Living in Rye Brook: small town feel paired with easy NYC access
Our New York Strategist Robin Hoberman loves living in Rye Brook—and with amenities, access and A+ schools like these, it’s easy to see why!
Let’s start with the SCHOOLS…
Blind Brook is an award-winning school district which draws families from all over the area including, of course, NYC. The schools have top-notch academics, are very well rated and boast small class sizes—it’s definitely a private school feel in public schools. There are, on average, about 120 kids per graduating class.
Ridge Street School (K-5)
Blind Brook MS (6-8)
Blind Brook HS 9-12
Many families also love that the middle and high school are in the same building which, for many, makes the high school transition much easier.
For parents who need it, after care is available through the Rye Brook recreation department at the elementary school, for kids through fifth grade. Students also have the opportunity to stay for PTA-sponsored activities ranging from Mad Science to cooking to theatre arts to sports clinics. These are all coordinated through the school and kids are picked up later in the afternoon, depending on the activity or activities they choose—so no need for a sitter or nanny to drive to an activity.
Busing is also available to those living in Rye Brook to those who are mileage-eligible. And if your kids do have to walk? You’ll always spot crossing guards on duty before and after school at the elementary schools helping make the walk easier and safer.
The COMMUTE is easy
It’s not just the schools that draw families to Rye Brook—it’s also the commute! Rye Brook commuters take the train from Port Chester which averages about 42 minutes to Grand Central. Because of the small size of Rye Brook, getting to the Port Chester station is often quicker than other commuters who have stations in-town—assume about four to 11 minutes in the car depending on where in Rye Brook you live.
That’s an important side note—Rye Brook is less than 3.5-square miles. Not only is getting to the train quick but so is carpooling and, even, walking from place to place. It’s never more than five or six minutes to any point in town which makes everything easier.
At the station you’ll find a large main lot which, yes, has a wait list. The good news? There’s no wait for the secondary lot across the street. Metered parking is available as well, but plan to get there by 8:30am to ensure you can snag a spot. After work, lots of commuters head to Port Chester Hall and Beer Garden located directly at the Port Chester station. It’s a great spot for a drink and a bite, with or without kids.
Another alternative, commute-wise? Some Rye Brook residents head to White Plains. It’s a relatively short drive and parking is available in the main garage or County Center.
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What’s happening DOWNTOWN
Rye Ridge Plaza is the equivalent of our “Main Street.” Many residents from nearby towns head here, and with good cause—there’s tons to do, from shopping to dining to working out. More recently, many Manhattan-based retailers have also set up shop here, which is a huge draw (and huge perk for us!). Head here and you’ll no doubt spot Rye Brook tweens and teens meeting friends at Starbucks or families grabbing lunch. It’s a great spot to stop by anytime—weekdays, weekends, evenings…
Our “Big City” Amenities
In that vein, we have lots of NYC amenities, and more on the way. For working out, Soulcycle, SLT, Barre Method and RIPPED are popular. We’re also home to Z Life, a popular city boutique that carries both men’s and women’s clothing. And, of course, we have our local Lesters, which is always busy whether it’s back-to-school shopping, camp appointments or families just browsing. Hott Blow Dry Bar is a go-to for an amazing blow out. Want music or live events? Head to the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.
As for dining, if you’re living in Rye Brook you’ll find everything from Cava to Chop’t to Fortina and Dig Inn. Local to the area is Rye Ridge Deli—it’s our equivalent to a diner and many families meet there for breakfast or post-soccer for brunch. It’s a hotspot, as is Balducci’s for groceries and prepared foods—and let’s not forget Starbucks.
While Rye Brook is a small town it has a lot—and what it doesn’t have in its immediate borders is easy to come by. We’re very centrally located to Greenwich and White Plains, plus downtown Rye. And, because we’re minutes from 95, the Hutch, 287 and 684, you can get anything and everything by just hopping in the car.
Let’s Talk About SUMMER
There are tons of summer options in Rye Brook whether through the town or through a country club. Rye Brook offers resident tennis permits so families can play on any of the courts throughout the town. Once you’re here, you can also join the Rye pool or the Purchase pool for a minimal cost—both have concession stands as well as kiddie and adult pools. Bailiwick also offers tennis and a pool, or residents can join nearby Rye Beach which offers seasonal passes.
For those families looking for country club options, many join Tamarack, Willow Ridge, Old Oaks, Fairview, Westchester Country Club and Brae Burn. And, of course, there’s camp! Summer camp is offered through the Rye Brook Recreation Department, and older kids can opt for the travel-based teen day camp. There’s also the Rye Y and private camp options, including local Breezemont Day camp and Mohawk Day Camp.
Preschools to check out…
In addition to the great public school, Rye Brook has amazing local preschool and daycare options including…
KTI (Conservative Temple Program): Mommy and Me, Camps and Preschool 2-4s
Ridge Street Country Day-Preschool and Camp: 2-4s
Bright Horizons Daycare
Got questions? Suburban Jungle has got answers! Get in touch or schedule an initial strategy call with me to learn more about Rye Brook—and all of the other incredible New York suburbs!
Sources:
Robin Hoberman (interview)