— Photo Description/Caption
Illustrations by Thomas James
At some point, you made a choice between urban living and suburban living. For some of you, the debate between the two ended the second you put down roots in Westchester. Maybe you never had doubts to begin with. For others, the struggle continues within. Every time you pay your tax bill, you think that you may have been better off with a cute little condo in Brooklyn Heights. (But would you have had to give up your washer/dryer for the indignity of the coin-op machine in the basement?) Then again, when you notice that you inadvertently left the house unlocked—again—and return to find your possessions untouched, you might revel in suburbia’s relative safety, and congratulate yourself for making such a smart choice.
It’s time to put the debate to rest. We may wonder about it every day, but how does life in New York City really compare to our suburban Westchester existences? We pit urban and suburban living head-to-head, piling in as many of the pertinent stats and facts as we could, to put the arguing to rest once and for all. Here, our (completely unbiased) findings.
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Who pays more to live where—and what do you get for that money?
By Dave Donelson
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How do our beloved institutions compare?
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Just who lives where?
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Billy Altman braved the crowds of Washington Heights and the critters of Bear Mountain before finding Hastings-on-Hudson.
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The trip from farm to table is a lot shorter in the suburbs.
By Julia Sexton
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A comparison of New York City and Westchester dining
By Julia Sexton
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But who’s first in safety?
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How to not-so-subtly assert your geographical dominance in polite conversation
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Who has to hit the ATM more often?
By Philip Posillipo
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Sloane Crosley has lived on both sides of the border.
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Who has a rougher commute?
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In Westchester, the world is your backyard—but Patricia Morrisroe wants to know what you plant in it.
By Patricia Morrisroe
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What do our retail habits say about us as people?
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Who can claim your favorite chain?
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Where’s the best place for night owls and big drinkers?
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Which side of the fence has the greener grass?
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Hugh Ryan bemoans—and celebrates—the lack of a dining room in his Brooklyn apartment.
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We Couldn’t Have Said It Better
Chosen the right side in the great Westchester vs. City debate? Wear your sentiments on your sleeve. Sure, Manhattan may have The Met and MoMA—but we have the changing-of-the-leaves. The tee, designed by Great To Be Here, is available in black for $24 at Weezie D. in Bronxville and Rye, and in coral (as shown) for women and navy for men for $24.99 at Parkers in Rye.
