The Northern Westchester towns of Bedford and Pound Ridge, playfully referred to by some as the "Upper East Side" and "Upper West Side," are close in distance but offer distinctly unique lifestyles, sharing the solace of nature with a strategic commuter-friendly location to New York City and surrounding commercial centers. We chatted with Janice Bergstein, a Houlihan Lawrence agent of 20+ years based out our Bedford brokerage office, for her take on two communities she knows particularly well.

Give us a glimpse into the Bedford and Pound Ridge lifestyle.  Why would somebody want to move here?

Bedford and Pound Ridge mix small-town charm with metropolitan sophistication. Our community is strong and connected across all ages. For instance, our 4^th of July celebration is a much-anticipated annual highlight for all. Bedford and Pound Ridge’s nature and outdoor recreation options span far and wide with our 4,700 square acres of the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, which includes recreational bodies of picturesque woods, streams, hills and valleys. Though our towns are complete for anything you may need, we're also in close proximity to White Plains, Greenwich and Stamford, Connecticut and only an hour drive to Midtown Manhattan.

The juxtaposition with NYC is a given. What makes Bedford and Pound Ridge different from other cities in Westchester?

Our towns strongly invest in and support the arts, which has benefited our community greatly. Inside our picturesque town are creative outlets supporting fine arts, cinema and more. In fact, our new Bedford Playhouse is due to open its doors soon. It will be a very special addition that local residents are looking forward to enjoying and being involved in performances and events hosted there. (A community fundraising effort afforded the re-imagining of the former Bowtie Cinemas property of that name into a multi-purpose community theater—ed).

Tell us about some of your favorite places in both towns.

There are so many different types of activities available. Some favorites are yoga glass at Bedford Post, a tennis match at Pound Ridge Tennis Club, walking through the Mianus River Gorge in Bedford or Halle’s Ravine in Pound Ridge.

It’s a beautiful Summer Saturday and your schedule is wide open.  What does your day look like?

Wandering through our weekly farmers market and picking out fresh produce and having lunch at one of the classic spots. Biking and hiking trails are always close by and a great excuse to stop in a scenic spot and relax with a great book.

Where do the locals go to eat?

Some of of my favorites in Pound Ridge: North Star, The Kitchen Table, DiNardo's, Blind Charlie's. The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges. In Bedford: Truck, Campagna and The Barn at Bedford Post.

If you could summarize Pound Ridge in one word, what would it be?

(Close to) perfect!