Move to Upstate? (Monroe, Newburgh, Middletown: apartments, to rent, Home Depot)

[MamaMorgana]

Hello,

I currently live in Westchester and have recently gone through a divorce. I have joint custody of my 12-yr-old son. I work in the Bronx, as an administrator in social service.

I cannot afford to live in lower Westchester since the divorce and will have to move. I'm not that familiar with "upstate NY" or even Orange County and beyond. I also will have to commute to the Bronx, at least for the next 2 years until my son goes to High School.

Any suggestions on affordable places to live that are still commutable to the Bronx? Ideally a more liberal town would suit me best...is there even such a thing as an affordable place to live with good schools in NY state anymore? LOL...

Many thanks for any advice given.

Mama Morgana

[acip]

I am sorry to hear of the split. I wish you all the best. Rockland has some areas that are affordable and in good school areas. Are you looking to rent, buy I know dealing with the TZ can be a pain but if you leave at the right time , no problem going over, my son does it everyday to Westchester He is out the door before 8:30 and in the office before 9 I would be very happy to help you, just let me know and again I wish you only good things!

[eyetooth]

I just moved here 2.5 years ago so I'm kind of new to the area but I have to say it has its moments where it is truly a beutiful area to live. I'm in the Pine Bush area which has an excellent reputation for schools- several AP courses, good sports teams. I'm not sure what your price range is but in the hamlet of pine bush is subdivision like area that may be affordable (I haven't checked prices recently). Near by are some apartments that they also recently put up but I don't know what those are going for either. Pine Bush also has mx small shops, a library, a hannafords a few banks. Its growing pretty fast but still has very much a small town feel. when I go into the bank people know me and all say hello - and I'm not rich. You're also only 20 mins away from new paltz - a small college town with lots of small college town stores. The train station that will take you to the bronx will probably be in Newburgh-Beacon - my guess is that its a 30-40 min drive to the station - so about 2 1/2 hours one way (yeek!). Monroe/Central valley is closer and also has an excellent school system but I think its a little pricier.

On the negative side, you have to go into Middletown to get to the big box stores (eg Starbucks, Home Depot, Walmart, Galleria mall) c. 20 mins away. The connecting road that gets you there Rte 302 has had a few teens killed on it (Most speed related) and there are tons of deer on the roads.

[MamaMorgana]

Thank you both for your replies. I will research both Pine Bush and Rockland. FYI, I'm looking to rent. I need a 2 BR or a junior 4 and and my price range is up to $1000/mo. So you see my dilemma....there is nothing that fits that description in lower Westchester....

Thanks again. I do appreciate it.