That zip code issue in NY is very real. Look closely at school zones. There are many parts zoned for Yonkers schools that have fancy zip codes like Bronxville, Scarsdale, etc.

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't exactly call Pleasantville--or any northern Westchester town--down to earth, as a PP did. These are all affluent areas that come with the requisite arrogance and screwed up priorities among many residents.

-- PP who grew up in Chappaqua

If the family has an HHI approaching $1m, it’s a safe bet they’ll be in an affluent area no matter what.

I wouldn't exactly call Pleasantville--or any northern Westchester town--down to earth, as a PP did. These are all affluent areas that come with the requisite arrogance and screwed up priorities among many residents.

-- PP who grew up in Chappaqua

Montclair, Paramus, Ridgewood all great in NJ. Excellent schools and bus into NYC.

I live in NYC, I have relatives who live in Westchester so I know that area best. General consensus is that the commute from Westchester is better than from NJ: not only is GC nicer than Penn Station, the Metro-North trains are more reliable than NJ Transit. Everyone complains about the frequent delays on NJ trains. But your DH will be tied to the train schedule -- all my co-workers who live outside the city do. It's ok if you don't mind reading or working on the train during the commute.

Also best if one parent stays at home or has a job in the burbs. It's hard when your kids have school events, afterschool activities, dentist appts, all in the burb while you are working in the city -- you can't just pop in and head back to work. I also wouldn't love it if DH and I both worked in the city and there was an emergency with one of our kids -- it's hard to get to them on short notice.

Taxes are very high in Westchester. Schools are generally good.

I'd probably go for Bronxville. It's the closest "nice" suburb to Grand Central and I think the express is only a half hour? It's also very expensive. Check it out on Redfin. $1.5M will get you a house but it's on the low side. Public schools are fantastic. Be careful there's a part of Bronxville that is PO only and doesn't feed into Bronxville schools (and houses are cheaper as you would expect).

Bronxville is more comparable to Chevy Chase or upper NW DC. If you want a more laid back, non pretentious town then Pleasantville is a wonderful community. A bit further out. If you want big lots and rolling hills and a bit more of a countryside feel, then Chappaqua is perfect.

I also do like Rye a lot. It's on the Sound side and a decent compromise between Bronxville and Chappaqua.

Anonymous wrote:Have you thought about Brooklyn? I don't think your husband will see much of your kids on weekdays if you live in any of these suburbs.

I doubt he has a 9-5 anyways if he makes $1M!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In NJ:
Chatham
Summit
Ho-Ho-Kus
Glen Rock
Ridgewood


In Westchester:
Bronxville
Rye
Pelham
Scarsdale

Westchester will be above your budget for the most part though.

I like this list. I also love Montclair, NJ. It's closer to the city than the towns mentioned above. It's crunchier, with some less-fancy towns adjacent to it. It's MY vibe, along with the nearby Maplewood.

I personally love New Jersey. The taxes are high, but you get a lot -- for example, small, very high-quality school districts. It also has a lot of character. I wouldn't bother with Long Island.

I wrote the above list, and I love Montclair as well, but I've only been there once, so I don't know much about it. It is closer to Newark, I believe and some of the Oranges which can be not great.

South Orange is pretty nice. DH's cousins grew up there and seemed to enjoy it. Typical NJ town.

Yes, I know some Wall Street types who live there, but there is one Orange that is bad.

Agree that’s a good list. I like Bronxville a lot, and Montclair. I think Manhattan is tough with kids.

Have you thought about Brooklyn? I don't think your husband will see much of your kids on weekdays if you live in any of these suburbs.

I would consider Greenwich CT. Taxes are much lower in CT compared to Westchester and schools are just as good. Commute is longer but if you are taking the train it may not be such a huge difference. I grew up in Westport but that is getting pretty far out if you are commuting in every day (but may be doable if job is a couple blocks from Grand Central). Also keep in mind the parking situation at the train station. If there is a waiting list for parking and you have to wait a few years for a spot, will that work for your family?

Definitely visit the NJ suburbs. There are quick train commuter lines from Short Hills and all the towns listed above. Public schools are very rigorous, no need to look at private. Property taxes are no joke.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In NJ:
Chatham
Summit
Ho-Ho-Kus
Glen Rock
Ridgewood


In Westchester:
Bronxville
Rye
Pelham
Scarsdale

Westchester will be above your budget for the most part though.

I like this list. I also love Montclair, NJ. It's closer to the city than the towns mentioned above. It's crunchier, with some less-fancy towns adjacent to it. It's MY vibe, along with the nearby Maplewood.

I personally love New Jersey. The taxes are high, but you get a lot -- for example, small, very high-quality school districts. It also has a lot of character. I wouldn't bother with Long Island.

I wrote the above list, and I love Montclair as well, but I've only been there once, so I don't know much about it. It is closer to Newark, I believe and some of the Oranges which can be not great.

South Orange is pretty nice. DH's cousins grew up there and seemed to enjoy it. Typical NJ town.

Yes, I know some Wall Street types who live there, but there is one Orange that is bad.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In NJ:
Chatham
Summit
Ho-Ho-Kus
Glen Rock
Ridgewood


In Westchester:
Bronxville
Rye
Pelham
Scarsdale

Westchester will be above your budget for the most part though.

I like this list. I also love Montclair, NJ. It's closer to the city than the towns mentioned above. It's crunchier, with some less-fancy towns adjacent to it. It's MY vibe, along with the nearby Maplewood.

I personally love New Jersey. The taxes are high, but you get a lot -- for example, small, very high-quality school districts. It also has a lot of character. I wouldn't bother with Long Island.

I wrote the above list, and I love Montclair as well, but I've only been there once, so I don't know much about it. It is closer to Newark, I believe and some of the Oranges which can be not great.

South Orange is pretty nice. DH's cousins grew up there and seemed to enjoy it. Typical NJ town.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In NJ:
Chatham
Summit
Ho-Ho-Kus
Glen Rock
Ridgewood


In Westchester:
Bronxville
Rye
Pelham
Scarsdale

Westchester will be above your budget for the most part though.

I like this list. I also love Montclair, NJ. It's closer to the city than the towns mentioned above. It's crunchier, with some less-fancy towns adjacent to it. It's MY vibe, along with the nearby Maplewood.

I personally love New Jersey. The taxes are high, but you get a lot -- for example, small, very high-quality school districts. It also has a lot of character. I wouldn't bother with Long Island.

I wrote the above list, and I love Montclair as well, but I've only been there once, so I don't know much about it. It is closer to Newark, I believe and some of the Oranges which can be not great.

Anonymous wrote:In NJ:
Chatham
Summit
Ho-Ho-Kus
Glen Rock
Ridgewood


In Westchester:
Bronxville
Rye
Pelham
Scarsdale

Westchester will be above your budget for the most part though.

I like this list. I also love Montclair, NJ. It's closer to the city than the towns mentioned above. It's crunchier, with some less-fancy towns adjacent to it. It's MY vibe, along with the nearby Maplewood.

I personally love New Jersey. The taxes are high, but you get a lot -- for example, small, very high-quality school districts. It also has a lot of character. I wouldn't bother with Long Island.