Kirsten and Theodore Bruckbauer, longtime residents of the Chicago area, relocated to Westchester County, New York, after Theodore accepted a cybersecurity job in Manhattan. The couple, both raised in the Chicago region, owned a home in Evanston, Illinois, where their two young sons were accustomed to biking freely around the neighborhood. Initially resistant to the idea of moving to New York, the family gradually embraced the opportunity prompted by the job offer.
The Bruckbauers visited New York City in February to explore the Upper East Side but found it unsuitable for their family’s lifestyle, particularly for their children’s independence. They then shifted focus to Westchester County, seeking a home that combined convenient access to Manhattan with a family-friendly environment, including good schools, walking-distance town amenities, a garden, and a guest suite.
Working with Compass real estate agent Dee Coffey, the Bruckbauers conducted an extensive search during two trips in April, covering multiple train stations across Westchester. They encountered a competitive market with homes frequently selling well above asking prices. Their budget was set at $1.8 million but remained flexible for the right property.
Among the options they considered was a 1965 five-bedroom, three-bathroom house in Irvington featuring a garden and pool, listed at $2 million with annual property taxes of $43,378. Another prospect was a colonial-style four-bedroom home in Sleepy Hollow, dating to 1953, offering cathedral ceilings and ample space, priced just under $1.6 million with $34,085 in taxes. A third option was a 1915 colonial-style house perched on a hill in Hastings-on-Hudson, with river views, four bedrooms, and three bathrooms, on the market for $1.7 million with $34,034 in annual taxes.
The couple ultimately chose the Irvington home, drawn by its expansive garden and outdoor features despite the absence of air conditioning and the need to update bathrooms. The house, set on a sweeping driveway and surrounded by tall rhododendrons and azaleas, offered a “magical” outdoor space, according to Kirsten Bruckbauer. While the home’s midcentury modern character required some adjustment, the family felt confident enough to submit an offer at the asking price, which was accepted promptly despite competing bids.
Theodore Bruckbauer began his new job in May, initially residing in corporate housing during the week and returning to Illinois on weekends. The family closed on their new Westchester home in July and moved in August ahead of the school year, opting to keep their Evanston house with plans to rent it out. The Bruckbauer children have adapted well to the new environment, enjoying the pool and outdoor spaces, while the family dynamics remain close-knit.