These Are the Best Places to Live in the Hudson Valley

What you can get for your money in 14 towns.


Photo by Mike Todd, www.hikethehudsonvalley.com

Saugerties | WoodstockPoughkeepsie/SpackenkillEast Fishkill | CatskillTarrytownCornwallGoshenWoodbury/Central Valley | HaverstrawRhinebeckClarkstown/New CityHudsonNew Paltz

Under $550k

Saugerties

The Location

Situated between the scenic Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River, Saugerties is an old factory town that offers a quirky downtown crammed with tiny shops, galleries, and restaurants. Other points of interest include the Saugerties Lighthouse, an 1869 landmark beacon on the Hudson River that now operates as a renowned bed & breakfast, and Opus 40, a bluestone sculpture park with walkable trails covering 6.5 acres.

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The Home

Listing and Photo Courtesy of Rip Van Winkle Mountain Realty, Inc.

86 Valk Road, Saugerties

  • $524,900
  • 7 BR, 3 full BA, 1 three-quarter BA, 1 half BA
  • 4,636 sq ft, 3.1 acres
  • $5,282 estimated taxes

 

Situated on just over three acres of property, this house features many modern amenities and a master bedroom/bath en suite on each floor. It also boasts a living room with a wood-burning stove and stone décor, bamboo floors, ceramic tile, a new heating system, air conditioning, and a modern kitchen with an island.

Woodstock

The Location

Photo Courtesy of Woodstock Artists Association & Museum

World-renowned for its colorful locals and free-spirited and eclectic shops and restaurants, Woodstock is also a nature-lover’s paradise with the nearby Ashokan Reservoir, Overlook Mountain, and many scenic hiking trails. The town earns an overall grade of an A from the Niche website, with Woodstock schools also earning an A rating. The Onteora Central School District was listed in the top 200 districts in New York State on Niche’s 2018 list. It was also ranked No. 2 overall in Ulster County, and No. 1 in terms of safety.

The Home


Woodstock Listing Courtesy of HOUSE Hudson Valley Realty — James Male; Woodstock Home Photo Provided by Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty

26 Holly Hills Drive, Woodstock

  • $389,000
  • 4 BR, 2.5 BA
  • 2,618 sq ft, 1.3 acres
  • $5,410 estimated taxes

 

Located just two miles from the center of the Village of Woodstock, this 1.3-acre property, in the desirable Holly Hills section, is private, yet not secluded. Upgrades include a kitchen with granite counters and an island, wide-plank hardwood flooring, new roof, on-demand hot water and furnace, gas fireplace, new bathrooms, and carpeting. Well-sited on a corner lot, this contemporary gets loads of light through abundant windows and skylights.

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Poughkeepsie/Spackenkill

The Location

 Photos Courtesy of Vassar College

Spackenkill is a hamlet in the college town of Poughkeepsie — home to Vassar College (left)— and minutes from the city of Poughkeepsie, which has many diverse neighborhoods, arts offerings, Marist College, and tons of great restaurants, pubs, and cafés. Spackenkill Union Free School District is ranked 79th within New York State, and its high school is ranked 104th, while the school district earns an A grade overall from Niche, the ranking and review website.

The Home

Poughkeepsie Home Photo Courtesy of Home Visit, Listing Courtesy of Weichert Real Estate Brokers FK

16 Hagan Drive, Poughkeepsie

  • $399,999
  • 5 BR, 3 BA 
  • 3,088 sq ft, Lot size: 19,166 sq ft
  • $12,821 estimated taxes

 

Spacious and totally updated, this Colonial features gleaming hardwood floors and a kitchen with granite counters, smooth-top induction range, and stainless steel appliances. A large dining area with sliding-glass door to deck overlooks a backyard that’s ready for play. The home also features a large king-size master bedroom suite, whole-house fan, and finished basement.

East Fishkill

The Location


Photo by Bridget Herlihy

East Fishkill is known for its safe surroundings, and numerous recreational programs and opportunities. It’s also home to Best of Hudson Valley-winning Joe’s Dairy Bar and is minutes from the historic Village of Fishkill, which has a cute main street with a variety of shops, restaurants, and even a piano bar.

The Home

East Fishkill Listing and Photo Courtesy of BHHS Hudson Valley Properties

40 Wintergreen Place, Hopewell Junction (East Fishkill) 

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  • $539,900
  • 4 BR, 4 BA
  • 3,710 sq ft, 1.01 acres 
  • $12,823 estimated taxes

 

With a stately gray stucco exterior, grand open layout, and manicured lawn, this Colonial is located on a quiet cul-de-sac, and offers a living room with fireplace, central air conditioning, kitchen with granite counters and new stainless-steel appliances, hardwood floors on the main level, and a luxurious Jacuzzi master suite. Featuring a two-car garage, it’s close to retail shopping and all major routes to Westchester and New York City.

Under $750k

Catskill

The Location

An established arts enclave, the charming, historic town of Catskill features stunning Victorian homes and a walkable business district. Arts and culture aficionados will enjoy a host of galleries, the Bridge Street Theatre, and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Food and drink lovers will enjoy many great options including Crossroads Brewing Company and waterfront dining on the Hudson.

The Home

Catskill Listing Courtesy of Keller Williams Capital District — Delmar; Catskill Home Photo Provided by James Male, House Hudson Valley Realty

253 Main Street, Catsklll

  • $640,000
  • 5 BR, 5 BA
  • 3,500 sq ft, 0.02 acres $8,832.78 estimated taxes

This 1811 Lyman Hall House is an elegant example of Federal architecture, featuring grand reception rooms with high ceilings, ornately carved mantels, impressive over-door panels, and museum-quality details. The modernized kitchen has new appliances, but retains the original cooking fireplace and beehive oven. A one-bedroom guest or nanny apartment has a full kitchen, bath, living room, and dining room.

Tarrytown

The Location

Ranked in 2016 by Forbes magazine as the 13th Prettiest Town in the US, Tarrytown features diverse restaurants, entertainment options, and historic attractions, and received A+ ratings from Niche for overall appeal and schools. Manhattan is an easy 35-minute commute via a Metro-North express train.

The Home

Tarrytown Listing and Photo Courtesy of Judy Toth at William Raveis Legends Realty Group

118 Leroy Avenue, Tarrytown

  • $643,000
  • 3 BR, 3 BA
  • 1,877 sq ft, lot size: 4,792
  • $17,493 estimated taxes

This 1927 Tudor offers period details and wood floors. The first floor includes a living room with an inglenook fireplace and beamed ceiling, while the formal dining room has built-in corner cabinets; French doors enclose a den/office, and the kitchen offers a sun-lit informal dining area. The master bedroom offers a bonus room, which could be used as a nursery or home office.

Cornwall

The Location

Cornwall combines a charming Main Street atmosphere in the Village with outstanding outdoor recreation. Cornwall School District is ranked among the best in the state (ranked 95 out of 801 on www.schooldigger.com). The town is also ranked 13th on Value Penguin’s list of the 2015 Safest Places in New York.

The Home

Cornwall Listing and Photo Courtesy of Ellis Sotheby’s International

5 Trinity Place, Cornwall

  • $719,000
  • 6 BR, 5 full BA, 2 half BA
  • 6,330 sq ft, 1.6 acres
  • $24,291 estimated taxes

 

The picturesque “Knoll Shoal” backs up against a golf course. Original architectural details include high coffered ceilings, four fireplaces, and oak floors. It has an updated eat-in kitchen, a solarium with terra-cotta floors, butler’s pantry, an in-ground pool surrounded by natural stone patios and gardens, a separate barn, and a rambling creek.

Goshen

The Location

Melding old and new, the historic town of Goshen boasts a heritage dating back to 1714, which is clearly reflected in its well-preserved architecture. Operating since 1838, the Goshen Historic Track is the nation’s oldest operating harness track — its museum is small but informative. Limoncello at the Orange Inn is right across the street, offering lunch and dinner in its circa-1700s structure. Other good restaurants abound in the village, along with storefronts like Happy Buddha Yoga, and Joe Fix It’s bike shop. The Heritage Trail, which runs through the village, beckons walkers, runners, and bicyclists alike. The Goshen Central School District earned a B grade on Niche.

The Home

Goshen Listing and Photo Courtesy of Tux Park Towne & Country

69 Hill Road, Goshen

  • $735,000
  • 4 BR, 2.5 BA 
  • 3,900 sq ft, 17.3 acres
  • $17,613 estimated taxes

 

This beautifully maintained Colonial is located at the end of a peaceful drive, and features both a pool and a private pond. Its spacious kitchen includes a sunny breakfast room, open floor plan, and solarium with deck. The home also boasts a cozy library, fireplace, and master suite, complete with double bath and Jacuzzi. An expansive lower level features a finished 1,000+ sq ft with walkout, full bath, laundry, storage, and home gym.

Woodbury/Central Valley

The Location

Central Valley is a hamlet in the town of Woodbury, which was recognized by Money magazine in 2015 as one of the Best Places to Live in the US. It is located only a few short miles from the Hudson River, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the world-renowned Storm King Art Center. Lovers of the outdoors will appreciate Woodbury’s greenspace, parks, pool, and reservoir. And, of course there’s the shopping — at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley.

The Home

Woodbury Listing and Photo Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty

147 Smith Clove Road, Central Valley 

  • $599,000
  • 3 BR, 3 BA
  • 4697 sq ft, 3.2 acres
  • $21,059 estimated taxes

 

Lovingly maintained, this home features a large designer kitchen, gracious formal dining room, impressive living room with fireplace, pantry/prep room, library/billiard room with balcony, great room with stone fireplace, and a cathedral ceiling. The property — a former Guggenheim Estate, within the Monroe-Woodbury School District — includes a restored carriage house and a full range of modern amenities, plus views of a golf course and the mountains of Harriman.

$950K +

Haverstraw

The Location

Historic Haverstraw literally helped to build Manhattan with its 42 brickyards, which are documented in the Haverstraw Brick Museum. Today, commuters can ferry across the Hudson to Ossining’s Metro-North station, and on to Manhattan. The Garner Arts/Historic District offers arts, culture, and a brewery. Haverstraw’s waterfront is home to an emerging food scene, with restaurants such as CATCH on the Hudson and the Hudson Water Club. Further inland, enjoy Kastel Bar & Restaurant, Union Restaurant and Bar Latino, or Southern-style fare at Off the Hook.

“The town offers a wide array of affordable opportunities for young families and for artistic, culinary, and musical businesses to take advantage of an emerging young and multi-ethnic demographic.” — Richard Sena, New York State Licensed RE Broker/Owner

The Home

Haverstraw Listing Courtesy of Richard Sena; Home Photo Provided by Michelle Natale, Bricktown Inn B&B

112 Hudson Avenue, Haverstraw

  • $949,999 
  • 5 BR, 6.5 BA
  • 4,870 sq ft, 0.24 acres 
  • $14,523 estimated taxes

Zoned for residential living but currently operating as the Bricktown Inn, this home features modern amenities while maintaining the integrity of beautiful original architectural features such as a mahogany staircase, 10½ ’ ceilings, beautifully crafted wood floors, and plaster moldings. The turnkey operation includes all furnishings, antiques, fixtures, and equipment (among them a baby grand piano and a fully stocked library); and a separate building on the property that could be used for a spa or gift shop. The beautiful gardens, complete with flowers and a koi pond, provide a peaceful place to enjoy nature.

Rhinebeck

The Location

Rhinebeck is known for its small-town surroundings, scenic beauty, and great schools (an A rating from Niche). Located just minutes away from the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site and Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, Rhinebeck was also named one of the top 10 “Most Christmassy” towns in the US in 2017 by Travel Market Report.

The Home

Rhinebeck Listing and Photo Courtesy of Gary DiMauro Real Estate Inc.

132 Knollwood Road, Rhinebeck

  • $1,500,000
  • 4 BR, 5 BA
  • 5,245 sq ft, 5.65 acres 
  • $16,943 estimated taxes

This stately and private residence sits just outside the village, and includes a large kitchen with a SubZero fridge, double ovens, a warming oven, and a wine fridge. A great room features 16’ ceilings, a formal dining room, and a sitting room. The first floor includes an office, two and a half baths, a rear vestibule, and an attached two-car garage. The property also includes a koi pond and fountain and a large backyard with a five-hole putting green.

Clarkstown/New City

The Location

Ranked one of the best places to live in the United States by Money magazine, Clarkstown is a community composed of hamlets and villages set amid a bucolic landscape that features Rockland Lake and High Tor State Parks, and Hudson River views. There are also great food and shopping options in New City and Nanuet.

The Home

New City Listing and Photo Courtesy of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

635 South Mountain Road, New City

  • $979,000
  • 5 BR, 3 BA
  • 2 half BA, 6,069 sq ft, 1.94 acres
  • $30,287 estimated taxes

This contemporary home in New City is within the Clarkstown Central School District (ranked 78th in the state on Niche) and features large loft-like open spaces designed to maximize natural light. The 14-room house features 25’ ceilings with an ocular skylight, solid wood doors, oak floors, marble baths, a three-car garage, and four wood-burning fireplaces. The property includes a separate three-room studio/office building with a marble-faced wood-burning fireplace and its own garage.

$950K +

Hudson

The Location

Hudson’s urban center boasts more than 200 shops, a wide range of eating and drinking establishments, cultural venues and quaint B&Bs. This self-proclaimed “Upstate’s Downtown” is set amid an abundance of bucolic open spaces and farmland. It is also home to the Hudson Opera House and Olana Historic Site.

“Hudson is a wonderful place to live! It is full of life with new shops and restaurants opening all the time.  The Amtrak station is the 2nd busiest in New York after Penn Station, and people flock into town. It’s a hip, growing town.” — Vicki Wolpert, Keller Williams Capital District – Delmar

The Home

Hudson Listing Courtesy of Gary DiMauro Real Estate Inc.; Home Photo Provided by Vicki Wolpert- Keller Williams Realty Capital District

41 West Court Street, Hudson

  • $995,000
  • 4 BR, 3.5 BA
  • 6,065 sq ft, 0.15 acres
  • $16,500 estimated taxes

 

This Grand Victorian, Italianate mansion is on the corner of Courthouse Square and Allen Street, just three blocks away from bustling Warren Street. With extensive renovations already completed, the home features decorative brackets and cornices, bay windows, 10’ ceilings, and balustrade balconies off the first and second stories. Follow the grand center hall entry into the double parlor with marble fireplace and plaster medallion ceiling. A spacious kitchen opens to a conservatory/sunroom with coffered ceiling and Georgian tiled fireplace.

New Paltz

The Location

New Paltz offers outstanding outdoor recreation, a historic district, farms and farm stands, plus plenty of the cool shops, restaurants, and cafés you’d expect in a college town. It also has outstanding accommodations for your out-of-town guests at Mohonk Mountain House. The town is just minutes away from the New York State Thruway and is a 20-minute drive to Poughkeepsie’s Metro-North station. New Paltz gets an overall rating of A+, and an A+ for schools, by Niche.

The Home

New Paltz Listing and Photo Courtesy of Cathy Pulichene and Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty

33 Kleine Kill Drive, New Paltz

  • $1,299,900
  • 3 BR, 3 BA
  •  2,832 sq ft, 2.65 acres 
  • $17,750 estimated taxes

 

This contemporary post-and-beam property — just five minutes to the village of New Paltz — features window walls, warm wood, cathedral ceilings, skylights, hardwood floors, and a fieldstone fireplace. A loft area offers a cozy den overlooking the family room. Outdoor amenities include a heated in-ground pool.

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