My Neighborhood: Rye, New York

Why Rye? George Latimer Westchester native and the area’s top politician, George Latimer is at home in any corner of the county. But when it’s time to actually go home, Latimer—who assumed the role of county executive in January 2018 and spent more than a decade on the Westchester County Board of Legislators before that—heads to the center hall colonial in Rye, where he has lived for nearly 35 years. Latimer and his wife, Robin, chose Rye in 1985 for “the same reasons people today look at Rye: good schools, a terrific commute to New York City, access to the water, safe streets, good public services, and quaint shopping in the heart of town,” he says. “It has everything you could want.” What was originally a starter home for the Latimers and their daughter became the family’s permanent residence, thanks largely to the dynamic nature of their communal neighborhood. “We have great diversity in our area—young couples coming in as well as seniors who have been there a while,” Latimer says. Among the things Latimer cherishes most about living in Rye are the “small-town Americana community activities and annual events that bring everyone together and give residents a sense of community,” he says. “I love those things that connect us all.” —by Amy R. Partridge PLAY TIME Rye Playland In addition to his professional association with Rye Playland (the facility is New York State’s only government-owned amusement park), Latimer has a personal connection to the popular entertainment destination. While you won’t find him on the rides, you might spot him at the Pier Restaurant and Tiki Bar after hours or attending one of the concerts hosted at the Art Deco–style park, which opened in 1928. “In the offseason, I like to walk down to the boardwalk and let the dogs run around on the beach,” he says. 1 Playland Pkwy., 914.813.7010 CLASSIC TASTES The Rye Roadhouse “We’re empty-nesters, so we eat out a lot,” Latimer says. And though the town is known for sophisticated fare, Latimer’s favorites are tried-and-true staples that have been in Rye as long (or longer) than he has. He and Robin frequent Kelly’s Sea Level for beer and burgers (413 Midland Ave., 914.967.0868). “It’s like the TV show Cheers, where everybody knows your name,” he notes. For Cajun, he likes The Rye Roadhouse (12 High St., 914.925.2668). “You wouldn’t know it exists in Rye unless someone tells you,” Latimer says of this well-kept local secret. At Poppy’s Cafe (27 E. Purchase St., 914.967.1544), “you can smell the eggs on the grill as soon as you come in.” For more formal dining, Latimer chooses Ruby’s Oyster Bar & Bistro (45 Purchase St., 914.921.416 6), Rye Grill & Bar for American fare (1 Station Plaza, 914.967.0332), and buzzy newcomer Rafele Rye for Italian cuisine (26 Purchase St., 914.481.841 7). Owned by New York Giants co-owner Ann Mara Cacase, “it’s very upscale and well-respected,” Latimer notes. OLD-STYLE FLAIR Latimer likes to keep things simple—and local—when it comes to personal services. When his shoes need some love after a long campaign season pounding the pavement, Latimer heads to Charlie’s Shoe Repair (34 Purchase St.). When it’s time for a haircut, he chooses Rocco Briganti at Town & Country Hairdressers. “He’s a traditional Italian barber, and you always get a hometown feeling when you go there,” he says. 82 Purchase St., 914.967.3998. Find your next home in Westchester today.