Dobbs Ferry, a charming Hudson River town in Westchester, has become a top choice for city transplants. 

Housing Market Overview

A Snapshot of Home Prices:

The Dobbs Ferry housing market is hot and competitive, with limited inventory and rising prices. As of mid-2025, the median Dobbs Ferry home sale price is around $1.15 million – up nearly 30% year-over-year . The median listing price is even higher (about $1.3 million in summer 2025 ), reflecting seller optimism amid high demand. Westchester experts note that single-family homes in Dobbs Ferry average in the low-to-mid seven figures – roughly $1.3M median for a house– whereas condos and townhomes tend to be less expensive, often in the high six figures.

Over vs. Under $1 Million:

Dobbs Ferry offers a range of properties at different price points. Many family-sized houses list for over $1 million, especially if they have river views, spacious yards, or recent updates.

In fact, homes above $2 million are not uncommon – e.g. a 5-bedroom residence sold for $2.65M in August 2025 . On the other end, there are also more affordable options. Smaller colonials, cottages, or older condos under $1M still exist; recent sales include a modest home on Ashford Ave around $515K and even entry-level condo units in the mid-$300Ks . This mix means first-time buyers can find something in Dobbs Ferry (especially condos or co-ops), while luxury buyers have high-end choices too. 

Overall, prices have been climbing. In late 2024 the median home price in Dobbs Ferry crossed above $1 million for the first time, and 2025 has continued that trend upward. Homes often sell above asking price (on average about 4% over list ) due to bidding wars, and sell quickly – typically in just a few weeks . Limited inventory contributes to this competitive market. For example, in July 2025 only about 33 homes were on the market in Dobbs Ferry . Buyers should be prepared to act fast and potentially pay a premium for desirable properties.

Despite rising prices, Dobbs Ferry remains attractive compared to Manhattan in terms of space and value.  You’ll generally get more square footage, yard space, and privacy for your dollar than in NYC – one reason many city families decide to “move up” to Dobbs Ferry’s housing market.

Excellent Schools and Education

Springhurst Elementary (K–5), Dobbs Ferry Middle School (6–8), and Dobbs Ferry High School (9–12). Dobbs Ferry High School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and the district was the first in Westchester to be authorized as an IB World School.

For more detailed information on performance, programs, and enrollment, buyers are encouraged to visit GreatSchools.org or the district’s official website. Private schooling options, such as The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry and Hackley School in nearby Tarrytown, also serve the area.

Commute and Transportation Access

For professionals making the commute from Dobbs Ferry to Manhattan, the village offers convenient transportation options. The Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line is the most popular way – Dobbs Ferry’s station, located right in the downtown, provides a direct train link to Grand Central Terminal. Express trains from Dobbs Ferry reach Grand Central in as little as 34 minutes during peak hours, while local trains take around 40–45 minutes. The ride is scenic (running along the Hudson River) and comfortable, and monthly commuter passes cost roughly $260, making it a favored choice for daily commuters. Trains run frequently (about every 30 minutes at rush hour), so getting to the city is straightforward.

Driving to NYC is also an option, with Dobbs Ferry located about 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. The primary driving route is via the Saw Mill River Parkway/Henry Hudson Parkway straight into Manhattan. In ideal off-peak conditions, it’s possible to drive into the city in around 30–40 minutes. However, at typical rush hour times (e.g. leaving ~7 AM), the drive can stretch to an hour or more in traffic. Many commuters therefore prefer the predictability of the train. For those who do drive, Dobbs Ferry’s location offers easy access to major highways (Saw Mill Pkwy, I-87 Thruway, and I-287), and the village has parking available at the train station for residents.

Locally, having a car in Dobbs Ferry is useful but not always required. The village itself is walkable in the immediate downtown area – you can stroll to cafes, shops, parks, and the train. There are also Bee-Line buses serving Dobbs Ferry, connecting to nearby towns and Metro-North stations. But generally, most residents own cars for errands and recreation outside the village. Compared to NYC, you’ll find ample parking and less congestion within Dobbs Ferry, though Route 9 (Broadway) can get busy. Overall, the commute from Dobbs Ferry to Manhattan is very manageable – part of why so many professionals choose to live here while working in NYC.

Local Amenities: Dining, Parks, and Lifestyle

Despite its small size, Dobbs Ferry boasts an array of restaurants, shops, parks, and attractions that make day-to-day life enjoyable. The heart of the village – Main Street and Cedar Street – is lined with local businesses, giving off a quaint, small-town charm. You’ll find cozy cafes, gourmet delis, and boutiques alongside services like pharmacies and yoga studios. The dining scene punches above its weight: there are excellent restaurants in all price ranges, including popular spots for sushi, Italian, Mexican, farm-to-table American, and more. In fact, Dobbs Ferry has become something of a foodie destination in the Rivertowns. For example, Harper’s Restaurant & Bar offers inventive New American fare with a seasonal patio, and The Cookery, a home-style Italian eatery by a celebrated chef, earned a rare four-star review from Westchester Magazine. You can also enjoy riverfront dining at establishments overlooking the Hudson – imagine dinner with a sunset view of the Palisades. Whether it’s a casual pizza night or a fine dining experience, Dobbs Ferry’s eateries provide variety that will delight former city-dwellers.

For recreation, Dobbs Ferry is rich in parks and outdoor beauty. The crown jewel is the Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park, a green expanse along the Hudson River with walking paths, a playground, picnic areas, and a seasonal splash pad for kids. Residents gather here for summer concerts, picnics, and gorgeous river sunsets. The park also connects to the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, a historic rail-trail that runs through the village. This tree-lined trail is perfect for jogging, biking, or strolling, and it links Dobbs Ferry to neighboring river towns all the way to NYC. (The Aqueduct is a National Historic Landmark – a 19th-century engineering marvel you can now enjoy as a 26-mile linear park .) There’s even an OCA trail Visitors Center in Dobbs Ferry at the old Keeper’s House museum . Beyond these, the village maintains several other parks and playgrounds, and there’s a community pool and recreation center available to residents.

Kids can take classes or join sports leagues via the Dobbs Ferry Recreation Department. The Dobbs Ferry Public Library is a beloved spot, featuring a scenic reading terrace with Hudson views and frequent community programs. The village also hosts events like the annual Dobbs Ferry Festa street fair, weekly farmers’ markets, holiday parades, and more that foster a tight-knit community spirit. For day-to-day needs, you have neighborhood grocery stores and farmers markets, and larger supermarkets and malls are just a short drive away (in nearby towns like Yonkers or White Plains).

In short, living in Dobbs Ferry offers a relaxed but vibrant lifestyle. You’ll enjoy the intimate, “small town” feel (one resident described it as “more New England than Westchester” in character) combined with cultural amenities and dining options that keep life interesting. And whenever you crave the big city, Manhattan is just a train ride away.