Thinking of moving away from NYC?

Dreaming of verdant parks? A spacious backyard? Sandy beaches? Your very own laundry room? And a variety of great schools for every student? Trade the busy city for the bucolic suburbs.

Here are the reasons why Westchester County is a great place to live:

1. Top-notch schools
Often a primary motivator for people to move to Westchester County, our public schools deserve their excellent reputation! Westchester’s schools offer high-quality teaching, robust academic courses, and enriching activities. Westchester districts regularly top best schools lists.

2. Great food
You don’t need to go into New York City for gourmet food or a high-end experience! Westchester is home to fine dining establishments with world-renowned chefs — Jean-George, the Inn at Pound Ridge; Dan Barber of Blue Hill; and Dale Talde, Goosefeather, are just a few of the notables!

3. Scenic waterfront
Want to splash in the Long Island Sound? Kayak on the Hudson? Swim in a lake? Westchester residents have access to several public beaches including Playland Beach in Rye (adjacent to Playland amusement park made famous by the movie Big starring Tom Hanks); Glen Island and Harbor Island Park Beach in New Rochelle, and Croton Point Park Beach in Croton-on-Hudson. There are also many private beach clubs throughout the county.

4. Arts and culture
Westchester boasts incredible museums (The Neuberger Museum of Art, Hudson Valley MOCA); performance spaces with first-rate shows (The Capitol Theatre, Tarrytown Music Hall); one-of-a-kind arts centers (Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts); historical homes and mansions (Kykuit; John Hay Homestead); and dozens of community arts centers, galleries, and venues for cultural exchange.

5. Beautiful homes
There’s a home to suit any preference and various price points in Westchester. We have classic and custom Colonials, contemporary estates, waterfront luxury apartments, historic and antique houses, and brand-new construction. Sizes, styles, and prices vary.

6. Proximity to NYC
With commutes averaging 30 minutes by train from Lower Westchester, it’s a breeze getting into Midtown from Westchester for work or play.

7. Fabulous lifestyle
If you’re frustrated by squeezing your double-stroller into an elevator, waiting for your grocery delivery, or straining to hear your kids above the screech of a subway train, you know what I’m talking about. Lifestyle. In Westchester, you can load the kids into the car, drive to the beach, stop at the grocery store, and pull right into your garage. But it’s so much more than convenience—it’s about peace of mind.

Take it from one of my clients, Dorothy P., who moved to Rye from upper Manhattan after the birth of her second child:

“Every time a firetruck drove by our building, my colicky baby would wake up from his nap,” Dorothy recalls. “The noised and crowds in New York City were awfully intense for my kids. When we left the city for a getaway, I noticed they loved the freedom to run around and play in the dirt. Now, we’re across the street from nature. We can see the stars. Now, we have access to space. Calm. We make piles of leaves, play in the snow, and go to the shore. My property value in Rye remains steady. Our school is great. It’s a good feeling to know we’ve made a solid investment in a desirable community.”

Thinking about exploring the beautiful lifestyle Westchester provides? View my current listings.

Need help finding a home that’s right for your family? Fiona Dogan is a Licensed Realtor® in the Rye office of Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty. She is a Westchester Five Star Real Estate Agent, Platinum Award winner, and an Accredited Buyer Representative. For more information, please contact Fiona Dogan at: fiona.dogan@juliabfee.com or 914-414-5147 .