Westchester quality of life -am I missing something?
I work in automotive and Average temperature is around 77--F, so it's warm year-round. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Anyone in a similar situation? The suburbs are where most families end up.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Nicholas Torres
I work in education here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is improving. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Greyson Morgan
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Eva Howard
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 4 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Carter Brooks
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Indian places. I love the pace of life here.
26 upvotes
Avery R.
literally same
15 upvotes
Weston Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Beverly W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 14 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Brooklyn
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Baltimore about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Aria G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 14 years. Moved from Charlotte for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.