Escape from New York: Your Guide to Westchester's Best Towns
So you've finally reached your breaking point with NYC living? The astronomical rent, the crowded subway cars, the symphony of car horns outside your window at 3 AM... we get it. The good news? The New York suburbs offer the perfect solution for city dwellers craving more space without sacrificing the urban amenities you've come to love.
Top Towns for Your NYC Escape Plan
Bronxville
Commute: Just 30 minutes from Grand Central
The Vibe: Village charm with upscale amenities
Why You'll Love It: Bronxville offers a pedestrian-friendly downtown filled with boutiques and restaurants, excellent schools, and Tudor and Colonial homes that will make you forget you ever lived in that fifth-floor walkup with no elevator. The quick commute means you can still make your morning meetings without waking up at dawn.
Hastings-on-Hudson
Commute: 35 minutes to Grand Central
The Vibe: Brooklyn-esque creative community with river views
Why You'll Love It: Former Brooklynites flock here for the artistic community, farm-to-table restaurants, and stunning Hudson River views—all without the L train drama. The town has a progressive, eco-conscious spirit that makes for an easy transition from city life.
Bedford
Commute: 60 minutes to Grand Central
The Vibe: Rural elegance with celebrity neighbors
Why You'll Love It: Bedford offers sprawling properties where your pandemic-adopted dog can finally run free. The historic district features homes dating back to the 1700s, and you might spot Martha Stewart or Ryan Reynolds at the local farmers market. Worth the slightly longer commute for those seeking true country living.
Katonah
Commute: 65 minutes to Grand Central
The Vibe: Artistic and intellectual community with small-town charm
Why You'll Love It: Katonah delivers walkable downtown magic with city-worthy coffee shops, an independent bookstore, and the renowned Katonah Museum of Art. The perfect blend of cultural offerings and natural beauty makes this town especially appealing to those in creative fields.
Somers
Commute: 70 minutes to Grand Central
The Vibe: Family-friendly with value for your money
Why You'll Love It: In Somers, your real estate dollars stretch further than your studio apartment ever could. Expect larger homes on generous lots, excellent schools, and beautiful parks—all at price points that might shock you after years of Manhattan real estate trauma.
North Salem
Commute: 90 minutes to Grand Central
The Vibe: Equestrian estates and profound tranquility
Why You'll Love It: The peace and quiet in North Salem is so profound you'll wonder why you endured midnight trash trucks for so long. Rolling hills, horse farms, and conservation land create a serene environment for those ready to embrace country living while maintaining access to the city.
The Best Part?
All these towns are within 30-90 minutes on Metro-North, meaning you can still make dinner reservations in the city—you just don't have to smell the summer garbage to get home afterward. Many former city dwellers find they actually enjoy Manhattan more when they visit it rather than live in it.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Let's talk about getting you out of that overpriced apartment and into a home that gives you space to truly live. The suburbs aren't just about more square footage—they're about transforming your quality of life while maintaining the connection to the city you love.
Contact me today to schedule a personalized tour of the Westchester towns that match your lifestyle, commute needs, and budget. Your escape from New York is just a train ride away!
If you've been dreaming of homeownership but think it's out of reach, I have good news: affordable starter homes less than an hour from New York City are not only real—they're incredible opportunities waiting for you.
This time of year, my favorite places to visit are Harvest Moon and Outhouse Orchards . Have the donuts, find the pumpkins… have the cider for sure at Harvest Moon, and don’t skip the pumpkin cheesecake to go. It is delightful. As the leaves fall- enjoy the crunch, cover your garden beds, and let nature take it’s course. It is good for the environment, and will yield incredible garden results. This is also the time to start taking your plants inside or covering them if you are trying to help them survive the winter. See tips HERE. As for Real Estate… the market is shifting. We are entering a more neutral market. This means we are starting to see inventory stick around. Homes aren’t flying in a weekend- unless they are underpriced or an incredible deal. The important thing- you need a good agent regardless of wether you are buying or selling. Sellers can still clean up if things are done well, and buyers can find a deal if working with the right person. It is anyone’s market for the taking! If you have read all the way through… you get inside info. I am planning an event- so save the date- December 4. Serving: Pound Ridge | Bedford | Katonah-Lewisboro | North Salem | Ridgefield (CT) | and surrounding areas Your Trusted Westchester Real Estate Expert
The people you're looking for? They're your neighbors here in Westchester and Fairfield County.
As a real estate professional who has helped countless families find their perfect communities, I've witnessed something remarkable about these areas.