For a new home buyer, there are so many alternatives to evaluate… And one of the most important is Location. In my 25 years of experience, I can share with you the many reasons people choose the Katonah Area. As an aside, our point of reference is Katonah, but there are many small towns and hamlets in Northern Westchester that meet these similar criteria: desirable schools, natural beauty, recreation, proximity to trains and highways and small town charm.

The first remark often heard is surprise in regard to the beauty of the area and its country feel, all while being less than an hour from the city. Horse farms dot the countryside, old growth trees line our roads, farmers’ stone walls from days gone by meander through neighborhoods of all sorts. We still even have a few dirt roads. There are horse trails, biking trails, miles and miles of hiking trails, lakes and nature preserves. New York City reservoirs provide stunning view sheds, and act as a draw for fisherman, year round. Westchester County offers over 5,000 acres of park lands just minutes from Katonah: from an early 20th century gentleman’s farm (Muscoot Farm embracing nearly 800 acres), to an arboretum (Lasdon Park) to the extensive offerings of Wards Pound Ridge Reservation and the Sportsman’s Center at Blue Mountain. And within each of our towns are local parks which have swimming pools, tennis courts, ball fields and soccer fields, that host a wide variety of activities, teams, classes and camps.

Not into the outdoors? There is Caramoor, a center for summer music festivals, Jacob Burns, a state of the art film center in Pleasantville, the Katonah Art Museum, and the John Jay Homestead and more. And then there are our many fine restaurants. Among my favorites are those that are found in historic buildings with lots of charm and the innovative, artisanal food to match such as John Pratt’s Inn, Crab Tree Kittle House and John Michaels.

While the large malls are less than a half hour away, our towns focus on locally owned and operated businesses. You won’t find a Starbucks in Katonah, but you will find us at Perks or NOKA (North Katonah Ave) Joes. We are small and personal and like it that way! Be assured you can get what you want at competitive prices and with a high level of service, whether it be gifts at Weinstein’s pharmacy or hardware at the 100 year old Kellogg’s and Lawrence. And don’t worry one only need go as far as Mt. Kisco to hit the GAP, Banana Republic and the like.

Why Katonah? Because it feels like living in the country, yet we are convenient to all. Some move here to raise families and to have more living space, both indoors and out while others enjoy having easy access to a quiet weekend retreat. The point is, houses are for sale everywhere… They can be redecorated and updated to our tastes. What are special HERE are the settings and amenities that one can enjoy whether our houses are modest starters or mansions.

Behold the stately Bedford Oak (pictured). Over 500 years old, it has come to symbolize the town. Not only that but is a tree with a trust fund.

This beautiful photo is courtesy of Chris Primavera (see more of his work on FLICKR).

Jacqueline Dzaluk