ThermonMermon

Hey guys,

Looking for good locations in lower Westchester (walk to Metronorth a must, less than 40 min commute) and was curious is anyone had any reccs for SPECIFIC complexes (condo or townhouses)...or news of those currently being developed. Like lower Hudson River, Pelham, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye, Bronxville. Not open to areas outside lower Westchester for family / future grandmother reasons. Came across a couple nice complexes - Ichabods Landing, Sweetwater, Trump Plaza White Plains.

Looking to pull the trigger in a year or so, or sooner if deal is right. My goal is to find a new/newer 1,500+ SF townhome that we could hold onto (5+ years) until we have a child or two. Seeking towns with strong elementary schools, but not so great high schools (to avoid paying heavier tax). Once we could get a list of complexes in mind, we could sit back and wait for openings.

2 or 3 bedroom condos/townhomes within the 500-700k range (which may be a bit of a stretch)
<$1,000/mo in common charges
Taxes under $10k

Unfortunately, if we sought a small house, we would want good high schools too, so we could grow into it...but thats proven to be $800k+ with $20k+ in taxes, unless the house needs major work. And the distance to the train station causes big problems when husband/wife commute and theres a two year wait to get a parking spot at the station. Everything about it seems problematic at the current time...so we are going townhome route.

Thanks, boys. Sorry for the sticker shock on taxes – Westchester County is literally the highest in the country. Just looking for specific complexes if you/friends live there. Have not engaged brokers yet, as it's too soon, and we just dont have the time now.

GIBSON6594

Just went through this. Wound up in upper Westchester because lower is insane. Nothing near the train and the prices are crazy for the crap you get. My price points were very similar to yours.

I'm in Croton, less than a mile from the train, and Croton is an express stop, so a little over 40 minutes into Grand Central.

The trouble is the schools is some of the towns aren't great. Lower Westchester schools are some of the best in the country, depending on the city, so upper's pale in comparison. Croton is solid if you are willing to go up that high, but other places, like Ossining are not as good.

ThermonMermon

yeah, its a rough search. so what did you wind up with? a condo within a mile walk to croton-on-hudson?

ThermonMermon

half moon bay??

GIBSON6594

Yup. It's been perfect so far.

ThermonMermon

nice. haven't seen it in person. what are 2 bdrms fetching for now? taxes? common charges?

that commute is very reasonable (as long as its express...local seems killer, esp if youre coming home from say, Financial District).

thanks!

GIBSON6594

I work in the financial district, it's long, but pretty easy. The Metro North is the best part of my day. 40-45 minutes to sleep, ready, listen to music. But right, always catch an express, locals are killer. The jitney that takes you too and from the train is priceless.

I would expect to be in the 500-600 range. Common charges are around 550, taxes are a little over 7k with star. I don't think much is available right now though. You will fall in love with it if you see it in person, it's really stunning views of the Hudson.