Looking for the best towns in Westchester, NY to call home?

Whether you're drawn to the charming riverfront villages along the Hudson, the upscale Westchester suburbs with top-rated schools, or the vibrant downtowns filled with dining and culture, Westchester County has something for everyone. From historic enclaves to bustling commuter-friendly hubs, Westchester offers a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and city convenience.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to live in Westchester County, highlighting the unique character of its most desirable towns and Westchester neighborhoods to help you find your ideal spot.

Ardsley

Nestled in the heart of southern Westchester, Ardsley, NY, is a charming suburban village known for its top-rated schools, tight-knit community, and convenient location. While smaller with roughly 4500 residents, it benefits from the account services of Greenburgh which has a population of 90,000. With a great library, community center, several parks, plenty of restaurants and shopping, fun annual events, and an excellent public school system, Ardsley is one of the best towns in Westchester NY for families with young children.

Where is Ardsley NY?
Ardsley is a small village that is located in South County between the Saw Mill River Parkway and Sprain Brook Parkway. Not quite a Rivertown, Ardsley is a nice option where it can be a bit easier to find home availability.

Greenville

Greenville, commonly known as Edgemont, is an unincorporated part within the Town of Greenburgh. This quaint community is located between Ardsley and Scarsdale, with most of the homes having Scarsdale addresses. If you're moving to Westchester from New York City, you might appreciate the convenient location, tight-knit community and excellent school systems. It is an intimate community with a lot of parks, restaurants, and coffee shops. The Edgemont Union Free School District is very highly rated and offers smaller class sizes than neighboring towns, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Westchester for families.

Hartsdale

Considered one of the best towns in Westchester, Hartsdale offers a vibrant community with a mix of suburban charm and city convenience. Most residents own their homes and enjoy access to highly rated public schools, making it a great place for families. The town features Poets Corner, a unique neighborhood where all 26 streets are named after famous poets, as well as Ridge Road Park, a popular spot for outdoor recreation. Hartsdale’s own Metro-North station allows for a commute to Grand Central in under an hour, while shopping plazas and stores along Central Avenue provide everyday conveniences and dining options.

Where is Hartsdale, NY? Hartsdale, NY, is a hamlet located in the town of Greenburgh, just north of Scarsdale and east of White Plains.

Rye

Rye has over 15,000 residents and known as one of the best neighborhoods in Westchester for its country clubs and its strong connection to the coastline.

Rye has highly rated public schools and like many of the other suburbs on our list, there are plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and parks to choose from. The Jay Heritage Center is a National Historic Landmark dedicated to preserving the legacy of John Jay, a Founding Father and the first Chief Justice of the United States, while also offering educational programs, nature trails, and stunning views of the Long Island Sound. Just a short drive away, visitors can also enjoy the scenic Rye, NY beach at Rye Town Park and Beach, a popular spot for relaxing by the water.

With a livelier downtown than some of the other suburbs, Rye is a wonderful place to call home.

Hastings-on-Hudson

Living in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, offers a unique blend of artsy charm, eco-conscious values, and rich industrial history. Unlike cookie-cutter developments, this Rivertown is known for its beautiful historic homes and a walkable, square-mile village, making it a desirable and convenient choice for those moving from New York City.

If you're wondering where to live in Westchester with a vibrant downtown and locally owned shops, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, is worth considering. Home to nearly 8,000 residents, this village offers diverse housing options, top-rated public schools, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, making it one of the best towns Westchester has to offer. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of Hastings-on-Hudson restaurants, from cozy cafés to upscale dining spots, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore its scenic parks and riverfront views.

Sleepy Hollow

Known for its connection to Washington Irving's famous short story, the village of Sleepy Hollow, NY offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Visitors and residents alike can explore historic sites or attend one of the many events in Sleepy Hollow NY while also enjoying the picture-worthy landscapes along the Hudson River. The town's commitment to preserving its heritage while fostering a welcoming and active community atmosphere makes it one of the best Westchester County NY towns.

Chappaqua

One of the smaller NYC suburb towns in northern Westchester, Chappaqua has about 1500 residents. If you're looking for an easily walkable downtown and more green space than some of the other southern Westchester towns, this might be a good town for you and your family. The town is largely made up of young professionals, retirees, and families.

Like many other schools in New York, Chappaqua has highly rated public schools so this is a good place for families. If you're looking to still enjoy some of the nightlife and diversity of the city right in your town, this might not be the suburb for you; however, with an easy Chappaqua to New York City commute via Metro-North, residents can still enjoy the culture and diversity of the city while coming home to a quieter, more relaxed setting.

Bronxville

Bronxville, NY, is considered one of the best places to live in Westchester NY, offering a picturesque suburban setting with a lively and close-knit community. Nearly 80% of residents own their homes, reflecting the town’s desirability and long-term appeal.

Where is Bronxville, New York? This charming village is located in southern Westchester County, just 15 miles north of Manhattan, making it a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and city convenience. Residents enjoy a highly rated school system, beautiful parks, and a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shops, coffee houses, and an excellent selection of Bronxville, NY restaurants. With a direct Bronxville to NYC train ride taking just 30 minutes on Metro-North, it’s an ideal location for families and professionals looking to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Dobbs Ferry

The Village of Dobbs Ferry is a vibrant and dense suburban town that is often considered one of the best places to live in the New York City area. Many residents own their homes, and the community is made up of a mix of young professionals, families, and longtime locals. With plenty of parks, coffee shops, and restaurants, Dobbs Ferry offers a lively yet relaxed environment just outside the city.

The public schools in Dobbs Ferry are highly rated, making it a desirable location for families. The area is known for its diversity and thriving restaurant scene, with a variety of Dobbs Ferry, NY restaurants offering everything from casual bites to upscale dining. Coupled with a bustling nightlife and easy access to New York City, Dobbs Ferry is an ideal choice for those looking for a dynamic yet suburban lifestyle.

Scarsdale

With over 17,000 residents, the village of Scarsdale is a larger NYC suburb. With plenty of parks, restaurants, and coffee shops, you can still enjoy some of the amenities of city living while experiencing a more suburban feel in your town. The train ride from Scarsdale to New York City is convenient, with commutes ranging from 30-45 minutes.

The suburb is known for its highly rated public school system and is considered a great place for families. The nightlife might not be as thriving as some of the other suburbs, but it is a nice in-between if you find Bronxville to be too lively but Chappaqua to be too quiet.

Larchmont

The town of Larchmont, NY is a quaint Westchester town that offers a vibrant suburban feeling with many conveniences, family-friendly activities and scenic trails with waterfront views.

With a population of roughly 6,000 residents, Larchmont strikes the perfect balance between small-town charm and modern convenience. The town boasts excellent public schools, making it a top choice for families, while its walkable downtown is filled with boutique shops, coffee houses, and a fantastic selection of restaurants in Larchmont, NY, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.

Larchmont also offers plenty of outdoor activities, including picturesque parks, waterfront trails, and a strong community spirit with local events and farmers' markets. For those commuting to the city, the Larchmont, NY to NYC trip is a breeze—Metro-North’s New Haven Line provides a direct train to Grand Central Terminal in about 35 minutes, making it a prime location for professionals seeking easy access to Manhattan while enjoying the perks of suburban living.

The Best Towns in Westchester: Which Will Be Your New Home?

These are just some of the best towns in Westchester County. If you're ready to find out which neighborhoods best fit your lifestyle, grab your Suburban Selections.