Living & Working in Brewster
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
Median home price is $511,944 . Buying analysis suggests higher upfront costs but potential long-term savings compared to renting.
Neighborhoods by Value & Commute
Brewster Village
URBANSoutheast Brewster
SUBURBANQuick Decision Guide
Major HVAC Employers
Family Resources in Brewster, NY
#### Top-Rated School Districts
- Brewster Central School District: Serves the area with schools like here High School and John F. Kennedy Elementary. Rated highly for academic performance and extracurricular programs. Source
- Green Chimneys School: Known for specialized programs integrating nature and education. Source
#### Childcare Costs
- Daycare: Average monthly cost ranges from $1,200 to $1,800, depending on the facility and age group. Subsidies may be available through the NYS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
- Nanny: Rates average $20–$25 per hour, translating to approximately $3,200–$4,000 monthly for full-time care. Source
#### Recommended Pediatricians/Family Clinics
- Open Door Family Medical Center: Offers pediatric and family medicine services at 155 Main Street. Source
- Nuvance Health Primary Care: Provides pediatric and general family medicine. Located in here. [Source](
Work-Life Balance Culture
Brewster, NY, offers a balanced lifestyle with a mix of suburban tranquility and proximity to urban amenities. The town's work-life balance is supported by its low population density (approximately 2,400 residents) and easy access to nature. Many residents commute to nearby cities like Danbury, CT (20-minute drive) or New York City (1.5-hour train ride via Metro-North Railroad). The community emphasizes outdoor activities and local events, fostering a slower pace compared to metropolitan areas.
Fitness Facilities
- Brewster Fitness Center: A local gym offering memberships at $40/month, featuring cardio and strength-training equipment.
- Tilly Foster Farm: A 199-acre property with walking trails and open spaces for outdoor workouts.
- Sodom Mountain Preserve: A 200-acre park with hiking trails, ideal for nature-based fitness activities.
- here Sports Center: A multi-sport facility with indoor soccer and basketball courts, open for public use at $15/hour.
Dining Costs
- Lunch: Average cost at casual spots like The Brewster Inn is $12–$15 for sandwiches or salads.
- Dinner: Mid-range restaurants like North Brewery Taproom charge $20–$30 for entrees.
- Drinks: Local bars such as The Whistling Willie's offer beers for $6–$8 and cocktails for $10
Financial Facts for Brewster, NY
#### State Income Tax Rate
New York State imposes a progressive income tax system. For 2023, the rates range from 4% to 10.9%, depending on income brackets. Brewster residents fall under these state-wide rates. For detailed brackets, refer to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
#### Property Tax Average
The average property tax rate in Brewster is approximately 2.5% of assessed home value, with variations based on specific jurisdictions. For example, the 2023 tax rate for here/Southeast Fire District was $0.498624 per $1,000 of assessed value. Detailed rates are available in the Putnam County 2023 Tax Rate Sheet.
#### Cost of Living Compared to Nearby Major City
Brewster's cost of living is approximately 15% lower than nearby New York City, primarily due to lower housing and transportation costs. For example, median home prices in here are around $450,000, compared to NYC's $800,000+.
#### Growing Industries Creating Jobs
Key industries driving job growth in Brewster include manufacturing (e.g., [Stanley Black & Decker](https://www.stanleyblack