Thanks for all of the advice. I am still researching and hoping to get up to the area soon to explore and possibly visit some open houses. If any of the realtors have any upcoming open houses, please let me know.

Hi Again Dreaming! Go to http://www.YourHouseListingBook.com - register to search live listings just like an Agent. Look in Westchester as well - Cortlandt Manor is affordable. Get a feel for pricing in the communities and how much you are getting for that price, look at taxes, school districts - remember http://www.greatschoolreports.net is a great site to compare schools. Will you be driving or taking the train? If the train, you should stay around the Metro North train stations, go to http://www.mta.info for all the train schedules. You should plan a trip or 2 up here and vist the communities - let us know if you you like us to be your guides!
Noreen & Wayne, Associate Brokers
Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty
NorWay@NoreenandWayne.com
914-406-5291

I have to agree with Diana about Brewster. It's been very popular with Bronx transplants over the years; that's how my husband came to grow up here. I've lived in the area for more than 20 years myself now(with a few years in the Bronx in there as well.) I can also recommend the surrounding towns of Carmel, Mahopac and Patterson as well, wich is located in the Carmel central school district. All of the local districts(Brewster, Carmel Mahopac) are highly rated. I think spending some time in each of the towns to explore, visit the schools, parks, etc. is a great idea. Perhaps go to some open houses, grab a bite at a local deli while you're there. You'll get a feel for the neighborhood and can see what your family prefers. There are plenty of affordable options out there right now, too. Hope this helps.

Hi Dreaming - did you check out http://www.greatschools.net - what schools would you be interested in? Maybe you can take a day off and visit the schools. I had a buyer that wanted Yorktown but visited the Lakeland schools and was very impressed - they ended up renting in Mahopac - go figure! Is there a specific reason why you want to move to Putnam? Westchester has some affordable school districts and is a closer commute. Just a thought. Feel free to call us if you want to talk.
Noreen & Wayne
Associate Brokers
Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty
914-406-5291

Why not take some time and spend it in the areas of interest to you, spend a day or so, look at shops, dine in a local restaurant or two, check out local recreational areas, etc. Then decide what area best suits your lifestyle and take it from there.

Anna

Hi,
I've raised both of my children in the suburbs of Westchester County (in Yorktown) after being a Bronx kid.

I think you'll love it. There's lots to do for the kids!

Since each town that we service is quite different, it'll be easiest to know what types of services will make your family happy. Baseball, soccer, swimming, day camp, library, lacrosse, etc.

Yorktown will give you a town where kids are sent to school via bus and offers lots of country fairs, animal petting farms for the kids, and a sense of downtown for restaurants and shopping district. Cortlandt is a more residential, Mahopac (in Putnam County) offers a sense of community with holiday fairs but may offer less services (houses may be on well water and septic in some cases) and might offer a bit more property.

I think I've given you lots to think about. Call me at (914) 329-7614 if you wish to discuss it further! CENTURY 21 North Star Realty services all of Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess.

Sincerely,
Donna Bruno CRS, ABR
Broker/Owner
CENTURY 21 North Star Realty

I made that very same decision 14 years ago next month relocating from Yonkers/Bronxville area with my family and don't regret it for a minute. If you are interested in Putnam County Mahopac, Carmel area, please feel free to call or email me and visit my website gigisellsnyhomes. I would be happy to assist you in your search I have helped many families over the years relocate to this area. Gigi

Dear Dreaming,
Make it a reality, not a dream! Either Brewster or Carmel are easy commutes taking Rt 84 and 684 South into the Hutchinson River Parkway to the Bronx in about one hour . There are many homes in the price range that you are looking. You can access them through Trulia. The schools in both districts are excellent for your children. Check out my web site at Houlihan Lawrence.com. I'd enjoy working with you and your family. Good Luck!

The Continental Village section of Garrison is a reasonable commute to the Bronx. There are many young familes in the area, as well as residents originally from the Bronx or Yonkers who have lived here and raised their familes, like my husband and me. Most homes are located in the lake district so you will be able to enjoy a sandy beach, non motor boat lake, clubhouse, tennis etc. Many of the homes are in the Lakeland school district. You can visit my website at http://www.kathleenkourie.houlihanlawrence.com to see links to the local school districts as well as many local links to familiarize yourself with the area. I never heard of this area before I went out with an agent 28 years ago. We've added on a few times so we could stay here and have 4 generations living in our home now. My husband has been commuting to NYC and the train is under 54 minutes from the Peekskill station. Feel free to contact me and I can send you some listings for your approval.

Putnam County also includes Brewster, which I'm surprised hasn't been mentioned by anyone else yet. Excellent home values, easy access to the Brewster North and Southeast train stations within close proximity and great schools make this area an excellent location as well.
As an alternative to Putnam County, some people have been looking in Dutchess County (easy commute via the Taconic State Parkway), which also offers great schools and commuter options -- as an example, the town of East Fishkill. I live in Putnam County and service the entire area of Putnam and Southern Dutchess Counties. If you are interested in additional information, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

Noreen & Wayne
Agent
Yorktown Heights, NY
BEST ANSWER
Hi - go to http://www.greatschoolreports.net for all the school reports - we can't direct you into any community based on school. I do know that Mahopac has award winning schools. You would have to live off Croton Falls Rd to be close to the train for commuting. You should find a nice home in that price range in Mahopac and maybe even Somers. For an easier commute, you may want Cortlandt Manor, Croton...any of the river towns as they are all on Metro North line. Search for any property http://www.YourHouseListingBook.com. Now is the time to buy! That up to $8,000 tax credit may not be here next year and you can bet interest rates are going up! My husband, Wayne and I are full time Realtors and live in the area, we would love to help.
Noreen Parrell-Wayne Kokinda
Associate Brokers
Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty
914-406-5291

Hi Dreaming, I work with a lot of buyers coming from the Bronx, these buyers are also in your price range and most of them end up in Mahopac where you will be around 50-55 minutes to the Bronx.

Good prices, schools and decent taxes are the 3 popular reasons buyers choose Mahopac. If you can do a little longer commute then you may want to consider Carmel (though some parts of Carmel may be the same commute time to the Bronx if you are on the side of Carmel close to 84/684. You will save money (or get more for your money) in Carmel.

There are many great communities throughout Putnam and Northern Westchester.

Take a look here: http://stlawrenceproperties.listingbook.com/ You can customize the search any way you like.