These Are the Best Places to Live in Westchester in 2024

Our Annual Chart: Real Estate By the Numbers

Every year we strive to bring you a thoughtful and comprehensive list of the best places to live in Westchester. While there is a degree of subjectivity to this endeavor, we do rely on experts and data — plus our own expertise — to point us in the right direction.

Whether you are relocating from NYC or another location, or you already reside in Westchester and are seeking a change within the county, there’s likely a town for you.

With the help of data-driven websites, such as censusreporter.org and bestplaces.net, we have compiled a list covering the 10 categories readers felt were the most important when shopping for a place to call home:

• Safety
• Walkability
• Recreation Programs
• Dynamic Downtown
• Top Public Schools
• Parks & Playgrounds
• Proximity to Water
• Sense of Community
• Housing Costs
• Metro-North Stations & Proximity to NYC

While looking at areas that exemplified each of these categories, we also considered geography, (making sure we spread out across the county), repetition (several towns stand out in more than one area as noted), and numbers-based research from our real estate chart on page 70. See below for details about our assessment of the data.

Not surprisingly, many towns in Westchester are considered safe places to live, according to bestplaces.net, which rates safety by computing the number of criminal offenses per 1,000 people annually for a given location. The site looks at two types of crimes: property crimes, which include burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson; and violent crimes, which include murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. For 2023, the U.S. annual average per 1,000 residents was 35.4 incidences of property crimes and 22.7 incidences of violent ones.

For Top Public Schools we used our data-driven chart from our Education Issue (March 2024), pulled together with information from the New York State Education Department, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. News & World Report, censusreporter.org, and incomebyzipcode.com. These rankings include a variety of factors: average class size, student-to-teacher ratio, college-readiness index, four-year graduation rate, and more. Note: Scarsdale High School atypically uses what it calls an AT, or Advanced Topics, model for the college-readiness index, which, when calculated from an AP/IB perspective, lowers its ranking.

In urban planning, walkability refers to the accessibility of amenities by foot. Primarily created in the 1960s through the urban studies of Jane Jacobs, this factor has become important in selecting where to live because of its health, economic, and environmental benefits. Walkscore.com measures the walkability of locations nationwide; a “walk score” is a number between 0 and 100, with 90 to 100 deemed a “walker’s paradise” (daily errands do not require a car), while 70 to 89 is described as “very walkable” (errands can be accomplished on foot). Conversely, a score of 0 to 24 is considered “car-dependent” (almost all errands require a car).

For the parks and recreation list, our edit team assessed the number of green spaces in each area, as well as the recreation programs offered, the ages they serve, how spread out they are, and skills and topics of interest.

In the housing cost category, we used our real estate chart to pinpoint areas with the best median-sales prices and looked at up-and-coming areas. Although this ranking is data-driven, what you choose will be based on individual budgets, so this is a good place to start.

To consider what areas were chosen for dynamic downtown, we looked at main street activity and liveliness, selecting those that keep neighbors busy, no matter age or interest.

Proximity to water obviously includes the Rivertowns, but we took a deeper dive to factor in boating, kayaking, and other water-based activities elsewhere.

Sense of community was one of the most subjective factors and can be very personal: For this category, we looked at neighborhood and community groups to determine who offered the richest sense of communal pride and range of options to get involved.

Proximity to NYC and whether there is a Metro-North train station was purely data-driven, but we pulled some fun facts and places to hit up along the railway.

Ultimately, choosing where to live is a highly personal decision, varying for each individual or family based on preferences, budget, and needs.

Are water activities important to you? Turn to page 66 to see which towns topped that list. Do you want to have a walkable community? Turn to page 63. How essential are public schools? Turn to page 65 to see which schools earned top rankings year after year.

Safety

High on Rustic Charm, Low on Crime: Lewisboro

Lewisboro has lots of rustic allure — horse farms, dirt roads, lakes, and riding trails — and fortunately for its 12,000-plus residents, very little crime. Back in 2018, security product reviewer SafeWise called this bucolic town bordering western Connecticut the safest place to live in the country, with a negligible amount of property crimes and no violent crimes. While the rates have ticked up a bit over the years, according to bestplaces.net, crime in Lewisboro is still very low, with a property crime rate of 5.2 and a violent crime rate of six incidents per 1,000 residents annually.

Now Safer Than Ever: Buchanan

One of two villages in the town of Cortlandt, tiny Buchanan, with a population of 2,000-plus, sits partially along the Hudson River just south of Putnam County. Characterized by woods, streams, and wetlands, it has a suburban/rural vibe, a property crime incidence rate of 7.3, and a violent crime incidence rate of six per 1,000 residents annually. Fun fact: Buchanan is the smallest municipality in the world that formerly had a nuclear power plant (Indian Point Energy Center was decommissioned in 2021).

Rest Easy With Low Crime Rates: Briarcliff Manor

Featuring almost 6 square miles of land (some along the Hudson), excellent schools, and a quaint, tree-lined commercial area, the Village of Briarcliff Manor has a population of 7,000-plus. With bestplaces.net scores of 9.1 incidents per 1,000 residents annually for property crimes and seven per 1,000 residents for violent crimes, its many wealthy denizens (average household income is close to $209,000 with a median home price of $1.2 million) can rest easy.

Walkability

Mayberry-by-the-Sound: Town of Mamaroneck/Larchmont

With about 30,000 residents, this laid-back Sound Shore town, which includes Larchmont Village, has an overall walk score of 66 making it “somewhat walkable” in that a decent percentage of errands can be accomplished on foot. Its bustling downtown, centered around its eponymous main artery, has pedestrian-friendly crosswalks and plenty of varied dining, shopping, and entertainment options, including the Emelin Theatre cultural hub and the newly renovated Mamaroneck Cinema. However, if you consider quaint Larchmont (population 6,000-plus) on its own, that score jumps up to 92 in the “walker’s paradise” range. Larchmont is a beacon for young families in part because they can walk to the train, schools, parks, and one of two business districts at Post Road or Palmer Avenue near the train station. Both have cute shops and foodie-friendly eateries, but Palmer Avenue looks like it came out of central casting for “Adorable Little Village for the Well-Heeled” while the Post Road area has a more understated feel. The numerous parks, tree-lined sidewalks, and friendly neighbors waving from front porches make the short walk to these areas feel even more Mayberry-like.

A Pleasant Main Street USA: Pleasantville

The walk-to-everything village of Pleasantville, with 7,000-plus residents, lives up to its name. With a walkability score of 91, it is indeed a “walker’s paradise”: most daily errands do not require a car. The main business area offers plenty of shopping, dining, and service options in addition to a Metro-North station and a library a few blocks away. The cornerstone of the downtown is the Jacob Burns Film Center, a cultural gem that screens new releases and indie films and offers an impressive schedule of special programs. This wildly popular cultural hub has attracted restaurants, cafes, and stores, thus helping to make the surrounding area an even more inviting place to stroll before or after dinner or a film. Adding to the Main Street USA vibe are the many tree-lined streets with sidewalks along which students can safely walk to school, particularly in the adjacent and charming Old Village neighborhood.

Historic Charm Blends Modern Amenities: Bronxville

With a 93 on the walkability scale and an area of just 1 square mile, Bronxville boasts a downtown that covers several blocks around the Metro-North station and includes grocery stores, a movie theater, a bookshop, upscale shops, restaurants, salons, doctors, children’s activities, plus a weekend farmers market. Just steps away is Four Corners, which houses Village Hall, Bronxville Public Library, Reformed Church of Bronxville, and Bronxville public schools (one elementary, one middle school, and a high school). With 927 businesses, the downtown area offers something for everyone (the rest of the village is comprised of residential areas). Enjoy the English-village vibe, tree-lined streets, but be prepared to walk some hills throughout the area.

Recreation Programs

From Rugby to LEGO Robotics: Pelham

Pelham extends an impressive array of recreation options, leagues, and programs for adults and youths, plus camps and clinics. Active, sports-loving kids can participate in youth leagues in basketball and tackle football, Little League, a youth hockey association, rugby (also available at the high school varsity level), and a community rowing association. There’s also cheerleading, karate, and lacrosse for boys and girls, tennis, pickleball, golf, a men’s softball league, and programs for those with special needs. In addition to sports-oriented summer camps, youngsters can enroll in specialized LEGO robotics and circuit lab STEM programs. Yoga for kids and adults, kids’ pottery, adult body strength and sculpting, and babysitter lessons and safety training round out Pelham’s varied year-round offerings.

An Abundance of Opportunities: Chappaqua

Residents of all ages in the small hamlet of Chappaqua (part of the Town of New Castle) have access to a robust roster of sports, leisure, and other recreational programming through that town’s rec department. More than 150 activities are offered, including art classes through a dedicated arts center plus a very active adult softball league. Sports programs include soccer (based on the American Youth Soccer Organization philosophies), Greeley Youth Lacrosse Association, New Castle Baseball and Softball Association (K through 8), New Castle Field Hockey Association (grades 3 through 8), New Castle Youth Basketball Association (grades 5 through 8), and NFL flag football. There’s also an active summer day camp and a morning cooking program for budding little chefs.

For Toddlers Through Seniors: Briarcliff Manor

A robust inventory of recreational programs and facilities is a hallmark of the Village of Briarcliff Manor. Particularly notable is the William J. Vescio Community Center, housed in a train station that’s converted to host local recreation and library programs. Other local amenities include a variety of day camps for kindergartners to ninth graders, with before- and after-school/camp programs for children of working parents, plus girls’ open gym, basketball clinics, football for high schoolers, and soccer programs. Tennis and pickleball for adults and programs for older adults are also offered.

Dynamic Downtown

Boho Block Party Down by the River: Tarrytown

This lively village on the Hudson River has a browsable downtown with an artsy, boho-like vibe. Its cornerstone is the historic Tarrytown Music Hall theater, a cultural hot spot that attracts 100,000-plus visitors annually, who help create a spirited street scene before and after curtain times. After taking care of errands along and near Main Street, you can shop at an eclectic collection of gift stores, galleries, and vintage shops, including The Cherry Door Thrift Shop; Ona, a gift shop and art gallery featuring local artists; and The Swan’s House for charming home goods. Tarrytown welcomes an international diversity of patrons and dining options, including standouts Mint Premium Foods for Mediterranean cuisine; Lefteris Gyro for Greek specialties; Korean fusion at Bibille, and Basque Tapas Bar for traditional Spanish cuisine. Once a month during the warm months, Open Streets Tarrytown turns the area into a big party with live music, family activities, and extended retail hours.

A Stylish Village with Much To Do, See, Taste, and Acquire: Bronxville

An English-style village along the Bronx River, Bronxville has a manicured shopping district with a sophisticated vibe — think a scaled-down Greenwich. The main shopping area is an easy walk from the train station, high school, library, town hall, and NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester hospital. Well-heeled but understated residents easily complete their to-do lists along Pondfield Road and nearby streets, where they’ll find Dobbs & Bishop (an artisan cheese shop) and various service businesses. The village also has an inviting array of adorable boutiques; noteworthy are Etoile Home, The Silk Road, and SilverSpoon Gifts, and the long-standing Womrath Book Shop. The robust dining scene includes Rosie’s Bistro Italiano, tredici SOCIAL, Park 143 Bistro, and La Casa. The Picture House shows popular, independent, art-house, and classic films, plus curated series and special events.

We Love the Nightlife: White Plains

This bustling commercial center and county seat is perhaps Westchester’s most vibrant urban hub. Its population of close to 60,000 can balloon to 250,000 on weekdays, with an influx of businesspeople, commuters, construction workers — plus shoppers who come to patronize businesses around Mamaroneck Avenue and the stores at The Westchester, City Center, and nearby Bloomie’s. In the evening, the downtown springs to life with a buzzy night scene including many excellent eateries — Lilly’s, KEE Oyster House, Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar, Mulino’s of Westchester, Via Garibaldi, Greca Estiatorio, and Red Horse by David Burke. Friendly crowds of youthful partiers hop from bar to lounge to pub, turning downtown White Plains into the hottest hangout scene. College students favor Ron Blacks; 20- and 30-somethings likes Brazen Fox or Hudson Grille; beer buffs hang at the Lazy Boy Saloon; and those seeking inventive cocktails love the low-key intimacy of The Blind Pig of Westchester.

Top Public Schools

Students Ready for College and Life: Armonk

The outstanding Byram Hills Central School District is at the center of this close-knit small town’s identity for its 4,000-plus residents. Comprised of two elementary schools (Coman Hill and Wampus Elementary); one middle school (H.C. Crittenden), and Byram Hills High, Armonk was ranked No. 1 in the March 2024 Westchester Magazine (WM) education feature. With around 700 students in the high school, small class sizes (averaging 17 students) and lots of attention (a 9:1 student/teacher ratio) are hallmarks of this district that prioritizes STEAM, global competency, emotional wellness, and cultural proficiency. Byram Hills High offers 23 AP and IB courses with an 84% participation rate, and 99% of its students graduate in four years. Graduates are well-prepared for — and place well in — college; its most recent average SAT scores were 668 for EBRW (Evidenced-based Reading and Writing) and 683 for math; U.S. national averages were 520 and 508, respectively, out of a max of 800 each.

A Community of Learners: Chappaqua

The excellent Horace Greeley School District, ranked No. 2 in the March 2024 WM’s education feature, is a major draw of this quaint hamlet, population 3,000, in Northern Westchester. The system includes three elementary schools, each serving kindergarten through fourth grade, two middle schools, one high school, plus a 2,000-plus square-foot Sustainability Research Center for science classes and research programs. The high school has a student body of 1,152 students and a 99% four-year graduation rate; it offers 20 AP and IB courses with an 86% participation rate. The average class size is an enviable 15.5 students, with a 10:1 student/teacher ratio, nine counselors and one social worker districtwide. Its students place well in and are well prepared for college, with average SAT scores of 664 for EBRW and 681 for math.

A Private School-Sized High School: Briarcliff Manor

Not only is the village of Briarcliff Manor a safe place to live, but it also provides a first-class education for children through the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District comprising Todd Elementary (K-5), Briarcliff Middle (6-8), and Briarcliff High (9-12). The average class size is 19.75 students, the student-teacher ratio is 9:1, with five counselors and one social worker districtwide. Unique programs include the Capstone Project, a project in which small teams of fifth graders conduct in-depth research about a subject; added in 2024, the sixth graders’ Greek Olympics, drawing upon Ancient Greek units in language, social studies, and science. The high school, with a private school-like size of only 488 students, offers 22 AP and IB courses with a 71% student participation rate and a 97% four-year graduation rate; recent average SAT scores were 650 for EBRW and 649 for math. The system’s Education Foundation has also funded 150-plus grants worth more than $1.3 million since 1995.

Parks & Playgrounds

Something for Everyone in All Seasons: White Plains

Want to swim, ice skate, garden, hike, or have fun with your furry family member? The City of White Plains has a park or playground for you. Some 60,000 residents have a choice of about 20 well-kept parks and fun playgrounds, including the popular Ebersole Ice Rink, the Mitchell Place Tot Lot (with two playgrounds, one accessible), Baldwin Farm’s community gardens, the Bark Dog Park, and Gardella Park with its swimming pool, playground, and ballfields. Bryant-Mamaroneck Park, home to a rugged half-mile trail, also features the StoryWalk program, in which laminated pages of a children’s book are placed along a path for young readers to follow the story as they walk the route.

Manicured Parks Complement Park-Like Backyards: Scarsdale

While many of the wealthy denizens of Scarsdale — its median household income is about $250,000 — live on their own park-like properties complete with pools, swing sets, tennis courts, putting greens, and the like, the village offers an outstanding array of 24 manicured parks, many with playgrounds, for its 18,000-plus residents. It also maintains 26 tennis courts, six platform tennis courts, three pickleball courts, numerous ball fields, basketball courts, and walking trails. Standout facilities include the Weinberg Nature Center featuring live animals, a nature museum, and a nature trail; the popular Scarsdale Pool Complex; and the serene Harwood Park, a passive park with a pond, walking paths, and seating where one can enjoy a book from the adjacent public library.

Outstanding Outdoor Spaces Along the River: Croton-on-Hudson

This beautiful gem of a village, characterized by dramatic, rugged topography, is located on both the Hudson and Croton rivers, making it the ideal location to hike, bike, run, boat, swim, paddleboard, fish, picnic, ice skate, and play various team sports. Its 8,000-plus usually outdoorsy residents have access to about a dozen verdant parks, many with playgrounds, plenty of open green spaces, and an extensive trail system. Favorites include Black Rock Park, with picnicking areas, fishing, bocce courts, and a dog park; Duck Pond Park (photo below) with a baseball field, basketball court, playground, and pond for ice skating; Silver Lake, a small beach area; and Vassallo Park, a popular community gathering place that has a stone stage and large field. Playgrounds can be found at Dobbs, Harrison Street, and Sunset Parks, among others; the latter also has a fenced-in play area and a large sandbox.

Proximity to Water

Southampton on the Sound Shore: Rye

This swanky shorefront town — it’s really a city but hardly feels like one — has a Southampton-ish vibe, thanks to its stunning 14 miles of Long Island Sound coastline. Fancy waterfront estates (median home price is about $2 million) and private beach and yacht clubs abound, but you don’t have to live on the water or belong to a club to enjoy the breathtaking waterfront. The 28-acre Rye Town Park and the adjoining Oakland Beach offer stunning water views, picnic pavilions, and canoe and kayak rentals. Next door is the historic art deco Playland Amusement Park with a beach, a lake for paddleboat rentals, and a meandering old-fashioned wooden boardwalk and pier for year-round strolling and seasonal fishing. Off season, the beach accommodates scores of Labs, Doodles, and the like, romping (unofficially) in the sand and water. Boaters enjoy the city’s George W. DePauw Municipal Boat Basin, with a public launching area, 350 boat slips, and 144 kayak slips/racks plus winter storage.

Waterfront Living for All: Mamaroneck/Larchmont

While not quite as swanky as Rye, this area does have its share of pricey waterfront homes, private beaches, and yacht clubs. But there’s plenty of public access along 9 miles of Long Island Sound coastline, including Village of Mamaroneck’s 44-acre Harbor Island Park, which is a huge part of the local social life; it offers exquisite vistas, a swimming beach, boat launch, kayaking, a playground and playing fields, and a new dog park (leashed dogs are permitted in most areas but not on the beach). For boaters, the harbor is a base for fishing the waters of the Sound or sailing in a regatta. In the Town of Mamaroneck, Larchmont’s Manor Park, one of the county’s most scenic stretches of shoreline, boasts multiple Insta-worthy gazebos and carved rock benches, in addition to a residents-only beach with seasonal kids’ programs, a dog beach (also favored for sea-glass hunting), and a prime spot for fishing on the Red Bridge spanning the Premium River.

Down by the River: Rivertowns

Although all the Rivertowns have waterfronts and views to admire, we found Cortlandt, Peekskill, Tarrytown, and Yonkers are the standouts for water aficionados.

Cortlandt boasts almost 15 miles of Hudson River shoreline extending from Bear Mountain Bridge to the Croton River. Must-see sights are the Croton Dam and the historic Steamboat Dock. At Oscawana Park, you can savor raspberries in early July and spot monarch butterflies in the fall before they migrate; at George’s Island Park, there are two covered picnic pavilions, playgrounds, a ballfield, boat launch, nature walks and hiking trails, and a popular spot for feeding bald eagles; at Cortlandt Waterfront, a multi-million-dollars project expanded the park from 1 to almost 30 acres.

At Charles Point’s Fleischmann Pier or Riverfront Green Park (photo below) in Peekskill, you can take in the views with plenty of space to have a picnic or just enjoy some river watching.

In Tarrytown, you have the Hudson Harbor Marina and Washington Irving Boat Club, plus plenty of green space along the river, including Pierson Park, Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway, Riverwalk Park, and Tarrytown Lakes Park.

Yonkers not only boasts Lenoir Preserve, a 40-acre nature preserve, it also has three marinas and Hudson Kayaks where you can kayak, canoe, or take a spin on a stand-up paddleboard. More water activities are available at Tibbetts Brook Park where you can swim, picnic, hike, and fish; in the cooler months, opt into skiing, ice skating, and sledding. And finally, don’t forget to take in the resplendent 43-acre Untermyer Park and Gardens complete with a Grecian Temple of Love, fountains, columns, canals, beautiful plantings, and historic trees.

Sense of Community

Yes, It is Really Great To Live Here: Harrison

The town/village of Harrison, including its hamlets of Purchase and West Harrison, is home to 29,000 residents. Many people who grew up here return to raise their families, fulfilling the long-standing “It’s Great to Live in Harrison” slogan. And while it is known for its close-knit, small-town traditions — the annual Great to Live in Harrison parade on Columbus Day weekend and the popular St. Anthony of Padua festival — this place is not standing still. With new housing downtown and around I-287, Harrison recently acquired a private golf club, the newly renamed Harrison Meadows, to accommodate members and the public. Residents will also enjoy activities at Harrison’s future new rec center, to be housed in a building across from a popular park with a gazebo, a playground, and the town library.

A Small City Big on Community Spirit: Rye

This preppy little coastal city — the smallest in the county — draws residents keen to be involved and give back. Rye has active Neighbors and Newcomers clubs that welcome all, and its 16,000-plus population is known for its community spirit, engagement, and volunteerism. The sweet little downtown, a magnet for residents, has an old-fashioned village green fronted by Rye Free Reading Room, town hall, the Rye Historical Society and Rye Square House Museum. Elsewhere (nothing is too far from anything else here), residents enjoy and/or volunteer at Rye Nature Center, Rye Golf Club, Rye Arts Center, wellness center The Wainwright House, and Westchester Children’s Museum, which is next to Playland, local beaches, and an old-fashioned boardwalk. Most students attend the local public schools, where parents meet and become friends with their neighbors.

Plenty of Civic Pride: Pelham

The inviting Village of Pelham exudes civic pride and a strong sense of community linked to its lovely downtown with enticing shops and eateries, strong public schools, and plenty of sports, recreation, and cultural opportunities for toddlers through older adults. Residents of the 2-square-mile town are active in The Picture House Regional Film Center, which screens family-friendly fare; Pelham Art Center, and SOOP Theatre Company for youngsters interested in performing arts. From The Manor Club, a sprawling historic venue, to Pelham Children’s Center and Pelham Village Council on the Arts, the appealing year-round calendar of activities includes a pumpkin festival and summer concerts, and more opportunities for residents to meet and greet neighbors.

Adding to the strong community feel in both Harrison and Rye is the two towns’ long-standing friendly but intense football rivalry. The 26^th of this month will mark their 98^th face-off at what is simply known as The Game; past matchups have drawn 5,000-plus exuberant fans cheering on the Rye Garnets and the Harrison Huskies, complete with the toilet papering of team members’ houses beforehand and informal parades of honking cars celebrating the winners afterward.

Housing Costs

Not Only Letterman Can Afford to Live Here: North Salem

Located in the northeast section of the county, bordering Putnam County to the north and Connecticut to the east, North Salem’s population of 5,000-plus residents is spread out over an area of almost 23 countrified square miles. Though it’s home to celebs like David Letterman and is well-known for its horse farms — Georgina Bloomberg has one here — there are plenty of lesser-priced homes — capes, Colonials, split levels, and townhomes — in this town with a distinctly rustic vibe. The average house price in 2024 was $640,000 (up 3.9% from $616,250 in 2023) with houses remaining on the market for 37 days on average. A recent Zillow search showed 18 North Salem homes for sale, including a two-bedroom lakeside cottage for $345,000, a three-bedroom raised ranch for $539,000, and a two-bedroom townhouse for $595,000. The most expensive property was a 12,000-plus-square-foot estate priced around $6 million.

Diverse Businesses, Population and Housing Stock: Mount Kisco

Covering 3.1 square miles, Mount Kisco is a popular shopping district for Northern Westchester. As a coterminous village/town, its diverse population numbers about 11,000, and it offers a range of housing options: In 2024, the average home price was $641,284 (down 11% from $720,190 in 2023), with houses remaining on the market 25 days on average. Zillow recently showed 15 homes on the market, most of which were condos in garden-type apartments and older buildings, ranging from $110,000 to $450,000. There were also two townhomes available, one priced at $575,000. Housing choices vary and range from condos, small capes, and raised ranches to sprawling estates.

Varied Businesses, Housing Options, and Residents: Elmsford

Quiet, unpretentious, and about 1 square mile, Elmsford is one of six villages in the town of Greenburgh. It has a dense, suburban feel and is known for its variety of stores, restaurants, and businesses, including the Crossed Paws Animal Shelter, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Westchester Skating Academy, and the futuristic-looking Greenburgh Public Library. Its central location with convenient access to I-287, I-87, and the Saw Mill and Sprain Brook parkways makes it easy for its 5,000-plus residents to get to White Plains, Yonkers, New York City, and Connecticut. Its population is one of the most diverse in the county, with a median household income of $120,301. In 2024, the average house price was $625,000 (up 10.6% from $565,000 in 2023), with houses remaining on the market for about 53 days. A recent Zillow search revealed 23 homes for sale, ranging from a two-bedroom townhouse for $426,000 to a four-bedroom brick Colonial with pillars for $1,589,000.

Metro-North Stations & Proximity to NYC

Hudson Line

The most scenic artery of the Metro-North Railroad, the Hudson Line offers stunning views of the river and its valley.

• Ludlow
• Yonkers Designed by noted architects Warren and Wetmore, who also designed Grand Central Terminal.
• Glenwood Situated between the Hudson River and the abandoned Glenwood Power Plant, this train station may not seem like much now. But when the power plant redevelopment is complete, there will be restaurants, a hotel, meeting spaces, and more nearby.
• Greystone
• Hastings-on-Hudson On Saturdays, don’t miss the chance to check out the farmers market right in the commuter parking lot — and stop by The Good Witch, a ticket lounge converted to a coffee bar.
• Dobbs Ferry At Hudson Social, you can grab a beer or cocktail and enjoy live music and a Happy Hour menu on a covered patio.
• Ardsley-on-Hudson
• Irvington Ludy Café is a specialty coffee shop inside the Irvington train station inspired by Melbourne’s coffee culture.
• Tarrytown Inside the train station, check out Bakehouse’s house-made baked goods, full coffee bar, and breakfast and lunch menus.
• Philipse Manor
• Scarborough
• Ossining
• Croton-Harmon
• Cortlandt
• Peekskill

Harlem Line

• Mount Vernon West
• Fleetwood
• Bronxville Before the 40-minute ride to Grand Central, be sure to stop at BXVL Coffeehouse, a woman-owned small business offering beverages, pastries, and pressed sandwiches; there’s also a separate entrance to the Whistling Rail speakeasy on the north side of the station building.
• Tuckahoe
• Crestwood
• Scarsdale The second-busiest Metro-North station in Westchester after White Plains, the Scarsdale station is in the village center.
• Hartsdale
• White Plains By far the county’s busiest Metro-North train station, White Plains is the first stop outside of NYC on Harlem Line express trains. Many businesses and apartments are within walking distance.
• North White Plains
• Valhalla Get an old-world train experience by visiting Valhalla Crossing, located in a 1910 B&O caboose and an 1896 Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway car — both repurposed as dining cars.
• Hawthorne
• Pleasantville Stop in for a drink or dish at Pub Street, which calls the 1905 Pleasantville station house home.
• Chappaqua Opened in 2019, Bobo’s Café, nestled inside the busy train station, offers coffee and light bites (including pitaya and acai bowls, smoothies) and house-made baked goods.
• Mount Kisco Order a wood-fired pie at Locali.

• Bedford Hills
• Katonah If you’ve worked up an appetite while riding the train, stop by The Whitlock, a buzzy American restaurant steps from the platform.
• Goldens Bridge
• Purdy’s
• Croton Falls

New Haven Line

• Mount Vernon East
• Pelham
• New Rochelle The busiest of Westchester’s New Haven Line stations is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Larchmont
• Mamaroneck Visit Modern on the Rails and order one of its delicious seasonal cocktails or sit down to order dinner from its robust menu.
• Harrison
• Rye The station at the edge of Rye’s bustling downtown is an easy walk to or from restaurants, bars, and shops.
• Port Chester

Proximity to NYC — Top 5

Yonkers 17.2 miles

Pelham Manor 21.2 miles

Bronxville 21.4 miles

Pelham 22.3 miles

Hastings-on-Hudson 22.7 miles

Freelance journalist Laurie Yarnell of Rye, a former longtime Westchester Magazine (WM) Features Editor, writes frequently for WM, Westchester Home, and 914INC. on topics ranging from real estate and interior design to travel and county celebs. Recent pieces include the 2024 Home Builders Awards, a Q&A with Rye novelist Annabel Monaghan, and a profile of menswear designer Joseph Abboud of Bedford.

Related: 7 Places to Get Coffee Near Metro-North Stations in Westchester