As empty nesters, two couples from Westchester County, New York, have decided to “right-size” their living arrangements by moving to a community-focused development called Edge-on-Hudson in Sleepy Hollow. Both the Falks and the Coopermans sought accessible homes in vibrant neighborhoods that would allow them to maintain a suburban lifestyle while embracing urban conveniences.
The Falk family, including Stephanie and Andrew Falk, faced significant changes as their three children left for college. While Stephanie envisioned a life in New York City, where she had lived in her twenties, Andrew preferred to stay in a greener environment. They ultimately agreed to sell their century-old home in Edgemont, approximately 20 miles north of Manhattan, and relocate to a more urban setting within Westchester County. Their goal was to find a community where they could walk to restaurants and enjoy proximity to the Hudson River or Long Island Sound.
During a spring golf outing in 2024, the Falks discussed their home search with their friends, Judy and Steven Cooperman. The Coopermans were also looking to downsize, seeking a low-maintenance home in a lively community. They were particularly interested in the partially constructed Edge-on-Hudson development, which sparked the Falks’ curiosity.
Judy took the initiative to show the Falks around the area, and the development quickly captured their attention. The proposed four-bedroom townhomes would provide ample space for family gatherings, including visits from their adult children and their partners. The homes are designed with elevators, making them accessible for aging parents. Shared amenities, such as a park and pool, promised to create a sense of community, a key factor for both couples.
“I just believe fully in community,” Stephanie stated. “As you grow older, being stimulated and surrounded by like-minded people can be really beneficial.”
The Edge-on-Hudson development, which will eventually feature nearly 1,200 townhomes, condos, and apartments, is being constructed on a 70-acre site that once housed a General Motors assembly plant. This ambitious project will also include a grocery store and hotel, enhancing the area’s appeal.
Both couples, now in their mid-to-late 50s, are not ready for retirement. Stephanie operates a mindfulness and meditation company called Pause to be Present, while Judy works remotely in administrative management at a law firm. Their husbands are involved in real estate and law in New York City. They were pleased to find that moving to Edge-on-Hudson would not require a significant reduction in living space; both families sold their former homes for slightly more than the starting price of their new townhomes, which is around $1.6 million.
The Falks and the Coopermans are part of a broader trend among Gen Xers and baby boomers who seek to transition into more community-oriented environments without fully downsizing or relocating to retirement communities. “We’re right-sizing,” Stephanie noted, emphasizing that while their square footage may remain similar, the lifestyle adjustments feel much more aligned with their current needs.
As construction continues, both families have temporarily moved into rental apartments at Edge-on-Hudson. They anticipate that their new neighbors may include familiar faces; several other couples the Coopermans know have expressed interest in joining the community.
The transition has been liberating for the Coopermans, who sold or donated most of their furniture. This has fostered a sense of freedom and a fresh start. Their social interactions have also evolved; what was once an occasional golf or tennis game has transformed into spontaneous walks and casual meet-ups.
“People are friendly. People are out a lot,” Judy remarked, likening their new social scene to the excitement of starting college as a freshman, where everyone is eager to make new connections.
As the Falks and Coopermans settle into their new lives, they are not only looking forward to their new homes but also to the friendships and community that await them in Sleepy Hollow.
