The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Westchester County, NY (2026 Update)

by John Buoninfante

The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Westchester County, NY (2026 Update)

If you're thinking about moving to Westchester County, New York, you're not alone.

Over the past several years, Westchester has become one of the most competitive and desirable suburban markets in the entire Northeast. With close proximity to New York City, top-rated schools, vibrant downtowns, river towns, luxury estates, and commuter-friendly train access — Westchester offers something for nearly every lifestyle.

But here’s what most websites don’t tell you:

Every town in Westchester is completely different.

And choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and long-term satisfaction.

I’m John Buoninfante, your Westchester realtor, and I move people in and out of Westchester County. In this guide, I’ll break down what makes this area unique, what buyers need to understand before moving here, and how to choose the right town for your goals.

Where Is Westchester County Located?

Westchester County is located just north of New York City, bordered by:

Manhattan to the south
Connecticut to the east
The Hudson River to the west
Putnam County to the north

Most residents commute into NYC via Metro-North Railroad, with express trains reaching Grand Central Terminal in as little as 30–40 minutes depending on the town.

The Most Popular Towns in Westchester County

Here are some of the most searched and in-demand towns:

Scarsdale, NY

Scarsdale is known for luxury homes, strong school rankings, and a prestigious suburban feel with easy NYC access.

White Plains, NY

White Plains offers a more urban lifestyle with walkability, restaurants, nightlife, and high-rise condo living.

Tarrytown, NY

Tarrytown is a charming Hudson River town known for historic homes, waterfront views, and vibrant Main Street dining.

Dobbs Ferry, NY

Dobbs Ferry offers a tight-knit river-town vibe with strong community feel and great walkability.

Each town has different:

Property tax structures
Housing inventory (co-ops vs condos vs single family vs luxury estates)
Commute times
School districts
Price points

What Does It Cost to Live in Westchester County?

Home prices vary significantly by town.

You’ll find:

Entry-level co-ops and condos in certain areas
Starter single-family homes in mid-range towns
Multi-million-dollar luxury estates in river and estate communities

But the key factor buyers underestimate?

Property taxes.

Westchester has some of the highest property taxes in New York State, and tax reassessments after purchase can dramatically impact monthly ownership costs. This is something I walk every client through before they buy.

Who Westchester Is Perfect For

Westchester County is ideal for:

NYC professionals who want more space
Families prioritizing schools
Buyers who want suburban lifestyle with train access
Luxury buyers seeking estate properties
Move-up buyers leaving NYC apartments

It may not be ideal if:

You want low property taxes
You prefer fully urban, car-free living
You are looking for bargain pricing

Why So Many People Are Moving to Westchester

Proximity to NYC without living in NYC
Strong long-term property values
Lifestyle diversity (river towns, urban hubs, quiet suburbs)
Top-ranked public schools
Growing restaurant and downtown scenes

Westchester isn’t just about buying a house — it’s about buying a lifestyle.

How to Choose the Right Town

This is where most buyers make mistakes.

They search Zillow by price first.

Instead, you should evaluate:

Commute tolerance
School preferences
Walkability needs
Budget including taxes
Long-term appreciation potential

Every town behaves differently in market cycles. A condo in White Plains does not appreciate the same way as a single-family in Scarsdale. A co-op behaves differently than a waterfront colonial.

Understanding these differences is critical.