Why People Love Living in Westchester County

Why People Love Living in Westchester County

  • 01/14/22

Proximity to New York City

Traveling to New York City doesn’t get much better than from Westchester County. A 30-minute car or train ride will take you from most Westchester County towns into midtown Manhattan, which makes morning commutes or weekend visits to NYC a breeze. The wide range of homes in Westchester County shares direct access to I-287, I-87, I-684, and the Saw Mill River Parkway. Several stops on the Metro-North’s New Haven and Harlem lines connect conveniently to downtown stations.

Top-rated neighborhoods

Westchester County has a diverse mix of suburban living options, ranging from large-lot single-family homes to amenity-rich residential developments, to multi-family units—all within walking distance of train stations, restaurants, and nationally-recognized public schools. The vibrant and transit-oriented communities here offer something for everyone, whether you’re a daily NYC commuter, or someone who enjoys living and working outside the metropolis. Westchester County’s thriving cities and suburbs are like their own little hamlets, many of which are older than the nation itself.

Bronxville is a suburban village with a population of 6,394, which consistently ranks #1 on several lists of best places to live in New York State. Bronxville's residents find no shortage of activities and entertainment, and the city’s public schools rank among the highest in the area.

Scarsdale is another top-ranking suburb in Westchester County, with a population of 17,805, countless venues for dining and entertainment, top-rated schools, and low crime rates. It’s a fantastic choice for families looking to settle down with more luxury than their money could buy in the city—and with better educational opportunities for growth.

The village of Greenville is also consistently ranked among the best places to live in the state. Greenville’s urban-suburban feel makes residents feel right at home in this friendly area filled with diverse restaurants, coffee shops, stores, beautiful parks, and more top-rated New York public schools.

Stellar schools

High-quality teaching, robust academics, and a diverse array of enriching activities are the reason Niche has rated four Westchester districts among New York’s 20 best school districts. 

Beyond a highly competitive public school system, Westchester is also home to several prestigious private schools serving grades K-12, Montessori and STEAM-focused public and private preschools—as well as 28 institutions of higher education actively building the local economic pipeline. Scholarly success begins early in Westchester County, and inspiring educators and a supportive community rally behind students from pre-school to post-secondary education. 

Career opportunities

There are more than 170 companies headquartered in Westchester, that cumulatively employ more than 400,000 people. From the biggest names including IBM, Pepsi, Mastercard, Heineken USA, Regeneron, and Danone North America—to the smallest firms—Westchester County businesses generate more than $1 billion in annual payroll. Thanks to its schools, Westchester County is rich with local talent, and a high percentage of alumni from prestigious universities and institutions make Westchester County’s workforce one of the best educated in the country.

Westchester County also has a deep nonprofit economy, which is the largest employer among all industries in the county. These institutions carry out missions around the world, but each contributes to the overall quality of life in Westchester County—supporting the arts, education, healthcare, environment, and more.

Fabulous food

New York City is known for its 24-hour food delivery—but you can also enjoy a gourmet dining experience without traveling into the Big Apple. World-renowned chefs bring Westchester residents a top-notch selection of fine dining establishments. To name a few of the noteworthy gems on the menu, the Inn at Pound Ridge, Blue Hill, and Xaviars on the Hudson each offer outstanding luxury fare for Westchester County diners.

Arts and culture

Westchester Broadway Theatre, Credit: Hamlet Hub

There are dozens of community arts centers, galleries, and venues for culture in Westchester County. Explore world-class artifacts at The Neuberger Museum of Art, or catch a first-rate show at Westchester Broadway Theatre, The Capitol Theatre, or Tarrytown Music Hall. Discover one-of-a-kind arts at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, or visit historical parks and homes (including John Hay Homestead). 

Room to run, play, and relax

Once you’re outside of NYC, the rest of New York State opens up to you—starting in Westchester County. Discover outdoor activities ranging from hiking, biking, and kayaking—to kid-focused, dog-friendly parks and vibrant, walkable downtowns. More than 18,000 acres of parkland await your next outdoor adventure, and Westchester County is home to ten communities with a Walk Score over 50. There’s always an opportunity to explore a new outdoor space and make your own adventure, including shorelines along the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River, and access to Hudson Highlands State Park. Westchester has easy access to the entire Hudson River Valley, including dozens of farms and orchards for apple and pumpkin picking in the fall, skiing at Hunter Mountain in the winter, and long summer and spring seasons outside.

Scenic waterfront

Whether you want to take a dip in the Long Island Sound, kayak on the Hudson, or take a casual swim in a lake, Westchester County offers residents a range of public and private beaches to enjoy. Public spaces include Glen Island and Harbor Island Park Beach in New Rochelle, and Croton Point Park Beach in Croton-on-Hudson. If private beach clubs are more your style, the county offers plenty to accommodate you. You can also visit Playland Beach in Rye, home to the Rye Playland amusement park.

Excellent lifestyle

The New York City lifestyle isn’t enjoyable or sustainable for everyone, but if you want to enjoy the big city without the hustle and bustle of living there, then Westchester County may be the perfect place to buy a home. Enjoy the freedom to load your kids into the car, rather than cram them into an elevator in a double stroller. Stop at the grocery store on the way home rather than waiting for a delivery, and pull right into your own garage rather than brave the subway. The Westchester County lifestyle is all about community, convenience, and building value for the future near both the city and the country.

Gorgeous homes

Mirroring the rest of its multifaceted personality, Westchester County offers diverse housing options for residents, ranging from single-family homes on spacious lots to new downtown developments loaded with amenities. There’s a beautiful home to fit every size, style, and price point. Whether you’re splurging or sticking to a budget, take your pick from a wide variety of classic and custom Colonials, contemporary estates, waterfront luxury villas, historic and antique houses, and brand-new construction homes. 

In addition to a rich history, Westchester County covers an expansive amount of land, which gives residents the option to live in a small, dense city, or in an expansive, private country estate. Westchester County real estate ranges in price from $120,000 to $7.5 million, with the median listing price currently at $528,300. Rental properties scattered throughout Westchester County average $1,493 per month.

Looking to purchase Westchester County luxury real estate, or put your Westchester County home on the market? Reach out to the Riolo Team today for help finding the home of your dreams.

 

 

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