Are you a property owner that wants to sell their condo, investment property or needs to rent an apartment or retail space in New York City? Call or text me: Sam Moritz, licensed real estate agent, 203–209–3640.
Do you know a property owner that might need real estate help? Refer me! I provide great and professional real estate services across all five boroughs.
I’m 35 now, and like many New Yorkers in their 30s, people I know are starting families and thinking seriously about where they want to live long-term. A common theme has come up: moving out of New York City for more space and a more affordable lifestyle.
Recently, I spoke with a client who lives with his wife and one-year-old daughter on the Upper East Side. Even though they have a great apartment, they’re planning to move to the suburbs within the next year. Their top choice is Westchester County, which is conveniently located halfway between both of their parents.
Why Katonah Came Up
I suggested they check out Katonah, NY, a popular northern Westchester town that’s still only about an hour from Grand Central via Metro-North. My only experience in Katonah was a very quick visit years ago, but I remembered really liking the charming downtown that seemed to appear out of the woods as I drove in.
My friend took the advice, drove up with his family, and then asked me what I thought of the area. Realizing my own knowledge was limited, I decided to take a proper trip there last week.
First Stop: Bedford for Lunch
On the way, I stopped in Bedford, NY, another well-known suburban town in Westchester. The scenery was immediately calming — quiet, scenic, and full of the suburban greenery people imagine when they picture life outside the city. Even the diner I visited, despite being on a somewhat busy road, felt tucked into the countryside.
Exploring Downtown Katonah
Katonah’s downtown is small but very walkable, about four long blocks of shops, cafés, and locally owned businesses. The Katonah Reading Room was the highlight for me — a bookstore and café with a peaceful upstairs seating area. I grabbed a latte, sat upstairs, relaxed, and even took a work call without bothering anyone. It snowed lightly for about twenty minutes, making the whole moment surprisingly serene.
For anyone researching what downtown Katonah feels like, my impression is: quiet, cozy, scenic, and definitely slower-paced than NYC.
A Nature Walk Near Reservoir Road
I asked a local for a walking recommendation, and they sent me to Reservoir Road, a short drive away. I parked at the bottom and walked the dirt road up to the reservoir. The fall colors were beautiful, and the view from the top was worth the climb.
If you’re wondering whether Katonah has access to nature and walking trails, the answer is yes — a lot of it.
Checking Out a House for Sale
I had also seen a house listing in Katonah that I’d sent to my friend, so I drove by the property. The ten-minute drive from downtown to the house surprised me — mostly because there was so much open land and very few buildings. Not in a bad way — just very nature-heavy. The road where the house was located felt rural, even though it wasn’t far from the town center.
Could I See Myself Living in Katonah?
I often daydream about living in small cities or suburban towns, but after living in New York City since I was 22, I’ve never actually been able to move away. This trip reminded me how different ideas and reality can be.
Katonah is peaceful and charming, but I got the sense that daily life there would be pretty sleepy. That’s not necessarily a bad thing — it’s a tradeoff many people make when they move from NYC apartments to suburban homes.
(And side note: do Katonah residents go to White Plains when they want more action? Because every article I read says that’s the local “mini-city” where people go. Maybe that’s my next trip.)
NYC vs. Suburbs: Still Deciding
For now, I imagine staying in New York City as long as possible (I just got engaged, so at least for now, it’s still just us!). Not every NYC neighborhood fits me, but I’ve enjoyed the change of pace after moving out of Brooklyn recently.
My experience in Katonah doesn’t mean I couldn’t adjust to the suburbs someday. Humans adapt — we figure things out. Katonah is lovely; I just need to understand where the local energy is. Maybe that’s White Plains. Maybe somewhere else in Westchester.
Either way, I’m curious where my friend will eventually end up — and I’ll definitely visit him for a suburban getaway once he moves (assuming he invites me).
Are you a property owner that wants to sell their condo, investment property or needs to rent an apartment or retail space in New York City? Call or text me: Sam Moritz, licensed real estate agent, 203–209–3640.
Do you know a property owner that might need real estate help? Refer me! I provide great and professional real estate services across all five boroughs.
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