5 Walkable Westchester Towns
Want to make a move but not sure you’re ready to give up the convenience of city living? These five towns in Westchester County offer all the benefits of suburban living with the walkability of urban life.
Living in the city, chances are you’re walking everywhere. And while there’s a freedom and convenience that comes from being in the ‘burbs (and being able to hop in your car to go anywhere, anytime), sometimes you just want to walk – to drop the kids at school, grab a quick bite, or run errands. So which towns come with that level of built-in walkability? If you’re considering Westchester, these communities could be good places to explore.
#1. Bronxville
With top-rated restaurants, luxury boutiques, Village Hall, the library, the train station, and the elementary school all clustered together, Bronxville is a suburb made for city people. The downtown is always active, especially during the summer months when the streets are packed with people shopping, eating, and mingling. A Walkability Score of 94 makes Bronxville one of the most walkable towns on our list.
#2. Larchmont
With a Walkability Score of 92, Larchmont is one of the most walkable towns on our list. Coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, parks and playgrounds, and even the beach are all within easy walking distance in this 1.1 square-mile community.
During the school year, Larchmont sidewalks are lined with kids walking to Chatsworth Avenue, the local elementary school. And no matter the season, expect to see walkers hitting the Manor Park and Beach paths.
#3. Mamaroneck
Mamaroneck’s half-mile long downtown is home to a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, a movie theater — there’s even a local toy store that’s more than 100 years old. The public library is another walkable hotspot–especially for young families taking advantage of their weekly storytimes. For most residents, it’s easy to walk to downtown and, from there, to Harbor Island Park, a 44-acre park with a playground, tennis courts, playing fields, and stunning views of Mamaroneck Harbor. Even better, just last year Mamaroneck was awarded nearly $4M to construct sidewalks, curbs, traffic calming measures and a pedestrian crossing along Halstead Avenue.
#4. Pelham
Pelham is lined with sidewalks, making it an easy stroll to downtown no matter where you live. With a booming arts center, farmer’s market, restaurants, movie theater, parks, and dozens of local shops and other city-style amenities. Pelham’s town center is a draw for residents who pass through to grab their morning coffee, go for an afternoon stroll, or head out for a night on the town.
#5. Pleasantville
Pleasantville is the epitome of walkability. No matter when you tour, you’ll catch residents walking to catch an indie movie or take a class at the Jacob Burns Center, pick up the latest bestseller at The Village Bookstore, check out an exhibit at the Gordon Parks Foundation, or take a dip in the town pool. But residents of this family-friendly community don’t just walk into town. Kids walk to school and commuters walk to the Metro North station for a 46-minute direct train ride into Manhattan.