A family- and commuter-friendly Westchester County village
A suburban village in Westchester County that's defined by its top-rated school district and commuter access to major highways, Rye Brook is home to around 10,000 residents, according to the 2020 census. “Rye Brook has a small-town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone,” says Anna Leder, a Realtor with Compass Greater NY LLC who has lived in Rye Brook for 20 years. “It’s a very supportive community. If someone posts asking for the best way to get to the airport, strangers will offer to drive them.” Westchester County Airport is a small domestic airport located to the north, and the town’s commercial sector is on the south end. Both SUNY Purchase and Manhattanville University can be found to the west, and a popular public beach can be accessed just south of town. Rye Brook's location on the Connecticut border and only 35 miles from New York City, makes it attractive for commuters, with several interstates and state routes intersecting just outside the village. “Some people are afraid to leave the city and go to the suburbs because they think it’ll be too rural or there won’t be enough to do,” Leder says. “But we still have Starbucks and Amazon and all the modern conveniences without the hassle of the city.”
Split-levels expanded into colonial-inspired homes
Common architectural styles in Rye Brook include ranch-style houses, estate-like properties and colonial-inspired homes, some with Cape Cod elements. “There are a lot of split-levels that were built in the ‘50s that people are renovating,” Leder says. “There are some new constructions, but a lot of people are expanding and adding onto houses.” Most homes include attached garages, and some larger properties might sit on a half-acre lot. There are also condominiums and townhome complexes available with $500-plus HOA fees. The median price for a home is $955,000, more than twice the national median. Leder notes that Rye Brook's residential streets are typically quiet, with no traffic. “There aren’t a lot of sidewalks, but people walk their dogs or their strollers in the roads,” she says.
Near the northern portion of Rye Brook, there are plans to develop a 220-room hotel and a 115-unit residential complex at the site of what used to be the Doral Arrowwood Hotel. The project is also slated to include a wellness center, a medical park, athletic courts, pools and restaurants.
Large brick national homes with sprawling gardens are commonly seen throughout Rye Brook.
Homes in Rye Brook are colorful and well-maintained.
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Highly rated Blind Brook-Rye public schools and nearby universities
Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District, which receives an A from Niche, comprises Bruno M. Ponterio Ridge Street School, Blind Brook Middle School and Blind Brook High School, all of which also receive an A. “Kids are together from kindergarten on, so the district has a private-school feel,” Leder says. “The middle and high schools are attached on the same campus, in two different wings.”
On the west side of Rye Brook, SUNY Purchase – also referred to as Purchase College – is a public liberal arts institution with slightly more than 3,000 students. The campus has about 175 acres of undeveloped land, with around 100 acres of that designated as a preserve, and locals take advantage of the trails within these areas. Residents can also peruse the college’s Neuberger Museum of Art. Just a mile from there, Manhattanville University is a private institution with a little less than 2,500 students enrolled.
Play space and celebrations at Crawford Park
In addition to several pocket parks scattered throughout Rye Brook, the town also has Crawford Park and Pine Ridge Park. Crawford Park's 36 acres contain a playground, athletic facilities and a mansion that can be rented for events. “They host the Rye Brook annual birthday party there,” Leder says. “It’s great for kids. They barbecue and have bouncy houses.” The smaller Pine Ridge Park has a playground, athletic fields and sports courts. Blind Brook Club is home to the town’s private golf course.
About 3 miles south of Rye Brook, Rye Beach, also known as Oakland Beach, provides a sandy recreational space along the shores of the Long Island Sound. Rye Brook residents pay a reduced rate for beach access, less than half of nonresident fees for annual permits. In addition to seaside restaurants and a boardwalk, the beach area also features Playland Park, a seasonal amusement park with roller coasters, a carousel and a Ferris wheel.
Eateries and shops at Rye Ridge Shopping Center
At the southern end of Rye Brook, there are a few retail plazas with salons, storefronts, studios and restaurants. “Rye Ridge Shopping Center is considered our town center,” Leder says. “There are great restaurants, stores and exercise places over there.” Other nearby shopping centers feature supermarkets and big-box stores. Located in this southern retail region, Saint John Bosco is a multilingual and multicultural Catholic church with a red-stone facade and a towering spire. White Plains Hospital is about 6 miles west of town.
Interstate and Metro-North train commutes into the city
It’s common for Rye Brook residents to commute to New York City or other locations across the northeast. They can access Interstate 287, Interstate 95 and Interstate 684 just outside of town. Hutchinson River Parkway, locally referred to as The Hutch, cuts through Rye Brook and leads to the interstates. “I grew up here, but being near The Hutch, 287 and 95 is why I chose to stay here,” Leder says. Westchester County’s Bee-Line bus system services the area, and Metro-North trains make stops just south of town at either the Port Chester or Rye stations, with trips to Grand Central Station taking about an hour. The north side of Rye Brook features Westchester County Airport, which offers flights through American, BermudAir, Breeze, Delta and JetBlue. “It’s hugely convenient,” Leder says. “It’s a small enough airport where you don’t have to get there super early before your flight.”
Typical weather and crime rates in Rye Brook
Rye Brook experiences all four seasons, with February seeing the most snow, at an average of 7.5 inches. While Rye Brook’s location is a few miles from the bay of the Long Island Sound, Leder says that residents don’t typically feel the wind or cold-front effects from the water.
According to data provided to the FBI, Rye Brook reports significantly lower crime rates compared with national figures, and they continue to decline.
My journey to becoming a real estate agent started when I was in the market to buy a condo in lower Westchester as a investment property. I found the process so interesting and exciting! Shortly thereafter I got my license and since then I have loved every minute of it! I am not just saying that I am fortunate to really enjoy what I do! I grew up in Westchester and still live here. I think its the ideal place to raise a family. In my career I have helped several hundred buyers and sellers reach the closing table. Each of those journey's was unique and special to me. I am passionate about helping people buy and sell their properties and whether it is a first time buyer or someone buying their 2nd or 3rd home I will be here for you every step of the way! Reach out to me-even if its just a question you might have I am eager to assist! I am the proud father of two (28 year old son and 26 year old daughter), I enjoy golf and tennis, travel and am a movie lover! I look forward to meeting you soon!
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