Tag Archives: Houses in Westchester County NY

Living in North Salem, NY

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

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

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

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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Living in New Castle , NY

New Castle NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

New Castle is a charming Westchester County village, and includes the hamlets of Chappaqua and Millwood. Located in the Hudson River Valley just north of Mount Pleasant, New Castle is home to nearly 20,000 residents. One of the town’s claims to fame is its status as the home of 19th-century newspaperman Horace Greeley. His home is now open to the public and is one of the community’s favorite historic sites.Modern life in New Castle balances work and leisure time beautifully. Many residents commute to the city for work, and enjoy the more rustic lifestyle that a home in New Castle allows. It’s just over 30 miles from the village to Manhattan via the Saw Mill River Parkway, and rail service from the Chappaqua station costs just $56 per month, making it both convenient and very affordable, especially with today’s unpredictable gas prices.

Living in New Castle

When the workday ends and weekends finally arrive, you’ll find that New Castle has activities to suit your mood, whether you’re looking for invigorating exercise or pure and blissful relaxation. The area is dotted with beautiful lakes and the famous Hudson River passes just to the west. Natural spaces are set aside throughout the county for preservation and enjoyment. Nearby spots like the Teatown Lake Reservation, Kichawan Preserve, and Hardscrabble Wilderness Area are delightful for hiking and picnics, and they also offer camps and programming. This is the authentic New York landscape, right outside your door.

The town of New Castle operates outstanding parks within its boundaries as well. Some popular spots are Gedney Park, Peeskilltrailway Park, Whippoorwill Park, and the Pinecliff Audubon Sanctuary. These spaces let you explore the area’s wooded hillsides, murmuring streams and quiet lakes. Miles of trails are popular for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing, and the waters are perfect for a paddle or a fishing line.

New Castle’s public schools enjoy an excellent and well-deserved reputation. Operated by the Chappaqua Central School District, the town’s six schools serve nearly 4000 students. Horace Greeley High School is known for its rigorous college prep curriculum, offering 26 AP courses. 95% of the school’s graduates go on to college. Three elementary schools get students off to a great start, and include extensive instruction in the arts as well as a supportive environment for social development.

New Castle Real Estate

The options for exceptional real estate are plentiful in New Castle. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, low-maintenance condominium or a sprawling estate, let our team at GioHomes introduce you to your options. We look forward to hearing from you and to helping you find the New Castle home that best suits your needs. Connect today!


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Living in Thornwood , NY

Thornwood NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

One of Mount Pleasant’s hamlets in upscale Westchester County, Thornwood is characterized by friendly, active neighborhoods shaded by towering hardwoods. Streets bear names like Poe, Whittier, and Keats. Its charm and welcoming vibe, along with relatively affordable housing prices, make Thornwood extremely popular.

Thornwood’s population is around 5,000, and residents enjoy the benefits of being part of the town of Mount Pleasant. The hamlet lies alongside the 431-acre Graham Hills Park, with miles of woodland trails. It’s a favorite place for picnics, cycling, and cross-country skiing. Also adjacent to Thornwood is the scenic Kensico Lake, a manmade reservoir that is stocked with trout for great fishing. Just minutes to the west is the beautiful Hudson River, one of the state’s most scenic regions and an area full of delightful outdoor spaces. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the rustic lifestyle in Thornwood.

Living in Thornwood

Some of the community perks that are especially attractive to young families are the fine public schools and programs that fill leisure time with fun and learning. Mount Pleasant’s Town Pool complex is very popular, and a favorite gathering place. The parks department sponsors youth sports, summer camps, and educational programming for all ages.

Although there is not a rail station in the hamlet of Thornwood, several are found in Mount Pleasant, making for an easy commute into the city. Thornwood links to the Saw Mill River Parkway, Taconic State Parkway, and Route 120, for quick access to other parts of Westchester County and the city, less than 40 miles to the south. For the right balance of access and convenience with small town charm and community spirit, Thornwood hits the mark.

Thornwood Real Estate

The sense of community is strong in Thornwood, and once people settle here they are loathe to leave. Competition can be intense for the more affordable properties that come up for sale here, and the area is fully developed. Most homes sit on quarter-acre lots and the median home price is about $600,000. A few properties with larger lot sizes are priced well above that level, but overall housing here is more affordable than in much of Westchester County.

Learn more about Thornwood real estate and this quiet community by contacting our team at GioHomes today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.


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Living in Sleepy Hollow, NY

Sleepy Hollow NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

A Westchester County village with a legendary name, Sleepy Hollow has maintained its bucolic character and historic identity over the years. With the gorgeous Hudson River as its backdrop, life in this charming enclave assumes a relaxed pace. Many of the village’s 10,000 inhabitants work in the city, enjoying a mere 40-minute rail commute into Manhattan. The local Phillipse Manor rail station is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sleepy Hollow’s history has been showcased by the fame of Washington Irving’s popular novel, and its roots do go deeply into Colonial times. Many notables are buried in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, including Irving himself, Andrew Carnegie, Samuel Gompers, and Elizabeth Arden, among others. The Old Dutch Church and the 1883 Lighthouse are two other important and interesting historic sites.

Living in Sleepy Hollow

Today, Sleepy Hollow trades on its literary notoriety to attract nearly 100,000 annual visitors – quite a number for a quiet village of its size! People enjoy cemetery tours, ghost stories, and attractions like Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities, particularly around Halloween. The shutdown of the GM plant here in the late ‘90’s affected the local economy and identity; embracing the connection to literature has been good for Sleepy Hollow.

For the most part, Sleepy Hollow is a charming village that gives professionals from Manhattan the option to enjoy a lifestyle that’s worlds away from the city. There are more than 57 acres of parkland, as well as numerous streams and lakes among the town’s forests, and the community maintains miles of trails and open spaces for public enjoyment. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway is a wonderful way to enjoy the views of the Hudson River. Maintained by the state, this trail runs from the north end of Westchester County right into the city, passing many of the best sights in Sleepy Hollow along the way.

Sleepy Hollow Real Estate

Proximity to the Hudson is a factor in the types of homes you’ll find in Sleepy Hollow. The closer to the river, the more desirable the home, and areas like Sleepy Hollow Manor and Phillipse Manor are lovely collections of stately older homes set on winding roads with spectacular views.

To learn more about Sleepy Hollow and its real estate, do not hesitate to connect with our team at GioHomes today. We look forward to hearing from you soon and to helping you learn more about this quaint community.


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Living in Pleasantville, NY

Pleasantville NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

True to its name, and much more, Pleasantville is a hamlet of Mt. Pleasant in beautiful and exclusive Westchester County. With less than 10,000 residents, it offers a perfect balance between convenience and a relaxing, rustic lifestyle. Occupying less than 2 square miles in the heart of town, Pleasantville is the kind of place where kids walk to school and homes include lovingly restored Victorians on tree-lined streets. Four parks offer 50 acres of open space, and ice-skating on the local ponds is a popular winter pastime. One of the things that make this place an even more desirable community is the fact that it’s just 30 miles from New York City.

Living in Pleasantville

The residents of Pleasantville value its hometown charm, and have worked to ensure that it continues, so you won’t find a lot of retail chains here. In the little 8-block business district, there’s a refurbished Mission-style movie house – the only cinema in town. Most homes in the village are on small lots (quarter-acre or less), and are within walking distance of schools, the business district, and the train station on Manville Rd., which offers a 50-minute commute to Grand Central.

Unlike some of the hamlets in Westchester County, Pleasantville offers a nice range of options for dining out. You can enjoy Continental cuisine, Indian food, sushi, and more right in town, so an evening out need not mean a long drive – or any drive at all. Still, it’s easy enough to run into Manhattan when you like, to meet friends for lunch or take in a museum.

The three schools in Pleasantville serve around 2000 students, and have all been recognized for educational excellence. They provide rich programs that develop the whole child, with activities like the Edible Garden, theater arts, STEM clubs, internship programs, and more. Along with the great schools, Pleasantville’s many opportunities for sports participation and outdoor pursuits help make it a terrific place to be a kid.

Pleasantville Real Estate

Most of the homes in Pleasantville are single-family houses, with styles including Victorian, Tudor, Colonial, and cottages. There are also a small number of condominiums and co-ops in town. An interesting area architectural note: just outside of Pleasantville’s boundary, but in the same zip code, you’ll find Usonia, a collection of cantilevered houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and other period architects.

To learn more about Pleasantville and its available real estate, feel free to contact our team at GioHomes today. We look forward to hearing from you and to helping you find the home you’ve been dreaming of.


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Living in Briarcliff Manor, NY

Briarcliff Manor NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

A snug hamlet of Westchester County, Briarcliff Manor is tucked between the town of Mount Pleasant and the Hudson River. Bordered by the lovely river shoreline, Briarcliff Manor also includes 2 beautiful golf courses and the popular Wildlife Park at Pocantico Lake. Area homes include newer condominium developments as well as gracious older homes with lovely views of the surrounding water and forests. The village prides itself on balancing preservation of natural spaces, the area’s unique historical features, and development.

Living in Briarcliff Manor

Residents of Briarcliff Manor enjoy a relaxing and rustic lifestyle that seems far removed from the city. Many residents here work in New York, which is just about 30 miles to the south. Convenient access to rail service from the village’s Scarborough Station and proximity to Route 9 help make this possible. Briarcliff Manor’s population is right around 10,000, meaning that you can get the chance to know your neighbors.

Briarcliff Manor has a small central business district, with tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks creating a quaint atmosphere for shopping and dining. Local restaurants and unique shops are among some of the county’s most popular spots. Local parks and sports facilities are also favorite features of the community.

In its area of just over 5 square miles, Briarcliff Manor manages to include an impressive amount of outdoor space. In addition to acres of parkland, the hamlet is home to 2 outstanding golf courses: the Sleepy Hollow Country Club and the Trump National Golf Club. Named one of Golf Week’s Classic Courses for 2013, Sleepy Hollow Country Club began more than 100 years ago, and is an area landmark and institution. It’s situated near the Hudson, at Briarcliff Manor’s southern edge, with stunning river views and an impressive, European-style clubhouse. In addition to the challenging course, the club features a well-known riding academy, tennis, and fitness facilities, along with an exciting social schedule. Creating a contrast to the traditions of Sleepy Hollow, the Trump National club is a relative newcomer, and has already been included in lists of the state’s top courses. Its modern clubhouse is a popular venue for weddings and other events.

Briarcliff Manor Real Estate

With so many excellent features, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any negatives about this Westchester enclave. It sets the stage for your ideal balance of convenience and relaxation, with rustic charm thrown in for good measure.

From quaint condominiums to sprawling estates with views of the surrounding landscape, there is a wealth of exceptional real estate to choose from in Briarcliff Manor. When you’re ready to explore your options, connect with our team at GioHomes today.


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Living in Mount Pleasant, NY

Mount Pleasant NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Mount Pleasant is one of the larger towns in Westchester County, with a population of over 40,000. It’s composed of several hamlets, including Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, Valhalla, and Eastview. Just about 30 miles from the city, Mount Pleasant is a popular home base for professionals who commute to work in New York, although there are several office parks in the town. These house businesses like New York Life Insurance, Pepsico, and Fuji Photo Film. The New York Medical College is also located in Mount Pleasant.

Living in Mount Pleasant

Being in Westchester County, Mount Pleasant’s lifestyle is geared toward enjoyment of the unspoiled natural surroundings. The Pocantico River flows through town and meets the Hudson River at the town’s southwestern corner. A patchwork of parks and preserves dots the Mount Pleasant landscape. Rockefeller State Park occupies more than 1200 acres here, and includes miles of trails, woodlands, and the scenic Swan Lake. There’s also Tarrytown Lake Park, Graham Park, and the lovely Kensico Lake – all in the town of Mount Pleasant. There is no shortage of opportunities here for enjoying the outdoors. The parks department sponsors a huge array of recreational and fitness programming, including an amazing variety of camps, classes, sports leagues, and activities for kids.

Families find a lot to like in Mount Pleasant, and good local schools are an important factor. Mount Pleasant’s Central School District serves around 2000 students at 4 schools, and provides a supportive and rigorous curriculum and a broad range of extracurricular activities. The sports program is very active, facilitating more than 50 teams in various sports. The district’s reading program is enhanced by a partnership with Teachers College of Columbia University. All told, the strong sense of community and low crime rate here make Mount Pleasant a perfect place to raise and enjoy a family.

Mount Pleasant Real Estate

The different hamlets of Mount Pleasant each have their own flavor and advantages, but as a whole the community offers an ideal balance of convenience, community involvement, and privacy. You can do as little or as much as you like here, and there are homes to suit your lifestyle. A cottage by the lake, a downtown condominium with a full menu of amenities, or a secluded estate – all of this and more is waiting in Mount Pleasant.

For more information on Mount Pleasant real estate or the various perks of living in this vibrant community, connect with our team at GioHomes today.


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