Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Westchester, NY
Considering a move to Westchester, NY? Home to nearly 1 million residents, Westchester offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban access, with a median home value of $650,000 and average rents around $2,100. The area features top-rated public schools, a highly educated population, and robust public transit usage, making it ideal for families and commuters alike. Enjoy relatively low crime rates, a vibrant and diverse community, and four distinct seasons with mild summers and snowy winters. Explore the cost of living, local amenities, and lifestyle options to see if Westchester is the right fit for your next chapter.
Demographics - Westchester, NY
Demographics - Westchester, NY
Westchester, NY is home to nearly 968,000 people, offering a diverse community where over 30% of residents speak a language other than English. The population has a median age of 42.3, with a balanced gender ratio and a mix of ethnic backgrounds, making it appealing for families and professionals seeking a vibrant suburban environment.
Population:
967,612
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.3
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
30.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
52.5%
Black:
15.2%
Asian:
7.0%
Others:
25.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Westchester, NY?
Living in Westchester comes with a higher cost of living index of 150.2, reflecting median home values around $650,000 and average rents of $2,100. Residents can expect above-average expenses for housing and transportation, but benefit from a wide range of amenities and services that enhance quality of life.
Median House Value:
$650,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,250
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
150.2
Grocery:
124.5
Housing:
185.4
Utilities:
117.2
Transportation:
139.8
Health Care:
120.3
Miscellaneous:
113.6
Crime
Is Westchester, NY a safe place to live?
Westchester enjoys relatively low crime rates compared to many urban areas, with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,185 per 100,000. The community is generally considered safe, giving newcomers peace of mind when choosing this area as their home.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
143
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,185
Crime Index:
1,328
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 699
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 84
Weather
What is the weather like in Westchester, NY year-round?
Westchester experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The community boasts a strong economic profile, with a median household income of $108,000 and a low poverty rate of 8.1%. A highly educated population and a 3.7% unemployment rate contribute to a stable, vibrant local economy, while 27% of residents use public transportation, reflecting its commuter-friendly location.
Median Income:
$57,300
Household Income:
$108,000
Family Income:
$127,900
Per Capita Income:
$57,250
Income Male:
$63,500
Income Female:
$52,300
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
30.5%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
27.4%
Commute Time:
36.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
49.8%
Education
How are the schools in Westchester, NY?
Westchester is renowned for its top-rated public and private schools, such as Scarsdale High School and The Masters School, and is home to respected colleges like Pace University and SUNY Purchase College. Nearly half the adult population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, underscoring the area’s strong commitment to education.
Public Schools
Name:
Scarsdale High School
Street:
2 Brewster Rd
Phone:
914-721-2500
Students:
1,480
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
White Plains High School
Street:
550 North St
Phone:
914-422-2182
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Private Schools
Name:
The Masters School
Street:
49 Clinton Ave, Dobbs Ferry
Phone:
914-479-6400
Students:
700
Colleges
Name:
Pace University
City:
Pleasantville
State:
NY
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
8,200
Name:
SUNY Purchase College
City:
Purchase
State:
NY
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
4,100
Healthcare
Westchester residents have access to excellent healthcare, including major hospitals like White Plains Hospital and Westchester Medical Center. With 3.4 physicians per 1,000 people and over 95% health insurance coverage, the area offers quality medical care and emergency services for peace of mind.
Major Hospitals
Name:
White Plains Hospital
Address:
41 E Post Rd, White Plains, NY 10601
Phone:
(914) 681-0600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Westchester Medical Center
Address:
100 Woods Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595
Phone:
(914) 493-7000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.6%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Westchester, NY?
The housing market in Westchester is robust, with a median home price of $650,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 61.5%. Steady home appreciation and a low foreclosure rate make it an attractive option for buyers and investors alike.
Median Home Price:
$650,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can handle their vehicle and licensing needs through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in White Plains. The local DMV provides comprehensive services for drivers and vehicle owners.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
200 Hamilton Ave, White Plains, NY 10601
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.