Things to Consider Before Moving to Westchester County, NY

A Complete Guide from a Westchester County Realtor

If you’re thinking about moving to Westchester County, New York, you’re probably asking:

• Is Westchester County a good place to live?
• How expensive is Westchester compared to NYC?
• What are property taxes like in Westchester?
• Which towns are best for families?
• What is the commute to Manhattan really like?
• Is buying a home in Westchester a good investment?

I’m John Buoninfante — Westchester County Realtor — and I move people in and out of Westchester every day. This guide breaks down the most important things to consider before making your move.

📍 Where Is Westchester County, NY?

Westchester County, NY is made up of a mix of cities, towns, villages, and hamlets—each offering a unique lifestyle, commute, and housing market.

If you're planning on moving to Westchester County, understanding how these areas are structured can help you choose the right location.

Cities in Westchester County

Westchester County has six cities:

• Yonkers
• Mount Vernon
• New Rochelle
• White Plains
• Peekskill
• Rye

These areas tend to have more urban density, walkability, and transit access.

Towns in Westchester County

There are 19 towns in Westchester County:

• Bedford
• Cortlandt
• Eastchester
• Greenburgh
• Harrison
• Lewisboro
• Mamaroneck
• Mount Pleasant
• New Castle
• North Castle
• North Salem
• Ossining
• Pelham
• Pound Ridge
• Rye (town)
• Scarsdale
• Somers
• Yorktown

Towns often include multiple villages and hamlets within them.

Popular Villages and Hamlets

Many of the most searched areas in Westchester are actually villages or hamlets:

• Scarsdale
• Bronxville
• Larchmont
• Mamaroneck
• Dobbs Ferry
• Irvington
• Tarrytown
• Sleepy Hollow
• Hastings-on-Hudson
• Ardsley
• Pleasantville
• Briarcliff Manor
• Croton-on-Hudson
• Chappaqua (hamlet)
• Katonah (hamlet)

These are often the most desirable areas for homebuyers due to schools, lifestyle, and commute options.

Understanding Westchester’s Layout

One of the most important things to know about Westchester County is that:

• A town can contain multiple villages and hamlets
• Some places (like Scarsdale) function as both a town and village
• Others (like Valhalla) are hamlets within a town

Understanding this structure is key when searching for homes, schools, and property taxes.

1️⃣ Cost of Living in Westchester County

Westchester is more expensive than the national average — but the comparison most buyers care about is NYC.

Compared to Manhattan:

✔ More space
✔ Larger homes
✔ Suburban environment
✔ Strong public schools

But you should understand:

• Purchase price varies widely by town
• Property taxes can be significant
• Certain villages have higher tax rates than others

Before moving, it’s critical to evaluate:

• Total monthly payment (not just purchase price)
• School district impact on value
• Long-term appreciation trends

Smart moves start with real numbers — not assumptions.

2️⃣ Property Taxes in Westchester County

Property taxes are one of the most discussed topics when relocating here.

Taxes vary significantly by:

• Town
• Village
• School district
• Assessment

Two homes priced similarly can have very different tax bills.

Before buying, always confirm:

• Current assessed value
• STAR exemptions
• Whether the home appears underassessed

I’ve seen buyers shocked when taxes adjust after a purchase because they didn’t evaluate this properly.

Preparation prevents surprises.

3️⃣ Commute to New York City

The Metro-North Railroad makes commuting to Manhattan manageable.

Express trains from certain towns reach Grand Central in:

• 30–35 minutes (southern towns)
• 40–50 minutes (mid-county)
• 60+ minutes (northern areas)

But commute isn’t just train time.

Consider:

• Parking availability
• Walking distance to station
• Peak vs off-peak schedules
• Driving alternatives

Commute quality often determines lifestyle satisfaction more than anything else.

4️⃣ School Districts

Westchester County is known for strong public schools.

Towns like Scarsdale and others consistently rank among top districts in New York State.

Even buyers without children care about this — because school reputation directly impacts resale value and long-term demand.

If schools matter to you, evaluate:

• Elementary vs high school performance
• Community involvement
• School tax allocation

Strong districts help stabilize property values.

5️⃣ Housing Types in Westchester

Westchester offers a wide range of housing options:

• Single-family homes
• Condominiums
• Co-ops
• Townhouses
• Waterfront properties
• Historic homes

Not all housing types appreciate equally.

A co-op behaves differently than a single-family home.

A downtown condo performs differently than a house in a top-ranked school district.

Understanding these differences protects your investment.

6️⃣ Lifestyle & Community Feel

4

Each town offers a different experience.

Some are:

• Quiet and residential
• Walkable with restaurants and shops
• Riverfront communities
• More urban (like White Plains)
• Historic and village-oriented

Before moving, ask yourself:

• Do I want walkability or privacy?
• Nightlife or quiet streets?
• Waterfront or wooded neighborhoods?
• New construction or architectural charm?

Alignment matters more than prestige.

7️⃣ Inventory & Market Competition

The Westchester real estate market can be competitive — especially for well-priced homes.

Before moving, understand:

• Inventory levels
• Seasonality
• Offer strategy
• How to compete in multiple-offer scenarios

Success requires a clear plan — not guesswork.

8️⃣ Long-Term Investment Potential

Historically, Westchester has shown resilience due to:

• Proximity to NYC
• Strong school systems
• Limited land supply
• Consistent demand

But investment potential varies by neighborhood and property type.

Strategic selection makes a major difference over 5–10 years.

Final Thoughts Before Moving to Westchester County

Westchester County offers:

✔ Space
✔ Strong schools
✔ Stable neighborhoods
✔ Quick NYC access
✔ Long-term value

But it requires strategy.

Every town is different.

Every buyer’s priorities are different.

I’m John Buoninfante — Westchester County Realtor — and I move people in and out of Westchester.

If you’re considering relocating, upgrading, downsizing, or simply exploring your options, let’s talk through it strategically.

The right move starts with clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Westchester County

What should I consider before moving to Westchester County?

Before moving to Westchester County, you should consider your commute to New York City, property taxes, housing costs, school districts, and lifestyle preferences. Each town offers a different experience, so choosing the right location is key.

Is Westchester County a good place to live?

Yes, Westchester County is considered one of the most desirable places to live near New York City due to its suburban lifestyle, strong communities, access to parks, and proximity to Manhattan.

How expensive is it to live in Westchester County NY?

The cost of living in Westchester County is higher than the national average. Housing prices, property taxes, and commuting costs are the main expenses, but many residents find the lifestyle benefits worth the cost.

What is the average commute from Westchester to NYC?

Most commuters use the Metro-North Railroad, which provides direct service to Grand Central Terminal. Commute times typically range from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the town.

What are some popular towns to live in Westchester County?

Some of the most popular towns include Scarsdale, White Plains, Tarrytown, Dobbs Ferry, and Irvington along with many others. The best town depends on your lifestyle, budget, and commute needs.

Are property taxes high in Westchester County?

Yes, property taxes in Westchester County are generally higher than the national average. Taxes vary by town and school district and should be carefully evaluated before purchasing a home. 

Is Westchester better than living in NYC?

It depends on your lifestyle. Westchester offers more space, suburban living, and quieter neighborhoods, while New York City offers more nightlife, density, and walkability.

What types of homes are available in Westchester County?

Westchester offers a wide range of housing options including single-family homes, condos, co-ops, townhouses, and luxury estates.

Do I need a car in Westchester County?

In many towns, a car is helpful for daily errands. However, some areas like White Plains and Tarrytown offer walkable downtowns and access to public transportation.

Is Westchester County good for families?

Yes, Westchester County is known for its family-friendly communities, access to parks, and strong school districts, making it a popular choice for families relocating from New York City.

What is the lifestyle like in Westchester County?

Westchester offers a balance between suburban comfort and city access. Residents enjoy quieter neighborhoods, outdoor activities, and community-oriented living while still being close to NYC.

How competitive is the Westchester real estate market?

The market can be competitive, especially in desirable towns. Well-priced homes often attract strong buyer interest and may sell quickly depending on demand.