According to the great Chinese philosopher Meng Zi, “We live, not as we wish to, but as we can.” The truth of these words still echoes through generations of Chinese families, who continue striving to follow the sage teachings of this Confucius admirer every day of their lives. One of the most prevalent stories in Chinese tradition, entitled “The Mother of Meng Zi Moved Three Times,” perfectly depicts this motivated outlook of the Chinese culture. The legend explores the idea of finding the perfect home in which to raise a child, highlighting the vital impact environment has on an individual’s growth. Meng Zi’s mother is described in the story as moving three times before finally settling down in a home that she considers suitable for her son’s upbringing. From a neighborhood adjacent to a cemetery, to a house near a town market, Meng Zi’s mother does not find an appropriate home until finally settling next to a school house, which supposedly inspired Meng Zi to become a scholar.
The story is considered to be a classic Chinese tale, and is taught to elementary students throughout the country to instill the core values of the Chinese culture and its value system at a young age. When it comes to the education of future generations, parents tend to follow Meng Zi’s words and his mother’s persistent footsteps, striving to “do as they can,” and give their children the best possible living experience. The quality of neighborhood schools, though, is just one small fraction of finding an ideal instructive lifestyle. As reflected in this classic tale, proper teachings in life go far beyond any educational system. According to Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty licensed real estate salesperson Jessica Chan, who is based in the firm’s Scarsdale, N.Y. brokerage, “It’s about finding an environment in which you can truly thrive while at the same time, always feel right at home.” Chan would know–she grew up in China, received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the United States, and decided to settle in Scarsdale to raise her family.
Chinese buyers are seeking real estate in areas like Westchester County- 8 Championship Drive-Mamaroneck, NY
A recent CNN Money article stated that Chinese buyers are now flocking to the United States, resulting in billions of dollars in real estate deals. Of the $22 billion spent by Chinese buyers on U.S. home sales over a 12-month period ending this past March, the majority was spent in coastal states such as Washington, California and New York. The article concludes that wealthy homebuyers from China often choose their location and purchase their home based on work opportunities and the best education offerings for their children.
Westchester County offers exactly what these Chinese buyers typically strive to find in their home search process. The area’s school systems are top-notch, and contain some of the best districts in the country. A recent MSN News article reported that four of the ten best public school districts in the U.S. were in Westchester County, including the towns of Edgemont, Scarsdale, Rye and Chappaqua. Clearly, education is a core community value of the area, adding an attractive community quality that stays true to the teachings of Chinese culture. Location is another positive attribute that draws Chinese buyers into Westchester County. Situated just a short distance from New York City, Westchester County offers ideal proximity for future city employment, appealing to many Chinese parents who have their children’s best interests in mind.
9 Heathcote Road-Scarsdale, NY
As a result of these positive attributes and so much more, Westchester County represents a real estate market supported by a foundation of academic excellence, a prime location near New York City, a healthy and bucolic natural setting and a generally affluent and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The county’s opportunities present a lifestyle in which goals can not only be sought after, but also achieved. For affluent Chinese buyers, this presents a choice of residence where they can settle down in a new country and still embrace the legend of Meng Zi’s mother, her third and final home, and all for which this exemplary figure stands— the culture and values of a life worth chasing.
25 Cooper Road-Scarsdale, NY
