This post was written in 2008  - for a 2010  version that is continually being updated   Click Here for The Highlands White Plains NY.

For the most part, my blogs have emphasized the Cityscape of  White Plains, NY and with good reason.  Over the past ten years the downtown has undergone a revolution of development that has brought in many new residents who have flocked here from more urban areas.  Those who are priced out of Manhattan have moved here as well as those who decided that they could get more bang for the buck in White Plains then in the city.  The downtown has become a favorite destination for those who choose to leave Manhattan. 

But not everyone comes to White Plains to live in the city.  White Plains is often roughly divided into two parcels.  To the north, is the downtown and to the south are the single-family residential neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are no more than about 2.5 miles from the center of town – 3 miles at the very outskirts – yet they appear to be a world away in character.

The Highlands is a neighborhood that borders the downtown.  It sits on relatively high ground with respect to the rest of the city (hence its name.)  It is often the favorite destination for first time home buyers.  People who are moving up from condo or coop life.  Manhattanites are attracted to the Highlands because parts of this neighborhood abut the downtown.  Depending on where you live in the Highlands, walking to the train is a possibility. 

This is a neighborhood characterized by single family homes that  date back to the turn of the century. This is a mature neighborhood in that there has been relatively little new construction over the past 50 years and the bulk of the homes date back to the 1920s.  For the most part, the homes are on the smaller side. 1800-1900 sq.ft. being the norm.  The lots are spaced close together many being roughly 0.115 acres.  Although oversized lots exist as do larger homes.

The neighborhood is one of the friendliest in the area. My pictures show many sidewalks and the residents USE those sidewalks.  You often see neighbors chatting with each other on the street and taking walks early in the evening.  Children often are playing in front yards.  The area has a really close-knit family feel.  For those who like older homes with Victorian wrap-around porches or a smaller colonial or Tudor from the pre-war period, this neighborhood is a must-see.  It seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown.  It has the charm and grace and uniqueness of an old established neighborhood.  But looking towards the downtown area and one can see how close this south-end neighborhood Highlands is to the high rise buildings of the downtown. 

The cost of living:

Recent typical sales have ranged from $550k for a 1600 sq.ft.  3BR/1BA home in need of renovation to $735k for a 4BR/2BA home fully updated.  Taxes average about $7500.00 before the STAR rebate.

For those who are not aware, these are very competitive prices for Westchester , NY which is why few homes in this neighborhood stay on the market for long.  The New York Times reviewed Living in the Highlands in 2004.  The information is still timely and worth reading. 

To Search for Homes and for further information go to my website/blog with free home search at The Westchester View. 

I am always happy to answer your questions and you can speak to me directly on my moble phone: 914-374-5529.