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Monthly Archives: March 2015

Living in Pelham, NY

Townhouses downtown

Saint Catharine’s Church

Pelham High School

Pelham NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Considered an “inner ring” suburb, the town of Pelham sits in Westchester County just 14 miles from midtown Manhattan, a 28-minute train ride away. Most of the town’s 15,000 residents commute to jobs in the city. Its location at the extreme south end of Westchester County puts Pelham directly on Long Island Sound, and just north of the Bronx.

A great local asset is the 2,700-acre Pelham Bay Park, New York City’s largest park, which borders the town of Pelham to the north. This waterfront area includes miles of bridle and hiking trails, two golf courses, sports fields, and stunning water views. The town of Pelham also operates a great collection of smaller parks and neighborhood playgrounds, and there are a handful of good golf courses as well.

Living in Pelham

Pelham is a very family-friendly place, with strong neighborhood associations organizing fun activities, including outdoor movies, summer concerts, and holiday parties in the park. Great public schools are another plus for families. The district serves about 2800 students in its 6 local schools. 96% of graduates go on to college, and 19 AP courses are offered at Pelham Memorial High School. Students are asked to meet high expectations and in return receive the support and inspiration they need to do their best. The district has a strong commitment to arts education and offers several foreign languages starting in 7th grade.

Pelham is Westchester County’s oldest town (incorporated in 1788), and has developed small but thriving retail outlets that make for interesting shopping. You’ll find tasty baked goods, fine wine, and fascinating antiques among the wares in Pelham. Wolf’s Lane is the main thoroughfare; look along this street and nearby Fifth Avenue (no, not that one) for the town’s eateries and retail.

Pelham Real Estate

Neighborhoods in Pelham often feature quiet, tree-lined streets. Some favorites are Pelham Heights, the Esplanade and Chester Park. The old summer estate homes that gave Pelham its start are found in Pelham Manor, the neighborhood that sits along the town’s strip of Long Island Sound waterfront. A bit farther north is Pelham Village, which has the community’s high school and train station.

Learn more about Pelham and its real estate by browsing this website and connecting with our team at GioHomes. We look forward to hearing from you soon and to sharing our love of this community with you. Connect today!

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Living in Ossining, NY

Municipal Building

Trinity Church on Albany Post Rd.

First Presbyterian Church

Ossining NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

With a population near 40,000, Ossining is one of Westchester County’s larger towns. It stretches along the spectacular Hudson River on the county’s western edge, with several miles of waterfront and incredible scenic vistas. It extends just over 15 square miles, and is bounded to the north by the Croton River.

The countryside where Ossining sits is classic Hudson River Valley scenery. Majestic hills cloaked by thick forests, quiet lakes, hidden streams, and abundant wildlife. These may lead you to think that you’ve stepped back in time or at least far from the everyday world, but the city is actually less than 40 miles away! The city’s rail station is right on the waterfront. Route 9 passes right through town and is an excellent connection to points south.

Living in Ossining

The town center of Ossining features a collection of interesting and beautiful historic buildings. The downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Interesting sites include the Old Croton Aqueduct, which used the force of gravity to move water 41 miles to Manhattan, and the beautiful Olive Opera House.

Originally a river port, Ossining was first developed at the waterfront, and the traditional business center, called The Crescent, is near the Hudson River.

One readily recognized local landmark is Sing-Sing prison, a maximum-security facility that opened in 1826. It was the 3rd prison constructed in the United States, and today houses about 2000 inmates. Ossining is also home to many prominent people in entertainment and business, and is the fictional home of Don Draper’s character from the popular Mad Men television series.

Today, the lifestyle in Ossining reflects an appreciation for the area’s rich history and natural treasures. Recreation opportunities abound and natural areas and waterways are carefully protected. Parks and nature preserves are ubiquitous in Ossining and residents can take advantage of miles of scenic trails in local woodlands and along the Hudson. At Crawbuckie Park and preserve they enjoy a stunning, accessible riverside trail.

Ossining Real Estate

Homes in Ossining range from convenient apartments to impressive properties with commanding views of the Hudson. Median prices for single-family homes sit at about $400,000, with larger colonials commanding $2 million or more.

Learn more about this community and the real estate available in Ossining by connecting with our team of professionals at GioHomes. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Living in Croton Falls, NY

Primavera Restaurant

Across from Metro North Train Station

Presbyterian Church

Croton Falls NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

A hamlet of North Salem, Croton Falls has a lot of features to recommend it. This charming community lies along the scenic Croton River’s East Branch. It’s home to less than 200 fortunate souls who enjoy its natural beauty and their own blissful seclusion.

This northern section of Westchester County offers some stunning scenery and inspiring hikes. Rugged woodlands, verdant hills, and dozens of tranquil lakes are scattered throughout this area, and communities value and preserve the natural features. State parks, nature preserves, arboretums, gardens, streams, and wilderness areas are found in every direction from Croton Falls. They offer tremendous opportunities for a new adventure every day.

Living in Croton Falls

With such great access to the outdoors, it is sometimes hard to remember that it’s just over an hour by rail to Manhattan from here. Croton Falls has its own station with frequent departures. It’s also directly adjacent to Interstate 684 for quick access to the entire area. Despite its bucolic setting, Croton Falls is within easy reach of city culture, opportunity, and conveniences.

Although people from Croton Falls do most of their shopping in the adjoining parts of North Salem, they do have several excellent restaurants at hand. In fact people frequently come from elsewhere to dine at places like Primavera, Croton Creek Steakhouse, Bella Ella’s Pizzeria, and others.

Residents of Croton Falls enjoy the benefits of the North Salem’s exceptional public school system, known for both its rigor and supportive environment. Excellent and dedicated teachers bring out the best in their students, and enjoy strong community support. Coupled with the freedom of open outdoor spaces and kid-friendly community activities, the topnotch schools make Croton Falls an ideal place for young families.

Croton Falls Real Estate

Homes in Croton Falls have a median price in the mid-six-figure range, a good deal below many of the county’s most upscale enclaves. There are a number of great apartment and condominium options in Croton Falls, as well as charming bungalows and cottage-style houses in the town’s older neighborhoods. What you won’t find a lot of here are sprawling, exclusive estates. Croton Falls is more low-key. Its small population is friendly and welcoming, and they don’t mind driving a few minutes to the grocery store, either.

Learn more about Croton Falls and its real estate by connecting with our team at GioHomes today. We look forward to hearing from you and to helping you find a home that best suits your needs. Connect today!

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Living in Armonk, NY

Westchester Chinese Christian Church

Strip Mall Downtown

Main St

Armonk NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

A popular hamlet of the town of North Castle, Armonk is home to less than 5,000 people. It occupies about 6 square miles and lies right along the Connecticut border. The community is flanked by two of the area’s top golf clubs and two of its loveliest lakes. It’s also crossed by Interstate 684, a major regional transportation artery.

Armonk’s location makes it perfect for commuting to work in the city, and many of its residents make the 40-minute trip each day. The Armonk rail station is on the south edge of the community, and connects residents to the Metro North and Amtrak systems. The Westchester County Airport is another asset, and is just a few minutes to the south. This facility offers non-stop service to 15 destinations, making it a convenient option for travel.

Living in Armonk

Most people would rather think about staying in Armonk than about travelling out of it. The community offers a relaxed setting in the beautiful Westchester County countryside. Armonk has been developed with an eye toward preserving the rustic character that makes it such a desirable home. The village and surrounding area are dotted with natural spaces and conservation is a closely watched issue. You’ll find 6 major parks within the hamlet’s boundaries, providing scenic spots for hiking, snowshoeing, biking, fishing, birdwatching – you get the picture.

Aside from convenient transportation and bucolic surroundings, you can also find some retail and dining options along the town’s quaint Main Street. All of the basics, like groceries, pharmacy, and hardware are available there. There are also a few local restaurants and a popular coffee shop on Main Street. Excellent public schools, relatively low taxes, and practically non-existent crime are other compelling reasons for choosing Armonk as a home you may never want to leave.

Armonk Real Estate

While you can find some townhomes and condominiums here, homes in Armonk are generally large and sit on 2 to 4 acres. These large lots add to the feeling of privacy and seclusion in the area, and also contribute to the relatively high cost of homes here. The median listing price is already in the seven-figure range.

Learn more about Armonk real estate and this vibrant community with the help of our professionals at GioHomes. We’re just a phone call away and look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with you. Connect today!

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Living in North Castle, NY

Town of North Castle Offices

Smith’s Tavern (North Castle Historical Society)

The Windmill Club

North Castle NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

A classic Westchester County small town, North Castle lies along the Byram River and Interstate 684, very near the border with Connecticut. It’s a community where you can find an ideal balance of convenience and seclusion, offering a rustic lifestyle that’s a short commute from New York City. Quaint village streets, thick forests, quiet lakes and friendly communities mark this part of the state, and just over 10,000 people make their home in North Castle’s 26 square miles.

Transportation is tremendously convenient in North Castle, with immediate access to the 684 as well as the Westchester County Airport, just to the south. Rail travel is also a popular option, with stations in several locations offering service to Manhattan that takes less than 40 minutes.

Living in North Castle

Being so close to the culture and opportunity of the city makes the relaxing lifestyle in North Castle all the more refreshing. Open spaces and natural preserves dominate this neck of Westchester County. The Nichols Preserve is a great example, and lies right at the eastern boundary of North Castle. Its 87 acres are owned by the Nature Conservancy, and include several ponds, a large lake dotted with islands, and well-maintained trails through meadows and woodland. It’s tremendously popular for hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

Organized sports are also popular here, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, tennis, and golf. Area courses include Brynwood, Whipporwill, and Rye, as well as clubs in surrounding communities, such as the Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich and the prestigious Pound Ridge Golf Club.

The schools serving children in North Castle are part of the Byram Hills, Valhalla, and Bedford districts. These well-regarded systems offer challenging curriculums in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Schools in the area are known for offering outstanding instruction in the arts as well as the academic areas.

North Castle Real Estate

Homes in North Castle are generally on large lots, offering the level of seclusion that many residents crave. They may be Colonial or modern, with plenty of newer (less than 20 years old) properties as well. Taxes are relatively low, but the median home price is just over a million dollars. A wealth of area lakes makes for wonderful views from many home sites.

Explore the community of North Castle and its available real estate by connecting with our team of professionals at GioHomes today. We look forward to hearing from you and to helping you find the North Castle home that best suits your needs. Connect today!

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Living in North Salem, NY

Corner of Baxter and Titicus

Comfortside Farm

Saint James Episcopal Church

North Salem NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

On the northern tip of Westchester County, 50 miles north of Manhattan is the town of North Salem. This enclave is home to around 5,000 residents, most of them quite well-to-do. While the median listing price for properties is a reasonable $700,000, prices quickly rise when it’s one of the many estate-style homes. These are especially popular with equestrians, and it is sometimes said that there are more horses than people in North Salem.

With a total area of just over 39 square miles, North Salem is one of the county’s more roomy towns. The low density adds to the feeling of privacy and seclusion for residents, who enjoy quiet, winding roads edged by thick forests. Composed of six hamlets, the town’s eastern boundary is the Connecticut border.

Living in North Salem

The land in North Salem is hilly and wooded, with a number of beautiful lakes and clear streams. A scenic walk is an easy daily indulgence; the only difficulty may be deciding which way to go first. Favorite local places to get outside include the 1082-acre Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, with five lakes, spectacular views, and miles of hiking trails. Visitors to the park can camp, fish, hike, or try the fun and challenging rope course. The Salem Golf Club and the Pehquenakonck Country Club are just 2 of the great courses in the area. The local parks offer a great range of activities, camps and team sports for kids.

The public schools in North Salem are a big part of why people come here. They are excellent, innovative, and successful. The graduation rate for North Salem’s high school is 99%. Class sizes are small, and 100% of the teachers have at least a Master’s degree. The Middle School/High School received a Gold Medal rating from U.S. News and World Reports in 2014. The district operates 3 schools and serves just over 1200 students.

A large percentage of North Salem residents commute to work elsewhere. Manhattan is just over an hour away by rail, but a world away from this tranquil retreat. After the stimulation and action of New York, coming home to North Salem is like being on vacation year-round.

North Salem Real Estate

North Salem offers a wide range of real estate options, with something to suit the lifestyle and budget of most buyers. When you’re ready to explore the properties available to you in North Salem, do not hesitate to connect with our team of professionals at GioHomes. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Living in Millwood, NY

Shopping Plaza in the Heart of Town

View of Station Rd

Gedney Park

Millwood NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Probably the lesser-known hamlet of New Castle, Millwood is a lovely community of around 1,000 residents. It lies to the north of Gedney Park, along the Somerstown Turnpike. Convenient access to transportation makes the commute to New York less than an hour, via car or rail, from nearby Chappaqua Station.

Returning to Millwood from the city is like entering another world for residents. Quiet roads are lined with forests and punctuated by scenic lakes and streams. The small town atmosphere makes it hard to remember that you are still so near to all the culture and opportunity that the city has to offer. This unique balance is the advantage that draws so many to homes in Westchester County.

Living in Millwood

The schools in Millwood are part of the Chappaqua Central School District, which includes the 6 schools in New Castle. These serve nearly 4000 students in the town, and Millwood is the site of one elementary school, Westorchard Elementary. Enrollment at this neighborhood school is just over 400 students, in grades K through 4. Millwood is the type of place where you might see kids shuffling through fallen leaves as they walk to and from school.

Millwood Real Estate

Compared to neighboring Chappaqua, you can generally expect to find homes on slightly smaller lots in Millwood. This is true despite the uncrowded feel of Millwood, because about a fourth of the Hamlet’s area is undeveloped public land. There is not a lot of commercial or retail property in Millwood, and that’s just fine with most of the people there. They value the small town perks, but support local businesses like Rocky’s Millwood Delicatessen, which has been serving up trademark burgers here for over 50 years.

Local officials look to move Millwood into the new century on their own terms. Development is carefully considered for its impact on the rural character and lifestyle of Millwood. In an effort to attract residents beyond the upwardly mobile young family demographic, the town strives to keep taxes low. As a result the area has a good mix of younger professionals and those reaching retirement age. This keeps the community vibrant, interesting, and diverse.

Learn more about Millwood and its real estate by connecting with our team at GioHomes today. We’re just a phone call away and look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with you.

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Living in Chappaqua, NY

Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Gazebo, Baseball Field and the Municipal Building

Robert E. Bell Middle School

Chappaqua NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

A hamlet of New Castle, Chappaqua sits toward the town’s northern end. It’s bordered by Pleasantville and Mount Kisco, and bisected by the Saw Mill River Parkway. With winding, tree-lined roads and lovely, secluded homes, Chappaqua offers the lifestyle that people come to Westchester County to enjoy. This community of less than 2000 is a friendly place that welcomes some of the country’s wealthiest and most influential citizens. Notable examples include Bill and Hilary Clinton, Andrew Cuomo, and actor Ben Stiller, among many others.

Living in Chappaqua

The atmosphere in Chappaqua is rustic and the pace can be as slow as you like. There are a large number of natural spaces to spend time and feed your soul, exercise, or sharpen your skills. You can take a solitary stroll through peaceful woodlands or meet your friends for a challenging round of your favorite game. There are several excellent golf courses in the immediate area, including the Mount Kisco Country Club, which has been part of the community for nearly 100 years.

Convenient transportation is a hallmark of life in Chappaqua. From the Chappaqua Rail Station, it’s just a 45-minute ride to Manhattan, so whether you’re heading in daily for work or running in for the occasional taste of the city’s delights, getting there is not an issue. By car, via the Saw Mill River Parkway, the travel time is about the same, depending on traffic.

Chappaqua Real Estate

Home buyers in Chappaqua can choose from tidy little homes within walking distance of the train station and business district or newer developments with larger lots and a more bucolic feel. Wherever you are in Chappaqua, you’re never far from nature. Homes here are pricy, even for Westchester County, with the median price for single-family homes standing close to the seven-figure mark.

Chappaqua’s public schools enjoy an excellent reputation, and are a big draw for families. Combined with the nearly limitless opportunities for outdoor fun and very low crime, this makes Chappaqua a terrific place to be a kid – and a parent!

Chappaqua’s small business district hosts a weekly farmer’s market, outdoor concerts in the summer, and specialty shops. These offer gourmet food, jewelry and gifts. This very walkable area is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon, and is located near the Parkway and the Chappaqua Station.

Learn more about this vibrant community by connecting with our team at GioHomes today. We look forward to hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and lasting business. Connect today!

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Living in Valhalla, NY

Kensico Dam

The Gallery

The Summit

Valhalla NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

With a name that conjures legend and myth, Valhalla is really a very down-to-earth hometown. One of the hamlets that make up Westchester County’s Mount Pleasant community, it is home to fewer than 5,000 residents. Valhalla stretches along the shores of the Kensico Reservoir, and waterfront homes are an attractive option for the people who make their homes here.One of the biggest advantages of living in Valhalla is its proximity to the city, which can be reached in well under an hour. This has led to the hamlet’s identity as a popular suburb, attracting professionals looking for a more rustic lifestyle and a reasonable commute. The community has a secluded feel, but also has a rail station and quick access to major area roads.

Living in Valhalla

The slower pace of life in Valhalla is enhanced by all of the area’s carefully preserved natural spaces. Enjoyment of the outdoors is part of the Westchester County way of life, and natural features like the classically beautiful Hudson River, with inspiring views and miles of beautiful forested shoreline make it easy to do every day.

In Valhalla, you’ll find the New York Medical College, Westchester Community College, and the Kensico Dam Park, a favorite local recreation area, where you can enjoy hiking, cycling, picnics and more. Valhalla is known for its historical Kensico Cemetery, where a large number of notables from entertainment and the arts have been interred. Famous names include Rachmaninoff, Anne Bancroft, Danny Kaye, Tommy Dorsey, and an impressive assemblage of other actors, politicians, and sports figures. As cemeteries in New York City began to fill up in the late 19th century, city dwellers looked to rural cemeteries like this one, built near the rail lines. With its mature trees, rolling hills and bright lake, the Kensico Cemetery is a beautiful part of the community.

You’ll also find Mount Pleasant’s Town Hall and its popular Community Center and Pool. The main street in the hamlet is Columbus Avenue, where you’ll find most of the shops and restaurants, as well as the train station.

Also on Columbus Avenue are Valhalla Middle and High Schools. These serve area students with a challenging curriculum in a supportive environment, and along with Virginia Road and Kensico Elementary schools, comprise the entire Valhalla Union Free School District.

Valhalla Real Estate

From charming condominiums to sprawling estates, you’ll find a wealth of real estate options to suit your lifestyle and needs here in Valhalla. Learn more about Valhalla real estate with our team of professionals at GioHomes. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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