From City Pace to Country Space: Relocating from Brooklyn to Pound Ridge
If you’re thinking about trading subway screeches for birdsong and brownstones for wide-open green space, you’re not alone. A growing number of Brooklynites are packing up and heading north—discovering in Pound Ridge, NY, a lifestyle that feels grounded, expansive, and unexpectedly vibrant.
Just over an hour from the city, Pound Ridge offers the kind of outdoor-forward living that’s hard to come by in the five boroughs: large lots, deep community roots, top-tier dining, and trails instead of turnstiles. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from real estate trends and schools to your new favorite hiking spot and date-night restaurant.
Why Pound Ridge? A Lifestyle Rooted in Space and Intention
Pound Ridge is rural elegance at its best. Located in Northern Westchester, it’s known for its large, wooded properties, privacy, and community charm. What surprises many newcomers is how creative and connected it feels—home to artists, actors, designers, and professionals who sought something quieter without sacrificing sophistication.
It’s not unusual to find yourself sipping coffee at Scotts Corners (the town’s informal downtown) while watching a well-known director or Broadway regular picking up flowers—just another local. This is a place where people come to live more fully, not just more quietly.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Larger lot sizes and real architectural character
Quiet, private, and surrounded by nature
Just 50 miles from NYC with multiple access routes
Genuine community with room to engage (or disconnect)
Real Estate Snapshot – 2025 Market Update
Here’s what you need to know about the Pound Ridge market as of May 2025:
Median Home Price: $1,337,859
Price per Square Foot: $405
Inventory: 41 single-family homes and 17 condos/co-ops currently listed
Market Type: Active seller’s market, with homes in the $1.5M–$2M range seeing a 150% increase in pending sales
What This Means for You:
You’ll find strong competition for thoughtfully renovated homes, and many listings move quickly. The good news? Inventory is up, so you’ve got options. And with my guidance, you can navigate the market with confidence and clarity.
Getting Here (and Around)
While it’s technically commutable to Manhattan, most locals own a car and use it daily. Here’s how to plan your route:
Drive: About 1 hour 10 minutes to Midtown
Public Transit: Subway ➡️ Harlem/125th ➡️ Metro-North to Katonah ➡️ Car/taxi to Pound Ridge (~2 hr 20 min total)
Pro tip: Schedule errands and outings in clusters to maximize efficiency—and yes, there’s plenty of parking.
The Pound Ridge Lifestyle: Quiet, Creative, Engaged
Pound Ridge is built for those who love the outdoors but still appreciate culture and community. Here, weekends are filled with nature hikes, local art exhibits, concerts in the park, and low-key dinners at restaurants you’ll want to bring your friends to.
Local Dining Guide
The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges – Upscale farm-to-table cuisine in a breathtaking setting
North Star Restaurant – Refined comfort food with a cozy local feel
Di Nardo’s Ristorante Italiano – Family-friendly with classic Italian flavor
Ristorante Lucia – Romantic, rustic, and full of warmth
The Kitchen Table – A hidden gem for brunch, baked goods, and fresh fare
Outdoor Activities & Recreation
The outdoors isn’t just nearby—it’s a lifestyle here.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation – 4,700 acres of trails, campsites, and picnic areas
Pound Ridge Equestrian Center – Riding lessons, camps, and events
Fishing – Head to Conant Lake or Pound Ridge Pond
Seasonal fun – Food Truck Fridays, Fall Bake-Off, Harvest Festival, gardening workshops, and more
Plus: running clubs, youth sports, nature walks, and meetups year-round.
Schools & Research Tools
Pound Ridge is part of the Bedford Central School District, known for strong academics and community involvement. As a licensed real estate professional, I can’t give direct school advice, but I recommend these resources:
Your state’s Department of Education report cards
Cost of Living & What to Expect
Yes, you’ll likely pay more in property taxes—but you’re gaining land, quiet, fresh air, and a true sense of peace.
Moving Cost Estimate: $1,300–$3,500 from Brooklyn (based on size and services)
Utilities & Maintenance: Higher than city life, but more manageable with the right planning
Need help with movers or logistics? I can connect you with vetted professionals and help negotiate costs when possible.
Pound Ridge vs. Brooklyn – Side-by-Side Snapshot
FeatureBrooklynPound RidgeHousingApartments, condosSingle-family homes, large lotsCommuteSubway, walkableDrive or Metro-North + taxiLifestyleFast, urban, denseOutdoor, serene, connectedAmenitiesExtensive, high-densityBoutique, local-firstSchoolsNYC DOEBedford Central DistrictNature AccessParks, rooftopsForests, lakes, and backyards
Ready to Find Your Place?
Moving to Pound Ridge isn’t just about buying a house—it’s about choosing a new rhythm. A slower morning. A longer walk. A different kind of community.
If you're thinking about making the leap, I’d love to help. From recommending neighborhoods and school research tools to setting up showings and negotiating your offer, I’ll be here every step of the way.
📍 Curious? Reach out today. Let’s explore what moving north could look like for you.
You bring the vision—I’ll help you find the space to grow it.