Westchester County, New York offers a lifestyle that is especially appealing to families. County Executive George Latimer says, “Westchester County is a unique place. Our home county is fortunate to possess a wealth of talented, successful individuals; a strategic location adjacent to New York City; geography blessed by rolling hills, the mighty Hudson River and lovely L.I. Sound. Westchester, in all its beautiful diversity, offers bustling cities, hometown villages, farms, forests, tall towers, and Gothic mansions.”
Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Westchster occupies 450 acres and boasts a population of just under one million. Within a reasonable commute to New York City, many young professionals move to Westchester once they begin planning a family. Westchester is made up of 6 cities, 19 towns, and 20 villages. Families appreciate the excellent public school system in Westchester County. Some families take advantage of the renowned private schools in the area, some of which offer bilingual education.
County Park System
Adding to a wonderful family lifestyle is the extensive county park system, the availability of excellent extracurricular opportunities for children and families. The County’s park system includes a half-dozen nature centers that offer family programming as well as public beaches and pools. There is also an extensive bike path system and opportunities for seasonal fun including ice skating, skiing, camping, fishing. Public golf courses and ball fields round out the recreational opportunities.
Housing and More
A wide variety of housing options are aavailable. As well as a growing number of residential one-family homes, there are also condominium complexes, cooperative apartments, and rental units in the local real estate market. Low-income options are also available.
The availability of excellent health care, including the renowned Maria Ferrari Children’s Hospital, also adds much to the lifestyle that Westchster offers. As well, the county has notable shopping malls and is home to several Whole Foods Markets and numerous Farmers’ Markets. Several Fortune 500 companies, a number of excellent not-for-profit organizations, cutting-edge research centers and a wide assortment of hospitals provide local employment. Westchester’s proximity to New York City and Connecticut also provides great employment opportunities.
