People often ask me about fine dining in Westchester NY. The New York City dining experience has been finding its way northward to Westchester County. This might be news to Manhattanites – for whom Westchester has always seemed to be some sort of backwater destination. White Plains restaurants boast several transplants from Manhattan. Downtown White Plains is a location where high-end shopping and entertainment are the order of the day. Now, there truly can only be one Manhattan – but White Plains and other destinations in Westchester can no longer be considered truly suburban. Westchester is a mix of suburban life with NYC amenities.
To that end, one of Manhattan’s most distinctive dining attractions, Via Quadronno, opened its doors in White Plains at the corner of Renaissance Square and Main Street – next door to the two 42 story towers that are the Ritz Carlton. The location in the famous Art Nouveau Barr Building provides an interesting background standing next to the mirrored glass and sleek steel of the Ritz Carlton. That mix of old and new is very typical of the “new” White Plains.
When buyers are looking for high-end single family homes in White Plains NY – A home with plenty of green space and old-world charm – Gedney Farms is the first neighborhood that comes to mind. Gedney Farms was named after John Gedney who bought the land in 1740. Gedney Farms was a working farm that remained within the Gedney family right through the Civil War. It has long ceased to be farmland and is now a well established neighborhood.
Through much of the Gedney area the zoning is for no more than three homes per acre, so most lots have at least .33 acres of land which for lower Westchester is very difficult to find at a decent price. The roads are fairly narrow the wind around giving the feeling of country roads. No checkerboard streets here! This is also a plus because the streets are generally quiet as this discourages cut-through traffic that sometimes occurs in other parts of White Plains. The homes are a mix of Tudors and colonials many of them built during the Great Depression or before with a smaller percentage being built in the 50s and 60w. This is a mature neighborhood with very little buildable land remaining.
The Ridgeway Golf Course:
The Ridgeway golf course defines the neighborhood and depending on your location. It bisects the Gedney neighborhood in several places and many of the homes have spectacular golf course views. Some even have the fairways coming right into their back yards giving an illusion of almost endless open space. This type of amenity is difficult to match in lower Westchester and is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the City Center and the Ritz Carlton of downtown White Plains. Some homes have their back yards extending right into the fairways. It looks like open space as far as the eyes can see.
Unfortunately, at this time the fate of the Ridgeway golf club is not settled. Although the club has no wish to sell its land to developers, difficult financial times may force that issue. So far they have been holding on. Much of the area is wetlands, so the quantity of building would be quite limited. Nevertheless, the loss of such a vista would be a blow to the area. Everyone is hoping that this issue will resolve itself as the economy continues to improve.
Buying a condo in White Plains NY can be very expensive. Cooperatives offer a viable alternative and financially stable complexes are great investments. But for those who own dogs, relatively few are pet-friendly. Here is one of the premier cooperative complexes of White Plains – and the best part is that its pet-friendly.
The Surrey Strathmore is a complex of six mid-rise buildings which surround a courtyard. This is perhaps one of the more upscale cooperatives in White Plains. Built in 1939, the complex boasts some of the graces of a by-gone era. The ceilings are 9 ft high, and graceful archways separate living room, dining room and kitchen areas. Each unit has at least one of the Surrey Starthmore’s signature curio nooks. The floor plan is excellent.
Located at the Southern end of White Plains, the Surrey Strathmore is located on Bryant Ave which almost acts as the “dividing line” between the Southern residential area from the Northern downtown. So, the Surrey Strathmore sits on the edge of the residential neighborhood, the Highlands where quiet walks on tree-lined streets are just a block away. Perfect for a walk with the dog. On the other side is the beginning of the downtown area within walking distance of the famous and upscale Westchester Mall, Whole Foods, Cheesecake Factory, Morton’s Steak House along with some favorite local restaurants including Iannelli’s. A bus taking commuters to the White Plains Train Station stops right at the corner of Bryant Ave and Old Mamaroneck Rd. – which is the Southwest corner of the complex.
The housing market in White Plains has taken a drubbing since the stock market crash of 2008. Although some adjacent areas are showing small signs of stabilization, the same can not be said for the city of White Plains. This is ironic because White Plains was at the epicenter of the housing boom for Westchester County.
White Plains NY Cooperatives:
Cooperative prices were actually up slightly over the same period in 2008. However, this slight uptick might be do to an increase in the proportion of 2 BR units in the sales statistics. The previous quarter showed a grim 17% price reduction and recent sales in specific complexes indicates that this downward trend is continuing. Since 2 BR units are suddenly far more affordable, buyers are finding that they can afford a larger unit. Sales volume is down 17% over the previous year and the current inventory of 9 months indicates a buyer’s market undergoing a price correction bordering on double digits. Read the rest of this entry »
White Plains is synonymous with shopping. It is know for its shops particularly along Mamaroneck Ave, Post Rd. and Main St. As a result, White Plains shops in the downtown area really comes to life during the Holiday Season. Shopping and fine dining are part of the downtown White Plains lifestyle. Tuesday night I decided that it was time to “get serious” about Christmas and do some real shopping. I decided to start at the City Center Mall and go to one of my favorite haunts – the Barnes & Noble. I was meandering around in my usual catatonic shopping state of mind when I ran smack into a security guard who had the audacity to be blocking my progress. He was very polite, since I was obviously not paying any attention whatsoever. “Are you here for the book signing?” he inquired. The question jolted me awake. I was standing smack in the middle of an area that was roped off and I was clearly in the way. I asked who was coming and he replied “Jim Cramer.”
You never know when you are going to be surprised. I was thrilled. My father is a HUGE fan and as many of regular readers know, he is not at all well. I quickly bought his latest book to autograph for my Dad and waited patiently for him to arrive. Read the rest of this entry »
Following the stock market crash of 2008, home prices in White Plains finally took a hit. This market had remained remarkably sturdy up to the fourth quarter of 2008. The correction has been an abrupt one. The third quarter market reports reflect a market that is experiencing a major correction. The declines are steady but not alarming. This is the first time that White Plains has have every single factor in buyer’s market territory.
White Plains Cooperatives:
The average price of a cooperative in White Plains has decreased to $181,000 – down $36,000 or near 17% fromQ3 of 2008. Sales volume was also down 38.5%. Although sales picked up over the summer months inventories remain in excess of 12 months. This is an excellent buying opportunity and sellers need to be realistic when pricing their homes.
White Plains Condominiums:
Condos have seen a sharp decline in prices. This is to be expected because during the boom a large number of condos were built creating a “natural” glut. Sales prices are down 16.1% over the previous year to $463,000 – down $89,000 over the previous year. Sales volume was down 20% over the previous year. Once again – this is a buyer’s market and sellers need to price their units to sell.
Newly Reduced Price – the most competitive price at Jefferson Place above the ground floor.
The Residences at Jefferson Place in Downtown White Plains NY.
Jefferson place is a new and very desirable complex located in downtown White Plains in the coveted 10605 zip code. The complex spans an entire square block between Livingston Ave. and Rutherford Ave. in White Plains, NY. The units cover two major addresses: 300 Mamaroneck Ave. and 31 Greenridge Ave. The side facing Mamaroneck Ave. is an eight-story urban mid-rise with a sophisticated brick façade. The other side of the complex on Greenridge gives a bow to the suburban neighborhood of the Highlands that it borders. Jefferson Place is just steps away from all the shopping and dining that downtown White Plains has to offer.
Just across the street on the Mamaroneck Ave. side there is plenty of fine dining, take out and retail – all within easy walking distance of the complex. The heart of the downtown with all it has to offer is just a stroll down the street. Walk to almost everything: Shopping entertainment, fine dining and so much more. Walk score is 92 out of 100.
The White Plains housing market finally to its hit when the stock market crashed in late 2008. Until that time, the White Plains market – along with much of lower Westchester had resisted the declines that had occurred in other parts of the country. Prices dropped sharply and as credit markets froze up, sales volume dropped to a trickle by the end of Q4 2008. The winter was long and harsh as sales volume continued to stay low. This was mostly due to the tighter lending standards and a general reluctance to buy for those who actually had the credit to do so.
Buyer interest started to increase at the beginning of the 2nd quarter as lower prices and the stimulus package pulled buyers off the fence. Towards the end of the quarter there were many more contracts and pendings. The question in early June was whether or not the banks would actually fund all of the loans. Fortunately, things started looking up and the market is again moving, although volume is lower than in years past is the order of the day. This can be attributed to tighter lending standards.
Cooperatives:
Coops actually showed a price increase over the 2nd quarter of 2008. The 2.7% increase was small – but compared to the decreases seen in the condo and SF home markets, it is an encouraging sign. Coops are the entry level purchase for most first time buyers – which explains the resilience. Sales volume overall is still down 24% over the previous year while inventory is estimated at about 12.5 months. The inventory pressure will keep prices in check, but all in all – the coop market has fared better than the rest of White Plains housing.
Going into NYC for July 4th is great – but it can be a hassle. Fact is you don’t need to go to Manhattan to see terrific displays. Here is a short list of lower Westchester events and fireworks displays. This will help get you started….
You can start celebrating as early as tonight:
Events for Wednesday July 1, 2009
Playland’s Weekly Fireworks Display:
Starts at 9:15. Offered by the Westchester County Parks Dept. Admission for parking is $4.00
Location & Info:
Playland Park
Playland Parkway
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 813-7010
White Plains Fireworks Display:
An evening out at the White Plains High School. Includes fun for all With inflatable rides and food along with a children’s stage. Free to the public. 6-10 PM. (Rain date July 2)
Beautiful, totally renovated 4 BR/2.5BA Home has a fabulous flow that is perfect for entertaining family and friends with an additional 650 sq ft in the finished basement. Marvelous layout – perfect for entertaining. Here are some of the best features:
Au Pair/ In Law Suite (or potential master) located on the ground floor w/full bath, large closet with built in shelves, brand new carpeting, access to a second attic, private entrance and patio.
Brand new granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances; roll out cabinets, two pantries, plenty of storage.
Large living room with beautiful fireplace, great sunlight and access to a covered patio.
Formal Dining Room with lots of light.
Three bedrooms on second floor. Very large master with his and her closets.
Full attic with pull down stairs.
Walkout finished basement with great storage (not included in sq. ft) complete with brand new carpeting.
New windows (fold in for easy cleaning), New Anderson storm doors, new central air and new light fixtures throughout.
Wonderful corner lot with plenty of privacy. Tranquil setting perfect for those who enjoy outdoor living. Great space for dining or gardening.
Large driveway, can accommodate up to 7 cars.
Very short walk to tennis courts and track.
The taxes are reasonable at $10,190/year which does not include the STAR reduction of $1525.
The current owners have done all the heavy lifting for you. Nothing to do but MOVE IN and enjoy!
People often ask me about fine dining in Westchester NY. The New York City dining experience has been finding its way northward to Westchester County. This might be news to Manhattanites – for whom Westchester has always seemed to be some sort of backwater destination. White Plains restaurants boast several transplants from Manhattan. Downtown White Plains is a location where high-end shopping and entertainment are the order of the day. Now, there truly can only be one Manhattan – but White Plains and other destinations in Westchester can no longer be considered truly suburban. Westchester is a mix of suburban life with NYC amenities.
