The Truth About Living in Westchester County, NY

Are you thinking of living in Westchester County, NY?  Westchester County is a suburb of New York with a population of approximately 1,004,457.

The mean income in Westchester County is $170,509.

In this guide, we will give you you will learn what it’s like to live in Westchester County as well as information on schools, school bus transportation, commute to NYC, and demographics in Westchester County, New York.

Don’t forget to check out our interviews with local suburbanites to get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to live in Westchester County.

Below are demographics and household data that you will find useful if you are thinking of moving to Westchester County, NY.

The information presented in this article are based on data from the US Census American Community Survey.

The Truth About Living in Westchester County, NY

Easy Commute to Manhattan

Westchester County is an easy train ride to Manhattan. From southern Westchester County towns, you can catch the Metro North train and get there in less than 30 minutes! 

Mount Vernon, Bronxville and Pelham are some of the Westchester towns with a short commute to NYC.

Beaches

​​Living near the water is a perk that Westchester County residents enjoy. There are Westchester County beaches that residents can enjoy. If waterfront living appeals to you, then settling in Westchester County can be right for you. You will get the best of both worlds by living in 

Westchester County- proximity to the beach and an easy train ride away from New York City!

Rye, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle and Croton-on-Hudson, are towns with public beaches for Westchester County residents.

Vibrant Village

If you are looking for towns with vibrant downtowns- then Westchester County may be right for you. There are many towns in Westchester County with a bustling downtown with shops and restaurants. A handful of the restaurants in Westchester County are top-rated, Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants! You don’t have to go to NYC for good food!

Bronxville, Rye, Scarsdale, White Plains, New Rochelle, Port Chester and Tarrytown are some of the Westchester County towns with a bustling downtown.

Check out: Michelin Restaurants in Westchester County

Top Rated Schools

Westchester County is well-known for having some of the best school districts in New York. There are many highly-rated school districts in Westchester County.

High Cost of Living

It’s expensive to live in Westchester County, it cost over $10,000 a month for a family of four to live in Westchester County! Check out our Westchester County Cost of Living Calculator.

For example in Scarsdale, it cost over $14,000 a month for a family of four to live in Scarsdale! Find out how we calculated this in our Scarsdale Cost of Living Calculator.

High Property Taxes

Westchester County property taxes are notoriously high. However, it might be worth it for the top-notch schools and close proximity to NYC (who are we kidding, nobody likes to pay high taxes!)

Westchester County Infographics

Westchester County NY Infographics
Westchester County NY Infographics

What is the Population of Westchester County, NY?

The population of Westchester County, NY is approximately 1,004,457.

Are Westchester County Residents Well Educated?

49% of Westchester County residents have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher. Compare this to overall New York where 37% of NY residents have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

Is Westchester County, NY Diverse?

73% of Westchester County residents are White, 7% of Westchester County residents are Asians, 26%  of Westchester County residents are Hispanic and 17% of Westchester County residents are African Americans.

Are There a Lot of Children Living in Westchester County, NY?

22% of Westchester County residents are children under 18 years old and 6% of Westchester County residents are children under 5 years old. Compare this to overall New York where 21% of New York residents are children under 18 years old.

Is there a Large Senior Citizen Population in Westchester County, NY? 

17% of Westchester County residents are seniors aged 65 years old and older. Compare this to overall New York where 17% of New York residents are seniors aged 65 years old and older.

Is Westchester County, NY Affluent?

Westchester County has a mean household income of $170,509 which is higher than New York State where the mean household income is $109,732.

Are There a Lot of Rentals in Westchester County, NY?

In Westchester County, 39% of housing units are rentals while 61% of housing units in Westchester County are owner occupied.

How Much Is Rent in Westchester County, NY? 

The median gross rent in Westchester County is  $ 1,537 . Compare this to overall New York where the median gross rent is $1,280.

How Much Does it Cost to buy a House in Westchester County, NY?

The Median Sale Price of homes in Westchester County is $644,000. (Based on 12 month period ending February 2023)

How Long is the Average Commute to Work for Westchester County Residents?

The mean travel time to work for Westchester County residents is 35 minutes. Compare this to overall New York where the average time to work is 34 minutes.

How Big is Westchester County, NY?

Westchester County is 431 square miles.

Things to Consider When Moving to Westchester County

If you are thinking of moving to Westchester County, below are move to Westchester County articles that you may find interesting. Read them before you move to Westchester County!

Read This First Before You Move to Westchester County

7 Reasons to Move to Westchester County

Thinking of Living in Westchester: Town-by-Town Information

We have compiled valuable Westchester County town-by-town information. If you are on the fence about moving to Westchester County, we hope the information we have below will help with your decision-making process.

Also, if you need help narrowing down where in Westchester County to move to, the town-by-town information below will give you valuable data and insights.

What are the Towns in Westchester County?

Below is a list of Westchester County towns with links to town specific profile pages and infographics.

Westchester County TownsInfographs
Armonk, NYArmonk NY Infograph
Ardsley, NYArdsley, NY Infograph
Bedford, NYBedford, NY Infograph
Briarcliff Manor, NYBriarcliff Manor, NY Infograph
Bronxville, NYBronxville, NY Infograph
Chappaqua, NYChappaqua NY Infograph
Cortlandt, NYCortlandt, NY Infograph
Dobbs Ferry, NYDobbs Ferry, NY Infograph
Eastchester, NYEastchester, NY Infograph
Elmsford, NYelmsford ny infograph
Hastings-on-Hudson, NYHastings-on-Hudson, NY Infograph
Harrison, NYHarrison, NY Infograph
Hartsdale, NYHartsdale NY Infograph
Irvington, NYIrvington, NY Infograph
Katonah, NYKatonah, NY Infographics
Larchmont, NYLarchmont, NY Infograph
Lewisboro, NYLewisboro, NY Infograph
Mamaroneck, NYMamaroneck, NY Infograph
Mount Kisco, NYMount Kisco, NY Infograph
Mount Pleasant, NYMount Pleasant, NY Infograph
Mount Vernon, NYMount Vernon, NY Infograph
New Rochelle, NYNew Rochelle, NY Infograph
North Salem, NYNorth Salem, NY Infograph
Ossining, NYOssining, NY Infograph
Pelham, NYPelham, NY Infograph
Pelham Manor, NYPelham Manor NY Infographic
Pleasantville, NYPleasantville, NY Infograph
Port Chester, NYPort Chester NY Infographic
Pound Ridge, NYPound Ridge NY Infographic
Purchase, NY
Rye, NYRye, NY Infograph
Rye Brook, NYRye Brook NY Infograph
Scarsdale, NYScarsdale, NY Infograph
Sleepy Hollow, NYSleepy Hollow, NY Infograph
Somers, NYSomers NY Infographic
Tarrytown, NYTarrytown, NY Infograph
Tuckahoe, NYTuckahoe, NY Infograph
White Plains, NYWhite Plains NY Infograph
Yorktown Heights, NYYorktown Heights NY Infographic
Yonkers, NY
Westchester County Towns with Infographics

Westchester County Commute to New York City

Many people commute to New York City when they move to Westchester County. Below you will find articles on the commute from Westchester County to NYC.

How long are the waitlist for Metro-North Train Station parking?

Top 5 Westchester Towns with the Shortest Commute and Best Schools

How do working mothers juggle their commute?

Westchester Metro-North Train Stations with the Most Trains to NYC

Metro-North Railroad- Number of Trains to New York City

Westchester County School Districts

Which Westchester School Districts Provide School Bus Transportation?

Why is there No School Bus Transportation to Rye Public Schools?

Private School Admissions: How to Boost your chances of getting in

Private School versus Public School

Westchester County Taxes

How to save on Westchester Real Estate taxes

Westchester Cost of Living Calculator

Thinking of living in Westchester County? Want to know how much it costs to live in Westchester? It’s expensive to live in Westchester County.

It can cost over $13,000 a month for a family of four to live in Westchester County! (we used our Westchester Cost of Living Calculator to do the math!)

Use our Westchester Cost of Living Calculator to calculate how much it costs for you to live in Westchester.

Our Westchester Cost of Living Calculator will calculate your mortgage expense, property taxes, commuting expenses, transportation expenses, and home maintenance expenses.

If you have kids, you can also add in your childcare and other child-related expenses to the cost of living calculator.

Westchester Real Estate

Affordable Westchester Towns with the Best Schools

Top Westchester School Districts within a 45 minute train ride to NYC

Top 5 Westchester Towns with the Lowest Median Home Prices and Best Schools

What is the difference between Scarsdale and Scarsdale PO?

Where to live? Westchester County, NY versus Fairfield County, CT?

10 Best Towns in Westchester County for Families (according to Locals)

Westchester Country Clubs and Beach Clubs

Insider’s Guide to Private Beach Clubs in Westchester County, New York

Insider’s Guide to Country Clubs in Westchester

Westchester Restaurants

Chef David DiBari: Westchester’s Most Sought After Chef

Westchester Michelin Restaurant: Dubrovnik

Michelin Restaurants in Westchester County

Chef Julio Genao’s Favorite Restaurants in Westchester and New York

Chef Peter Kelly’s Favorite Restaurants in Westchester

Chef Albert DeAngelis’ Favorite Restaurants in Westchester

Waterfront Restaurants in Westchester

Outdoor Beer Gardens in Westchester County

Waterfront Restaurants in Westchester for Brunch (with Outdoor Dining)

Chef Brian Lewis OKO Rye: Reviews and Photos

Best Places to Eat in Westchester County (according to locals)

Best Bakeries in Westchester County (according to locals)

Where to go for Hot Chocolate in Westchester County (according to locals)

Best Coffee in Westchester County (according to locals)

Best Pizza in Westchester County (according to locals)

10 Best Brunch Spots in Westchester (according to locals)

Where to Get the Best Noodles in Westchester County (NY)

Four Most Authentic Chinese Restaurants in Westchester and Fairfield County

Happy Hour in Westchester County

Best Happy Hour in Westchester County

Best Happy Hour in White Plains

New Rochelle Happy Hour

Interviews with Local Westchester Residents

Check out our interviews below with local Westchester County residents. Get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to live in Westchester County.

Most of our interviews below are with local Westchester County moms, this will give you insight into what it’s like to raise a family in Westchester County.

You will also get a peek at their thought process on why they moved to Westchester County and what they love about living in Westchester County.

Interview with Armonk, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Armonk, NY. Check out our interview with an Armonk resident.

Nikki Levinson’s Life in Armonk NY

Interview with Bronxville, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Bronxville, NY. Check out our interview with Bronxville residents.

Adrienne Harper’s Move to Bronxville, NY

Maura Fitzgerald’s Life in Bronxville, NY

Interview with Chappaqua, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Chappaqua, NY. Check out our interview with Chappaqua residents.

Dr. Whitney Bowe’s Beauty Secrets and her Life in Chappaqua, NY

Samantha Levine: Why She Loves Living in Chappaqua, NY

Sarah Shapiro’s Life in Chappaqua

Katy Winter: What it’s like to live in Chappaqua, NY

Pam Moskowitz’s Second Career and her Life in Chappaqua, NY

Interview with Eastchester, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Eastchester, NY. Check out our interview with an Eastchester resident.

Simply by Simone- Social Media Influencer in Westchester, NY

Interview with Irvington, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Irvington, NY. Check out our interview with an Irvington resident.

Jackie Ourman’s Life in Irvington, NY

Interview with Larchmont, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Larchmont, NY. Check out our interview with Larchmont residents.

Why Jen Aloisi Ham loves Mamaroneck and Larchmont

Interview with Fashion Arts Studio Director Ying Su

Interview with Mamaroneck, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Mamaroneck, NY. Check out our interview with a Mamaroneck resident.

Why Jen Aloisi Ham loves Mamaroneck and Larchmont

Interview with Mount Vernon, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Mount Vernon, NY. Check out our interview with a Mount Vernon resident.

Nicole Roque’s Move to Mount Vernon, NY

Interview with Pleasantville, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Pleasantville, NY. Check out our interview with a Pleasantville resident.

Life in Pleasantville, NY: Maya Sheinberg of Beneboon

Interview with Purchase, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Purchase, NY. Check out our interview with a Purchase resident.

Kim Motola’s Move to Purchase, NY

Interview with Port Chester, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Port Chester, NY. Check out our interview with a Port Chester resident.

Sara Swisher-Anderson’s Life in Port Chester, NY

Interview with Scarsdale, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Scarsdale, NY. Check out our interview with a Scarsdale resident.

Jamie Robinson- DIY Home Renovation in Scarsdale, NY

Mom-to-Be Jamie Robinson’s Move to Scarsdale, NY

Interview with Rye, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Rye, NY. Check out our interview with Rye residents.

Lisa Perlman’s Move to Rye, NY

Stylish Westchester’s Move to Rye, NY

Interview with Rye Brook, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in Rye Brook, NY. Check out our interview with a Rye Brook resident.

Marla Beth Enowitz: Art and Life In Rye Brook NY

Interview with White Plains, NY residents

Find out what it’s like to live in White Plains, NY. Check out our interview with a White Plains resident.

Erin O’Keefe’s Life in White Plains, NY

Where are the Fenced-In Dog Parks in Westchester County?

Check out our list of fenced-in dog parks in Westchester County.

Find out How Much It Costs to Live in These Westchester County towns:

Inside Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s $37,000 a month Life of Luxury in Pound Ridge, NY

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Chappaqua, NY? ($13,000+ a month!)

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Bronxville, NY? ($17,000+ a month)

How much Does it Cost to Live in Rye, NY? ($16K+ a month!)

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Purchase, NY? ($13K+ a Month!)

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Armonk, NY? ($13,000+ a month!)

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Scarsdale, NY? ($14K+ a month)

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Larchmont, NY? ($14,000+ a month!)

How Much Does it Cost to Live in New Rochelle, NY? ($11,000+ a month!)

How Much Does it Cost to Live in White Plains, NY? ($10,000+ a month!)

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Eastchester, NY? ($11,000+ a month!)

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Dobbs Ferry, NY? ($12,000+ a month!)

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Mamaroneck, NY? ($11,0000+ a month!)

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Katonah, NY? ($13,000+ a month!)

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Harrison, NY? ($14,000+ a month!)

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Ardsley, NY? ($11,000+ a month!)

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Pound Ridge, NY? ($16,000+ a month!)

Buy Our Ebook: House Hunting Like a Pro

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Written by a real estate professional and local suburbanite author, our easy to read E-Book gives you valuable advice on how to choose the right towns and find your dream home.

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Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your house hunting journey a success – download Househunting like a Pro today!

You May Also Be Interested in:

The Best Kept Secret of Westchester County: The Rivertowns

10 Wealthiest Towns in Westchester County

26 Wealthiest Towns in the New York Suburbs

Are You Thinking of Living in Westchester County

Read This First Before You Move to Westchester County

10 Best Towns in Westchester County for Families (according to Locals)

What are the Highest Paying Jobs in New York? (Infographic)

$13,000+ a Month to Live in Westchester: Cost of Living Calculator

Is it More Expensive to Live in Westchester County or Connecticut?

About Suburbs 101

Suburbs 101 is an insider’s guide to suburban living. Get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to live in the suburbs through our interviews with local suburbanites and features on Food, Fashion, Home, Garden, Travel, Pets, Real Estate and Local Events. Be sure to Follow Us on Instagram, Like Us on FacebookSubscribe to our YouTube Channel, and subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter.

Data Source: US Census American Community Survey

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