Zip Code Dilemmas

A starter-sized Cape in a top school district, or roomy Colonial in a bad rep school district? One bathroom and a 3-minute walk to the Metro-North, or multiple bathrooms and a 20-minute schlep to the train? When comparing similarly priced single-family homes in different communities, the size, condition, acreage, and number of amenities can vary greatly. Do you purchase a house where you get the most for your money, or do you make sacrifices to live in the posh zip code? Below are four homes all priced close to the county median sales price ($622,000). Where would you live?

Modestly Cute Cape
List Price: $615,000
On Market Since: May 14, 2008
Original List Price: $699,000
Price/Sq Ft: $421.52
Address: 358 Park Ave, Rye
Style: Cape Cod
Exterior: wood
4 BR, 1 full bath, 1,459 sq ft
Acres: .14
Year Built: 1937
Taxes: $9,408
School System: Rye
Pluses: walking distance to elementary school, Metro-North, and Rye Golf Club
Minuses: one bathroom, one car garage
Listing Agent: Toni Chrystal, Houlihan Lawrence Rye (914) 637-1640; tchrystal@aol.com

Handsome Concrete Block Colonial
List Price: $619,000
On Market Since: May 2007
Original Listing Price: $699,000
Price/Sq Ft: $220.60
Address: 5 Quintard Dr, Port Chester
Style: Colonial
Exterior: concrete block
4 BR, 2 full baths and 1 half bath, 2,806 sq ft
Acres: .18
Year Built: 1937
Taxes: approximately $14,000
School System: Port Chester
Pluses: bay windows, oversized master with balcony, close to Lyon’s Park and King Street Elementary School, fenced yard, new eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances
Minuses: no garage
Listing Agent: Kate Emanuel, Coldwell Banker Country Properties, Rye (914) 967-0059; (914) 316-5008; kate.emanual@cbmoves.com

South Salem Private Cape
List Price: $619,000
On Market Since: July 2008
Price/Sq Ft: $294.76
Address: 35 West Rd, South Salem
Style: Cape Cod
Exterior: clapboard
3 BR, 2 full baths and 1 half bath, 2,100 sq ft
Acres: 2.65
Year Built: 1979
Taxes: $12,670
School System: Katonah-Lewisboro
Pluses: exposed beams on first floor, long private tree-lined driveway, deck overlooking meadows and trees, finished walkout basement
Minuses: one bedroom is small, no garage
Listing Agent: Kenneth Sobel, Ken Sobel Real Estate, South Salem (914) 763-2000; ken@kensobel.com

Cul-de-Sac Mini-Ranch
List Price: $619,900
On Market Since: March 24, 2008
Original Listing Price: $639,000 (reduced April 30, 2008)
Price/Sq Ft: $525.34
Address: 27 Abington Ave, Ardsley
Style: Ranch
Exterior: shingle and brick
3 BR, 1 full bath and 1 half bath, 1,180 sq ft
Acres: .25
Year Built: 1955
Taxes: approximately $15,397
School System: Ardsley
Pluses: large deck overlooking park and brook, hardwood floors, large corner property, hardwood floors, expansion potential with walkout in lower level, new appliances
Minuses: kitchen and baths need updating, one car garage
Listing Agent: Nancy Hutchens, Sotheby’s International Realty, Chappaqua (914) 261-8623