mostly suburban county bordering the bronx to the south and fairfield county, ct to the north. largely perceived as a haven for wealthy investment bankers, lawyers and doctors who commute to and work in manhattan, westchester does indeed have more than its fair share of elite golf courses (think winged foot), high-end stores (gucci, louis vuitton etc) and country clubs.
however, while one of the ten wealthiest counties in america, there is more to westchester than the popular public perception might suggest. herein lies a breakdown of westchester locales:
Preppy and Rich- think Rye, Bronxville and Larchmont. You'll find the old-school clubs (Larchmont Yacht, Westchester Country Club) and preppier atmospheres in these towns. Replete with pastel polos, sailboats and topsiders, these towns are among the wealthiest (if not necessarily flashiest) of the county.
Jappy and Rich- most famously Scarsdale and, to a lesser extent, Chappaqua. These towns are a bit more status-obsessed than their preppy counterparts. Their school systems are among the highest-performing in the nation and they tend to attract many Jewish and Asian families that put a premium on their children's educations. Think of designer clothes behind the wheel of a mercedes sports car as opposed to a vineyard vines polo behind the wheel of a jeeb or volvo to understand the difference between preppy and jappy wealth.
Guido Rich- Think Harrison, Pelham and parts of New Rochelle. Think gelled hair, Armani Exchange, fake tans and heavy make-up. Easy to confuse for imports from New Jersey.
Hollywood Rich- Much of the northern tier of the county, which is more rustic, appealing to celebrities seeking privacy. Bedford, North Salem, Pound Ridge and others boast several celebrity residents.
Ghetto- The last type of community one would associate with Westchester. Still, cities like Yonkers, Mount Vernon, (parts of) New Rochelle and Peekskille are far more socioeconomically and racially diverse than the rest of the county and make up a substantial portion of its population,
however, while one of the ten wealthiest counties in america, there is more to westchester than the popular public perception might suggest. herein lies a breakdown of westchester locales:
Preppy and Rich- think Rye, Bronxville and Larchmont. You'll find the old-school clubs (Larchmont Yacht, Westchester Country Club) and preppier atmospheres in these towns. Replete with pastel polos, sailboats and topsiders, these towns are among the wealthiest (if not necessarily flashiest) of the county.
Jappy and Rich- most famously Scarsdale and, to a lesser extent, Chappaqua. These towns are a bit more status-obsessed than their preppy counterparts. Their school systems are among the highest-performing in the nation and they tend to attract many Jewish and Asian families that put a premium on their children's educations. Think of designer clothes behind the wheel of a mercedes sports car as opposed to a vineyard vines polo behind the wheel of a jeeb or volvo to understand the difference between preppy and jappy wealth.
Guido Rich- Think Harrison, Pelham and parts of New Rochelle. Think gelled hair, Armani Exchange, fake tans and heavy make-up. Easy to confuse for imports from New Jersey.
Hollywood Rich- Much of the northern tier of the county, which is more rustic, appealing to celebrities seeking privacy. Bedford, North Salem, Pound Ridge and others boast several celebrity residents.
Ghetto- The last type of community one would associate with Westchester. Still, cities like Yonkers, Mount Vernon, (parts of) New Rochelle and Peekskille are far more socioeconomically and racially diverse than the rest of the county and make up a substantial portion of its population,
The classes of Westchester:
Bankers of English/Irish descent who live in Bronxville sail their boats out of Larchmont while their wives shop in Rye.
Bankers of Russian/Eastern European descent who live in Scarsdale and manage Bill Clinton's finances in Chappaqua with their Asian business partner.
"Waste Management Professionals" who live in $3 million homes and drive around Harrison in their souped-up Hummers.
Immigrant strivers in Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and Peekskille who, more often than not, tend to the lawns and house-cleaning needs of the three types mentioned above.
Bankers of English/Irish descent who live in Bronxville sail their boats out of Larchmont while their wives shop in Rye.
Bankers of Russian/Eastern European descent who live in Scarsdale and manage Bill Clinton's finances in Chappaqua with their Asian business partner.
"Waste Management Professionals" who live in $3 million homes and drive around Harrison in their souped-up Hummers.
Immigrant strivers in Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and Peekskille who, more often than not, tend to the lawns and house-cleaning needs of the three types mentioned above.
by Moder July 14, 2006
by sskkskkskskskskdsksokur July 26, 2019
The county north of New York City, sometimes referred to as the "East Coast OC", this county boasts a strong history, culture, and an absurd amount of wealth. The southern half of the county is more suburban, while the northern half, while more rural, is certainly as affluent, and cannot be discounted. Yonkers is the largest city in the county, and is currently making a huge economical comeback, though it is still plagued by issues with the school district. Westchester is home to many celebrities and some of the best public schools in the country. Whether one hails from Scarsdale or Somers, they are Westchester-ites---and ultimately, Westchester is one of the most intriguing parts of the state and country to look at from a sociological and cultural standpoint.
Home of DMX, Mary J. Blige, the Clintons, Mike Myers, Richard Gere, Rob Thomas, the Reeves, Vanessa Williams, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, among others.
Ella Fitzgerald was born in Yonkers, and a statue of her still stands in her old neighborhood. Matt Dillon grew up in New Rochelle and Mamoroneck. Dave Matthews briefly lived in Yorktown and attended YHS. The Son of Sam hailed from Yonkers, and Mariah Carey's house burned down in Westchester. Martha Stewart was confined to her home after prison in Bedford, and Calvin Klein owns a thoroughbred breeding farm in Somers.
Mahopac is NOT Westchester, and you can tell as soon as you step foot across the county line.
Home of DMX, Mary J. Blige, the Clintons, Mike Myers, Richard Gere, Rob Thomas, the Reeves, Vanessa Williams, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, among others.
Ella Fitzgerald was born in Yonkers, and a statue of her still stands in her old neighborhood. Matt Dillon grew up in New Rochelle and Mamoroneck. Dave Matthews briefly lived in Yorktown and attended YHS. The Son of Sam hailed from Yonkers, and Mariah Carey's house burned down in Westchester. Martha Stewart was confined to her home after prison in Bedford, and Calvin Klein owns a thoroughbred breeding farm in Somers.
Mahopac is NOT Westchester, and you can tell as soon as you step foot across the county line.
by tipsymcstagger June 30, 2006
by sskkskkskskskskdsksokur July 26, 2019
Most misunderstood county in New York, subject of many stereotypes.
There's a lot more to WC than rich kids and IBM.
People automatically assume things when you tell them you're from Westchester.
Yes, I'm of Eastern European descent. No, I'm not related to organized crime.
Yes, I am prescribed Prozac. No, I'm not addicted to prescription pills.
Yes, my family is "comfortable". No, we're not insanely "rich".
Yes, I enjoy nice things. No, I'm not a snob.
I drive a Volvo, not an Escalade.
I enjoy the cultural aspects of Westchester, I am not obsessed with popping my collar, my diamond encrusted iPhone, or my Beamer.
And I am not a "rich kid pretending to be poor" or "ghetto".
I never claim to be "hood" or "under privileged", I wear Versace AND clothes from Goodwill, because I like it all.
It's a WC thing.
There's a lot more to WC than rich kids and IBM.
People automatically assume things when you tell them you're from Westchester.
Yes, I'm of Eastern European descent. No, I'm not related to organized crime.
Yes, I am prescribed Prozac. No, I'm not addicted to prescription pills.
Yes, my family is "comfortable". No, we're not insanely "rich".
Yes, I enjoy nice things. No, I'm not a snob.
I drive a Volvo, not an Escalade.
I enjoy the cultural aspects of Westchester, I am not obsessed with popping my collar, my diamond encrusted iPhone, or my Beamer.
And I am not a "rich kid pretending to be poor" or "ghetto".
I never claim to be "hood" or "under privileged", I wear Versace AND clothes from Goodwill, because I like it all.
It's a WC thing.
by JoeySeven77 May 9, 2011
A county on the northern border of the Bronx, NY. Unlike Long Island, Westchester Co. seems to span everything from urban to rural whereas Long Island is more solidly and consistently suburban.
Example! Example!
by Larry February 28, 2004