is bursting with wealth. And its noticeable. There are stunning homes located on well-manicured tree-lined streets that wind inward and upward from the village center. There are some lovely co-op apartments and town homes near the center district that are a little more affordable. Most of those still cost a pretty penny (can range from 2,000 to 4,000 bucks) but every now and again, if you are lucky and hit it right, you can find a nice modest one or two bedroom co-op for around $1,350.00 which is a steal considering the ritzy location.

Bronxville is proud home to the highly acclaimed and prestigious Sarah Lawrence College, a liberal arts mecca. Concordia College, a Lutheran-church operated liberal arts college, is also located in Bronxville.

Shopping in downtown Bronxville is composed of children's fashion boutiques, women's fashion boutiques, a jewelry store, serveral gift stores, a bridal shop, a furniture and home accessories store, a cosmetic boutique, a couple of card/stationary stores, a pet store with pet goods and accessories, an optician, a toy store and a bookshop.

There are quite a few excellent restaurants in Bronxville and they range in price and in cuisine type. There is, of course, the requisite Starbucks, the eclectic, student hang-out fave, Slave to the Grind, Haiku Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar which has delicious fusion food, Rosie's Bistro Italiano, Scalini Osteria, Sammy's Downtown Bistro and Bar, Blue Moon Mexican cafe with its festive atmosphere, tasty food and wonderful margaritas, Underhill's Crossing Restaurant and the innovative Kraft Bistro which has been accoladed by the NY Times as a gem.

Bronxville contains a lot of great parkland and even a small portion of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation which is very pretty and has ponds, bridges, foot trails and bike trails. You will often see people of all ages, alone, with kids and strollers, or dogs, out and about relishing in nature while steadfastly keeping in shape.

The Bronxville school system is considered to be high-caliber. It ranks time and time again as one of the best in our nation. The average SAT scores for its high school students is 1864 and it is reported that 98% of them graduate and go on to attend college.

Bronxville is quite safe and there is not that much crime.

The median household income is $144,940 abd the median home value is $1,300,000.000

The population of Bronxville is 6,323 and it is predominantly white.
Pros
  • Decent shopping
  • Excellent school district
Cons
  • Exclusive
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Town of the famed White Oak"

As the symbolic mascot of the town of Bedford, the historic Bedford Oak, a 23-foot wide glorious white oak has stood tall and proud for over 200 years and has been vehemently protected by its residents. Bedford and the four hamlets that comprise it, Bedford Hills, Bedford Village, Bedford Corners and Katonah, are rich in charm, warmth and historical prestige. Even in light of its fair amount of wealth, there is an unmistakable small town community feel here and people seem to really know one another and stop to chat or wave hello on the streets.

The Bedford Post Inn is an eight-room luxury inn with a yoga studio, daily classes, cool workshops and special events. It is where Richard Gere and his wife have their farm to table restaurant, The Farmhouse, with its excellent a la carte dinner and tasting menu which has received scores of accolades. There is also The Barn with its rustic beams and more casual vibe and breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings.

Other great restaurants in the area include The Meeting House Restaurant, La Cremaillere, Ristorante Lucia, Bistro Twenty-Two and Bedford Gourmet.

Bedford does have one notable store called Small Joys, which is a treasure hunter’s delight and is filled with cool gifts and small home decorative items. In Bedford Hills, the shopping center has a newly renovated Shop Rite, a Marshall’s Shoes and a Panera. Katonah has a small slice of stores in its village including antique and home furnishing stores, a gift shop, a consignment shop, children’s boutiques, women’s boutiques, a card/stationary store, a book and music store, a beauty lounge, a jeweler, a hardware store, and a funky little coffee shop called Noka Joes.

Bedford is very safe and there is little crime.

The school system is very good and the median SAT score of Fox Lane High School students is 1631.

The median household income is $150,000. The median home value is $725,434 and the median rental rate is $2,000.

Bedford is 79% White, 12% Hispanic, 5% Black and 3% Asian.

The population of Bedford is approximately 18, 133 with the median age being 41.
Pros
  • Pretty
  • Safe
  • Community feel
Cons
  • Expensive
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Port Chester is a down-to-earth gem in the rough"

Port Chester is a village in the town of Rye, NY. It is well-populated with a relatively profound Hispanic population of hard-working immigrants who add a flair and spice to the neighborhood well exemplified by the amazing array of authentic Latin American restaurants in the area. People from neighboring towns come specifically to check out the varying regional cuisines in everything from tapas restaurants to fine dining establishments to mom and pop store front eateries. In that sense, Port Chester has shed some of its previous negative aura and become an appealing culinary destination. Proof positive of that is world-renowned Food Network and Iron Chef, Mario Batali, renovated an old restaurant in the area and adjoining corner to make the stunning Tarry Lodge and Tarry Market. Tarry Lodge serves delectable Italian cuisine, gourmet pizzas that can be taken-out and a slew of fine wines from the famed vineyards of Lidia’s son, Joe Bastianich. There are also pizzerias, a watefront gourmet seafood restaurant, a taco bar by the water, and a very cool chili cheese dog joint called Pat’s Hubba Hubba that has dollar bills affixed all over the walls and a tried and true silver lunch counter.

The housing is definitely more affordable here, at least in comparison to its more affluent neighbors and there are a good deal of condos, co-ops, rental properties, and multi-family and single-family homes here. Port Chester is a popular choice for blue collar workers, families, students, artists and young families looking to buy their first home in Westchester County.

The shopping here is pretty darn good, too, and is a close second choice to bustling metropolis, White Plains. The shopping area by the waterfront in the center of town has a Costco, a Famous Footwear store, a Marshall’s and a large Stop & Shop. Elsewhere around Port Chester you will find Home Depot, Kohl’s, an A.I. Friedman, a quality wine and liquor store, a great discount store and Salvation Army with pretty good furniture, Nine West, and of course, the very cool Empire State Flea Market, with discounted finds of all kinds that gets relatively busy on the weekends when it is open. There is also a nice multiplex which shows all the latest and greatest films.

Port Chester still has its pockets of crime but if you avoid the rougher areas at night and use the buddy system, you should be fine.

The school system hasn’t quite caught up with the burgeoning businesses, but hopefully it will get there in coming years. For now, it is decent at best.

The median household income is $59,224. The median home value is $353,484 and the median rental rate is $1,400.

Port Chester is 60% Hispanic, 32% White, 5% Black and 2% Asian which definitely makes it a more ethnically diverse melting pot of a village than most in the area.

The population is 28.967 with the median age being 32.
Pros
  • Good shopping
  • Convenient public transportation
  • Waterfront bars and restaurants
Cons
  • School system doesn't rank very high
  • The large minority communities are underrepresented
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
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"Humble hamlet with affordable housing and pretty water views"

Verplanck is a tiny less than one square mile hamlet located in the town of Cortlandt, NY. It is lush and green and quiet and has beautiful water views.

Verplanck is the home to a replica of the ship the Half Moon, with which Henry Hudson explored the Hudson River. Verplanck is also known for its rich Revolutionary War history. You can visit the Stony Point Battlefield site, a National Historic landmark. Stony Point Battlefield is the location of the 1779 Battle of Stony Point held during the American Revolutionary War.

Parent town Cortlandt is home to SUNY Cortlandt with its plethora of educational and cultural possiblilites and it also has a great bowling alley, a terrific museum bearing its name, the wonderful C-Note music school and even a Performing Arts Insitute which offers rigorous training for those younguns who have a desire to parktake in theatre and dance.

Verplanck is also within reasonable driving distance of the Blue Mountain Reservation which has the 12-mile Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway for hiking and biking as well as the Sportsman Center which features a rifle range. There are also two fairly large peaks, one being Blue Mountain, for a fun and challenging hike.

As far as afternoon shopping and entertainment goes, your best bet is to head on over to Cortlandt Town Center which plays haven to such popular stores as Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Barnes and Noble, Pet Smart, Marshalls, Modells and Game Stop. The center also contains a 12-screen movie theatre. Family-friendly restaurants at the center include Applebees, Panera Bread, McDonalds, Nathan’s Famous, Subway and Five Guys Burgers and Fries. There is also the small Blue Mountain Plaza shopping center in Peekskill with an A & P Supermarket, a Dollar World and a McDonalds.

In Verplanck itself, eateries include Paradise Restaurant: a popular family-run family-style Italian restaurant with tasty, authentic food and a nice atmosphere and Marcello’s pizza and deli.

Verplanck is quite safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

The Cortlandt school system is good though not exceptional.

The median income in Verplanck is approximately $91,000. The median home value is $443,688 and the median rental rate is $1,250. .

The racial makeup of the hamlet is 95.88% White

Verplanck has a population of 1,729.
Pros
  • Lots of water views
  • Very green and open
  • Winter dock of the Half Moon ship
Cons
  • No nightlife or entertainment
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Ritzy enclave with major corporate players and two culturally-diverse colleges"

Purchase is a very wealthy hamlet in the town of Harrison, NY and looks it with many gorgeous homes and sweeping estates tucked in the low-key and green sub-urban landscape. Purchase is home to Purchase College, a wonderful liberal arts institution that is part of the greater public SUNY system, as well as the more expensive private Manhattanville Collge with its equally fine liberal arts program.

Westchester County Airport, a smaller scale but pleasant and relatively busy national hub is located in Purchase. MasterCard's Global Headquarters and PepsiCo, which has a stunning sculpture garden that is open to the public, are situated in Purchase, as well. However, what is open to the public, is the enchanting art collection at the Neuberger Museum located in the center of the Purchase College campus.

Another campus treasure is Purchase College's outstanding performing arts center which has a rich and varied program filled to the brim with chamber orchestra concerts, dance troupes like Martha Graham, exceptional musicals and plays and high quality films. They have also played host to major musical singers and acts including Shawn Colvin.

The Purchase Community House is a terrific local resource and holds the acclaimed Purchase Day Camp and also boasts excellent after-school activities throughout the school year. The Purchase Community House property has four gleaming pools and several nice playing fields.

Notable and popular restaurants and cafes in the Purchase area include Starbucks, China White Noodle Bar, Jordan's Hilltop Bar and Restaurant, Purchase Deli, Full Moon Restaurant and the charming Cobble Stone Restaurant with its stained glass windows. There are also the occasional hot dog trucks perched here and there on Anderson Hill Road, the main thoroughfare that leads from Purchase College down onto Westchester Ave in White Plains. And speaking of White Plains, the ten minute drive or bus commute there will have residents and students alike fully sated by culinary and shopping possibilities.

Harrison High School is very good. The average SAT score is 1600 and a reported 98% of its high school students do go on to attend college.

The median household income is $183,686. The median home value is $750,00 and apartments are hard to come by. Most students, if not living on campus, live in downtown White Plains or Port Chester where apartments are more readily available.

Purchase has a predominantly white population of approximately 3,500 people.
Pros
  • Exceptional colleges with cultural activities
  • Great day camp
  • Great school system
Cons
  • Wealthy and isolated
  • no shopping
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Katonah, a hamlet of beauty and cultural fortitude."

Katonah is a beautiful hamlet in the town of Bedford, NY filled with gorgeous well-maintained old homes and the area does have wealth. Martha Stewart is one famous resident and she even named one of her collections after the hamlet. Also in Katonah is the fomer residence of US Supreme Court Justice John Jay and the house has been made a state historic site and museum.

Katonah has big bragging rights to the one of a kind Caramoor Center for Music and Arts which is a breathtaking Mediterranean-style villa set amongst the most stunning grounds and gardens. Chamber music concerts are held in the stunning Rosen Hall and an international outdoor music festival is held out of doors under a huge white tent in the midst of the ethereal setting and features everything from opera to bluegrass to jazz.

The Katonah Museum is a gem and fosters ten to tweleve exhibitions each year. Currently on the roster is a lovely photography exhibition entitled, "Rising Dragon: Contemporary Chinese Photography." Upcoming exhibits will be one on 3D animation, a showcase for Young Artists of 2012 and one that celebrates the American quilt.

Katonah is also home to Stepping Stones, the historic home of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder, Bill Wilson. The house is also on the national historic registry.

Shopping in the adorable hamlet, particularly on Katonah Ave., includes antique, consignment and home furnishing stores, gift shops, a consignment shop, chidlren's, men's and women's fashion boutiques, a card/stationary store, a beauty lounge, a book and music store, a jeweler and a hardware store.

Restaurants in Katonah include Blue Dolphin Ristorante, Katonah Bar and Grille, Jimmy's Pub, Wooden Nickle, La Famiglia, Deer Park Tavern, Willy Nick's, Muscoot Inn, Tengda Asian Bistro, the cool Perk's Coffee, Peppino's Restaurant in the historic train station and Katonah Restaurant where you can have great breakfast all day long.

Katonah is quite safe with a low crime rate.

The Katonah-Lewisboro school system is very good and the median SAT score of its high school students is 1742.

The median household income is about $150,000. The median home value is roughly $800,000.

The population of Katonah is approximately 4,600 people and is predominantly white.
Pros
  • great for commuters
  • very peaceful; lots of quiet
  • Arts and culture
  • cute shopping area
Cons
  • must have a car
  • little night life
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
franklinsquare
franklinsquare Helpful my parents are looking to move to katonah for the school district we currently are in Franklin square on long island. How Nice is it up there? Is it different than long island?
2yrs+
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4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"It may have a funny name, but its a great little place to live."

Famous for once being an early quarry town that exported marble to NYC, Tuckahoe is now a pleasant community-oriented village within the town of Eastchester. Tuckahoe is filled with attractive medium scale homes, some larger Colonials and both newer upscale apartment complexes and more modest apartment buildings. Tuckahoe has a substantial Italian-American population and there is a tight-knit community feel and a wonderful loyalty to local businesses and eateries that you don't often find anymore.

There is a little shopping in the Main Street area, but most residents tend to flock to the nearby towns of Eastchester, Bronxville and, of course, shopping hub, White Plains, for more varied retail options. Also within reasonable driving distance is the bustling Central Avenue strip which stretches from White Plains down to the Bronx and has miles upon miles of almost every retail store, business and service one could possibly want or imagine.

There are a modest amount of very good restaurants in the area, especially Italian ones such as Angelina's Restaurant, a beloved local institution and one that was long considered to have the best Italian fare anywhere in the county. Equally popular is family-friendly Roma Restaurant which has plently of loyal regulars and great pizza. The historic Olde Stone Mill is a restaurant which had its moment of resurrected glory in the sun when visited by Gordon Ramsey for his show Kitchen Nightmares. Some other eateries in the area include The Tap House, An American Bistro, Spice Village, Ristorante Chianti, Mama Assunta and Tangerine Thai.

For grocery shopping needs, most folks head on over to the Stop n Shop, Food Emporium, Trader Joes and Mrs. Greens in Eastchester. There is a Starbucks in the Tuckahoe Train Station. Speaking of trains, the commute to NYC is a mere 32 minutes.

Tuckahoe has a terrific community center which offers a wide range of programs including fitness classes, yoga, basketball, defensive driving and mother and child playgroups. The Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester is very popular and open to all residents for a fee. Amenities there include five pools, eight professional tennis courts and an 18-hole championship golf course. The Parkway Oval, situated near the Bronx River, has playing fields, basketball courts, a playground and pretty walking trails.

Tuckahoe is pretty safe with a very low crime rate.

The median household income is $79,704. The median home value is $395,278 and the median rental rate is $1,467.00 which isn't entirely bad for Westchester.

Tuckahoe is 67.5% White, 12% Hispanic, 10% African American and 8% Asian.

The population is about 6,300 with the median age being 37.
Pros
  • Sense of community and family ties.
  • Convenient Location
  • Nice Neighborhood
  • Safe
Cons
  • High taxes
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Its all peachy here."

The pretty hamlet of Peach Lake actually falls into two towns, the towns of North Salem and Southeast, and spills over into two counties, Westchester and Putnam. Peach Lake has a lovely Catskills-style feel to it with many vacation homes and vacation homes turned permanent dwellings. Some are still somewhat affordable for new homeowners and those looking to escape the rigors of more urban Westchester County epicenters. The area is strewn with gorgeous old farmhouses and story book VIctorians. The town has charming events such as ice cream socials and bingo nights and there is a wonderful and rare wholesomeness to the area.

The commute to New York City is a bit lengthy, although some do it, at one hour and a half.

There are an abundance of restaurants within driving distance of Peach Lake including On the Border Brother's Pizza, Benvenuti Restaurant, Portofino's, Everready Diner, Red Rooster Drive-in, Arch Restaurant, Aversanos, Southeast Grille House, Kelly's Corner and Fiesta Mexicana, all located in Brewster. In South Salem there is the lavish and romantic Le Chateau Restaurant In South Salem you will find 121 Restaurant and Vox. In Danbury, CT there is Rosy Tomorrows and the Desert Moon Cafe, amongst many others. As for retail shopping, people often drive to the plentiful Danbury Fair Mall or to Somerstown Shopping Center in Somers,

Peach Lake itself is a great recreational area where many folks take out their boats and even water ski. There is also a lovely country club in North Salem.

The North Salem School District is quite good and the median average SAT score is 1673.

Peach Lake is very safe with little crime.

The median home cost is roughly $412,300.

The population of Peach Lake is fairly small at 1,671 people.
Pros
  • Charming and wholesome
  • Peaceful and quiet
  • Great for outdoorsy types.
Cons
  • No real shopping
  • No real nightlife
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Countrified living at a high price"

Waccabuc is both a beautiful hamlet as well as a lake in the greater town of Lewisboro, New York. The actual hamlet of Waccabuc was named after the lake. This is truly a bucolic area with a real "country feel" to it. Homes in this area are amongst the most expensive in the whole of Westchester County. Ones near the lake, in particular, can cost well into the millions. Most have quite a bit of acreage. Thre are some newer home developments, about thirty years old, which are slightly more affordable to eager, young homeowners who desire the quiet and idyllic lifestyle.

As you can proabably imagine, there isn't any real shopping in Waccabuc and most residents get their errands done in neighboring towns.. The Cross River Shopping Center in Cross River, NY has a wine shoppe, a hardware store, a dry cleaners and a pharmacy. There is also some decent shopping in nearby Goldens Bridge and Katonah.

Restaurants in the area include Bacio and Haiku Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar in Cross River, Le Chateau and Horse and Hound in South Salem, 121 Restaurant, Vox and The Blazer Pub in North Salem and the Bedford Post Inn in Bedford.

Waccabuc is very safe with little crime.

Waccabuc students are a part of the greater Katonah-Lewisboro School District which is very good. The median SAT score of John Jay High School students is 1742.

Waccabuc is 92% White with a population of only around 500 folks.
Pros
  • Peaceful and green
  • Untouched land areas
Cons
  • Can feel somewhat isolated at times
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now
Editors Choice

"The nicer side of Mount Vernon"

Fleetwood is essentially a small approxiimately 1.7 square mile area of Mount Vernon, NY. It is on the North side of the town, closer to upscale Bronxville, and is considered more desirable, and safer, than the Southern more impoverished side of Mount Vernon. The affordability of the area makes it a huge draw for first time home buyers and it does have a nice selection of modest to large sized Tudors and Colonials as well as a mix of older apartment buildings and co-ops. This fact definitely helps bring newcomers to Mount Vernon, which unfurtunately, has earned a bad reputation for its higher than average crime and poverty rates. Fleetwood itself has a small town tight-knit feel and a better reputation.

Shopping is mostly designated to the bustling Gramatan Avenue area which also includes Broad Street and Grand Street. There is an A & P supermarket, a bagel shop, a dry cleaner, a florist, a bakery, several eateries and a bunch of smaller businesses and services. Fleetwood is also in close proximity to the newly renovated outdoor shopping center, Cross County Shopping Center which has a ton of great retail stores including H&M, Applebees, Adidas, Bath & Body Works, Burger King, Charlotte Russe,Chipotle, Claires, GameStop, Gap, GNC, Guess and Macy's, to name but a small slice.

One of the most beloved food institutions in the Mount Vernon area is The Bayou, a restaurant on Gramatan Ave. which offers authentic Cajun comfort food at its best, with such favorites as crawfish, catfish Po’ boys, fried chicken and alligator sausage. It is also a great place to catch stellar live music including great blues and Zydeco acts.

Many Fleetwood folks also head on over to the amazing and historic Pelham Picture House in nearby Pelham to catch a high quality flick and maybe even a talk-back or Q & A session with a famous actor, director or playwright.

For families and outdoor enthusiasts, Fleetwood does have access to two great Mount Vernon Parks: Wilson’s Woods is a very old county park that actually has a fun wave pool and water slides, picnic areas and even fishing. Hunt’s Woods, which borders Fleetwood, is a Westchester County Preserve that has woods with nice hiking trails.

The Mount Vernon Public Library is the actually the largest in Westchester County.

Mount Vernon’s motto is “A city that believes” and it has innumerable places of worship.

Unfortunately, the school system is not that good. The median SAT score is 1225 and 79% of Mount Vernon High School students do go on to attend college.

Greater Mount Vernon is 61% African American, 18.5% White, 14% Hispanic and 2% Asian.

The population of Fleetwood is 21,568 which is roughly a third of the population of Mount Vernon and has a median age of 41. .
Pros
  • Small community feel
  • Nice parks
  • The Bayou Restaurant with great food and live music
Cons
  • Pockets of high crime in Mount Vernon
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now
Editors Choice

"An interesting and affordable work-in-progress."

Ossining is most definitely a town-in-progress. It has come a long way in recent years with the slow and steady process of gentrification and urban renewal. There are lovely old homes of modest to large size as well as many apartment complexes and in-house apartment rentals in the area. Ossining has an old town by the docks feel and doesn’t feel as modern and edgy which is part of its draw for some residents.

Foodies can enjoy the substantial range of culinary options open to them with everything from the family-friendly Wobble café known for its outstanding Sunday morning waffles to a diner that serves biscuits and gravy a la any other part of this country to the tiny storefront Lonnie’s Fish and Chips place where the proprietor is almost always present behind the counter with a warm grin on his face. There is also the more recent 2008 addition, the Boat House, which offers fine food and cocktails with a sea-faring décor, lovely river views and a bar that they lovingly call “Cheers on the Hudson.” There is also Ossining Pizzeria and Restaurant, Okinawa Hibachi Steak House, Brasserie Swiss and Karma Lounge.

Ossining still has old burly warehouses by the docks and the railroad tracks which are picture- perfect for budding and professional photographers. The little downtown section is very quaint and plays host to a hodgepodge of delis, coffee houses and a more upscale dollar store. Minutes from downtown, within walking distance, is the recently renovated Ossining Library which has a great collection and some quality events.

The nearby Arcadian Shopping Center has a McDonalds, a GNC, a card store/gift shop, Subway, a fantastic Dollar World, the Purple Monkey Ice Cream Store, a pet store, a dry cleaners and an optician. There is a C-Town and a Stop and Shop for all one's grocery needs.

For those who want to learn about the darker side of Ossining, there is the Sing-Sing Museum located in the Caputo Community Center which talks of the infamous prison's history and has two actual cells displayed as well as some weaponry. It is an interesting, education and sometimes slightly horrific afternoon excursion.

For young families, artists and students alike, Ossining became a popular choice in recent years as it still allowed for quaint and affordable water-side living with proximity to greater entertainment hubs like White Plains and Manhattan without the steep price tags.

Ossining is fairly safe with a crime index of 40, which is less than half the national average.

The Ossining Union Free School District is fairly good and the median SAT score is reported to be 1512.

Ossining is approximately 78% White, 12% Hispanic, 6% Asian and 3% Black.

The median household income is $70,468. The median home value is $295,464 and the median rental rate for an apartment is $1,253.00

The population of greater Ossining is approximately 37,674 people with the median age being 35 years of age.
Pros
  • Hudson River Views
  • Pretty good restaurants
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Not a ton of nightlife
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Safe, residential village in Rye."

Rye Brook is a small mostly residential village in the affluent town of Rye, NY. There are many upscale homes here, but it isn’t out of the ballpark and there are more modest medium sized houses as well as several reasonable yet attractive rental options in the area.

The Rye Ridge Shopping Center has a slew of retail stores and businesses including Indigo Chic Boutique, Pink Deux, Dusty Rose, Z-Life Denim Lounge, several children’s boutiques, some men’s fashion stores, Coco Day Spa, & Company, a CVS, Finch’s Drugs, an Ace Hardware, a health center, a CURVES for women, the Personal Training Institute, several banks and a D’Agostionos supermarket.

Restaurants at the shopping center include, Buddha, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chop’t Creative Salad Co., Club Sandwich, Elevation Burger, Lenny’s Bagels, Raccanelli’s Pizza and Brew, Red Mango, Rye Ridge Deli and of course, Starbuck’s Coffee.

For additional shopping and culinary treats, many Rye Brook residents just head on to the adorable main street that cuts through the parent town of Rye. There is also a plethora of good shopping in nearby Port Chester and White Plains is only a short fifteen minute drive away. The commute to Grand Central Station via the Rye train station is anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes.

There are two nice parks in the area. One is the 35-acre Crawford Park which has soccer and softball fields, a playground and even a mansion! Rye Town Park, located in the city of Rye, encompasses a sprawling 62-acre of land replete with forests, fields, a duck pond and a beach. It is located right next to Playland Park, the historically famous amusement park that brings throngs of crowds in season and holds weekly firework events and concerts in addition to its slew of thrilling rides and attractions.

The school system in Rye Brook is high caliber. The median SAT score is 1803 and it is reported that an impressive 99% of Blind Brook High School students do go on to attend college.

Rye Brook is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is $129,556. The median home value is $592,420 and the median rental rate is $2,000. .

Rye Brook is approximately 81.5 % White, 11% Hispanic, 4.5% Asian and 1.5% African American.

The total population is 8,624 with the median age being 42.
Pros
  • Great school system
  • Safe neighborhood
  • Convenient commute to NYC
  • Relatively affordable (for NY)
Cons
  • No town center
  • Not much of a nightlife
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Peace, quiet and rural charm."

The town of Somers and its surrounding area is ldyllic and has much historical significance. It does have its wealthy homes, but it also has more reasonable living opportunities like Heritage Hills, a former senior living community, which is now open to people of all ages and walks of life and has an abundance of layout styles in their two and three bedroom homes. Heritage Hills is almost like a self-contained village within Somers and has a ton of indoor and outdoor recreational activities.

In greater Somers, outdoor recreational opportunities continue to abound. For starters, it has the lovely, family-friendly Muscoot Farm Park which is open year-round and offers tours of the farm, hayrides, varied special events and programs as well as a good seven miles of walking trails that run through fields, forest and even wetlands. The 234-acre Lasdon Park is stunning with its woods, meadows and more manicured formal gardens with flowers that stem from around the globe. It also contains several memorials and a museum that honors Westchester County war veterans. In Reis Park, there is something to do for every member of the family. The park has playing fields, playgrounds, trails, basketball and tennis courts, a skate park and even a library!

For historians and parents wishing to park in some educationary excursions with their kids, there are two famous landmarks in the area of note: The Old Stone House which is a great example of Greek revival architecture and the Elephant Hotel which is considered a nationally recognized historic landmark and is actually the current home of the town government.

If shopping is on the agenda, you can heaed over to Somers Town Shopping Center which houses a few banks, a CVS, a few restuarants, a tanning salon, a nail salon, a dry cleaners and a Verizon store. There is also the Baldwin Place Shopping Center/Somers Commons in nearby Baldwin Place which has a Super Stop and Shop, a NYSC, a Chilis, a Home Goods, a Q's Garden, a dollar store, a Radio Shack, a card store and a Learning Center.

If you have food on the brain, there are several great Italian eateries, Luce Seafood and Pasta House, Il Forno Trattoria Brick Oven Pizza, Fratelli's Pizza and Pasta and Tazza Cafe Coffee and Expresso Bar as well as the Firehouse Deli, Imperial Wok, the fancier Seasons American Bistro and Lounge and King Kone.

Somers is quite safe and the crime rate is very low.

The median household income is $148,401. The median home value is $434,000 and the median rental rate is $1,798.00.

Somers is 89% White, 5% Hispanic, 3% Asian and 1.5% Black.

The population of Somers is 20,224 and the median age is 45.
Pros
  • Peace and quiet.
  • Lots of outdoor activities.
Cons
  • Can get a little quiet and feel a touch isolated.
  • No real nighlife.
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A charming haven of history and humility combined"

The town of Pound Ridge is brimming with charms and historical significance. This is a community inused with ambient elements such as old stone wells, old fashioned clock posts, and many stunning historical homes and landmark sites. It is definitely an extremely wealthy area, but it never feels stuffy or judgemental. There is a laid back and friendly feel in spite of its great affluence.

In the historical district, which was placed on the National Historic Registry back in the eighties, visitors will find the old Pound Ridge Community Church, Patterson Memorial Presbytarian Church, the Presbyterian Lecture Hall, the pristine white Hiram Halle Memorial (Public), the Aaron Wood's Mill (circa 1800) and the Pound Ridge Museum as well as quite a few other attractive restorations.

The town has a terffic Parks and Recreation Department with a well-developed program for children, families and senior citizens. They offer quality day camps. There is also a town pool and a nice Fourth of July fireworks display. The Pound Ridge Gold Club is considered a premiere hotspot which is coveted and visited by nationa and international golf enthusiasts.

There are a small amount of quality restaurants in the immediate area including but not limited to the North Star Restaurant, Blind Charlie's Cafe, Tokyo Hamachi Japanese, Dinardos Ristorante Italiano and Samuel Parker's Landmark Deli.

As for shopping, most head into the town's nearby hamlet of Scott's Corners which houses an art gallery, a dollhouse miniature store, a spin and fitness studio, a CURVES fitness center for women, a florist, a hardware store, a dance school, a wine shoppe, a martial arts center and even a renovated old gas station that sells vintage furniture and assorted home goods straight from Europe. This is also where the post office and than fire house are located.

As for grocery shopping, many residents head on over to Scott's Corner's Market which is an employee-owned purveryor of fresh produce, meats, dairy products, baked good, organics, flowers and even a selection of gourmet pet foods.

Students in Pound Ridge are part of the Bedford Public School District which is very good. The reported median SAT score for Fox Lane High School students is 1631.

Pound Ridge is very safe and the crime rate is low.

The median income is 214,789. The median home value is $759,770 and the median rental rate is $1,523.00.

Pound Ridge is 90% White, 5% Hispanic, 2% Asian and 1% Black.

The population is 5,104 with the median age being 44.
Pros
  • Beautiful bucolic area
  • Cute shopping district in Scotts Corners
  • Solid Parks n' Rec Dept.
Cons
  • Can feel too quiet and isolated at times
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A best of both worlds community"

Hastings-on-Hudson is a quaint and bucolic village which boasts absolutely stunning views of the Hudson River, the Palisades, the Tappan Zee Bridge, the George Washington Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. And speaking of the big city, the express train from Hastings whisks you there in a mere 30 minutes.

Hastings is known for the historically famous Hudson School of Painting and renowned local artist Jasper Crowley even has a museum there in his honor. There are many art galleries in this area, as well.

The adorable Main Street was actually awarded a Best of Westchester award in 2008 for its eclectic blend of old and new features. On this friendly and walkable street you will find a collection of businesses and services including unique gift shops, women's and children's fashion boutiques, bookstores, stationary stores, a bootery, a wine shoppe, a florist and a toy cottage amongst others.

There is actually a wonderful family-friendly self-guided walking tour of town called “The Museum of the Streets” that has a grand total of 32 entertaining and educational sites and pit stops along the way.

Hastings restaurants include the spectacular Harvest on the Hudson which offers scintillating food right on the water with very romantic sunset views for sure. Also of note are Hastings Station Café, Blue, Buffet de la Gare, Comfort, Blue Moon Mexican Café, Center Restaurant and Antoinettes Patisserie, to name but a few.

James Harmon Community Center offers a fun array of recreational activities including a ping pong club, yoga, line dancing and tai chi. Inside you will also find the community youth center which has computers, video games, pool and a variety of board games. Most of these great amenities are free to use to Hastings residents.

Many folks get outdoors to walk the Hastings portion of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway. MacEachron waterfront park is also a very popular family-friendly picnic spot replete with a playground. Nearby Kinnaly Cove has a kayak launch where people can get some exercise while taking in the glory of the scenery.

Hastings on Hudson is very safe and crime rate is very low.

The school system is very good. The median combined SAT score is 1790 and it is reported that 97% of its high school students do go on to attend college,

The median home income is $108,078. The median home value is $562,130 and the median rental rate is $1,620.00

In recent years, Hastings actually opened their first set of “green” luxury lofts buildings called Riverton Lofts which actually uses geothermal heating and cooling.

Hastings on Hudson is 85% White, 6% Hispanic, 5% Asian and 2% Black.

The population is 7,335 with the median age being 43.
Pros
  • Museums
  • Walking Trails
  • Kayaking
  • Beautiful Scenery
  • Good Schools
  • Nice Shopping Area
Cons
  • No Nightlife
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"An ethnically diverse, artistic and affordable community"

Peekskill is a burgeoning city on the Hudson River in Westchester County, NY. Peekskill has had a colorful and sometimes tumultuous history and is known for re-inventing itself. In recent years, the latest wave of reinvention is turning it into an interesting, affordable and more ethnically diverse arts community on the rise.

There is a ton to do here for people from all walks of life. One of Peekskill’s crowning jewels is the historic 1930’s-era vastly renovated Paramount Center for the Arts. This landmark theatre offers high-caliber programming including fine film showings, comedians and big name musical acts like Suzanne Vega and Duncan Sheik. There is also the lesser known, but excellent Peekskill Playhouse which hosts spoken word poetry and original plays. 12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar was a Best of Westchester Magazine winner for “Best New Live Music.” There are also a couple of cool coffee shops including the Peekskill Coffee House with its internet café as well as the Bean Runner Café.

Peekskill is home to the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art as well as the Peekskill Museum.

For book hounds and out of print treasure hunters, there is Bruised Apples Books and Music. The downtown area and historic arts district has a slew of interesting, mostly family-owned businesses and services including several art galleries and studios, boutiques, florists, antique shops, a liquor store, a jeweler, a hair salon and several fresh food markets. There is also a weekly farmer’s market and even an organic, raw food cooperative.

Restaurant choices are a-plenty and include Zeph’s Restaurant, La Villetta for pizza, Fat Joe’s Café and Deli located in a renovated warehouse, T.K. Casquarellis, Nellies Café, Homestyle Desserts, Henry’s on the Hudson, Rubens Mexican Café, La Herradura, Birdsall House Tavern, NY Firehouse Grille and The Cove Restaurant, to name only a small portion. There is also the ever-popular and beloved Peekskill Brewery, a one-of-a-kind microbrewery which also offers excellent cuisine that enhances and compliments the beer drinking experience.

As far as outdoor recreation, you certainly cannot beat the views of the mighty Hudson River. Hudson Highlands Cruises offers scenic three hour tours on the river which are narrated. There are quite a few parks and wonderful varied levels of walking trails in the beautiful Blue Mountain Reservation. There is also the Fox Den Country Club.

The Hudson Valley Health Center is a great local medical resource.

The crime rate has diminished over the years and is now less than half of the national index, although there are still some pockets of crime.

The school system is decent. The median SAT score is 1328.

The median home income is $62,448. The median home value is $219,280 and the median rental value is $1,228.00. Peekskill definitely offers some of the most affordable options and value for that money in Westchester County.

Peekskill is 48% White, 27% Hispanic and 25% African American.

The population of Peekskill is 22, 441 and the median age is 34.
Pros
  • Art Scene
  • Parks
  • Recreational Programs
  • Bustling downtown area
  • Relatively affordable (for NY)
Cons
  • Removed from other large cities
  • near Indian Point
  • pricey parking
  • safer than it used to be
  • some unsafe sections
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A quiet Hudson Riverfront Hamlet"

Ardsley-on-Hudson, not to be confused with the village of Ardsley, is actually a small hamlet located in the village of Irvington.

Ardsley dwellers often go to the village of Irvington to meet their culinary desires. There you will find quite a few high quality restaurants like the Red Hat on the River with its excellent eats, beautiful riverfront dining and live jazz sessions. Also nearby is Chutney Masala Bistro, Mimo Vinoteca, River City Grille, Il Sorriso Ristorante Italiano, Buon Gusto Restaurant and the Day Boat Café.

The adorable Main Street of Irvington does have a few good restaurants, some cute shops and the stately Irvington Town Hall which actually boasts an amazing theatre with Broadway shows and concerts.

There is a great deal of interesting history in the area and numberous estates to be visited such as Sunnyside, the famous old home of writer Washington Irving.

There a ton of walking trails and bike paths in the area including a portion of the Old Croton Trailway State Park, the Irvington’s Woods Hiking Trails and the appropriately named Scenic Hudson Park.

The closest Metro North Train Station is in nearby Irvington and has a commute time to Grand Central Station of about 50 minutes.

Ardsley-on-Hudson is quite safe and the crime rate is low.

Ardsley-on-Hudson students are a part of the Irvington school district which is excellent. The median SAT score is 1755 and it is reported that 92% of its high school students do go on to attend college.

The median household income is $127,690. The median home value is $634,875 and the median rental rate is $1,564

Ardsley-on-Hudson is 83% White, 8% Asian, 6% Hispanic and 1.5% African American.

Ardsley-on-Hudson has a population of 6,420 with the median age being 40.
Pros
  • Peace and quietude
  • Great parks
  • Hudson River views
Cons
  • Can get too quiet at times, especially at night
  • Not a lot of nightlife
  • Not a lot of shopping
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Sleepy but pleasant hamlet"

South Salem is a placid little hamlet located within the greater town of Lewisboro, NY. It has an attractive array of medium to large Colonial homes as well as some more modern constructions. Real estate here is definitely more affordable and the area isn't pretentious. However, there are not a whole lot of ameneties here and most folks have to go elswhere although all those options are within reasonable driving ranges. Many go to the Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury, CT to satiate their retail needs. In South Salem's town center and surrounding area itself is a post office, the town hall, a recycling center, a wine and spirit shop, two gas stations and a dry cleaners.

South Salem does have one culinary boasting right in the exquisite Le Chateau restaurant which serves excellent French fare, brunch and even has a children's menu. The restaurant also boasts a fireplace, a wine bar, many drink specials and live music and dancing. Another two very good dining options are Bacio Trattoria and The Horse and Hound Inn.

There is a grocery store in town called Vista Market, but most shoppers head on over to D'agostinos in Cross River, Shop Rite in Bedford Hills and Stop n' Shop in Ridgefield, CT.

There are an abundance of gorgeous parks and nature preserves in greater Lewisboro with a plethora of walking trails. There is even a helpful and detailed trail guide that can be gotten for a small donation called, "Walking Wild Lewisboro."

South Salem is quite safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

South Salem students are a part of the Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School district. The system is considered to be very good and the median SAT score is 1742.

The median household income is $84,995. The median home value is $436,798 and the median rental rate is $1,279.

South Salem is 97% White, 1% Black and 1% Asian.

The population of South Salem is approximately 7,201 and the median age is 38.
Pros
  • Charming
Cons
  • Can feel quiet and isolated
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Residential rurality"

This sleepy 3.7 square mile hamlet is located in the western part of the town of Lewisboro in Westchester County. It does have its own post office and a small strip mall along Route 22, but not a whole lot else. Some residents like it that way and revel in the peaceful tranquility of multiple acre mid-to-large scale homes of varying architectural styles as well as the surrounding rocky hills, streams, lakes and dense forest (at least for Westchester County).

Most shoppers and diners make the short trek to nearby Danbury, CT to satisfy their retail and culinary wants and needs as there isn’t an extensive amount of options in Golden’s Bridge. There are some, however, and they include a gift shop, a bookstore, a furniture store, a bank, a Dunkin Donuts, Portofino Restaurant and an A&P supermarket.

Goldens Bridge has its own Metro-North train station which brings travelers into Grand Central in one hour and twelve minutes, a slightly longer but still doable commute.

Goldens Bridge has a solid school system. The median SAT score of John Jay High School students is 1702.

Goldens Bridge is 92% White, 6% Black, 4% Hispanic and 1% Asian.

The median income is $168,421. The median home value is $613,757 and the median rental rate is around $1,200.

The population of Goldens Bridge is approximately 1,679 and the population of greater Lewisboro is approximately 12,400 with the median age being 38 years old.
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A somewhat quiet and generic suburban village with a great school system"

Ardsley, not to be confused with Ardsley-on-Hudson, is a 1.3 square mile village located in the larger town of Greenburgh, NY. It has some lovely homes on quiet and winding tree-lined streets and a tiny downtown area, but it can feel a tad small and inconsequential to some, like more of a pass-through than a final living destination. However, it is centrally located and close to bustling Yonkers and the endless shopping, food and entertainment possibilities on the popular Central Avenue Strip which is less than ten minutes away.

That being said, Ardsley itself isn’t devoid of amenities. In and around the small downtown area and at the modest Ardsley Shopping Center you will find a fair amount of services including a handful of banks, a couple of pharmacies, a hardware store, a nail salon, a pet groomer, a car wash, a florist, a UPS store, a post office, a Laundromat, a music studio, a wine store and a DeCicco’s food market.

There are quite a few decent restaurants, both chain and independent, including Bubba’s Tavern, Ardsley Pizzeria and Ardsley Pizza in the Square, Mina’s Pizza Pasta Restaurant, a Carvel, a Starbucks, Golden Wok Café, Fiesta Mexicano Restaurant, Pumpernickel Restaurant, Nishi Japanese Restaurant, Calcutta Wrap and Roll, La Catena Italian Restaurant and Thai House Restaurant.

There is a small but fairly nice park, Ashford Park, which houses a playground, a playing field, basketball courts, tennis courts, some picnic areas and even a gazebo. The village also has a well developed parks and recreation program.

Ardsley is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The school system is excellent. The median SAT score is 1786 and it is reported that 99% of its high school students do go on to attend college.

The median household income is $195,332. The median home value is $501,450 and the median rental rate is $1,861.00

Ardsley is 73% White, 17% Asian, 6.5% Hispanic and 2% Black.

The population of Ardsley is 4,452 people and the median age is 42. .
Pros
  • Good Schools
  • Safe
  • Nice park
  • Very laid-back & comfortable atmosphere
Cons
  • Boring
  • No Town Center
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Affluent yet good-natured community with many green spaces"

Also known as Irvington-on-Hudson, this four square mile affluent suburb within the greater town of Greenburgh, NY, is peaceful, somewhat quiet, but quite good-natured and very green. Irvington was named after the famous local writer Washington Irvington, of Legend of Sleepy Hollow fame, who once lived in the area. There a good deal of families and young professionals who commute to NYC from Irvington and that commute takes anywhere between forty-three and fifty minutes.

There is a good deal of history in and around Irvington and plenty of monuments, one in honor of Irving himself, interesting architectural features and historical houses and villas to visit and explore. One such place is nearby Sunnyside, a glorious home with beautifully appointed grounds and gardens by the water. Tours are given by guides in period costumes and the experience is both enchanting and educational.

Restaurants in the area include Chuntney Masala Bistro, Mimo Vinoteca, River City Grille, Il Sorriso Ristorante Italiano, Buon Gusto Restaurant, Day Boat Café and the absolutely charming two-story Red Hat on the River which often has free live jazz, delectable eats and stunning views both in the dining room and outside on the patio during warmer weather.

The glorious if not postage stamp small Main Street does have a few wonderful restaurants, some cute shops and the stately Irvington Town Hall which actually boasts an amazing theatre with Broadway shows like Avenue Q and notable acts including Roger McGuinn.

But more than anything else, people choose to live here for the stunning views of the sparkling Hudson River as well as the abundance of greenery. There a plethora of walking trails and bike paths including a segment of the Old Croton Trailway State Park, the Irvington’s Woods Hiking Trails and the aptly named Scenic Hudson Park.

Irvington is quite safe with a low crime rate.

The school system is excellent with a median SAT score of 1755 and a reported 92% of its high school students going on to attend college.

The median household income is $127,690. The median home value is $634,875 and the median rental rate is $1,564 which isn’t bad considering the otherwise highly priced real estate.

Irvington is 83% White, 8% Asian, 6% Hispanic and 1.5% African American.

Irvington has a population of 6,420 with the median age being 40.
Pros
  • Local theatre
  • Stunning Hudson River views
  • Good schools
  • Great community atmosphere
  • Parks and scenery
Cons
  • Can feel small and too quiet at times
  • Not many things in the town itself
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Pricey but very pretty."

The picturesque village of Larchmont is definitely family-friendly with a small town communal feel. It is a very wealthy area, with sweeping homes and story book gingerbread Victorian’s, mostly near the water, costing a king’s ransom. However, on the other end of the spectrum, in the adorable village center, there are tall apartment buildings with more affordable apartment rentals that are in walking distance to the train station and shops.

The town holds family-friendly Bingo nights which include dinner for a small fee. There is a senior center minutes away in Mamaroneck with wonderful programs for the senior crowd. The Mamaroneck harbor is nearby as well and has a playground, a small beach, swing chairs by the water and a large tennis center that offers group and private lessons. The Emelin Theatre is also within short driving range and hosts an amazing array of dance troupes, plays, concerts and films. The Watercolor Café is a little gem of a live music venue with wonderful creative cuisine.

Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont Avenue and the Larchmont section of the famous Boston Post Road have a multitude of interesting shops, boutiques, and eateries including a great wine store, a fabulous bakery, a chocolate shoppe, antique stores, a florist, a couple of coffee shops, a jewelry store, and a gallery. There is even a little old-fashioned looking movie theatre in town which shows great flicks. There is also a terrific Guitar Center and a nearby Stop and Shop.

Restaurants in the area include Lusardis, the ever popular Plates and Chat 19, the charming Encore Bistro, Tequila Sunrise and the beloved family-friendly local Italian institution, Augies.

Larchmont is pretty safe and the crime index is far under the national and New York State average.

Larchmont is part of the Mamaroneck Union Free School District which is very good. The median SAT score is 1720 and it is reported that 95% of its high school students do go on to college.

Larchmont is 88% White, 6% Hispanic, 2.5% Asian and 1% Black.

The median income is $155,925. The median home value is $749,358 and the median rental rate is $1,679.

The population of Larchmont is 5,864with the median age being 38.
Pros
  • Cute shops
  • Some great restaurants
  • Friendly Community
  • Good School System
  • Sandy Beach and Parks
  • Family-friendly
Cons
  • Expensive
  • High real estate prices & taxes
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Historical Hamlet"

The adorable less than 1 square mile hamlet of Hartsdale is located in the far larger town of Greenburgh in Westchester County, NY. Hartsdale has its fair share of pricey and lovely homes, but also more modestly priced apartments and co-ops on East Hartsdale Ave and its offshoot streets. These are typically populated by young professional commuters and starter families including a fairly sizable Japanese demographic.

Those apartments are desirable both for their affordability and quality, but also for their walkability to the nearby train station and the short stretch of cute shops and restaurants that surround it. The train station, itself, has some historical significance as the original site of a very important Revolutionary War battle. Now it boasts a lovely Starbucks with a small seating area as well a short commute to NYC.

On Saturday mornings, right in front of the train station is a small but colorful Farmer’s Market, sometimes with live music. The stretch of stores that flank the train station include an exceptional bakery named Enrico’s that gets packed to the gills on Holidays, a good wine shoppe, an excellent sushi place called Azuma, an authentic Indian eatery called Masala Kraft Café, a newer fresh Latin American joint called Vega and the always popular steakhouse and Oyster Bar on the corner, Harry’s of Hartsdale, which is a big draw to businessmen when they get off the train.

Only minutes away by car, bus, bike or foot, is bustling Central Avenue with its absolute abundance of stores and restaurants that will meet every need you could possibly have and then some.

Other little known but very interesting facts about seemingly humble Hartsdale is that they are home to the first ever pet cemetery and the first ever Carvel Ice Cream store, which sadly closed its doors in 2008 and was razed sometime thereafter. Nearby Ferncliff Cemetery is famous as the final resting grounds for many celebrities including Aaliyah, Malcolm X, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Ed Sullivan and Oscar Hammerstein. Also, John Lennon and Jim Henson were cremated there.

Hartsdale is quite a safe area with a very low crime rate.

Hartsdale is part of the larger Greenburgh school district which has a decent system. The median SAT score of Woodland’s High School is 1365 and a reported 93% of its graduates go on to attend college.

The median income is $107,757. The median home value is $399,625 and the median rental rate is $1,770.00

Hartsdale is apprfoximately 68% White, 13% Asian, 9% African American and 8% Hispanic.

The population of Hartsdale is 9,469 with the median age being 44 years ol
Pros
  • Easy commute to New York City
Cons
  • Not much directly in town
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Pricey yet unpretentious hamlet with great schools"

Thornwood is a relatively quiet and friendly suburban hamlet in the greater town of Mount Pleasant, NY in Westchester County. It is laced with modest to slightly larger scale single family homes on attractive wide suburban tree-lined streets. There is definite wealth here, but it doesn't feel as obvious or as flaunted as it does in some other places.

Thornwood has two decent shopping centers. The Rose HIll Shopping Center is home to a CVS Pharmacy, Radio Shack, Carvel, KFC Chicken, a bank, a deli, a wine shoppe, a jewelry store, a nail salon , a CURVES for women, a vision center, Silvio's Restaurant, an Asian restaurant and a music academy that gives private lessons. The other well visited shopping center in the hamlet is the Town Center on Broadway with a nice Shoprite, another CVS, a Citibank and the popular Finnegan's Restaurant which has good American fare and a few Irish classics like fish n' chips and Shepherds Pie, as well as a late menu available until 2 AM.

There are other decent to excellent eateries in the area including Casa Rina, Lucky Buddha, Risotto Restaurant, Swaddee House of Thai Food, Thornwood Pizza and Pasta and the Coach DIner. As for bars and nightlife, one need only go to neighboring Pleasantville which has the highly touted Lucy's Lounge with its fantastic live local music. The Hawthorne Multiplex is also nearby and a short drive into more metropolitan White Plains gives you ample choices for entertainment.

Recreational options include the community pool in Mount Pleasant and Caroll Park, aka "Duck Pond."

Thornwood is a very safe area, where people look out for one another, and the crime rate index is only 2!

The school system in Thornwood is excellent. The median SAT score is 1606 and it is reported that an impressive 100% of Westlake High School graduates go on to attend college.

The median household income is $122,086. The median home value is $542,781 and the median rental rate in the area is $1,697.00

Thornwood is roughly 88% White, 6% Hispanic, 5% Asian and 2% Black.

The total population of Thornwood is an estimated 5,840 people with the median age being 39.
Pros
  • Very safe
  • Close to NYC and White Plains
  • Shopping centers
  • Good schools
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Not much of a nightlife
  • Minimal diversity
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Hard work and play on the Mount"

Mt. Kisco is a fascinating amalgam of a town that has a little bit of everything for everybody and a simultaneous old school charm coupled with a bigger city’s attractions and amenities. Mt. Kisco’s real estate offerings run the gamut from large, old houses to more modest ones to lovely one bedroom apartments and co-ops. People from more varied ethnicities and all walks of life tend to live here including hard-working blue and white collar families, artists, students and even retirees.

The downtown area is very walkable and makes for a leisurely afternoon of poking around its hodgepodge of interesting retail outlets including a Gap Kids, baby clothes boutiques, an opticican, a great music store, a home décor store, a bicycle shop, a small shoe store, a make up studio, an antiques and collectibles find, and even a cooperative boutique with an array of handcrafted unusual gifts and jewelry.

There are also a surprising amount of diverse and high quality restaurants in the area including the revered sumptuous soup- serving Café of Love and Ladle of Love, opened by a former senior editor of Ladies Home Journal, Eduardo’s Café, Bellizzi Restaurant, Tuscan Oven Trattoria, Mango Café, the ambient Pour Wine Bar situated in a Victorian house and the scrumdelicious and beloved Lefteris Gyro’s joint. And then of course there are several big leaguers like Applebees and the requisite neighborhood Starbucks. There is also Super Stop n’ Shop nearby as well as a Target, an Annie Sez and a TJ Maxx.

The library was recently renovated and is now a superb two-store structure that hosts a smattering of great events for kids and adults alike. For outdoors enthusiasts, there is the lovely A L Ehrmann Park and Recreation Center a few minutes down the road in Armonk.

Mt. Kisco is home to one of the finest medical centers in the entire county, Northern Westchester Hospital.

The crime rate in Mt. Kisco is relatively low.

The school system is considered to be quite fine. The median SAT score of students at the beautiful Fox Lane High School is 1631.

The median income is $73,510. The median home value is $356,627 and the median rental rate is $1,497.00

Mt. Kisco is much more ethnically diverse with its inhabitants being 54% White, 35% Hispanic, 5 % African American and 5 % Asian.

The population of Mt. Kisco is 10,877 with the median age being 36 years.
Pros
  • Downtown Area
  • Good Childcare Options
  • Ethnic shopping & restaurants
  • Relatively diverse population
  • great hospital right in town
Cons
  • Not a ton to do at night
  • Not many community activities
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A familial feel and lots of family-friendly recreation"

Harrison proper, founded in 1696 by its namesake, John Harrison, is both a town and a village with historical significance. In the western part of town, the famous Battle of White Plains was fought during the Revolutionary War. The southern half of town is simply known as Harrison while the northern portion is considered to be the hamlet of Purchase.

Harrison is home to beautiful Silver Lake Park where many spirited little and adult league softball games are played on sunny spring and summer nights. It makes for a wholesome community atmosphere. Harrison also boasts Veteran’s Memorial Park, a community pool, as well as the lovely red brick Leo Mintzer Community Center which has a great gym, a game room with ping pong tables, foos ball, air hockey and billiards, as well as a TV room hooked up with cable, a Playstation and a wii system. All one needs to participate in any and all of these wonderful activities is a valid town rec i.d.

For those seeking spine-chilling thrills, local lore and legend has it that Harrison’s infamous Buckout Road was home to witches, albinos and some supposed unexplainably strange goings-on. The road is a notorious hot spot on Halloween in particular for mischievous teens who like to spook the bejeezus out of each other.

In the hamlet of Purchase one can find the exceptional Purchase College, an artistic satellite of the SUNY system with its well known and highly touted liberal arts program and resplendent performing arts center and equally inspiring Neuberger Museum. The small but pretty campus of private Manhattanville College is also nearby and has affiliations with NYU and a terrific writing program. Fordham University even opened a branch in Harrison a few years ago.

Halstead Avenue in Harrison is haven to some nice shopping and quite a few restaurants including Rues des Crepes, Dunkin Donuts, Land and Sea Restaurant, Trattoria Vivolo, Emilio’s Restaurant, Al Dente, Uncle Henry’s Bar and Grill, Hajime Japanese Restaurant and Halstead Avenue Bistro.

The crime rate in Harrison is very low.

Harrison has a solid school system with the median SAT score being 1600 and a reported 98% of its high school graduates going on to college.

The median household income is $106, 749. The median household value is $661,125 and the median rental rate is $1,747.00

Harrison is 77% White, 12% Hispanic, 7.5% Asian and 2% African American.

The population of Harrison is 25,402 with the median age being 38.
Pros
  • Safe and sound
  • Neighborly
  • Great recreational activities
Cons
  • Can get somewhat boring at night
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A town with a steep price tag and excellent schools"

Settled in 1701, the 6.64 square mile town of Scarsdale is affluent to the nines and choosing to live there comes with steep home price tags and high taxes. Scarsdale is comprised of five sections with the Fox Meadows and Greenacres segments being the most desirable to new residents due to their close proximity to both the Scarsdale and Hartsdale train stations where a commute to NYC takes less than forty minutes. The Heathcote area is by far the most expensive area and is known for its sweeping estates. The Edgewood and Quaker Ridge areas are slightly more modest affairs, if you can call them that, as the whole of Scarsdale is abundantly wealthy and seems to have been mostly unscathed by the economic downturn in recent years. In fact, a drive through Scarsdale will reveal many home renovations and add-on's still going full steam ahead.
Overall, the architecture is lovely and the homes are stately tudors and colonials.

This tudor style is well exemplified in the center village of Scarsdale which has a charming feel. The historical post office on Chase Street is located there as well as the old train station with a lovely Starbucks inside of it. There are also a few cute toy stores, fashion boutiques, a food market, a beloved upscale wine shoppe called Zachy's, a Haagen Dazs, a Dunkin Donuts and a quaint and very green park. There are also some lovely older nearby coop buildings.

A five-minute trip up and then down a winding hill that stems from the village center, will lead you to the noisy and trafficky Central Avenue strip, which runs from White Plains all the way to Yonkers. The Scarsdale zip code of this famous street has more than its fair share of shopping and culinary destinations including certainly not limited to a California Pizza Kitchen, a Pizza and Brew, a Buy Buy Baby, a Shop Rite, a Red Lobster, Staples, many banks, a Panera, a Cold Stone Creamery and a bicycle shop, to name a few.

Other great foodie destinations in other areas of Scarsdale include a cake boutique named LuLu's, Meritage Restaurant, 808 Bistro, Garth Road Inn and Massa.

The Weinberg Nature Center is a wonderful family-friendly afternoon excursion and has many weekly children's programs as well as vacation camps, lovely walking trails and many volunteer opportunities. Scarsdale has many lovely parks and golf courses, a swimming pool, tennis courts and quite a few popular places of worship.

The Scarsdale Untion Free School District is considered one of the best in the nation and prides itself on promoting academic excellence and achievement. The median SAT score is 1852 and it is ported that 99% of its high school graduates go on to attend college.

Scarsdale is quite safe with the crime index of 20, which is far, far below both the nation and NY State average.

The median household income is $255, 856. The median home value is $829, 664 and the median rental rate is $2,000.

Scarsdale is 80% White, 13% Asian, 4% Hispanic and 1.4 % African American.

The total population is 17,166 with the median age being 41 years.
Pros
  • Stellar school system.
  • Lots of Golf Courses
  • Variety of recreation programs
  • Convenient commute to NYC
Cons
  • Can feel quiet, especially at night
  • Expensive
  • High taxes
  • Not very diverse
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Pleasant, it is."

Pleasantville really is appropriately named. It is an area with a laid-back feel and sunny disposition. Pleasantville has an artistic and bohemian vibe and many of my own theatre friends and local musicians choose to live there.

Considering the attractiveness of the area, and the fact that it is still in fairly expensive Westchester County, Pleasantville has quite a few affordable living options ranging from stunning Victorian’esque homes on quaint tree-lined streets to condos, cooperatives and apartments, some of which are rentable in those aforementioned homes.

The Jacob Burns Film Center is Pleasantville’s piece de resistance and residents are rightfully proud of this top-notch old-fashioned movie theatre which shows the crème de la crème of movies and also plays host to year-round special events including talk-backs and stimulating Q & A sessions with renowned actors, directors and screenplay writers. It also has a newer Media Lab which offers outstanding classes for adults, teens and children alike.

Before heading on over to the Burns, as it is oft called, there are a nice amount of quality eateries in the area including Haven Restaurant, Iron Horse Grill, Mediterraneo, McArthur’s American Grill, Bollywood Bistro, Magic Wok Chinese Restaurant and Jerry’s Brick Oven Restaurant, to name but a few of the slew.

As far as shopping, there are not a lot of options, but there are more than a handful of interesting ones such as a wonderful Independent bookseller, a very cool “Try and Buy” toy store, a charming gift shop with unusual and handcrafted items, a paper goods boutique and several impressive galleries. And do keep in mind that a quick fifteen to twenty minute drive into nearby White Plains will certainly take care of any and all of your more expansive retail needs. Also, the train station is located in the center of town and an express will take you into NYC’s Grand Central Station in a scenic forty-nine minutes.

The Pleasantville school system is high caliber and it is reported that the median SAT score is 1665 and that 98% of its high school graduates do go on to attend college.

The crime rate in Pleasantville is well under the national average at 13% and one generally feels quite safe and sound there.

The median income is $113,376. The median home value is $457,772 and the median rental rate is $1,600.

Pleasantville is approximately 79% White, 12% Hispanic, 4.5 % Asian and 3.6% Black.

The population of Pleasantville is 7,019 with the median age being 38.
Pros
  • Great community atmosphere
  • The Film Center
  • Very Safe
  • Fun public events
  • Incredibly family-friendly
Cons
  • Not a very diverse community
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now
Editors Choice

"New Rochelle has a little something for everyone"

New Rochelle is an interesting city that holds great wealth as can be seen in the more tucked away suburbanite neighborhoods with their gated pseudo-mansions and stunning old homes. Yet somehow it never comes across as pretentious or snobby and actually has a relatively diverse melting pot of a population. It also has a good deal of living options that include more affordable apartments that cater in particular to the college crowd.

The popular North Avenue strip extends from the one of a kind park-like setting of the high school all the way to historical Boston Post Road. The strip is home to the well-liked and academically sound Iona College which of course adds a lively collegiate and young feel, especially on weekend nights, to the street that has quite a few bars and a ton of terrific eateries to choose from. Food establishments run the gamut of ethnicities and you will find anything and everything from a vegetarian store front restaurant to little known Peruvian gems to authenitc Italian to a popular pizza and rib place to a greasy spoon chili and cheese dog joint.

Shopping is a-plenty especially with the inclusion of the Trump-era built area with its luxury yet not entirely unaffordable towering modern condos, some with water views. The 1.2 million square foot New Roc City is an entertainment monolith and has a colorful multiplex and a bonanza of family-fun recreational activities including black-light bowling and mini golf, a full-fledged ice skating rink, a massive arcade, billiards, and even a space shot ride that shoots upwards from the top floor!

The main street in New Ro is sometimes cited as a wonderful example of a real American main street with its slew of family-owned and operated businesses, ethnic eateries, gourmet food finds, corner delis, wine shoppes, florists, dance studios, consignment shops, dollar stores and smaller discount shops and boutiques. The street has a wonderfully unpretentious and more bohemian and humble feel to it.

Another must-visit in New Rochelle is Glen Island Park, a fairly large and verdant park with winding paths and stunning views of the Long Island Sound. It can get very busy in the summer months. It has foot paths along the water and throughout the park as well as rocky crags and even the remnants of an old castle. Families often picnic and bbq there and there are many lively soccer games to watch or partake in. The park definitely has a festive atmosphere and for the cost of parking, it is a lovely day well spent.

New Rochelle does have its pockets of crime, contingent upon area, but it is still under half the national average at 45%.

The school system is fairly good and it is reported that the median combined SAT score is 1440 with about 94% of its high school graduates going on to attend college.

Median income in New Rochelle is $73,073. The median home value is $438,163 and the median rental rate is $1,237 which is definitely more affordable than a lot of other areas nearby.

New Rochelle’s population is 48% White, 28% Hispanic, 18% Black and 4% Asian, making it far more culturally diverse than many of its Westchester County neighbors.

The population of New Rochelle is 77, 062 with the median age being 37.
Pros
  • Lots of Shopping
  • Plenty of restaurants with a lot of diversity
  • beautiful homes
  • great natural areas, parks and recreational facilities
  • easy commute to Manhattan
  • nice neighborhoods
  • waterfront
Cons
  • high taxes
  • Parking & traffic problems
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"These plains have a little bit of everything"

What can I say about my hometown of almost 39 years? Plenty and then some. In fact, I could write a small visitor’s guide. White Plains has grown in such leaps and bounds since my childhood that sometimes I have to shake my head to both recognize it, and to remember what it once was. It has transformed from a quiet half-plains, half-suburban NYC escape into what many now affectionately call the “mini-Manhattan.”

Shopping abounds here and White Plains is home to the ever-popular more middle-class Galleria Mall, the super trendy and far more pricey, Westchester, which resembles a coliseum, the more urban and modern City Center and even the old dog, the White Plains Mall, which still looks and retains the feel of the early 70’s and still keeps chugging along in spite of its worn out looks. The galleria is a thriving teen hotspot where the requisite hormonal boy and girl watching and giggling and awkwardness goes on and is also a more affordable family-friendly shopping option with all the sought after retail chain stores. The Westchester is a more marbleized and resplendent affair with a wealth of upscale retail stores.

The city is home to an impressive professional Equity theatre, the White Plains Performing Arts Center, which hosts tap your toes good musicals, rip-roaring comedies, smart plays and a wonderful young adult conservatory. The movie theatre next door to the White Plains is a bright and jazzy looking Cineplex which features a little something for kids, adults and artistic flick lovers alike. In that same building is a very busy Target with a terrific grocery section and a lovely Shop Rite replete with an American and Asian buffet. Other food shopping options include a large Super Stop n' Shop and a very popular Whole Foods market with an ethnic buffet, cooking demos and an accomodating eat-in seating secion.

The Mamaroneck Avenue Strip is a huge hotspot with tons of bars that brim over into the streets. You can hear the music thumping well into the night. That same strip and the streets that jut out from it have an absolute abundance of restaurants including a fondue spot, several popular burger joints, a fusion Asian bistro, a Hibachi restaurant, several Latin American cafes, a Legal Seafood, an Applebees. A Cosi sandwich shop, a Haagen Dazs, a Starbucks,

White Plains also has a fine library, a YMCA, a slew of playgrounds, several parks, large-scale parades and a colorful weekly farmer’s market.

Donald Trump put White Plains even more squarely on the map and gave it a pseudo-skyline with his somewhat controversial build of the 35-story Trump Tower City Center with its ultra luxurious condos smack dab at the base of the Mamaroneck Avenue strip.

White Plains has a wide variety of living options including plush suburban homes, condos and both large and small scale apartment buildings as well as rentals in private homes. The median home value is $421, 300 and the median rental is 1,470.00.

White Plains is definitely more of a melting pot compared to many of its neighbors. The more diverse make-up is approximately 49% White, 30% Hispanic, 13% Black and 6% Asian.

The median income is $72,909.

White Plains has a quality school system with a reported 93% of White Plains High School graduates going on to college.

The population of White Plains is 56,853 with the median age being 38 years old.
Pros
  • A ton of nightlife
  • Family friendly
  • Relatively affordable
  • Incredibly variety of shops
  • Shopping
Cons
  • Traffic & parking
  • Noise (in the downtown areas)
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Luxury Living at Affordable Prices"

Heritage Hills is actually a serene self-contained former retirement community located in the beautiful town of Somers, NY. However, don't let fact that it was once a retirment village fool or dissuade you. The Hills are now open to people of all ages and walks of life and there is a slow and steady increase of younger folks moving in to the area and will most likely increase over the years, especially in light of the fact that condos here are lovely, diversely laid-out and move-in ready units which are far more affordable than most dwellings of the same quality and caliber in Westchester County.

Drawbacks of the area can be that the community doesn't have a school system and doesn't have kid-friendly attributes like playgrounds and such. However, that being said, there are still a mulitude of recreational actitivities for families as the actual Heritage Hills Village is chockfull of bocce ball courts, paddle tennis courts, regular tennis courts, swimming pools and whirlpools as well as lush landscape replete with tranquil woods, a lovely pond and hills and dales perfect for nature walks, frisbee or just tossing a ball around. For adults, there is a state of the art fitness center and a plethora, thirty plus, interesting social and cultural clubs including a drama and gardening club, as well as a private on premises library, a theatre and a woodworking shop. Also, it is a very safe, self-contained and tight-knit community where people know each other and look out for each other. This could prove to be a positive pull for young families in years to come.

The village offers a convenient shuttle service to the train station as well as a shuttle to nearby modest shopping areas.

The nearby Somers Point Golf Club is a popular local venue with its stunning 27-hole park-like golf course and signature eatery, the Pinnacle Restaurant, which boats an outdoor terrace for the warmer months that has beautiful views of the gold course as well as the verdant hills of northern Westchester.

The population of the greater area of Somers is just above 7,000 people and has a median household income of $103,691. The median condo cost at Heritage Hills is approximately $363,000.

Heritage Hills is predominantly white with the average age still being above the norm, though changing, at 65.
Pros
  • Safe and Sound
  • No traffic
  • Quiet and clean
  • Strong sense of unity
Cons
  • Not as many younger folks yet
  • No schools
  • Not very diverse
  • Boring
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"An atmospheric hamlet in a historical town"

Scotts Corners is a tiny (1.8 square mile) but happening little hamlet in the southern portion of the historical town of Pound Ridge, NY. The area absolutely emanates rural ambience and is the type of place with old stone wells, old fashioned clock posts, historical homes and sites and a close-knit friendly and unpretentious atmosphere even in spite of its wealth and innumerable famous citizens.

The business district as Scott Corners is otherwise called is small but mighty and includes an art gallery, a store with adorable dollhouse miniatures, a spin and fitness studio, a Curves for women, a flower boutique, a hardware store, a school of Dance, a wine shoppe, a nursery, a martial arts center and even a renovated gas station that sells vintage furniture, lighting and art works directly imported from Europe. The Scott Corner’s portion of Pound Ridge also houses the post office and fire house.

The beloved Scotts Corners Market is a rare employee-owned market that has been in operation since 1952 and prides itself on its stellar service and somewhat pricey but fresh produce, meats, dairy products, baked delectables, organic goods, beautiful flowers and even a selection of gourmet pet foods.

There are a plethora of great restaurants in parent town Pound Ridge including Blind Charlie’s Cafe, Mariela’s Wine & Espresso Bar, North Star Restaurant, Tokyo Himachi, Di Nardos and Pinnochio Pizza.

Pound Ridge’s nearby historical hamlet is on the National Historic Registry and boasts a charming church, the Hiram Hale Memorial Library and the Pound Ridge Museum. Sachs Park also located in Pound Ridge is a small but attractive park with a beautiful pond, jogging trails and a playing field.

For daytrippers, the more metropolitan bustle of White Plains is only thirty minutes away and a visit or work commute to the Big Apple can happen in under an hour.

Scotts Corners is very safe and the crime rate is very low.

Scotts Corners and Pound Ridge fall under the Bedford Public School District which is very good. The reported median SAT score for Fox Lane High School students is 1631.

The median income is roughly $193,624. The median home value is $759,770 and the median rental rate is $1,523.

Scotts Corners is 90% White with an approximate 4% Hispanic population and the rest of the population evenly divided amongst other races.

The population is a mere 700 and change and the median age is 44.
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A manor of wealth and beauty."

Pelham Manor is a quaint 1.2 square mile mostly suburban village. Pelham Manor is often confused with neighboring Pelham. A good differentiation is that the Manor is a more upscale, affluent version of Pelham, which is predominantly working class and that they do have separate governments.

The Pelham Manor Shopping Center is a popular shopping hub featuring retail giants like BJ’s wholesale warehouse, Pet Smart, Michaels, and Sleepy’s. Fairway Food Market opened a lavish store there in 2010 much to the delight and fanfare of both Pelhamites and Westchesterites.

Notable restaurants in the area include the ever-popular family and date-night friendly Edo’s Japanese Restaurant, long considered by many to be one of the better hibachi-style restaurants in Westchester County. There are also a good two handfuls of quality Italian trattorias, American/Seafood restaurants and Mexican cafes nearby.

For quality entertainment, do yourself a favor and be sure to head on over to neighboring Pelham to take in an artistic flick at the historical 90-year old Pelham Picture House, a wonderful non-profit jewel that hosts the best of the best pictures as well as special evenings with acclaimed directors, actors and writers. They also offer a wonderful educational program for adults and young adults alike featuring a movie making camp and acting and screenwriting classes for adults.

Pelham Manor operates under the Pelham Union Free School District and is considered one of the finest school systems in the county with a median SAT score of 1632 and a reported 94% of Pelham Memorial High School graduates going on to college.

Pelham Manor feels like a safe haven and the crime rate is very low.

The population of Pelham Manor is approximately 5,500 with the median age being 38 years. Pelham Manor is predominantly White at 70% with Hispanics making up 7%, Asians making up 4% and African Americans making up 2% and

The median household income is $150,662 so there is definite wealth here. The median home value is $721,600 and the median rental rate is $ 1,550.00 .
Pros
  • Beautiful tree-lined streets
  • Everything is within walking distance
  • Quiet, small-town vibe
  • Great Park
Cons
  • Boring
  • High taxes
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"A safe and sound suburban community"

The town of Eastchester, which is also comprised of the villages of Bronxville and Tuckahoe, was first settled in 1664 by a gaggle of families who made the migration from Fairfield, Connecticut to this five square mile southern Westchester County enclave.

For those wishing to indulge in some retail therapy, the Vernon Hills Shopping Center is a popular destination laden with high-end department stores and smaller boutiques such as Lord & Taylor, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor LOFT, Children's Place, Starbucks, Brooks Brothers and American Eagle. There is also an amply sized Stop and Shop, a Food Emporium, a Trader Joe’s and a Mrs. Greens.

For food enthusiasts, there are a dozen notable eateries including a terrific Asian fusion bistro, an authentic Italian restaurant, a real deal Italian deli, a bar that is often on the acclaimed Best of Westchester list for its burgers, a phenomenal bakery offering delectable Italian ices and of course, the requisite Starbucks.

The Lake Isle Country Club is one of the most popular and long-standing town attractions and is open to all residents for a nominal fee. It has a park-like setting landscaped with tennis courts, a public pool and a golf range.

Eastchester is quite safe with a very low crime rate.

The school system is decent although nothing to write home about. The average SAT score is 1586 and a reported 92% of high school graduates do go on to college.

Eastchester is 83% White, 6.5% Hispanic, 7.6% Asian and 1.1% Black. There is a prevalent Italian-American influence amongst the 83%.

The median household income is $97,264. The median home value is $442,236 and the median rental rate is $1,627.00.

The total population of Eastchester is 19,554 with the median age being 43.
Pros
  • Quite Safe
Cons
  • Nightlife is minimal
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A Close-knit neighborhood of Greenburgh"

Fairview is a tiny (less than one half square mile) relatively unremarkable albeit close-knit suburban family community which is quiet, modest, relatively safe and comprised chiefly of small to medium-sized well-maintained and affordable homes, especially considering its close proximity to the prime real estate of Scarsdale and White Plains.

Fairview itself doesn’t have any real shopping, food or entertainment destinations to speak of, but it is in such close range to Elmsford, White Plains and even Tarrytown, that a short bus ride or quick five to fifteen minute drive in one of several directions is guaranteed to satiate almost any given need.

Within a couple of minutes, one can partake in the offerings of the Crossroads Shopping Center and the rest of Tarrytown Road for that matter. Tarrytown Road, which is a popular thoroughfare that cuts through Greenburgh between White Plains and Elmsford has no shortage of stores and restaurants. There is a large Kmart which sells food, a Modells, a HomeGoods, a Radio Shack, a Petland Discounts, several wireless provider stores, a nail salon, a nearby movie theatre which shows both blockbusters and more artistic flicks, a bowling alley, a terrific market which is known for its fresh seafood and produce, a smaller Barnes and Nobles, and several chain restaurants including Applebees, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, Planet Pizza and Papa Johns. Central Avenue with its miles and miles of storefront shops, restaurants and services is also in short driving distance.

Fairview is a fairly safe nehighborhood with people tending to keep a close watch on the goings-on.

Fairview neighborhood students are a part of the Greenburgh school district which is considered solid,

The population of Fairview is approximately 3,000 people.
Pros
  • Real estate is inexpensive
  • Access to Greenburgh's amenities
  • Shopping is within short range
Cons
  • Have to drive to other towns for everything
  • School system doesn't rank very high
Rye
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Rye is affluent in wealth and charm"

Rye is a charming and very upscale little city. One might even deign to call it “la-dee-da.” There is definite wealth here as seen by the expensive threads donned by its residents and the shiny, luxury cars lining the main street. However, that being said, it does exude a friendly, small town community feel that belies its affluence.

The main thoroughfare with its quaint offshoot streets is adorable and lined with a slew of unique boutiques and some outstanding culinary delights including but not limited to Aurora, Ruby’s Oyster House, Water Moon, Le Pain Quotidian, the beloved Frankie and Johnny’s Steakhouse, Morgans Fish House, Patisserie Salzburg and a stellar local pizzeria. There is even a small, soda fountainesque, old-fashioned mom and pop type diner named Poppy’s.

Rye brings more than its fair share of visitors due to the beloved amusement park, Rye Playland, a 1920’s era historical landmark that was featured in the movie, “BIG,” and boasts weekly fireworks displays during the summer season, big name concerts, a beautiful view of the Long Island Sound and of course, a slew of rides and attractions to delight young and old thrill seekers alike. During the winter season, the Olympic sized Ice Casino located at Playland holds wonderful family friendly skating sessions.

The Rye Nature Center is a wonderful way to unwind and reflect either alone, as a couple or with children and includes winding trails, a beautiful pond, an old quarry and even a observation bee hive for kids to learn all about honey making. The Nature Center also hosts birthday parties, festivals and a wonderful summer camp.

Music lovers can head on over to the High Street Roadhouse, an authentically rustic joint with open mic nights, great local bands and equally great American fare. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, even when busy, and it definitely has less of a meat market feel than most places.

Rye is extremely safe and has very little crime. The school system is top notch and it is reported that the average SAT score is 1797 and that 98% of Rye High School graduates do go on to college.

The median household income is $145,990. The median home value is $774,505 and the median rental rate is $1,900.

Rye is roughly 85% White, 7% Hispanic and 1.3% African American.

The population of Rye is 15, 720 and the median age is 39.
Pros
  • Rye Playland Amusement Park
  • Small beach at Playland
  • Cute shopping district
  • Nice affluent neighborhood
  • Extremely safe
Cons
  • Few nightlife options
  • Expensive
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Small and industrial with some surprising hot spots"

Elmsford is not the most visually arresting area of Westchester County, but apartments and homes are definitely more affordable than some of its more affluent suburban neighbors. Elmsford is heavy on industry with truck rental venues, glass manufacturers and large-scale discount warehouses like Sams, Lumber Liquidators and Home Depot located there. It is also a main crossroads for several converging highways and byways including the Saw Mill River Parkways, Interstate 287 and Route 9A. The small size of the village coupled with these bustling thoroughfares and large industrial clients can make for some heavy traffic during the day.

There are a slew of well-known fast food chains in the area including Taco Bell/KFC, Subway, Wendy’s, Dunkin Donuts and Carvel. There are also several decent diners, a good pizzeria, a more mid-scale Italian restaurant, a popular Hibachi restaurant, a thriving local deli and a pretty fine bakery.

Despite Elmsford’s deceptively small one square mile size, there are quite a few entertaining outings for adults only and families alike. The Greenburg Multiplex is a large, comfortable movie complex showing all the big blockbuster hits. Elmsford Raceway is a great way to spend a family-friendly afternoon. The raceway has been touted “the East Coast’s premiere slot car track” by Auto Week. Right next door is Sportime USA, a large indoor entertainment center which proudly boasts something for everyone including billiard tables, air hockey, bumper cars, laser tag, batting cages, a rock climbing wall and a café laden with good American fare. The facility is a great place for birthday parties and corporate events.

For a bit of culture, one can head over to Westchester Broadway Theatre, which holds the distinct honor of being the longest running year round Equity theatre in the state of New York. This 37-year old continuously running cultural institution offers delicious three course dinners topped only by their incredible musical productions featuring Broadway stars and an impressive roster of entertainment greats including Tom Jones, Jackie Mason, George Carlin and Wayne Newton.

If you want to escape the industrial hub-bub of Elmsford, Tarrytown with its historical homes, beautiful walking trails and, of course, splendid Hudson River views are but a short ten minute drive away. Elmsford village doesn’t have its own train station, but a short drive, cab ride or bus ride will take you to either the Tarrytown or White Plains station where you can catch a 38-minute express into NYC.

Elmsford is approximately 54% white, 15% black and 12% Asian.

The school system is decent with a reported 80% graduation rate From Alexander Hamilton High School and a reported 90% of those graduates going on to attend college.

Median rent is $1,557 and the median house value is roughly $480,000. Median household income is $91,753.

Elmosford's population is approximately 5,000 people with the median age being 34.
Pros
  • Professional Theatre
  • Family Friendly Entertainment Center
  • Affordable
  • Centrally Located
  • Lots of stores and restaurants
Cons
  • Can get trafficky and noisy in the industrial center near 287
  • Lacks community feel
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Diversity and Dimension"

It is easy to get lost in Yonkers (or, Yon-Kahs, as some jest) as it is the largest city in Westchester County and the fourth largest city in the state of New York with a total 18.3 square miles. It is definitely more convenient to have a car to get around there, but there are twenty different bus routes that are heavily used.

Yonkers is a mixed bag as far as attractiveness. It has its suburban pockets with smaller old homes, slightly less appealing neighborhoods and a newly renovated waterfront district with more affordable luxury condo rentals for young professionals who are often NYC commuters. Speaking of the commute, an express train from the Yonkers train station puts you into Grand Central in a mere 28 minutes.

Yonkers has an abundance of shopping possibilities. On the busy Central Avenue strip, there is a Best Buy, Bob's Discount Furniture store, a large Barnes and Noble, a Kohl's Department Store and a Bed, Bath and Beyond, to name but a few. The Cross County Shopping Center, an outdoor mall which received a modernizing face lift in recent years, also has a plethora of retail stores including H & M, NY & Co, Forever 21, Sears, and a large discount electronic Micro Center amongst at least a dozen restaurants including Applebees. In the last six months, many Yonkers and Westchester County residents were very excited by the newly built Ridge Hall, a modern shopping center set atop a hill which almost has a ski resort town type of feel to it with its wide streets and whimsical trolley system. The shopping center brought a slew of new shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities including an LL Bean outlet, a Guitar Center, smaller boutique shops and some never before heard of restaurants including Texas de Brazil, the Yard House with its endless slew of world beers and some modern staples such as a very industrial looking Whole Foods Market. There is also a new multiplex which brings the movie theatre count up to three in Yonkers. Right near the new Ridge Hill, and for the culinary and entertainment pleasure of children and adults alike, is the ever popular Stew Leonards, the Disney land of grocery stores.

Yonkers is also home to Yonkers Raceway, the Empire State Casino, quite a few attractive parks, a number of interesting museums including the Hudson River Museum, numerous popular watering holes with and without live music, and the revitalized waterfront district with splendid views of the Hudson River and Manhattan.

Yonkers is definitely more racially diverse than many of its Westchester County neighbors. Yonkers is approxiimately 41% White, 34% Hispanic and 15% African American with the rest of the population well divided amongst other cultures.

The school system is relatively good and it is reported that between 70% and 90% of high school graduates do go on to college, that figure largely depending on which of the three high schools they attend.

Yonkers does have its unsafe areas and crime can be somewhat high there and above half the national index.

The median average income is roughly $54,469. The median home value is about $327,129. Rentals can be considerably cheaper with the median rental rate at $1,163,

The population of Yonkers is roughly 200,000 people with the median age being 35 years.

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Pros
  • Multitude of entertainment possibilities
  • Short train ride to NYC
  • Cheaper than NYC
  • Highly diverse
  • Less traffic, more parking than NYC
Cons
  • Transportation isn't as convenient as in NYC
  • Impoverished areas (some, not all)
  • Racial segregation
  • Some areas have high crime rates
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Pretty as a picture and more affordable, too."

The 34.5 square mile town of Cortlandt is located in the northwestern corner of Westchester County. Cortlandt includes the villages of Buchanan and Croton-on-Hudson and the hamlets of Montrose, Crugers and Verplanck. The town is bordered on the west by the majestic Hudson River. Cortlandt offers a restful respite and one truly feels like one is in the middle of a more old-fashioned and untouched landscape with attractive older homes, sweeping tree lines and even Connecticut-style stone walls.

There is a bowling alley called Cortlandt Lanes, a local campground at the Country Music Park & Museum, and a really funky and laid-back joint on Main Street called Blue Frog Cafe & Music Club which has wine, beer, amazing baked goods and really good live music and open mic sessions. There is also an outdoor Main Street Music Series which is fun and festive and helps promote very promising musical artists.

For budding musicians, the C Note Music School offers both private and group instruction on a wide variety of instruments and also provides vocal training by top-notch teachers.

Cortlandt Town Center is the shopping destination in the area featuring such popular stores as Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Barnes and Noble, Pet Smart, Marshalls, Modells and Game Stop. The center also contains a 12-screen movie theatre. Restaurants at the center include Applebees, Panera Bread, McDonalds, Nathan’s Famous, Subway and Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

For those seeking a few hours away from the quietude, the Cortlandt train station and the Croton-Harmon train station both offer express trains into New York City.

The town is approximately 76% White, 13% Hispanics 5.5% Black and 3.5% Asian, making it a little more diverse than other areas of Westchester County.

The school system is considered to be first-rate with a reported average combined SAT score of 1503,

The median income for a household is roughly $91,000. The median rental rate for a one bedroom apartment is $1,250 making it considerably lower than the southern Westchester suburbs and the median home value is $443,688. Cortlandt is popular with those wanting more affordable spacious homes in a peaceful area while still being able to commute to the city for work.

Cortlandt has a population of approximately 31,292 people and the median age is 39 years old.
Pros
  • Peace & quiet
  • Bucollic landscape
  • Very safe
Cons
  • Can get a little too quiet at times
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Valhalla is small but mighty"

Valhalla is a small but verdant hamlet in Mount Pleasant located in southern Westchester County. It has made it onto the national radar as the burial place of some very well known folks including Tommy Dorsey, Ayn Rand, Lou Gehrig and Danny Kaye, who rest in the stunning 600-acre park like setting of Kensico cemetery. Equally majestic and maybe less spooky to some, is the handsome Kensico Dam Plaza with it's mighty reservoir. In the center of the plaza is a large grassy field where they hold Pops in the Park and sometimes even movies on warm and breezy summer nights. Families spread out picnic blankets and bring lawn chairs and it is a wonderful, communal and festive atmosphere. During the day, it is not uncommon to see many an in-line skater whizzing around the park and showing off their moves. The plaza is also the more recent recepient of a September 11th memorial.

For foodies, Valhalla has a great local bbq joint with outstanding chicken wings, a terrific pizza place with a tuna salad pizza slice that tastes far better than it might sound as well as a great deli and a Dunkin Donuts/ Basksin Robbins combo. A more eclectic spot is Valhalla Crossing, a restaurant located in the historic Valhalla train station. They have al fresco dining, a tiki bar and even a Victorian dining room, trackside dining room and an old red caboose dining room. Their bar was voted as one of the best in Westchester.

Valhalla is well situated for day trips and communting. It is just a short ten minute drive to the bustle of more metropolitan White Plains and with the aformentioned train station located in town, it is about a 40 minute train excursion into Grand Central. There are also many converging highways and byways in the area including the Bronk River Parkway and the Taconic Parkway.

For medical students or those seeking high quality medical care, Valhalla is home to Westchester Medical Center. For an associates degree or to parktake in some high caliber adult ed. or continuing ed. classes, one need not go far to Westchester Community College, long considered one of the better community colleges around. It has an incredible amount of interesting offerings by stellar instructors on a pretty campus that offers an easy commute.

Valhalla is predominantly white, with caucasians making up almost three-quarters of its population. Blacks and asians make up most of the rest of the population though in small degrees. The school system is very good and it is reported that 99% of its high school graduates do go on to college.

Valhalla has a safe feel and the crime rate is very low. Median home cost is around $781,00 and one bedroom apartment rental rates tend to average anywhere between $1,200 and $1,500. Median household income is about $ 96,940. The population of Valhalla is approximately 5,000 people with the median age being 42 years old.
Pros
  • A few good eats
  • Beautiful Reservoir
  • Festivals and movies in parks
  • Good Fishing
  • Home to three major schools
Cons
  • Can get a tad quiet, especially at night.
4/5 rating details
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
Just now

"A not that Sleepy Hollow"

This charming 5.1 mile square village neighbors Tarrytown and is located on the eastern bank of the beautiful Hudson River. Sleepy Hollow is steeped in a colorful literary history as made famous by acclaimed writer, Washington Irving’s, notorious short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and the subsequent blockbuster hit starring Johnny Depp.

The Original Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is on the national historic registry and is a tourist attraction drawing visitors who want to view the burial sites of Washington Irving, Andrew Carniege, Walter P. Chrysler and Elizabeth Arden. The cemetery offers daytime tours in addition to interesting photography workshops by night. The Old Dutch Church is a must-see building, as well, and also protected by the National Historic Registry. Summer services and special occasion services are still held there to this day.

Philipsburg Manor is another fascinating family-friendly area attraction. This 300-year old seventeenth century manor offers tours by well-versed guides in period costume. At the farm, you can visit with oxen, sheep, cows and chickens, view a working gristmill, and work with wheat in the Dutch barn. In the house itself, there are many interesting artifacts for your viewing and learning pleasure. Captivating stories are told about the slave trade and subsequent resistance during colonial times.

For your shopping needs, Sleepy Hollow is but a footstep away (it was once called North Tarrytown) from Tarrytown where you can find a plethora of unique retail stomping grounds including funky consignment shops, an attic filled with eccentric and one-of-a-kind jewelry, an interesting toy store and a whimsical gift shop.

There are numerous wonderful restaurants lining the Main Street of Tarrytown including an excellent store-front Chinese eatery, a spectacular French bistro, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, a festive Mexican joint and a beloved Greek restaurant that is almost always packed to the brim.

After a good nosh, be sure to head over to the incomparable 843-seat historic Tarrytown Music Hall which offers the finest entertainment in Westchester County for remarkably reasonable ticket prices. Acclaimed Broadway shows, family-friendly delights, outstanding classical films and a roster of world-renowned acts including Bonnie Raitt, Joan Osborne, Ani Difranco, Lea Salonga and Louie Anderson are but some of its year-round offerings. It was voted the “Best Music Venue” and “Best Kids Theatre” by readers of Westchester Magazine.

If you feel the need to escape the idyllic but sometimes quiet make-up of the area, the Philipse Manor stop of the Hudson Line will whisk you into NYC in as little as thirty-eight minutes on an express train.

Sleepy Hollow is predominantly white, with Caucasians making up approximately 68% of the population and roughly 18% from other races with Hispanics being the largest group in that percentage. Sleepy Hollow has a decent school system with a reported 96% of its high school graduates going on to college.

Sleepy Hollow is a very safe community with a low crime rate. The median gross rental rate is slightly more affordable still than in other areas of Westchester County at $ 1,300.00. The median home cost is $626,470. The median household income is $66,751. Population is approximately 10,000 with the average age being 36 years old.
Pros
  • Historic Houses
  • Low Crime Rate
  • Scenic Views
Cons
  • Can feel too rural and quiet at times.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
Just now

"A bustling little town with a beautiful harbor"

This quaint village was founded in 1661 and is one of Westchester County’s oldest settlements. Mamaroneck may be small in scale, but it does pack in a diverse array of local attractions and cultural and educational institutions. There is a bucolic waterfront marina that offers beautiful views of the Long Island Sound and is landscaped with a small beach, romantic wooden swing chairs, a playground for children and a large indoor tennis center where people of all ages can take group or private lessons.

The main thoroughfare of the village, aptly named Mamaroneck Avenue, is lined with an interesting array of restaurants including some terrific Asian fusion bistros, a few tasty Latin American establishments, a wonderful little bakery, a gelateria, a café with great coffee, pastries and live local music, an authentic Italian deli with outstanding sandwiches and prepared foods, a French brasserie and a highly touted and often bustling pizzeria, to name but a few. Popular local bars include Molly Spillanes and the Duck Inn. A somewhat old fashioned looking movie theatre is nestled in the center of the street and hosts your typical blockbuster hits. There are also several interesting boutiques peppering the street for those who want to indulge in some very light shopping.

Right off of Mamaroneck Ave glistens a recently rebuilt modern library that even houses a tiny but mighty bookstore featuring great titles for a mere dollar or two. Next to the library, is the Emelin Theatre, a 275-seat state of the art theatre that boasts a spectacular season featuring a wildly popular film series hosted by the famous Marshall Fine, dance troupes like Alvin Ailey, comic greats such as Jackie Mason, an outstanding concert series that has seen the likes of John Pizzarelli and Aimee Mann, as well as an acclaimed series of children shows fun for all ages. The village also has a public pool accessible to permit-holders. One can find an application for a permit on the parks and recreation website. There is an ice skating rink with public skating sessions. Every Saturday morning from 9 AM to 1 PM, there is a lovely indoor farmer’s market featuring dairy products, super fresh produce, meats, specialty foods and delectable baked goods.

For a day trip, one can jump on the Metro-North train located at the base of Mamaroneck Ave and take a short 40 minute jaunt to “The Big Apple.” Mamaroneck is also in close proximity, a short fifteen to twenty minute drive, into White Plains, the “mini Manhattan.” Rye Playland, one of the nation’s oldest amusement parks whose boardwalk was features in the hit movie, “BIG,” is a popular family friendly destination that is a mere hop and skip away.

Mamaroneck is predominantly white, with Caucasians making up approximately 67% of the population. The next largest ethnicity is Hispanics who make up about 23% of the population. The Mamaroneck public school system ranks well compared to other schools in Westchester County, with 95% of its students going on to college.

One generally feels quite safe walking around In Mamaroneck as there is a noticeable police presence in town and the crime rate in Mamaroneck tends to be quite slim. Housing is on the lower end of the pricey side with the median gross rental rate at $1,500 and the median home value is $580,000. The median household income in Mamaroneck is about $86,000. Population count is approximately 18,000 with the median age being 38 years old.
Pros
  • Modern Library
  • Slew of good restaurants
  • Professional Theatre
Cons
  • Parking spots can be hard to get on the main thoroughfare
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A Quiet hamlet with a Big Multiplex"

Hawthorne is a mild-mannered 1.7 square mile suburban hamlet contained within the town of Mount Pleasant, located in central Westchester County. Hawthorne is comprised mostly of medium-sized well-kept homes and smaller businesses.

Little known trivia about Hawthorne is that it is actually the final resting place of both baseball great, Babe Ruth, and acting giant, James Cagney.

The All Westchester Saw Mill Multiplex Cinemas are a popular destination for families and teens alike and show the best Hollywood hits. Parking is ample with a huge lot in front of the complex. After catching the latest flick, head on over to the casual and cozy Italian trattoria, Tramanto, where the Tiramisu is luscious. Gasho of Japan is also in close range and this beloved Westchester County hibachi institution has a lovely and tranquil Japanese stroll garden replete with a bridge, a lily padded pond and the requisite Koi fish.

For the bargain hunter, here is a hot little retail tip for you: Bloomingdale’s Westchester Clearance Center on Saw Mill River Road offers drastically marked down (sometimes up to 80%) deals on discontinued or past seasons’ rugs, mattresses and indoor furniture!

For a one-day escape, the Hawthorne train station operates on the Harlem Line of Metro-North and an express train can whisk you into the big city in only 43 minutes.

The Mount Pleasant school system is considered to be very good and it is reported that 100% of Westlake High School students go on to college after graduation.

The population of Hawthorne is predominantly White, with Caucasians making up approximately 88% of the population. The rest of the populations is comprised of Hispanics who make up 6%, Blacks who make up 3.1% and Asians who make up 3%.

The median income for a household is approximately $71,000. Rental opportunities are few and far between and a one bedroom, when available, tends to run around $1,200.00 per month. The median cost for a home is about $573,000.

The population of Hawthorne is approximately 5,200 people with the median age being 38.
Pros
  • Access to Mount Pleasant's amenities
  • Fairly convenient train access
  • Pretty good schools
Cons
  • Not much going on besides the movie theatre.
  • No town center
  • Boring - no nightlife

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