Why This New York Small Town is Great for Traveling Retirees

Pelham Manor, a small, idyllic village in Westchester County, is home to just over 5,400 residents. With close proximity to two major airports and easy access to the Big Apple, this affluent community offers its residents a balance between small-town living and big-city adventures. If you’re looking to relocate to the picturesque Hudson Valley in retirement, Pelham Manor may be an ideal destination to consider.

Travel Accessibility

A 12-mile drive from the town center, LaGuardia Airport is the closest major airport to Pelham Manor. 

Residents can drive, rideshare, or catch a bus or train to the airport—there are plenty of options depending on their travel budget and time constraints.

While LaGuardia is the closest airport, it’s primarily used as a commuter hub for coming in and out of New York City. It’s not a particularly large airport and doesn’t offer much in the way of international travel (aside from Canada and the Caribbean). There are currently nine major airlines flying in and out of LaGuardia every week, including Air Canada, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United. 

Train and Ferry Access

Pelham Manor is located on the Long Island Sound. It’s easily accessible to other parts of Long Island and New York City via the Metro-North Railroad train system. Currently, no ferry systems access this part of the county.

Transportation Costs

Pelham Manor is located within Westchester County, where residents spend on average around $1,200 per month on transportation costs. This is slightly higher than the national average of $1,097.

While Pelham Manor is near train and bus lines, their stops and timetables are limited. If you want to catch the subway, you’ll still need to drive or use a rideshare to the nearest stop. Unlike busier parts of New York City, if you already drive and have a car, you may find it helpful to keep your vehicle when relocating to Pelham Manor in retirement. A car will make it easier to travel between towns and provide you with more freedom to buy a home farther away from the town center.

Cost of Living and Affordability

Residents of Westchester County have a median household income of $118,411, well above the national median income of $80,610.

Westchester County’s median home value sits at $638,400, more than $200,000 above the national median value of $416,900 (as of Q1 2025). While the county’s home values are notably below New York City’s average of $1,108,900, Pelham Manor boasts many historic and sizable residences. If you plan on living in or near the Village of Pelham, for example, prepare to pay more. The median home price in this small town is $1,075,300, more than 1.5x the county’s average.

That being said, Pelham Manor is a desirable real estate hot spot, with most properties selling for over asking in recent years. While no one can predict future real estate trends, this could be a good sign for your future home’s valuation, should you decide to relocate here in retirement.

Lifestyle Considerations for Retirees

Pelham Manor may not fit into every retiree’s budget, but this little town certainly makes a big impression on those with the resources to afford it. 

Pelham Manor is a quiet, affluent village with eye-catching historical charm and breathtaking year-round foliage. Like many towns along the Hudson Valley, it combines quiet, more suburban living with access to big city amenities. 

In the summertime, enjoy a day at Orchard Beach or bring a picnic to Pelham Bay Park, New York City’s largest park. Nearby is the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary, where guests can explore what wildlife lives within the marshes and forests.

All year round, retirees can enjoy easy access to high-end restaurants, join a nearby yacht club, and explore all the bays, beaches, and parks spread around the Long Island Sound.

Other Things To Consider

Unlike cities along the Sunbelt, Pelham Manor is a four-season retirement destination—pack your winter coat and a good pair of gloves. The weather in Pelham Manor is generally on the milder side. It doesn’t appear to get too cold (low 20s and 30s in the winter) or too hot (mid-80s) in the summer.

And if you are looking to limit how much you drive, you may need to figure out which areas of the town are closest to the bus and train system. Most of Pelham Manor is mixed-use space, meaning you’ll often find large, historic homes situated next to small businesses. You may be able to walk around the village center, but traveling beyond that could be tricky without a vehicle.

The Bottom Line

Pelham Manor is an affluent, Hudson Valley town with quick access to both New York City and a major airport. Thanks to the area’s robust and easy-to-use train system, residents can travel between towns with ease, affording them even more access to areas along the East Coast. 

If you haven’t been to the Hudson Valley before, or you’re curious to see how Pelham compares to other towns in the area, you might find it helpful to plan a visit soon. It’s always good to get a feel for the area, especially if you’re looking to travel around often. Just keep in mind that the cost of living is relatively high. Review your retirement resources carefully to determine what you’re comfortable spending and what adjustments can be made to your savings plan ahead of time.