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Real Estate Showcase - Great Places & Party Spaces: “Whether you're just curious about real estate or actively looking, check out the Real Estate Showcase, where we feature some of the hottest properties on the market that you need to know about. From the tri-state area and beyond, we do the legwork to present the short list of the best of what’s out there. Click here to find out what we’re spotlighting in this week’s showcase.”



	Why is contemplating a move to the suburbs so difficult? Because we love the city, of course: the street life, the shops, the convenience. How could you give it up? You don’t have to. We scoured the surrounding suburbs for good housing stock, schools and amenities, diversity, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a reasonable commute. Here are our top ten affordable suburbs where even the most die-hard urbanite can feel at home.

	Montclair, N.J. A cultural oasis		Ossining, N.Y. Historic charm, modern edge

	Maplewood, N.J. A tree grows in Maplewood		Milford, Conn. A beachy bedroom community

	Katonah, N.Y. Country living in Westchester		Pelham, N.Y. A mecca for media types

	Dix Hills, N.Y. Down on the farm, out on L.I.		Larchmont, N.Y. So near and yet so far

	Montville, N.J. A crime-free Sleepy Hollow		Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. A clubby North Shore enclave

	Related Stories Suburban Cowboy When the price for a West Village three-bedroom gets to be too much, there's always the 'burbs, right? But which 'burb? For one family of four, the search was full of surprises. Train Man: One Suburbanite's Tale of the Rail Commuters have an unsettled, nervous energy that comes from their internal timetables: The train is about to leave the station. Real Estate 2002: Where to Live Now A snapshot of the market. What to know before you buy or rent. Join the Discussion Agree -- or disagree -- with our picks? Have other suburbs that you'd recommend? Share your thoughts.