Looking to move Upstate and need info- Thanks (Warwick, Hudson: house, live)

[MedievalinNYC]

We know very little about Orange County or the Hudson Valley area. What areas are nice and what areas should be avoided? Are main interest is space. 2 acres or maybe more.
We can spend between 400-550k on a house that is 45 min-1.3 hours from NYC.
We are looking for a town/area that is liberal and diverse (My husband and I are city folk and we don't want to get total culture shock).
Thanks

[waring_abbott]

Maybe I'm prejudiced (I live there), but the most liberal town I've seen in my short stay here (six years) is Warwick. Orange County in general is a die-hard Republican stronghold, but ironically enough the main paper (Times Herald-Record) is pretty liberal and is constantly being dinged by Bushies. If you are considering the Hudson Valley in general, there is of course Woodstock and other such areas, but they are a weensie too tie-dye for me. And yes, I grew up wearing love beads and making the peace sign. In 2007 the thrill wears off... Best thing is to simply start driving and work your way through all the towns you can. No substitute for getting out, introducing yourself to the locals, and by the response you will know most of what you need. That's what we did ten years ago.
Good Luck
Waring Abbott/Warwick