Whether you’re looking for small-town charm, a convenient commute, top-rated schools, or world-class cuisine, you’ll find it in Westchester County, New York. Located on the outskirts of New York along the Hudson River, the county was one of the first places suburban living flourished in America and it has set the bar for every suburb since.
If you’re considering leaving behind the daily grind of big-city living, the diverse communities of Westchester County offer unbridled opportunities. Here, we’ll explore some of the best places to live in Westchester County—and the countless reasons so many people have already chosen to call it home.
Overview of Westchester County
Westchester County, New York was, quite literally, the first of its kind. In fact, when Westchester county’s growth exploded in the late nineteenth century, it became the first suburban area of its size—in the world.
In the years after the Revolutionary War, the towns and villages comprising the county were largely agrarian. But when railroads and dams were built in the 1840s, the county’s way of life shifted immutably. It became an economic engine for the region with waves of new residents establishing vibrant communities in the Hudson River Valley. It was here that the concept of suburban living was born.
Today, Westchester covers 450 square miles, sharing a border with New York City to the south, Long Island Sound to the southeast, Connecticut to the east, and the Hudson River directly west. As of 2023, the county’s population was 990,817 with 48 separate municipalities—the largest being Yonkers (population 207,600), which shares a border with the Bronx.
Throughout the county you’ll find bucolic landscapes and dozens of small towns, many of which are home to fewer than 20,000 full-time residents. That mix of population density—as well as its close proximity to New York City—means the county has a diverse blend of tranquility with access to world-class urban amenities.
Top Places to Live in Westchester County
Armonk, NY
Armonk is one of the three hamlets of North Castle, lying on the edge of New York and Connecticut. While its population is small (fewer than 5,000 full-time residents), it’s one of the most desirable areas of Westchester County—particularly because its school system is so highly rated. In fact, according to the U.S. News, Byram Hills High School ranked 21 out of 1,210 high schools in New York in 2024 (and 168 out of 17,655 high schools across the country), with nearly 90 percent of the students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses.
Moreover, despite its size, the hamlet has a pulse all year round with annual celebrations like art fairs, summer concerts series, and winter festivals. Plus, residents of Armonk enjoy exceptional green spaces like the 70-acre Betsy Sluder Nature Preserve in addition to a variety of smaller community parks.
Armonk is home to a bustling downtown district, too. Main Street features a walkable commercial strip dotted with mom-and-pop shops and trendy eateries, and in Armonk Square residents will find a retail hub containing a variety of small businesses.
The community is located about 40 miles from New York City, about an hour’s drive for folks who are considering the commute. It’s also located near train stations that service the city, and it’s a convenient locale for folks who want to be in close proximity to major airports.
Learn more about living in Armonk, NY
Rye Brook, NY
Rye Brook is one of the villages, along with Port Chester and a portion of Mamaroneck, that comprise the town of Rye—one of the swankier ocean-front locales in Westchester County. With about 9,700 residents, the village is actually one of the newest municipalities in the county having officially been incorporated in 1982.
Like Armonk, residents of Rye Brook have access to highly-rated schools, convenient public transportation options, and ample park space. In fact, Rye Brook has five primary parks that are home to sports fields and courts, playgrounds, game tables, and walking trails.
The 35-acre Crawford Park provides a unique sensory garden, while the Rye Town Park, Bathing Complex, and Oakland Beach, situated along the shore of the Long Island Sound, includes pathways, trees, a small lake, a stone bridge, and a terrace overlook. At the Rye Nature Center, a 47-acre wildlife preserve, residents can enjoy an animal museum, ponds, granite outcroppings, and miles of hiking trails.
Located just 30 miles from New York City (a 45-minute drive), Rye Brook is an ideal landing spot for folks who want to enjoy the vast open spaces of Westchester County without being too far from world-class urban amenities.
Learn more about living in Rye Brook, NY
Scarsdale, NY
It’s only six-and-a-half square miles, but the wooded hamlet of Scarsdale packs a lot into that space. With approximately 18,000 full-time residents, Scarsdale is one of the most popular options when New Yorkers look for a vibrant community outside the city.
One of the primary pulls to Scarsdale is the Scarsdale Union Free School District, which operates five highly-rated elementary schools—Edgewood, Fox Meadow, Quaker Ridge, Heathcote, and Greenacres—as well as a middle school and high school. According to district data, standardized test scores are typically among the highest in the state.
And while Scarsdale is a top choice for families, the community also has a serious pulse. Throughout the year, there are dozens of community events—the Scarsdale Music Festival in June, the farmer’s market each Sunday, to name a few—and many of them are organized through the newly renovated Scarsdale Public Library, a 25,000 square-foot-facility. Plus, downtown Scarsdale, which resembles an English village, is replete with some of the best shopping and culinary offerings in the region.
What’s more, the village of Scarsdale is among the most convenient suburbs commuters can find. Historic Scarsdale Station, which dates back to the 1840s, is the second busiest train line in Westchester County, delivering riders to New York via the Metro-North Railroad in about 35 minutes during rush hour.
Learn more about living in Scarsdale, NY
Chappaqua, NY
About 30 miles north of New York City, the hamlet of Chappaqua is relatively small—in both population and acreage—but offers a surprisingly large suite of amenities. While the hamlet encompasses less than a square mile and about 3,000 full-time residents, it offers a robust sense of community with great dining, ample park space, high-ranking schools, and convenient transportation options.
One of the main reasons families are attracted to Chappaqua is that the school system is exceptional. In fact, Horace Greeley High School is considered one of the best in the country and the hamlet’s three elementary schools and two middle schools are also well regarded—and that’s not to mention the family-friendly educational events at Chappaqua Public Library.
Despite its small footprint, Chappaqua is still home to hundreds of acres of park space, including Whippoorwill Park, Gedney Park, and the Pinecliff Audubon Sanctuary. Residents also enjoy public athletic fields as well as private tennis and swim clubs.
And while the dining options and community pulse might compel you to stick around, the commute to New York City is only 50 minutes on the Metro-North Railroad from Chappaqua Train Station—making the hamlet an ideal locale for commuters and residents who desire the big-city experience.
Learn more about living in Chappaqua, NY
Pelham, NY
One of the southernmost communities in Westchester County, the town of Pelham (which contains two villages) borders New York City and is just over 30 minutes to Grand Central Station by train. It’s one of the most popular suburbs for commuters—but it’s not just its proximity that attracts newcomers.
With a population of about 13,000, Pelham is home to a rich downtown area with highly regarded food, art, and culture. Fifth Avenue serves as the primary commercial corridor featuring cafes, boutiques, as well as a Michelin-rated restaurant and the Pelham Art Center, which hosts events, workshops, and family-friendly programming all year round.
While the community is just a stone’s throw from America’s largest city, it offers residents countless opportunities to enjoy nature—whether it’s along the seacoast at Orchard Beach or in the expansive greenery of Pelham Bay Park.
But it’s not all play: the Pelham Union Free School District is one of the best in the area with four elementary schools, one middle school, and the highly rated Pelham Memorial High School. So, whether you’re looking for a suburb with an easy commute or a place to raise your family, Pelham ought to be at the top of your list.
Learn more about living in Pelham, NY
Larchmont, NY
Located along the coast about 18 miles north of New York City, Larchmont is one of the most picturesque communities in Westchester County and one of the most sought after locales for folks moving to the suburbs. With approximately 6,500 full-time residents, the relatively small village (about one square mile) is particularly vibrant.
Nestled within the larger town of Mamaroneck—with which it shares resources including a highly rated public school district—Larchmont is home to a walkable downtown area with cafes, boutiques, and family-owned restaurants like Lusardi’s.
All throughout the village, residents and visitors alike will enjoy public park space—especially Constitution Park downtown and Larchmont Manor Park along the coastline. Residents in particular enjoy private beaches and other waterfront amenities like the Larchmont Yacht Club, one of the oldest such establishments in the United States.
While it’s easy to get lost in all Larchmont has to offer, Manhattan is just a 45-minute train ride away, making the suburban village an ideal place for anyone who still needs a quick connection to New York City.
Learn more about living in Larchmont, NY
Other Places to Live in Westchester County
If your sights are set on Westchester County, it’s hard to go wrong. Each town brings unique characteristics to the table, but as you begin looking at real estate you will likely find any number of communities that could serve as your home base.
For instance, located in the hilly center of the county near the Cross River, Bedford Hills offers access to top-rated schools, a train line running directly downtown (commuting to Manhattan City takes less than an hour), and a walkable mainstreet lined with shops and eateries. Parts of the town also have a distinctly rural feel, something that attracts people tired of city living.
Just outside of White Plains, the hamlet of Purchase lies within the town of Harrison. An affluent community with wide-open spaces, Purchase is conveniently located along Interstate 684 less than 30 miles from New York City.
Meanwhile, many folks are attracted to the Rivertowns throughout Westchester County. Irvington, for instance, lies along the banks of the Hudson and offers exceptional views of Manhattan, while Dobbs Ferry offers some of the best waterfront parks around.
What to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live
When planning for a move to the suburbs, there are a variety of factors—whether you’re an individual or moving with a family—that you’ll need to consider.
One of the primary considerations is commute time. If accessing New York City is important, you’ll want to look at one of the communities nearer the city or, if further flung, one that is located along a train line.
Real estate offerings, too, will be one of the most consequential aspects of any decision. Are you looking for a historic home—a colonial or a tudor?
Are you hunting for something more modern? What about lot size?
As you begin your search, you’ll need to hone in the style of property that will best fit your lifestyle.
For families, it’s hard to stress how important it is to find the right school system and community atmosphere for your children. Researching school districts, extracurriculars, community resources, recreational opportunities and more will ensure your family lands in a thriving neighborhood.
Can You Hear Westchester County Calling?
Westchester County, New York, boasts an array of villages, towns, and cities that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Each community truly offers unique benefits. From the top-rated schools in Armonk to the abundant park space in Rye Brook or the charming downtown of Scarsdale, there are a bevy of ways Westchester could become home.
Of course, these decisions are never easy, but if you explore the locales above and feel like it’s time to make a move, contact a local expert strategist and begin the process of finding the perfect fit for you and your family.
