Livability ratings in New Rochelle, New York are at an all-time high. New Rochelle, which is located in southeast New York, is the state’s seventh largest city. In fact, many people who decide to leave the big city of New York often choose New Rochelle in Westchester County. Home to about 80,000 residents, New Rochelle features a number of nature preserves and parks, including nine miles of shoreline.

Livability Ratings in New Rochelle High

Where to Find New Rochelle

Geographically, the area of New Rochelle is like a knife blade. It borders Long Island Sound on the south and Scarsdale to the north. Larchmont and Mamaroneck sit to the east and Pelham and Eastchester lie to the west. The border of New York City is just two miles north of the city. The location, in and of itself, adds to New Rochelle’s livability ratings and total score, which is about 80%.

A Variety of Home Styles

According to one local broker-owner, the housing stock varies in New Rochelle. While Ranches and Split-level homes comprise the north end and waterfront locations, Cape Cods and Victorian homes make up midtown. Other architectural styles that define this part of town include Mediterranean-style residences, Tudors, and Colonials. Architectural diversity cranks up livability ratings even further.

Multifamily houses line street in the south part of the city while condos predominate the Wykagyl neighborhood on the north side. Luxury housing, in the form of condos and rentals, occupy the area next to the train station downtown.

Summertime Fun

In the summer, New Rochelle residents enjoy two public beaches – Hudson Park and Glen Island Park. Locals enjoy sailing, yachting, and rowing as well. Hiking and walking trails are also in Ward Acres and the Davenport Neck Bird Sanctuary.

When it comes to livability ratings, New Rochelle ranks high in amenities, crime, and housing. The median home value is 94% higher than the average value for New York. However, that also means that residents may be paying too much in property taxes. The median income in the city is about $68,000 while the average home value is approximately $550,000.

How Property Tax Assessments are Made

If you feel your property tax is too high and you live in New Rochelle, you first need to understand how experts assess properties. A property’s value in New Rochelle is usually determined using the following techniques:

The Market approach

The assessor compares the real estate to properties that have recently sold. The assessment covers vacant, farm, and residential properties.

The Cost Approach

The assessor figures the cost to replace a property with a similar building, using current material and labor pricing data. He then subtracts the depreciation before adding the market value for the land. This type of assessment is used to value utility, special purpose, and industrial properties.

The Income Approach

The assessor analyzes how much income a certain property, such as an apartment complex, will produce if it is rented. In order to make the assessment, he factors in the operating expenses, insurance, maintenance costs, financing terms, and expected earnings.

Who to Contact

Most assessors use the market approach to assess properties in New Rochelle. To file a tax grievance about your own assessment or property tax value, you need to contact a property tax appeal service, such as the Sokol Group. Appeals can be filed without charge until the property tax charge is reduced. Having access to this kind of service increases the livability ratings for the residents in New Rochelle and the surrounding areas even more.

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Photographer: Robert