If you’re thinking about moving from NYC to Westchester, you’re not alone. Westchester County continues to be one of the most popular destinations for city buyers looking for more space, strong schools, nature access, and a high-quality suburban lifestyle — without giving up convenience or culture.
As a Croton-on-Hudson native and Westchester Realtor®, I help NYC buyers relocate every week. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before choosing a town in Westchester. For a deeper dive into every major area, feel free to explore my Westchester County Neighborhood Guide.
Why NYC Buyers Are MOVING to Westchester
Westchester offers a rare mix of:
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More space and privacy
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Top-rated school districts
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Metro-North commute options
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Stable home values
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Access to parks, river views, and outdoor recreation
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Quieter communities
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Lower cost of living compared to many NYC neighborhoods
It’s the ideal blend of suburban living with close NYC access.
Best Westchester Towns for NYC Relocators
Below are the most popular Westchester towns for NYC buyers — based on commute time, home prices, walkability, and lifestyle.
Croton-on-Hudson
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Median price: $750k–$1.1M
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Commute: 48 min express
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Schools: Croton-Harmon School District
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Vibe: Scenic, nature-filled, creative, community-centered
Croton offers Hudson River views, hiking trails, parks, and a strong neighborhood community. Buyers love the character-filled homes, quiet streets, and access to everything from kayaking to the Croton Gorge Dam. You can read a full breakdown of life here in my Living in Croton-on-Hudson Guide and browse current homes available in Croton-on-Hudson.
Tarrytown
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Median price: ~$1M–$1.4M
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Commute: ~40 min
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Vibe: Walkable, historic, restaurant-heavy
Dobbs Ferry
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Median price: ~$900k–$1.3M
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Commute: 38 min
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Vibe: Hip, artsy, walkable
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Schools: IB program district
Larchmont
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Median price: ~$1.1M–$1.8M
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Commute: 35 min
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Vibe: Upscale, coastal, stylish
Bronxville
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Median price: $2M–$3M+
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Commute: 30 min
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Vibe: Luxury, walkability
Rye
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Median price: ~$1.6M–$2.8M
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Commute: 39 min
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Vibe: Beaches, waterfront parks, high-end
Yorktown & Cortlandt Manor
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Median price: $600k–$900k
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Commute: 60–70 min
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Vibe: Larger homes, land, quiet neighborhoods
NYC to Westchester Price Comparison (What Buyers Want to Know)
In NYC, $800k buys:
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A 1-bedroom condo or co-op
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Small square footage
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No yard or parking
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High monthly maintenance fees
In Westchester, $800k buys:
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A 3–4 bedroom single-family home
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A backyard
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Driveway or garage
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A quiet, friendly street
Westchester offers significantly more space and better value.
Commute Times to NYC (Realistic + Updated)
If commuting is part of your lifestyle, your town choice matters more than anything else. During buyer consultations, I walk through the exact train schedules and which towns offer the best balance of commute + affordability. You can learn more about this on my Buyer's Guide.
Fastest commutes (30–35 min):
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Bronxville
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Tuckahoe
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Scarsdale
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New Rochelle
Moderate commutes (38–45 min):
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Tarrytown
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Dobbs Ferry
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Irvington
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Croton-on-Hudson (express train)
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Rye
Longer commutes (50–70 min):
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Yorktown
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Cortlandt
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Somers
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Bedford
More availability, more space, and often more affordable options.
Cost of Living Differences (NYC vs Westchester)
Property taxes
Taxes vary dramatically by town.
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Lower: Ossining, Tarrytown
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Mid: Croton, Yorktown
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Higher: Scarsdale, Greenburgh
Utilities & space
Bigger homes = higher utilities, but overall expenses often remain lower than comparable NYC neighborhoods.
Childcare
More availability, more space, and often more affordable options.
How to Choose the Right Town in Westchester
When I work with relocation clients, we use my proven 5-step town-selection model based on commute, lifestyle, budget, schools, and neighborhood feel. If you're comparing several areas, my Westchester Neighborhood Guide can help narrow your options quickly.
1. Commute tolerance
30 minutes vs 40 minutes vs 60 minutes.
2. Lifestyle anchors
Walkability? Nature? Waterfront? Space? Community?
3. Budget
Most buyers narrow down to:
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$550k–$750k (starter homes)
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$750k–$1.1M (popular sweet spot)
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$1.2M–$2M+ (luxury market)
4. School priorities
Some districts are small & personalized (Croton).
Others are larger & competitive (Scarsdale).
Others are larger & competitive (Scarsdale).
5. Community feel
Historic River Towns → artistic & charming
Sound Shore → coastal & lively
Northern Westchester → quiet, spacious, peaceful
Central Westchester → convenience & amenities
Sound Shore → coastal & lively
Northern Westchester → quiet, spacious, peaceful
Central Westchester → convenience & amenities
NYC to Westchester Lifestyle Differences Buyers Notice Fast
- Grocery stores are bigger
- Houses are quieter
- Parks are everywhere
- Train schedules matter
- You suddenly care about property taxes
- Errands require a car (in many towns)
- Weekends include hiking, farmer’s markets, and breweries
Common Mistakes NYC Buyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Only focusing on school rankings
School fit matters as much as ratings.
2. Underestimating taxes
They vary by $10k–$20k depending on the town.
3. Choosing a town based only on Instagram aesthetics
Street-by-street differences are real in Westchester.
4. Expecting NYC-style walkability everywhere
Some towns are car-dependent.
5. Assuming markets move slowly
Westchester is competitive and fast-moving.
How I Help NYC Buyers Relocate Smoothly
As a full-time Westchester Realtor® and Croton-on-Hudson local, I guide you through:
Matching the right towns
Based on budget, lifestyle, commute, and schools.
Custom MLS-curated home dashboards
Private Compass Collections designed for relocation buyers.
In-person & virtual tours
Perfect for buyers with busy NYC schedules.
Local insight you won’t find online
School culture, taxes, parking, micro-neighborhoods, etc.
Offer strategy in a competitive market
Essential for River Towns and Sound Shore.
Trusted local team referrals
Inspectors, attorneys, contractors, lenders — vetted and local.
As a full-time Westchester Realtor® and Croton-on-Hudson local, I guide you through the entire relocation process — from town selection to touring to negotiation to closing. Sellers relocating from the city can also learn more about the process on my Sellers Page.
READY TO EXPLORE WESTCHESTER? LET’S MAKE A PLAN.
Whether you’re browsing casually, ready to move ASAP, or somewhere in between, you deserve a relocation expert who understands New York City buyers, Westchester neighborhoods, and the real lifestyle and financial differences between the two.
If you're thinking about moving from NYC to Westchester, I’d love to help you explore neighborhoods, compare towns, and find the right home.
Send me an email or DM me on Instagram @nicolebiellorealtor.
Let’s make your NYC → Westchester transition seamless.
FAQ: Moving from NYC to Westchester
Is it worth moving from NYC to Westchester?
Yes — if you want more space, strong schools, nature, and a quieter lifestyle without giving up NYC access.
What are the best towns in Westchester for NYC commuters?
Bronxville, Tarrytown, Dobbs Ferry, Scarsdale, White Plains, and Croton-on-Hudson (express).
How much do homes cost in Westchester?
Most single-family homes range from $500k–$1.2M, with luxury markets ranging from $1.5M–$4M+.
Are property taxes high in Westchester?
They’re higher than NYC but vary widely by town. I guide buyers through tax differences.
