2025 Guide to Westchester Neighborhoods

2025 Guide to Westchester Neighborhoods

Westchester County offers families the best of both worlds—proximity to New York City with the comfort, charm, and square footage of suburban living. Known for its safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and abundance of parks and cultural attractions, Westchester is a top choice for those seeking a family-friendly lifestyle. With a staggering 56 diverse towns and cities to choose from, there’s a community to fit every family’s needs, along with plenty of kid-friendly museums, activities, and outdoor spaces to explore.

Psst… Check Out Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in Westchester

Bronxville

Ranked among the top villages in Westchester, Bronxville is a charming, family-friendly gem that feels like an idyllic storybook suburb, only 30 minutes from Manhattan. With its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and walkable downtown, Bronxville offers a perfect blend of elegance and community spirit. Start your day with a latte from Slave to the Grind, treat yourself to fresh flowers from Tryforos & Pernice, and enjoy a relaxing dinner with your family at Scalini Osteria or Underhills Crossing. It’s the kind of place where kids ride their bikes to school and neighbors stop to chat on their morning walk.

Highlight for parents? Bronxville is built around family life. The Bronxville School, serving grades K–12 on a single campus, is one of the top-ranked public schools in New York State, known for its academics, arts, and athletics. The village’s tight-knit feel, walkability, and beautiful homes make it especially appealing to families looking for a strong community with easy access to the city.

Hot Spots: Slave to the Grind, Tryforos & Pernice florals, Scalini Osteria

Commuter Options: Metro–North Harlem line, Bee–Line buses, proximity to I–287/Route 22

Housing Options: Tudor and Colonial single–families, renovated historic homes, condos, co–ops

Median Home Sale Value: ~$855K–$950K

Starting Rent for 2–Bedroom: From just under $4,000/month

Schools: Bronxville Union Free School District (one K–12 campus)—top–ranked public, plus
private options

Hastings-on-Hudson

One of Westchester’s most beloved Rivertowns, Hastings-on-Hudson, is a scenic village perfect for families seeking a blend of nature, culture, and community. Known for its artistic roots and welcoming vibe, Hastings offers a peaceful environment for all families and residents. Parents love the strong connection among neighbors, the walkable downtown, and the laid-back pace of
life that makes it easy to settle in and feel at home.

Hastings is also home to top-rated schools consistently recognized for academic excellence and innovative programs. Families here can enjoy weekend hikes through the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, scenic strolls along the Hudson River, and stops at local favorites like Bread & Brine or By the Way Bakery. With farmer’s markets, parks, mom-and-pop shops, and riverfront views, Hastings offers all the charm of a small-town village lifestyle just 35 minutes from Grand Central.

Hot Spots: Bread & Brine, By the Way Bakery, Harvest on Hudson, Old Croton Aqueduct Trail,
MacEachron Waterfront Park, Saturday Farmers’ Market

Commuter Options: Metro-North Hudson Line (Hastings-on-Hudson station to Grand Central ~35 mins), Bee-Line Bus Routes, short drive to Saw Mill Parkway

Housing Options: Colonial-style single-family homes, Tudors, Victorians, condos, and some co-ops; historic homes and river-view properties are common

Median Home Sale Value: Around $1.2 million

Starting Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: Prices vary widely but can begin at $4,800/month

Schools: Highly rated Hastings-on-Hudson Union Free School District, including Hillside Elementary,
Farragut Middle School, and Hastings High School—recognized for strong academics, music
and arts programs, and community involvement.

Pleasantville

Pleasantville ranks among the top places to live in Westchester County, thanks to its outstanding schools, vibrant arts scene, welcoming atmosphere, and walkable Mount Pleasant village, just an hour from Midtown. This charming village boasts diverse housing options, including historic Colonial-style homes, downtown townhomes, and garden-style condos, all while preserving its
intimate, historical character.

The Pleasantville Union Free School District is highly rated, offering strong academic programs, AP courses, and a supportive learning environment for elementary through high school students. Families looking for quality education will also appreciate Pleasantville High School’s consistent recognition for academic excellence and college preparedness.

Pleasantville is a family-friendly community with a charming downtown and plenty to do year- round. A local favorite is the Jacob Burns Film Center, a nonprofit movie theater and cultural hub that offers film programs for kids and teens. Downtown favorites like Black Cow Coffee and Pubstreet serve up bites before heading to Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Pleasantville offers a laid-back lifestyle with just the right mix of culture, nature, and convenience.

Hot Spots: Jacob Burns Film Center, The Black Cow Coffee Co., Pubstreet, Rockefeller Preserve

Commuter Options: Metro–North Harlem line (~50 min to Grand Central), Bee–Line buses, I–684 nearby

Housing Options: Colonials, Tudors, ranches, small condo developments

Median Home Sale Value: ~$999,999

Starting Rent for 2–Bedroom: Just under $3,000/month, but can be as high as $5,000/month or more for luxury apartments

Schools: Pleasantville UFSD—high academic performance, strong arts, and athletics

Rye

Families looking for coastal charm, natural beauty, and an upscale, close-knit community should consider putting Rye on their go-to list. With stunning waterfront views along the Long Island Sound and access to outdoor gems like Playland Park, Rye Town Park and Beach, and the Marshlands Conservancy, families can enjoy everything from beach days and nature hikes to seasonal festivals right in their backyard. The city has preserved its rich history through well- maintained colonial architecture and institutions like the Square House Museum, where families can learn about Rye’s colonial roots and community legacy.

Rye’s public schools are among the highest-ranked in the county, with the Rye City School District regularly recognized for academic excellence, strong extracurriculars, and a supportive learning environment across all grade levels. Parents can enjoy charming cafés like Poppy’s Café or dinners at local favorites like Rye Grill & Bar, while kids stay active in sports leagues, sailing
programs, and art classes. An ideal weekend in Rye might include browsing the Rye Farmers Market, paddleboarding off the coast, or taking the family for an afternoon walk along the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary. With its coastal culture, Rye also maintains a close-knit, family-first community feel where it’s easy to connect, participate, and feel at home.