Paramus to Poughkeepsie (Newburgh, Beacon, New Paltz: transfer, live, dangerous) - City-Data Forum

NowOrNever · 09-02-2011, 03:30 AM

What is the commute from Paramus to Poughkeepsie like if I were to leave Bergen County close to 12 or 12:30 PM and come back around 7:30 o 8:00 PM?

What major highways would I take? Are the environments I drive through (off the major highways) rural, suburban, or urban? How is Poughkeepsie in general? I hear the street I MAY be working on is very commercial (Main Ave or Main Street) and is where a lot of major businesses are located. Is Poughkeepsie a big city, is it safe, etc. etc.?

Dreamshot · 09-02-2011, 07:42 AM

Shouldn't be THAT bad, although a bit long....it will go like this: 17 North (Urban) (10 miles) -> 87 North (Rural) (30 miles to Newburgh) -> 84 (Urban -> Rural, $1 Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Toll) East to Route 9 Exit (10 miles) -> Route 9 (Urban) North (10 miles) = 60 miles...pretty simple

You shouldn't have any problems with traffic during the early after noon, but you may run into some traffic, especially on 9 and 17, during the evening. Poughkeepsie is relatively safe during the daytime but I wouldn't suggest hanging around too long at night. And yes, its a medium size city - urban atmosphere.

aphorista · 09-02-2011, 06:47 PM

I think the Thruway would be a better drive. If you go the way the previous poster mentioned, you will be in stop and go traffic all the way up Rt.9. It has been a long time since I lived there, if they have not added any exits off the Thruway between Newburgh and New Paltz, then you will have to take some 2 lane highways once you exit the thruway. I just mapquested it and it is a long drive. I currently drive 50 miles each way to work and after three years, I would give it up if I could. Two hours a day in the car is not cool. Your drive would be even longer. Just something to consider.

Dreamshot · 09-03-2011, 08:16 AM

Go with what aphorista said - that is a better route now that I think about it, definitely faster avoiding 9. Thruway toll will be a bit higher but not much. So...

17 (10 miles to NY border) -> 87 (50 miles to New Paltz) -> Right onto 299 / Main Street in New Paltz (5 miles to 9W South / Mid-Hudson Bridge) -> Cross Mid-Hudson Bridge ($1 toll)

NowOrNever · 09-05-2011, 09:25 PM

Thank you guys! I appreciate your help, that route is not too bad. Plus, the times I go/leave are off-peak hours for rush hour. Plus, it's going north (rural) instead of going south or east (urban). Poughkeepsie is apparently 30k in population, which is actually the size of some towns in New Jersey. My only concern is driving through unfamiliar urban areas - Poughkeepsie really that dangerous (especailly on/around the Main avenue with all of the corporate/commercial buildings?

Dreamshot · 09-06-2011, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NowOrNever

Thank you guys! I appreciate your help, that route is not too bad. Plus, the times I go/leave are off-peak hours for rush hour. Plus, it's going north (rural) instead of going south or east (urban). Poughkeepsie is apparently 30k in population, which is actually the size of some towns in New Jersey. My only concern is driving through unfamiliar urban areas - Poughkeepsie really that dangerous (especailly on/around the Main avenue with all of the corporate/commercial buildings?

You'll be there mainly during the day, so there isn't much to worry about...as a general rule, be especially wary (or try to avoid) these streets: Smith St., N. Hamilton, N. Clinton, N. Clover, N. Perry, and N. Bridge St.

NowOrNever · 09-06-2011, 11:05 PM

Ok! They are not near where I am going to be working, correct? I might be working on Main Street which is where, I believe, is where the major business district is. How far is it off of the Mid-Hudson Bridge?

Dreamshot · 09-07-2011, 07:33 AM

Several of them are cross streets to main, but as long as you don't venture off of main and head north, you will be fine. Main Street is a very short distance after you cross the bridge.

qjbusmaster · 09-09-2011, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NowOrNever

What is the commute from Paramus to Poughkeepsie like if I were to leave Bergen County close to 12 or 12:30 PM and come back around 7:30 o 8:00 PM?

What major highways would I take? Are the environments I drive through (off the major highways) rural, suburban, or urban? How is Poughkeepsie in general? I hear the street I MAY be working on is very commercial (Main Ave or Main Street) and is where a lot of major businesses are located. Is Poughkeepsie a big city, is it safe, etc. etc.?

click here http://www.coachusa.com/CoachUsaAsse...ough-nwbrg.pdf

Shortline has direct bus service to poughkeepsie from NJ via ridgewood park and ride at rte 17. All you need to do is get it at rte 17 bus stops and the bus will take you to poughkeepsie. the 10:28 am run the bus will say x32n rinnecliff or culinary arts institute. No transfers required since rte 17 is in paramus you might be able to walk to this bus!!!!!!!!

NowOrNever · 10-11-2011, 05:37 AM

Thank you so much for this information, I really appreciate. I have wanted to work in this town for quite some time, fingers are crossed! I love you all!