Author Archives: GioHomes

Everything You Need to Know about Lincolndale

By the Lake

Lake Lincolndale

Lincolndale Plaza

Lincolndale is a beautiful community situated along Lake Lincolndale. For anyone who has ever dreamed of living on the banks of lake or who desires a home in Westchester County, Lincolndale could be the perfect place. A hamlet of the lovely town of Somers, Lincolndale shares Somers’s rich history with the Barnum and Bailey Circus and Old Bet the elephant. Lincolndale is the right combination of natural beauty and suburban living.

 The History of Lincolndale

The history of this hamlet has always revolved around its beautiful lake. People originally built their summer homes here so they could have somewhere to go once summer in the city became intolerable. Gradually, after World War II, people chose to make Lincolndale their primary address.

Lake Lincolndale is fun central for residents. The supervised beach allow locals and guests to fish, swim, and go boating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter.This highly desired waterfront community is a great place to raise a family or enjoy retirement.

For golf enthusiasts, Lincolndale is a prime location. The famous Angelbrook Golf Club is considered one of the best-designed golf courses in both Westchester County and the United States. Golf Digest has also ranked the Ridgewood Golf Club as the “16th best in New York State.” Lincolndale is also home to the tennis courts, playgrounds and trails of Reis Park. Lasdon Park, Veterans Memorial,the Arboretum the Angle Fly Preserve are also spectacular places to visit for those who enjoy the outdoors.

As a section of the Town of Somers, Lincolndale is part of the Somers Central School District, which includes Primrose Elementary School and Somers High School. In addition to the public schools, there’s the in-residence Lincoln Hall Boys’ Haven, which was originally an orphanage in the Civil War. The private John F. Kennedy Catholic High School is located in Somers. Children are also fortunate to have access to the Somers Public Library, which is integrated into the community.

While shopping and dining is limited in the tiny hamlet of Lincolndale, there is access to nearby shopping and restaurants in the Town of Somers.

Real Estate in Lincolndale

The original vacation cottages along Lake Lincolndale still stand today and have become desirable single-family homes. The home prices in Lincolndale are in the $300,000 to $500,000 price range.

Lincolndale NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Our team at Gio Homes will be happy to introduce you to the available real estate in Lincolndale and the surrounding areas. In the meantime, be sure to browse our website to view available homes and to learn more about the community. Should you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour of the area, we’re just a phone call away. Connect today to get started!

Moving to Somers: Everything You Need to Know

Section of the Muscoot Reservoir

The Elephant Hotel

St Lukes Church

The Town of Somers, in northern Westchester County, is the next hometown for those who are looking for the peaceful country life only 50 miles from New York City. The Town of Somers is made up of the hamlets of Lincolndale, Granite Springs, Amawalk, Shenorock, and Baldwin Place. Somers has much to offer to anyone looking for peace and the outdoors in a rural environment, with a quality school system and suburban benefits. The borders of Somers encompass New York City’s Croton Watershed system, which provides plenty of green space.

Considered “the birthplace of the American circus,” Somers has adopted the symbol of an elephant to represent the first elephant of Barnum and Bailey fame. Hachaliah Bailey was a resident of Somers when he brought “Old Bet” to the United States from Asia. The Elephant Hotel building still preserves that historic and quirky past.

Living in the Town of Somers

The Town of Somers has a lovely, family-friendly feel. The local Somers Central School district is comprised of four schools: two elementary, a middle, and a high school. For shopping and dining, there are two shopping plazas and many local businesses that can meet most needs.

Recreational opportunities abound in Somers.There are many youth organizations specializing in sports as well as a variety of parks.

Reis Park has a playground, picnic facilities, and a number of athletic fields. In summer, the recreation department hosts a day camp for children entering grades K through six during the workweek.

Ladson Park features acreage and spectacular gardens. For something different, Muscoot Farm Park offers hayrides for children.

Real Estate in Somers

When it comes to choosing the perfect home, there are many possibilities:

Historic homes
Townhouses
Large modern estates

Somers also offers the Heritage Hills development for people interested in planned communities. Heritage Hills provides convenient shopping and shuttles to the commuter rail.

Somers NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

When you’re ready to move into the community and want to know more about available real estate in Somers, to contact our team at Gio Homes. Designed with you in mind, we welcome you to tour our website for more details and urge you to contact us with your questions. We look forward to hearing from you soon and so we can introduce you to Somers. Connect today!

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Explore the Charming Community of Rye Brook

Village Hall and Fire Department

Blind Brook Middle School/High School

Rye Ridge Shopping Center

Within the boundaries of the elegant Town of Rye, sits the small, residential village of Rye Brook.This year, Rye Brook will celebrate its 30th year as an incorporated village. This little enclave in the embrace of Westchester’s oldest community is a lovely choice for elegant homes, high-quality schools, unique shops and dining, all within a commute to New York City that is under an hour.

A selection of locally owned shops can be found in the Rye Ridge Shopping Center. Here, residents see the convenience of shopping at the neighborhood grocery store and then checking out unique boutiques for both adults and children. There are also many casual eateries at the shopping center, just a few blocks away from residents.

Moving to Rye Brook

There are two school districts in Rye Brook: the highly sought after Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District, which administers Blind Brook High School. Other students are within the Westchester Boces School District, which operates Westchester Boces School for grades seven through twelve.

Much of Rye Brook is dedicated to its parks. However the parks in Rye Brook are not just typical trees and trails – they are often vibrant gathering spots for residents. There are outdoor screenings of family-friendly movies on summer nights in Pine Ridge Park, for example.

Then there’s Crawford Park, which was made possible by a generous donation to the town. The grounds of the stately Crawford mansion now sport playing fields and walking trails around the former gardens. The mansion itself is open for tours and is used for private events and a public concert series.

Real Estate in Rye Brook

In this great residential village there are plenty of diverse housing options such as:

Upscale condominiums
Completely renovated older homes with country charm
Sprawling estates.

There are many upscale homes located in the Blind Brook and Hillandale areas of Rye Brook. The median price for homes here runs approximately $800,000.

Rye Brook NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Explore Rye Brook and its available real estate by connecting with our team at Gio Homes today. We love helping buyers learn more about our communities and look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with you. Connect today to get started and to be one step closer to finding your dream home.

Moving to Port Chester: What You Need to Know

Within the Town of Rye is the village of Port Chester. During the 18th century, Port Chester was a major steamship stop. As that mode of transport declined, it became a prominent factory town in New York state. Throughout its long history, Port Chester has continued to reinvent itself and emerge from tough economic times as a new community. What was once an industrial center is now becoming a prime restaurant destination in Westchester County.This “diamond in the rough” continues to attract a diverse population to its borders and is well known among homebuyers for its affordable real estate.

Port Chester’s Main Street

Train Station

Newly Developed Retail Center

Drive through Port Chester and there is an immediate sense of close-knit neighborhoods. Many of the single-family homes evoke the details that went into home construction in the past. Port Chester’s train station on the New Haven Metro North line provides added value to commuters. The town’s real estate offerings also include several condominiums and townhomes. This eclectic neighborhood has become a real estate choice for families who are looking to purchase their first home in Westchester County. As one of the most affordable locales in the area, Port Chester has a median home price of $400,000.

Port Chester’s Exceptional Quality of Life

Port Chester is an excellent location for young families with its strong, high-performing school district. The building and the marching band at Port Chester High School are famous for their multiple appearances on film and television.

One of the hidden benefits to living in a town that has significant ethnic diversity is how this quality is represented in the restaurants. There is an array of dining options with global menus that have been drawing people to Port Chester’s restaurant scene. Recently, Port Chester has to fame as a trendy dining destination. In 2008, Chef Mario Batalli opened the Tarry Lodge and Tarry Market in Port Chester. This celebrity chef and author of 20 bestselling cookbooks and renovated a century-old dwelling in downtown Port Chester that was once a speakeasy. Now the Tarry Lodge and Market offers an inspired Italian menu.

In addition to being a budding foodie destination, Port Chester is known for its many shopping options. Developing new retail centers have significantly contributed to the town’s recent economic renaissance. Port Chester has much to offer in the arts and music. The Capitol Theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is bringing back music to the area. Port Chester Fest is held each summer and showcases visual art and music.

Real Estate in Port Chester

With all of the potential that the Village of Port Chester has to offer, coupled with its affordable homes, diversity, good school district, and cultural opportunities, it is a great option for a new home for many families.

Port Chester NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

To learn more about this community and its available real estate, do not hesitate to connect with our team at Gio Homes today. We look forward to hearing from you and to welcoming you home to Port Chester. Let’s get started today!

The Town of Rye Is Your Gateway to Tranquility

Rye is the name of two separate communities in Westchester County in New York. One is a city, the other a town. In this post, let’s take a closer look at the latter.

The Town of Rye or Rye Town lies in a valley bordering Long Island Sound; it is conveniently situated near the main corridors of Interstates 287 and 95. One of the many advantages to living in this community is the ease of commute to Manhattan, making it a prime destination for families who are looking to balance career with quality of life.

Whitby Castle

Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY

Rye Town Park

Rye Town was founded in 1660 as a settlement of three families on Manursing Island, which they purchased from the Mohegan Indians. Soon, individual settlers were buying more property and establishing a growing community.

Later, the town would split up into independent villages like Port Chester and Rye Brook.

Explore the Town of Rye

There are around a dozen parks in Port Chester and Rye Brook and the town of Rye is in charge of maintaining:

Rye Town Park, which occupies 62 acres of lawns and paths, gently rolling hills, a duck pond, and 34 acres of beachfront. The park was founded more than 100 years ago.
Crawford Park, all 35 acres of which were donated to the town of Rye in 1971 by the Crawford family, enthusiasts of gardens and beautiful landscaping. The city has since improved the grounds, which include some of the trees the family originally planted.

Real Estate in the Rye Town

This charming and upscale community has a lovely, old-fashioned feel. Among the real estate available in Rye Town are:

Single-family homes
Multi-family residences
Condos
Townhouses

Town of Rye NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale in Rye NY

When you’re ready to explore real estate available to you in Rye Town, our team of experts at Gio Homes is standing by to help. Backed by years of experience in the local market, we would consider it a pleasure to introduce you to all that Rye has to offer. Connect today to get started!

Exploring the Community of Pound Ridge

Blue Heron Lake

Historical Society and Museum

Community Church

Located in the eastern corner of Westchester County, Pound Ridge sits on the Connecticut border and is approximately a one-hour commute to Grand Central Station. Once on its quiet, tree-lined streets, it is easy to understand why residents have referred to their corner of the world as “God’s Country.” This lovely town has a rural feel. Uniquely, Pound Ridge does not have a single traffic light. It seems as if much of high-speed modern life has passed by the community, leaving it largely unspoiled.

This peaceful town with a well-preserved historic heritage attracts families and singles alike. Residents include a long list of celebrities, musicians and politicians, starting with Benny Goodman, who once composed a song titled “Pound Ridge.” The community has even been referred to as the Second Hollywood.

Pound Ridge Offers a Quaint Charm

Scott’s Corner is the central spot for shopping and dining in Pound Ridge. Along Scott’s Corner are more than 30 local businesses. Here residents can visit the bank, do their grocery shopping, browse an antique shop, or pick up a new book. Three times a year, an antiques and farmers market are set up at Scott’s Corner that becomes a destination event for scores of antiques dealers. Halloween in Pound Ridge is the place to be for trick-or-treating and touring a haunted house at the fire station.

There’s a smaller shopping complex in Pound Ridge called The Hamlet and it combines local businesses with town government. Pound Ridge Elementary School, the Hiram Halle Memorial Library, and the Pound Ridge Museum are located in The Hamlet.

Schools in Pound Ridge

There are two different school districts that children from Pound Ridge attend, depending on geographic area. Homes in the central and southern parts of town are zoned for classes in the Bedford Central School District. The northern end of Pound Ridge is zoned for the Katonah-Lewisboro School District. The Bedford Central School District overseas the Fox Lane High School, which is known for its low student-to-teacher ratio. Students in the Katonah-Lewisboro School District graduate from John Jay Senior High School in Cross River.

Outdoor Activities

There is an activity for every season in Pound Ridge. In winter, ice-skating is popular and locals bring their toboggans to the hills in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Warmer weather brings families out to Town Park to cheer on their child’s ball team at the local field or spend an afternoon at the playground. The Recreation Department operates a town pool during the summer months and organizes youth sports and a day camp.

Real Estate in Round Ridge

The community has:

Spectacular late 20th century estates
Rambling country homes
A large selection of luxury contemporary style residences.

The median sales price in Pound Ridge Range is $800,000 with homes ranging from $405,000 to over $3 million.

Pound Ridge NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Learn more about this charming community by browsing the resources found throughout our website. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our team. We are just a phone call away and look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience with you. Connect now!

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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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