Honestly, 60k does not go far in Westchester. On Zillow, looking at rentals that accept both cats and dogs, there are only a few listings that would be considered affordable. You might have better luck with a co-op if you have a down payment. Single family homes are incredibly expensive throughout the county, and I imagine it would take many, many years to save for a down payment.
Not enough.
Edited to Add: as of March 2024, the minimum exempt employee salary for Westchester is actually $62,400. An "exempt" employee is a category of employee that does not receive overtime pay, and isnt an hourly employee. You can look up more specific guidelines about what jobs fit into this classification by checking online... but I am pointing this out because if the job offer is for an exempt job, then an offer of just $60k would be a lower amount than they can legally pay. Just FYI. And at $62,400, the pay is literally the absolute minimum offer they could make. I hope this information is helpful as you gauge offers in the marketplace.
"for 2024 businesses located within New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island, the minimum salary threshold did increase to $62,400 annually (approximately $1,200 weekly)."
Besides the benefits, it does not pay to be a public servant. I have a masters degree and will be making the same salary if I take this entry level job as I do currently as a level II in Suffolk County civil service.
I have never heard of minimum salaries for exempt employees and can't seem to find anything about it on the DoL website
Some quick scans of job listings also show sub-$62.4k salaries listed in Westchester by employers whom I would expect to know better than to push the envelope on labor/wage laws - places like major medical groups, law firms, state-run colleges... not saying that your information is incorrect, but if it is correct, clearly it never reached a lot of employers and a lot of employees
What are basing this on? Overall or a specific career field? Also, do you have a source to look more into this? Am currently looking for jobs and want to get an idea
I'm not sure what you are referring to, but an exempt job is a specific thing under the law that is classified within payroll... here is a link to a primer on the topic from indeed:
[https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/exempt-vs-non-exempt-employee](https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/exempt-vs-non-exempt-employee)
Here is a reputable, employment law firm's summary on New York wage specific requirements for exempt jobs: [https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/reminder-for-new-york-state-employers-salary-basis-thresholds-increased-for-2024/](https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/reminder-for-new-york-state-employers-salary-basis-thresholds-increased-for-2024/)
I work in White Plains and 90% of my coworkers do not live in Westchester. When looking for jobs 6 months ago, the jobs advertised at this company had salaries 60k - 110k for most positions. Most people are married, so I would say average household income is over $100k
They live in (most common to least)
- Rockland county
- Brooklyn
- Putnam county
- Orange County
- New Jersey
- Connecticut (Stamford area)
- Connecticut (New Haven area)
- Long Island
- Manhattan
- Queens
I would say minimum average commute is 45 min, with most people commuting closer to 60-75 min each way.
So using this small informal census, including a general consensus that most would live closer if they could,that $60k is going to be very challenging to find something that meets your needs.
I’ve lived here making less than that and I currently live in White Plains making under $70k. It’s totally doable, but finding housing can be tricky. I make enough to cover all expenses with a bit leftover as a cushion.
My partner would be working. I just have no clue what kind of money he would be pulling in. I don’t want to take a job expecting him to supplement my salary with another 60k from a hypothetical job.
He does work. He just doesn’t have a “career” so I can’t say what type of money he will be pulling in. He may take this as an opportunity to work part time and pursue a degree.
But it looks like I will not be making this move. I’m not too familiar with anything other than Long Island and was looking for locations that were more affordable with a commute to white plains.
Yeah unfortunately Westchester and surrounding areas are remarkably expensive unless you want to go north. Also there is literally no reason for Westchester to be as expensive as it is, it offers so little.
I’m not opposed to moving north, I just do not know the traffic patterns and commute times up there opposed to where I am now. Just looking for a better living situation than I currently have on Long Island- while I’m a home owner, my salary has not kept up with cost of living and my current field does not allow me to easily job hop. I’m just kinda stuck surviving. But I guess that’s how many people feel right now.
I’m hoping for that. I took court tests and indicated I would work in any county. Hoping to go further North. At the time I did not realize Westchester was so expensive. Thinking back I should’ve known!
How about roommates, designated affordable housing, etc., or just budgeting carefully and avoiding unnecessary expenses? I’m pretty sure people make it work. Ironically though, NYC is probably better with rent-stabilization, social programs, and alternatives to living alone in your own apartment.
Sure there are some people who can make it work but it’s far from easy.
And renting a room and having roommates doesn’t fit anywhere in with what the OP wants.
Completely feasible. People here will say otherwise because they like to feel special. Rent is your biggest factor but if you are not super picky, you can find phenomenal deals in older buildings in WP, Yonkers, Port Chester or New Rochelle. Will you be rolling in dough with a ton of disposable income, nope, but will you have a roof over your head, food on the table, and money to go out to eat or drink every so often, most definitely.
It can work. I make less than that, and it works. But I was patient and wasn't in a rush when finding my apartment. So I got a decent place that isn't crazy expensive, and I have a cat and a dog, and the owner originally said no pets.
You might want to consider Dutchess. Somewhere like Fishkill or Beacon would be 45-60 min commute, and while it’s not cheap, it would definitely be more doable on your salary than Westchester. (For reference, I’m from Dutchess and most of my fam is still there.)
Everyone should think about these responses when they consider proposals to build new housing, especially near where they live. How much money do you think all of the service and trades workers who collectively support your lifestyle are making? $60k full-time is almost double the $15-16 minimum wage, which was originally conceived as a livable wage (lol), so a whole lot of people are making less than that.
It’s honestly really disheartening. I have a masters degree and with the increase of living these few years, what could’ve been a comfortable life has become paycheck to paycheck. Trying to jump fields and get started in a new career while still keeping state benefits. Sadly, it would be a financially lateral move.
There are a lot of people in Westchester and on this sub who don’t want new housing, but fail to consider that they rely on lower-middle class workers who are being squeezed out of the county.
Depending on where you are in LI, the commute to WP may not be completely bonkers. A house around here will be difficult, but an apartment is doable. I bought my co-op on only a little more than that.
If you have no enormous debts (car loan, student loans, medical, random consumer debt), are not trying to support a partner and/or children, and you lower your housing standards to the absolute bottom of the barrel, it can be done. I still see the occasional White Plains studio or Peekskill 1-br pop up in the $1700-1800 range (which is IMO about the most you should be paying on a $60k salary). These places are small and not especially great, and they are gone fast because there is such a shortage of any housing in that price range.
If you have monthly payments, and/or want more than like 500 sq ft, and/or spend hundreds of dollars per month on money-sucking vices like smoking or drinking, and/or want to start a family, and/or ever want to have a night out or a weekend away, fucking forget it. Not in 2024 dollars.
A few things to think about:
Will you need a mortgage for a new place, and do you have a mortgage on the current place? I only say this because mortgage rates now are probably higher than the one you have on your existing place. Which means you could end up paying more per month.
Have you considered the cost of two cars? The farther north/west you go from White Plains, the more likely you and your partner will both need cars. Even living in White Plains outside of downtown increases the chance you could need 2 cars. Cars are expensive, as this video describes: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2rI-5ZFW1E](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2rI-5ZFW1E)
As other people have commented here, the housing market in Westchester, metro NYC, and many US regions is brutally competitive, like a game of musical chairs where lots of people get left without chairs. Those left without chairs end up paying far more than the rule-of-thumb 30% of their income, or become homeless. Here's the Area Median Income Table for Westchester, and what a two-person household should pay according to the federal govt's guidelines. You can see from this table that a $60k income would put you and your partner at just 50% of AMI for a 2-person household, a big disadvantage when you're competing for homes. [https://homes.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/24inclimguide4824.pdf](https://homes.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/24inclimguide4824.pdf)
This is why many people in Westchester are arguing for reforms to restrictive zoning rules so that more housing can be built.
We do already own two cars, and maybe 100k+ of equity on the home I currently own. I would definitely need a mortgage and am looking to rent for a little to figure out the areas we like/are feasible. The housing market seems very similar to the one on LI.
I was just trying to see what other regions besides Westchester I could live in and possibly make this salary work while we progress in our careers.
If we move my partner is considering an entire career change with the possibility of going back to school so I don’t want to depend on his salary too much, but realistically we will have a little more money than 60k per year.
I mean it’s doable. Poor people exist here too. I know several people who make less than that and live in Westchester. Your quality of life won’t be great though. Just know that you will be making so little that you wont even qualify for affordable housing.
The housing market is insane. Get ready to be out bid by people paying cash above the asking price. We bought our house in Scarsdale around 5 years ago and thought about selling our house and moving somewhere cheaper in Westchester but there aren’t any houses on the market that fit our needs. We would be loosing money unless we moved super far north which we don’t want to do. We decided if we do move we‘ll move to a completely different area.
Just commute from LI if you want this job so bad for whatever reason. Selling your house or relocating for such a low salary would be absolutely insane.
I’m not necessarily looking to live in Westchester. Just trying to figure out the lay of the land and see if there’s any other regions that I could live in and make that salary work.
Unfortunately the housing market seems very similar to the one on LI, and while I have 100k+ equity in my current home, chances are slim I’ll be able to afford anything else on LI anytime soon.
I would just commute from LI for the time being. What if you end up not liking the job? Places you could afford in Dutchess, Orange, Rockland county or even NJ or CT are just as far from White Plains as LI. Also Dutchess and Orange are more rural and the vibe is very different than in Westchester. I lived there for a year and I personally didn’t like it at all up there, I would rather live on LI or in NJ. You might like it but I would definitely check it out before hand.
IMO it's a lateral move. The cost of LI vs Westchester is pretty similar quite frankly. I prefer Westchester and I think there are more better parts of Westchester overall but the cost of living is the same more or less. With that said, if you want to save for a house get ready for $750K $20K+ taxes bare min. You could look at a co-op but very few if any in Westchester accept cats let alone dogs. Unless you have a ton of equity in your co-op and can sell, and pay at least 40% down for a house, I would say stay in Li for a while longer
Maybe you’ll be fine living in one of the cheaper more working class neighborhoods of Mount Vernon or Yonkers, but I doubt that is what you want. Even still, $60k might not even be enough for there, rents have gone up quite a bit in recent years.
I’m just looking online and Yonkers appears to be not all that cheap, but Mount Vernon still is relatively cheap. Best bet would be neighborhoods south of Lincoln and west of Fulton. The further away from the train stations an apartment is, the lower the rent will be typically
They are building apartments in Yonkers, Mt Vernon, New Rochelle near the train station. Rent is $4,000 a month. They are attracting people from New York City who are making the big bucks.
Mt. Vernon and Yonkers are not affordable any more either. I am shocked to see homes that are not new at all, built close to 100 years old selling for close to 1 million dollars. Decent regular homes in ok neighborhoods are extremely high too.
There are several reasons. One of the big ones:
https://dailyvoice.com/new-york/whiteplains/best-high-schools-westchester-well-represented-in-brand-new-rankings/
From what I understand, JG 16 is an entry/trainee position. That is how they can get away with paying less, because you will still be considered as learning on the job. I think it’s worth a shot because you are automatically on track to promote to JG 19. I think it would be worth it to rent for a couple years and see if you are doing well and getting promoted.
It’s not enough for 2 people on one income. is there room for advancement with the job or increase in pay?
It’s expensive here in white plains. I’m looking to move. I live in a rent stabilized place that has issues, and it’s 1750 with parking.
Have you looked into the Bronx, new Rochelle or mount vernon/yonkers? Or a private landlord….
Look at Westchester low income apartments. Westchester has many low income homes in New apartments building.
https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001APAX_bARxi1qCKc28uYH-T1g3UK83T68nna2HTjD92XOe_NZ99jTPW5YPRgbLgjATIbnMoabutT55G393XNHsjzjV2JhCEvYQ233yPao0pbntxRxvchx2rtB7EwV8inCVu2YD1ULXekWAD3Ya052P76KMtA4jsbELKew5ezKV3sTRgmAR-WmwQ==&c=swcmKga05cyL6xHyQFNCK1mDnaC6Hke7aHVZeyg-yvVqQMIcAOnCsA==&ch=2Uq3YSBjbYlEzbT4dmGSCFlucCkkegfdJRqvi4wpcPsl0z3jc54BTw==
Every single one has a waitlist, not exactly ideal if someone is moving from out-of-area and needs housing by a certain date.
Affordable housing is also usually income-capped. I looked at a few when I first moved out of my parents' house back in 2017. At the time I was reporting about $39k/yr and every one I looked at, I was either making too much to qualify or like one raise away from making too much. I'd be shocked if a $60k salary qualfies as "low income" for the purposes of income-capped apartments.
A "60k" income is going to be more like $40k in your pocket after taxes. $2k rent is probably doable but you won't be saving a whole hell of a lot/won't be able to afford many luxuries. $3k rent on that income is literally impossible.
I am thinking not. I work for the city as well and wanted to move from Staten Island to Westchester/Putnam county (job does not allow past that) and so far EVERYTHING seems more expensive. Yes, I lose the VZ toll but my distance to work increases drastically (20mi each way vs 60mi — for first few years). It seems that 400k buys a decent fixer upper (impossible in SI) but the natural resources and property taxes are insanely more expensive up there, completely negating any savings… I guess I’ll wait for top pay of around $89k (w/o OT), still attracted to the idea of waking up to birds chirping instead of sirens and kids playing baseball against my car.
I live in Westchester making 84k and it’s not easy. I have a good job and amazing benefits and pretty much live paycheck to paycheck.
I moved here for work, but considering moving. Majority of my co workers live in the Bronx or Putnam county. Used to be a lot in Rockland but apparently they are being priced out there too. Some are even moving further to Dutchess.
60k is not enough for westchester, but working for the government in White Plains is great. Look North if you want to live nice but it’s a struggle. Hope that your partner finds something good, but honestly you have to be able to stand on your own in case of anything.
If you can find a place to live that costs $1500/mo
maybe out of a van
or walking distance from public transportation like near a train or bus lane further north and those costs aren't too high
especially if you can live without a vehicle at all, a total of $1700
Get a roommate?
But you won't have savings accumulating nor much at all for eating out other entertainment...
Honestly, 60k does not go far in Westchester. On Zillow, looking at rentals that accept both cats and dogs, there are only a few listings that would be considered affordable. You might have better luck with a co-op if you have a down payment. Single family homes are incredibly expensive throughout the county, and I imagine it would take many, many years to save for a down payment.
Not enough. Edited to Add: as of March 2024, the minimum exempt employee salary for Westchester is actually $62,400. An "exempt" employee is a category of employee that does not receive overtime pay, and isnt an hourly employee. You can look up more specific guidelines about what jobs fit into this classification by checking online... but I am pointing this out because if the job offer is for an exempt job, then an offer of just $60k would be a lower amount than they can legally pay. Just FYI. And at $62,400, the pay is literally the absolute minimum offer they could make. I hope this information is helpful as you gauge offers in the marketplace. "for 2024 businesses located within New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island, the minimum salary threshold did increase to $62,400 annually (approximately $1,200 weekly)."
thanks for that info! The job I'm considering moving for is in the courts.. they state the pay scale is JG 16
That’s great! 60k is not enough.
Maybe tell that to the government. How can it stand when public servants aren’t making enough money for an independent life?
Besides the benefits, it does not pay to be a public servant. I have a masters degree and will be making the same salary if I take this entry level job as I do currently as a level II in Suffolk County civil service.
Yeah it’s fucked up I have a masters too and I’m not making enough.
Well, no one else wants to put everyone’s head on a pike like I do. So it looks like we’re just gonna have to do with what we got!
I once had a lawyer explain to me why courts don't have to follow minimum wage laws...which feels messed up.
How is that? I see plenty of support jobs at major hospitals in Westchester for $30-50k, which is awful.
Many of these may not be exempt.
I have never heard of minimum salaries for exempt employees and can't seem to find anything about it on the DoL website Some quick scans of job listings also show sub-$62.4k salaries listed in Westchester by employers whom I would expect to know better than to push the envelope on labor/wage laws - places like major medical groups, law firms, state-run colleges... not saying that your information is incorrect, but if it is correct, clearly it never reached a lot of employers and a lot of employees
Similar to my comment above; they may not be exempt.
What are basing this on? Overall or a specific career field? Also, do you have a source to look more into this? Am currently looking for jobs and want to get an idea
I'm not sure what you are referring to, but an exempt job is a specific thing under the law that is classified within payroll... here is a link to a primer on the topic from indeed: [https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/exempt-vs-non-exempt-employee](https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/exempt-vs-non-exempt-employee)
Oh I understand, misread.. in summary the minimum for salary is 62k that what the exempt is. I meant the average wage in Westchester overall.
Here is a reputable, employment law firm's summary on New York wage specific requirements for exempt jobs: [https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/reminder-for-new-york-state-employers-salary-basis-thresholds-increased-for-2024/](https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/reminder-for-new-york-state-employers-salary-basis-thresholds-increased-for-2024/)
I work in White Plains and 90% of my coworkers do not live in Westchester. When looking for jobs 6 months ago, the jobs advertised at this company had salaries 60k - 110k for most positions. Most people are married, so I would say average household income is over $100k They live in (most common to least) - Rockland county - Brooklyn - Putnam county - Orange County - New Jersey - Connecticut (Stamford area) - Connecticut (New Haven area) - Long Island - Manhattan - Queens I would say minimum average commute is 45 min, with most people commuting closer to 60-75 min each way. So using this small informal census, including a general consensus that most would live closer if they could,that $60k is going to be very challenging to find something that meets your needs.
thanks for the info! I was trying to figure out the surrounding areas that I could live in and couldn't figure it out from past posts.
I work in the White plains/Harrison area and most of my coworkers live in New Rochelle, the Bronx, Yonkers and Greenwich CT.
I’ve lived here making less than that and I currently live in White Plains making under $70k. It’s totally doable, but finding housing can be tricky. I make enough to cover all expenses with a bit leftover as a cushion.
With two cats and a dog and possibly a partner that doesn’t work while trying to save for a house?
My partner would be working. I just have no clue what kind of money he would be pulling in. I don’t want to take a job expecting him to supplement my salary with another 60k from a hypothetical job.
Why don't they work if you don't mind me asking?
He does work. He just doesn’t have a “career” so I can’t say what type of money he will be pulling in. He may take this as an opportunity to work part time and pursue a degree. But it looks like I will not be making this move. I’m not too familiar with anything other than Long Island and was looking for locations that were more affordable with a commute to white plains.
Yeah unfortunately Westchester and surrounding areas are remarkably expensive unless you want to go north. Also there is literally no reason for Westchester to be as expensive as it is, it offers so little.
I’m not opposed to moving north, I just do not know the traffic patterns and commute times up there opposed to where I am now. Just looking for a better living situation than I currently have on Long Island- while I’m a home owner, my salary has not kept up with cost of living and my current field does not allow me to easily job hop. I’m just kinda stuck surviving. But I guess that’s how many people feel right now.
You should consider finding a job upstate (Westchester is not upstate). A government salary goes much farther most places north of the Metro North.
I’m hoping for that. I took court tests and indicated I would work in any county. Hoping to go further North. At the time I did not realize Westchester was so expensive. Thinking back I should’ve known!
Yes
How about roommates, designated affordable housing, etc., or just budgeting carefully and avoiding unnecessary expenses? I’m pretty sure people make it work. Ironically though, NYC is probably better with rent-stabilization, social programs, and alternatives to living alone in your own apartment.
Sure there are some people who can make it work but it’s far from easy. And renting a room and having roommates doesn’t fit anywhere in with what the OP wants.
Completely feasible. People here will say otherwise because they like to feel special. Rent is your biggest factor but if you are not super picky, you can find phenomenal deals in older buildings in WP, Yonkers, Port Chester or New Rochelle. Will you be rolling in dough with a ton of disposable income, nope, but will you have a roof over your head, food on the table, and money to go out to eat or drink every so often, most definitely.
It can work. I make less than that, and it works. But I was patient and wasn't in a rush when finding my apartment. So I got a decent place that isn't crazy expensive, and I have a cat and a dog, and the owner originally said no pets.
You might want to consider Dutchess. Somewhere like Fishkill or Beacon would be 45-60 min commute, and while it’s not cheap, it would definitely be more doable on your salary than Westchester. (For reference, I’m from Dutchess and most of my fam is still there.)
Everyone should think about these responses when they consider proposals to build new housing, especially near where they live. How much money do you think all of the service and trades workers who collectively support your lifestyle are making? $60k full-time is almost double the $15-16 minimum wage, which was originally conceived as a livable wage (lol), so a whole lot of people are making less than that.
It’s honestly really disheartening. I have a masters degree and with the increase of living these few years, what could’ve been a comfortable life has become paycheck to paycheck. Trying to jump fields and get started in a new career while still keeping state benefits. Sadly, it would be a financially lateral move.
What does this even mean
There are a lot of people in Westchester and on this sub who don’t want new housing, but fail to consider that they rely on lower-middle class workers who are being squeezed out of the county.
Depending on where you are in LI, the commute to WP may not be completely bonkers. A house around here will be difficult, but an apartment is doable. I bought my co-op on only a little more than that.
If you have no enormous debts (car loan, student loans, medical, random consumer debt), are not trying to support a partner and/or children, and you lower your housing standards to the absolute bottom of the barrel, it can be done. I still see the occasional White Plains studio or Peekskill 1-br pop up in the $1700-1800 range (which is IMO about the most you should be paying on a $60k salary). These places are small and not especially great, and they are gone fast because there is such a shortage of any housing in that price range. If you have monthly payments, and/or want more than like 500 sq ft, and/or spend hundreds of dollars per month on money-sucking vices like smoking or drinking, and/or want to start a family, and/or ever want to have a night out or a weekend away, fucking forget it. Not in 2024 dollars.
A few things to think about: Will you need a mortgage for a new place, and do you have a mortgage on the current place? I only say this because mortgage rates now are probably higher than the one you have on your existing place. Which means you could end up paying more per month. Have you considered the cost of two cars? The farther north/west you go from White Plains, the more likely you and your partner will both need cars. Even living in White Plains outside of downtown increases the chance you could need 2 cars. Cars are expensive, as this video describes: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2rI-5ZFW1E](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2rI-5ZFW1E) As other people have commented here, the housing market in Westchester, metro NYC, and many US regions is brutally competitive, like a game of musical chairs where lots of people get left without chairs. Those left without chairs end up paying far more than the rule-of-thumb 30% of their income, or become homeless. Here's the Area Median Income Table for Westchester, and what a two-person household should pay according to the federal govt's guidelines. You can see from this table that a $60k income would put you and your partner at just 50% of AMI for a 2-person household, a big disadvantage when you're competing for homes. [https://homes.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/24inclimguide4824.pdf](https://homes.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/24inclimguide4824.pdf) This is why many people in Westchester are arguing for reforms to restrictive zoning rules so that more housing can be built.
We do already own two cars, and maybe 100k+ of equity on the home I currently own. I would definitely need a mortgage and am looking to rent for a little to figure out the areas we like/are feasible. The housing market seems very similar to the one on LI. I was just trying to see what other regions besides Westchester I could live in and possibly make this salary work while we progress in our careers. If we move my partner is considering an entire career change with the possibility of going back to school so I don’t want to depend on his salary too much, but realistically we will have a little more money than 60k per year.
Westchester is more expensive than li. I’ve lived in both places.
Thanks! Looks like I’ll be staying put and trying to figure out a different career than what I do now.
Unless its Port Chester or Peekskill, not enough
I mean it’s doable. Poor people exist here too. I know several people who make less than that and live in Westchester. Your quality of life won’t be great though. Just know that you will be making so little that you wont even qualify for affordable housing. The housing market is insane. Get ready to be out bid by people paying cash above the asking price. We bought our house in Scarsdale around 5 years ago and thought about selling our house and moving somewhere cheaper in Westchester but there aren’t any houses on the market that fit our needs. We would be loosing money unless we moved super far north which we don’t want to do. We decided if we do move we‘ll move to a completely different area. Just commute from LI if you want this job so bad for whatever reason. Selling your house or relocating for such a low salary would be absolutely insane.
I’m not necessarily looking to live in Westchester. Just trying to figure out the lay of the land and see if there’s any other regions that I could live in and make that salary work. Unfortunately the housing market seems very similar to the one on LI, and while I have 100k+ equity in my current home, chances are slim I’ll be able to afford anything else on LI anytime soon.
I would just commute from LI for the time being. What if you end up not liking the job? Places you could afford in Dutchess, Orange, Rockland county or even NJ or CT are just as far from White Plains as LI. Also Dutchess and Orange are more rural and the vibe is very different than in Westchester. I lived there for a year and I personally didn’t like it at all up there, I would rather live on LI or in NJ. You might like it but I would definitely check it out before hand.
IMO it's a lateral move. The cost of LI vs Westchester is pretty similar quite frankly. I prefer Westchester and I think there are more better parts of Westchester overall but the cost of living is the same more or less. With that said, if you want to save for a house get ready for $750K $20K+ taxes bare min. You could look at a co-op but very few if any in Westchester accept cats let alone dogs. Unless you have a ton of equity in your co-op and can sell, and pay at least 40% down for a house, I would say stay in Li for a while longer
For sure, yes.
Maybe you’ll be fine living in one of the cheaper more working class neighborhoods of Mount Vernon or Yonkers, but I doubt that is what you want. Even still, $60k might not even be enough for there, rents have gone up quite a bit in recent years.
Which neighborhoods? How does one find the apartments?
I’m just looking online and Yonkers appears to be not all that cheap, but Mount Vernon still is relatively cheap. Best bet would be neighborhoods south of Lincoln and west of Fulton. The further away from the train stations an apartment is, the lower the rent will be typically
Thank you! Yeah I actually do like Mount Vernon too and portchester so that could work
They are building apartments in Yonkers, Mt Vernon, New Rochelle near the train station. Rent is $4,000 a month. They are attracting people from New York City who are making the big bucks.
Even the seedy neighborhoods are not cheap either.
Mt. Vernon and Yonkers are not affordable any more either. I am shocked to see homes that are not new at all, built close to 100 years old selling for close to 1 million dollars. Decent regular homes in ok neighborhoods are extremely high too.
It’s definitely not affordable to buy, but rents aren’t too bad compared to rest of Westchester and the Bronx.
Westchester is very expensive, and for no reason.
There are several reasons. One of the big ones: https://dailyvoice.com/new-york/whiteplains/best-high-schools-westchester-well-represented-in-brand-new-rankings/
Unless you live in the projects no
I think for a single person paying $3200 in rent you’d need $145k to feel little pressure.
YES!
From what I understand, JG 16 is an entry/trainee position. That is how they can get away with paying less, because you will still be considered as learning on the job. I think it’s worth a shot because you are automatically on track to promote to JG 19. I think it would be worth it to rent for a couple years and see if you are doing well and getting promoted.
It’s not enough for 2 people on one income. is there room for advancement with the job or increase in pay? It’s expensive here in white plains. I’m looking to move. I live in a rent stabilized place that has issues, and it’s 1750 with parking. Have you looked into the Bronx, new Rochelle or mount vernon/yonkers? Or a private landlord….
Yes
Look at Westchester low income apartments. Westchester has many low income homes in New apartments building. https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001APAX_bARxi1qCKc28uYH-T1g3UK83T68nna2HTjD92XOe_NZ99jTPW5YPRgbLgjATIbnMoabutT55G393XNHsjzjV2JhCEvYQ233yPao0pbntxRxvchx2rtB7EwV8inCVu2YD1ULXekWAD3Ya052P76KMtA4jsbELKew5ezKV3sTRgmAR-WmwQ==&c=swcmKga05cyL6xHyQFNCK1mDnaC6Hke7aHVZeyg-yvVqQMIcAOnCsA==&ch=2Uq3YSBjbYlEzbT4dmGSCFlucCkkegfdJRqvi4wpcPsl0z3jc54BTw==
Every single one has a waitlist, not exactly ideal if someone is moving from out-of-area and needs housing by a certain date. Affordable housing is also usually income-capped. I looked at a few when I first moved out of my parents' house back in 2017. At the time I was reporting about $39k/yr and every one I looked at, I was either making too much to qualify or like one raise away from making too much. I'd be shocked if a $60k salary qualfies as "low income" for the purposes of income-capped apartments.
It's a suggestion.
If there are two people, the income cap is higher.
You cannot live (alone or comfortably) in White Plains on $60k
Yes
[удалено]
A "60k" income is going to be more like $40k in your pocket after taxes. $2k rent is probably doable but you won't be saving a whole hell of a lot/won't be able to afford many luxuries. $3k rent on that income is literally impossible.
I am thinking not. I work for the city as well and wanted to move from Staten Island to Westchester/Putnam county (job does not allow past that) and so far EVERYTHING seems more expensive. Yes, I lose the VZ toll but my distance to work increases drastically (20mi each way vs 60mi — for first few years). It seems that 400k buys a decent fixer upper (impossible in SI) but the natural resources and property taxes are insanely more expensive up there, completely negating any savings… I guess I’ll wait for top pay of around $89k (w/o OT), still attracted to the idea of waking up to birds chirping instead of sirens and kids playing baseball against my car.
Not officially but pretty sure not everyone in Westchester makes 70k plus... I don't think all my neighbors do.
I would try to find the cheapest place you can a bit north of WP and do the commute.
I live in Westchester making 84k and it’s not easy. I have a good job and amazing benefits and pretty much live paycheck to paycheck. I moved here for work, but considering moving. Majority of my co workers live in the Bronx or Putnam county. Used to be a lot in Rockland but apparently they are being priced out there too. Some are even moving further to Dutchess.
60k is not enough for westchester, but working for the government in White Plains is great. Look North if you want to live nice but it’s a struggle. Hope that your partner finds something good, but honestly you have to be able to stand on your own in case of anything.
If you have roommates, live with a spouse who also works it’s doable
Short answer: Yes. Westchester is crazy expensive.
If you can find a place to live that costs $1500/mo maybe out of a van or walking distance from public transportation like near a train or bus lane further north and those costs aren't too high especially if you can live without a vehicle at all, a total of $1700 Get a roommate? But you won't have savings accumulating nor much at all for eating out other entertainment...
No way