Informative Info in the Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Harrison, Rye, & New Rochelle, N. Y. area by Gay E. Rosen, ABR, CBR, CDPE, CRS, GRI, SRES, Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker, Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, Larchmont, N.Y. 10538, 914.907.2645 (Cell), http://www.gayrosen.com, gay.rosen@juliabfee.com (email)
Spread your wings in this 2976 square foot Colonial home with a wonderful open floor plan! So much light throughout this truly sunny 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with its cathedral ceiling entrance foyer, spacious rooms, and large kitchen with adjoining family room and breakfast area. There are hardwood floors in the living room which also boasts a fireplace, and the dining room, breakfast and family room complete the first floor. Granite counters, a center island and a great breakfast bar area complete the fabulous kitchen. The breakfast room has easy access to the deck and backyard – perfect for entertaining and barbecues! The second floor primary bedroom has a fireplace, a walk-in closet and lovely en-suite bathroom with shower. Two additional bedrooms, a hall bathroom and laundry finish off the second floor. The lower level offers wonderful bonus space with built-ins and a legal full bathroom with shower. Did I mention low taxes? Gas heating? Close to downtown, and just 30 minutes by train to NYC!
Adjusting to life in a close-knit small town community offers a unique set of experiences, challenges, and rewards. Recent news reports highlight the increasing number of people seeking the simplicity and warmth of small-town life, attracted by the promise of tighter community bonds and a slower pace of living. As we explore this transition, it’s essential to understand how to blend into a new community, make the most of the opportunities, and overcome the challenges that come with it.
Make The Process Of Adjusting Easier By Moving With Professional Help
Hiring movers can significantly ease the transition into small town life, allowing you more time to explore and familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Fairfax Transfer and Storage, offering peace of mind since 1959, exemplifies the perfect partner for such a move. Their comprehensive services ensure a smooth transition. With their help, you can focus on discovering your new community’s nuances, from local shops to community events, rather than worrying about the logistics of your move. This company manages the heavy lifting and allow you to immerse yourself in your new town faster, making the adjustment process seamless and stress-free.
You will settle in easier if you leave the moving logistics to the professionals.
Embrace the Local Culture
When you move to a small town, you find traditions and values that have shaped the community’s identity over generations. Attending local events and participating in community activities are not just leisure activities; they’re gateways to understanding what makes your new home special. For instance, embracing the local food culture goes beyond enjoying new flavors. It’s about appreciating the stories and efforts behind them and showing respect for local farmers and artisans. This involvement deepens your appreciation for your new home and also signals your willingness to become a part of it.
Connect Through Community Involvement
Similarly, diving into community service offers more than just the satisfaction of giving back. It opens up avenues for making meaningful connections and learning about the community’s needs firsthand. Whether helping out at the local library or joining a cleanup drive, your contributions can significantly impact. In small towns, personal efforts are often the backbone of community projects, and your participation can lead to lasting friendships and a deeper sense of belonging.
Master the Art of Small Talk
Interestingly, small talk in a small town is anything but small. It’s an art that helps strengthen the community. Engaging in conversations at the local store or during a walk in the park might seem trivial, but it’s a powerful tool for building relationships. You create bridges of understanding and camaraderie by showing genuine interest in people’s lives and sharing bits of your own. This practice turns the mundane into opportunities for connection, laying the groundwork for deeper conversations in the future.
Initiate and Attend Local Gatherings
Actively participating in or even initiating local gatherings plays a crucial role in adjusting to life in a close-knit small town community. These gatherings, whether formal events or casual get-togethers, are vital for cementing your place within the community. They offer a platform for showcasing your interests and for others to get to know you beyond surface-level interactions. From potluck dinners to community-wide celebrations, each event is a chance to contribute to the town’s social life and to experience firsthand the collective spirit that defines small-town living.
Adjusting to life in a close-knit small town community means attending community gatherings.
Adopt a Learner’s Mindset
Adjusting to life in a close-knit small town community often means learning new ways of doing things. It’s crucial to approach every day with a learner’s mindset. This means being open to new experiences, asking questions, and being curious about your surroundings. For example, if you’re used to fast-paced city life, getting used to a different pace of life can be a significant adjustment. It involves understanding the value of slowing down and appreciating the small moments. This adjustment period is a chance to rediscover hobbies or interests you might have overlooked in city life.
Nurture Neighborly Relations
Next, fostering good relationships with your neighbors is vital. In small towns, neighbors often become like family. Here are a few ways to build strong bonds: ● Offer to help with small tasks, such as gardening or grocery shopping. ● Invite them over for coffee or a meal to share stories and interests. ● Participate in or organize neighborhood activities, like a party or a book club.
These actions show your willingness to be part of the community and help establish trust and friendship with those around you.
Support Local Businesses
Also, supporting local businesses is a key aspect of integrating into a small town. By choosing to shop at local stores, you contribute to the town’s economy and get to know the people behind the businesses. Each purchase at a local shop is also an opportunity for embracing tranquility, as it often leads to meaningful conversations and a deeper appreciation for the slower pace of small- town life.
Respect Local Etiquette and Values
Small towns often have unwritten rules or expectations about how things are done. Paying attention to and respecting these norms demonstrates your commitment to becoming a part of the community. This might mean participating in community cleanup days, adhering to quiet hours, or showing up to support local high school sports teams. Understanding and respecting these practices shows your dedication to being a good neighbor and community member.
Create Your Own Space
Finally, making your space feel like home is essential for adjusting to life in a close-knit small town community. Personalizing your living space to reflect your style while respecting the town’s overall aesthetic can make the transition smoother. This might mean decorating your home with crafts from local artisans or starting a garden with plants native to the area. Creating a comfortable and welcoming home can help you feel more rooted in your new community.
Adjusting is fine, but you also need to have something uniquely yours.
Adjusting to Life in a Close-Knit Small Town Community Will Take Time
Adjusting to life in a close-knit small town community involves more than just physical relocation; it’s about embracing a new way of life. Each step is part of a broader journey. These actions help you adjust but also enrich your life with new friendships, experiences, and a deep sense of belonging. Remember, patience and openness are your best allies in this transition, making the experience rewarding and fulfilling.
I am so fortunate to have great friends, but can you imagine receiving beautiful floral photos each week as my great friend James encounters them on his and Ricky’s travels!
Here are some photos as sent to me in 2023 and earlier this year!
Various dishes and bread served on plates and bowls
Relocating to a small town offers numerous advantages, with one standout benefit being the opportunity to indulge in exceptional local cuisine. In these close-knit communities, food takes center stage, reflecting the area’s unique cultural heritage and agricultural abundance. Unlike bustling cities where dining options may feel impersonal, small towns offer an abundance of different flavors, often sourced directly from nearby farms and producers.
Are Small Towns Right for You?
Small-town residents enjoy a close connection to the food they eat, fostering a sense of pride and authenticity in every meal. Whether it’s savoring farm-fresh produce at the weekly farmers’ market or discovering hidden gems tucked away in quaint eateries, the culinary landscape of a small town promises an exciting journey for food enthusiasts. With a focus on quality, tradition, and community, relocating to such an environment presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore, appreciate, and immerse oneself in the joys of local gastronomy. If this sounds good, maybe moving to a small town is just the thing for you. However, relocation is a task for which you will need professional help, and mastermovingguide.com offers an extensive database to help you find exactly that. It is a specially designed database that lets you search, compare, and find trustworthy moving services. You can also find an abundance of moving, storage, and packing tips, which is a major advantage when trying to move to a specific place you want to call home. So get ready to enjoy all the culinary wonders that small towns offer!
Exploring Local Markets Is Important When Relocating to a Small Town
Local markets in small towns offer a vibrant showcase of the region’s culinary treasures. These busy hubs provide a direct avenue to connect with local farmers, artisans, and food producers. With stalls brimming with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and artisanal goods, browsing the market becomes an immersive experience. Engaging with vendors reveals the products and stories behind them, adding depth to the shopping experience. Conversations often lead to insider tips on selecting the freshest ingredients and creative ways to incorporate them into dishes. From homemade jams to freshly baked bread, each item reflects the passion and craftsmanship of its creator. Moreover, the atmosphere of the market, filled with bustling energy and community spirit, adds to the charm of the experience. Exploring local markets becomes more than just shopping; it becomes a journey of discovery, connection, and appreciation for the flavors of the town.
Immerse yourself in the local food scene by exploring farmers’ markets and dining at cozy eateries
Dining at Local Eateries
Sampling the local eateries is a delightful way to experience the heart of a small town’s culinary scene. These establishments, often family-owned and steeped in tradition, offer a taste of authentic regional cuisine. From cozy diners to charming cafes, each venue exudes its own unique charm and hospitality. Menus feature locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the best of what the area has to offer. Engaging with restaurant staff provides insight into menu favorites and hidden gems, enriching the dining experience. Whether indulging in comfort food classics or savoring innovative culinary creations, every dish tells a story of local flavor and craftsmanship. Also, dining out becomes more than just a meal; it becomes an opportunity to support local businesses and connect with the community.
Connecting with Locals
Building relationships with locals is key to fully immersing oneself in a small town’s culture. Whether striking up conversations at the farmers’ market or chatting with neighbors over a meal, genuine connections are easily formed. Locals are often eager to share their knowledge of the area’s food scene, from hidden culinary gems to family recipes passed down through generations. Connecting with residents provides valuable insights into the town’s gastronomic landscape and promotes a sense of belonging and community. Attending community events and volunteering for local causes further solidify these bonds, creating opportunities for shared experiences and mutual appreciation. By connecting with locals, newcomers gain access to insider tips and recommendations and become active participants in preserving and celebrating the rich culinary heritage of their adopted small town.
Connect with neighbors and locals to learn about hidden culinary gems and regional specialties
Joining Cooking Classes
Participating in cooking classes offers newcomers a hands-on way to immerse themselves in the local food culture. These classes, often hosted by community centers or culinary schools, provide valuable opportunities to learn traditional recipes and techniques from seasoned chefs or knowledgeable locals. From mastering the art of preparing regional specialties to honing basic cooking skills, participants gain practical knowledge to apply in their kitchens.
A large sandwich with arugula on a wooden board
Sharing cooking tips, exchanging recipe ideas, and bonding over a shared love of food further enrich the experience. Whether it’s a workshop on making homemade pizzas or a class dedicated to crafting artisanal cheeses, each session offers a chance to deepen one’s understanding and appreciation of the local culinary traditions.
Documenting Your Culinary Journey
Keeping a record of your culinary adventures through journals, blogs, or social media platforms can enhance your experience after relocating to a small town. By documenting your discoveries, recipes, and dining experiences, you create a tangible record of your immersion into the local food culture. Sharing photos and stories online allows you to connect with others who share your passion and is a resource for newcomers and locals alike.
In addition, documenting your journey encourages reflection and exploration as you seek out new flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Whether you’re chronicling your attempts at mastering a traditional dish or sharing reviews of local eateries, each entry contributes to a narrative of culinary discovery and appreciation.
Conclusion
Relocating to a small town offers many benefits, with the vibrant food culture as a highlight. From exploring local markets and dining at quaint eateries to connecting with welcoming locals and joining cooking classes, there are countless opportunities to immerse oneself in the culinary tapestry of the community. Embracing the local food culture isn’t just about enjoying delicious meals; it’s about forging connections, sharing experiences, and contributing to the vibrant fabric of community life. Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime resident, the small town’s food culture invites you on a journey of discovery, connection, and celebration, making every meal a memorable experience.
With so many changes in the real estate industry, I think it is always important to keep our customers and clients updated accordingly. I had written a post in March 2023 on what a Realtor does! People are always amazed at what (some of us) will do to help facilitate a sale by way of cleaning, preparing, staging, and showing a home in person for all agents.
I think the key component here is how a Realtor can make the transaction a seamless one, being the conduit between buyer and seller and ensuring that everything is moving along effortlessly. We obviously endeavor to obtain a home at the least amount for the buyer when we are representing buyers, and one that is palatable to the sellers. I can recall years ago when I represented sellers and there were multiple bids, a buyer’s agent said to me “what will it take to secure the home” and threw out numbers. At the time I was thrilled for my sellers at the prospect of obtaining a higher than listed sales price but did not respect that agent at all. How could someone be so cavalier with someone’s money? As a foot note, I could not offer forth a ‘number’ to that agent especially in a multiple bidding situation. We must always follow the rules and regulations and code of ethics.. Then, of course, we endeavor to obtain the highest sales price for our sellers. We do that through marketing, advertising, photography and pricing well.
I wrote in a blog post last week on Realtor designations, and I had mentioned the following within that post : Our Fiduciary Responsibilities include as agents to our clients are Obedience, Loyalty, Disclosure, Confidentiality, Accountability and Reasonable Care.
In 2024, there are so many disclosure forms to sign (all based on protecting the consumer/seller) that it just makes sense to either sign a buyer representation agreement if you are a buyer or hire a knowledgeable real estate agent if you are a seller!
As an experienced agent, I am used to meeting sellers numerous times prior to entering a home for sale to help in the preparation of the home, and as a buyer’s agent, I am used to taking out clients as much and how often as they require until they find their forever home. Sometimes it can take a week, and sometimes years. Everyone has different needs. Situations change, monetary assets can change.
I am here for all of your real estate requirements. Call me!
I recently closed on an exquisite, waterfront property in New Rochelle, 159 Kensington Oval, New Rochelle. 3737 square feet, 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and located on 0.33 of an acre. The home is located in the San Souci area, a special enclave which has its’ own beach and tennis club complete with an outdoor pool, snack bar and bocci court!
The highest priced home in the area sold for $2,150,000 previously (in 2022) which featured a larger property , more bathrooms (4.5) BUT while it had waterfront views did not have a backyard overlooking the Long Island Sound! Quick statistics indicate an average sales price of $1, 260,000 in the same zip code since January 2023 onward regarding single family homes 3000 square feet and more. This home sale reflects the highest priced home sold home in the area since November 2016 ($2,900,000 – a 6430 square foot home featuring 5 bedrooms) one mile or less away and 3000 square feet or higher.
I have always been blessed with wonderful clients, and when I receive a testimonial then my day is made!
“Exceeded expectations at every turn!
We cannot rave enough about Gay Rosen. She never hesitated to go above and beyond our needs, and was there at every request, immediately. She is unusually personable, has broad market knowledge, superb communication skills and always handled herself with the utmost of politeness, kindness, and thoroughness. We recommend her without reservation and anyone who is lucky enough to use her for their transactions is guaranteed to benefit.”
I love real estate, and I am here for all your real estate requirements!
Where to start? I lost a son to cancer 2 years ago, and my husband passed away 6 months later. My son, A.J. was a three time Olympian (luge -Great Britain) and had just completed 3 years of training to become a commercial pilot complete with all instrument courses (he would have finished in 2 years but with Covid everything was put on hold). He had been hired to be a pilot instructor so he could complete his 1500 hours of required training prior to be hired by an airline. How do we cope? A well-known radio host, Mark Simone ( WOR110) has said that no one wants to hear of anyone’s personal stories regarding coping and wonders why so many wish to write books about their personal stories. He has said that people might perhaps feel others want to hear about what happened to them but not so, but acknowledged that it is a catharsis of sorts, and perhaps that is why I feel compelled to put my thoughts to paper. Plus, I have heard from so many people who have gone through losses, and they have all felt a desire to recount their stories. When I would see associates over the months thereafter, I could see that some didn’t know how to act towards me. Should they say something? Avoid me? Hug me? I would smile to try and put them at ease. One thing I do know though is that everyone goes through their own personal challenges, and it is okay to share.
The well-known Chinese actor, Jackie Chan said something so true that has stayed with me. His name which translates to “already a dragon” was born poor, and worked so hard to become the well-known and beloved star he is today, but he so wisely states that no matter how hard you think you have it, “what you are experiencing”, others have it worse. You might not like your home but you have one, you might not like the dinner you eat but you have food, and so forth. I am being simplistic here, but his message was that there is always someone worse off than us, and to bear that in mind. He is a wonderful example of someone who worked so hard and who has achieved so much. He was also dyslexic and since my son, A.J. was dyslexic, I was drawn to Mr. Chan’s story.
I was pregnant many years ago with a trisomy 9 baby. I was told I was not carrying life and needed to abort the baby as it would only endanger my life – there was no life within me. I already had 2 sons, Mark and A.J. and had been busy making puppets for a school play when I heard the news. I forget the play but I recall designing, making and sewing a wolf’s head and was proud of my effort silly as that was.
After being informed that I needed to abort the fetus, I went into the city to have the abortion, and after the procedure, I was sitting with other ladies who had just had the medical procedure too. There was a lady from Egypt and I so remember her. She explained how she had watched her 2-year-old son die slowly from an inherited disease, and after she found out her new pregnancy also has the potential to have the same disease, she opted for the abortion as she couldn’t bear the thought that the unborn child would inherit that same disease. She could not watch another child die. She was in her early 40’s and she didn’t know if she would ever get pregnant again, but that was the choice she made/had to make. How could I feel sorry for myself upon hearing her story? I had 2 children, and I could get pregnant again. Perhaps not in her case. One comment, however, stayed with me at the time . A parent said to me that I have 2 other children and so all good. Don’t ever say that to someone. A loss is always a loss and should never be written off in a hap hazard way. People always need to be acknowledged and their pain validated. How they handle that pain is up to them. We can offer caring in many ways to console.
So many thoughts go through my mind on coping. Watching my son slowly die was so painful. So terribly painful. As a mother, you deny. My whole family was denying, but I felt it was up to me to hold everything together, to fight for his life and to put on a brave smiling face. I could not crumble. My husband passed away 6 months later with a broken heart I feel.
WOW! Michael Conlon who resides in our great Historic District of New Rochelle is the owner of The Finish Line is doing it again!
I do not know how Michael finds the time, but he has decided to have an inaugural Cinco De Mayo race on May 5th, 2024 at 9 am.
Finish Line Physical Therapy opened its doors to the Westchester community in summer 2021. If you have visited the clinic then you know, FLPT combines its 17 years of experience and passion for sport to bring you the best care and recovery services for the athlete in everyone. FLPT is where runners, endurance athletes and the active population go to get stronger, faster, and injury free. With over 4000 square feet of space and the most advanced treatment equipment available, FLPT New Ro provides prehab, rehab, and recovery services for every athlete! (Courtesy of Michael Conlon).
Michael has made himself an integral part of the community by creating “GivingYouMoreMiles” – a charity organization donates 100% of its proceeds to worthwhile local charities in our area. I think that we all know Michael by now as he created the New Rochelle Turkey Trot race (only race on Thanksgiving Day in the area), and through this annual race event ( 7th year and racing onward), so much money ( over $100,000) has been given to our local charities.
Per the site:
Our Mission
“Giving You More Miles continues to keep community at the center of its mission with the introduction of the Cinco de Mile! The mile race is looped course starting and ending on Hamilton Ave. Join us for an active morning followed festivities in partnership with the community. All proceeds from this year’s race will be donated to the The Giving You More Miles Scholarship Award that will be presented to a graduate of New Rochelle High School Class of 2024 who has gone “above and beyond” in our community.
With community at the center of our focus, we are also supporting a local New Rochelle family, the Guzinski family, as their daughter undergoes a long journey for cancer treatment. Read more about Nora and the Guzinski family and learn about ways to support!”
While I will not be running, I ordered 2 T-shirts (I love T-shirts) and it is a nice way to donate. A win win situation!
It has long been on my mind to write a post on pizza ever since I heard that a large Pizza pie could cost around $33 on the city depending upon toppings, etc. I was amazed! How could that be? Well, we all know of the huge price increases in flour, trucking costs, etc. and so of course it would have to filter down into a pizza store trying to make a living in making this delicious food, and therefore increased costs.
However, did you know that to make a pizza at home is so cost effective (not to mention fun) and so easy too?
Yes, you can buy the pizza dough but have you ever had difficulty in rolling it out? The secret I found was to make your own (of course), and to add some olive oil. It basically helps the process. The recipe I like to use belongs to Ann Burell from the Food Network. Yes, it includes the olive oil (truly a magic ingredient) and it then allows you to roll the dough thinly if that is the way you like it.
Toppings are of course of your choice but the end result will be so satisfying (body and mind), and please know so far less expensive than store bought! A great way to spend some time with your children and/or family! Cheers!
Did you ever think that a designation designed for a Realtor would/could benefit a buyer client? When I first started in real estate 20 years ago, I was determined to be the BEST Realtor that I could be. I proceeded to take every designation that was made available to me (or most of them at least!), and whereas the GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) designation involved obtaining various other designations first, and it was a lengthy process.
GRI: Graduate REALTOR® Institute
“The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. ”
However, I was so proud when I obtained that GRI pin! The second year I was in real estate, I decided to obtain my Associate Broker’s designation, and did it! Another milestone, and another great moment knowing that I am endeavoring to learn as much as I possibly can to better aid my customers and clients alike in their purchasing and selling process.
In today’s world, with it currently being a seller’s market with regards to the low inventory, while it is still very important to be a good seller’s agent (I have those designations, also – CRS, CDPE, SRES), I am also an Accredited Buyer’s Representative ( The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is for real estate buyer’s agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process. and a Certified Buyer’s Representative).
“Focus on the ‘forgotten’ side of the transaction! Obtain the skills necessary to effectively represent home buyers with a Certified Buyer Representative designation; the CBR designation enables consumers to identify real estate buyer agents who can provide value with a proven level of education and expertise. CBR® was the first registered mark to be used identifying real estate buyer agents; since its inception, the course has continued to meet the requirements for instructional excellence and has a proven track record of success. *Non-NAR Designation – “
I sincerely believe that we owe it to our customers and clients alike to offer them the best in services and by taking the time to obtain these designations then they can only better help us service everyone better!.
By the way, did you know the following?
Our Fiduciary Responsibilities include as agents to our clients are Obedience, Loyalty, Disclosure, Confidentiality, Accountability and Reasonable Care.
On a funnier note, I was so keen on obtaining my designations that I had trouble when it came time to having a name tag made. My office informed me that I could only have 3 designations shown. NO!!!!! Yikes! I spent so much time and hard work to obtain them, and so I begged and was granted permission . Funny! As you can probably guess, I am now hesitating about obtaining more designations as there is no room!
I am here for all of your real estate requirements! Cheers!
Gay Rosen is a Top Realtor in the Larchmont and New Rochelle, New York (Westchester) area. She is diligent, caring, driven and thorough (with a sense of humor). Call her!
