Relocating to Poughkeepsie NY Area - looking for nice town (New York: new home, theater)

[KidsMake5]

My husband is considering a position in Poughkeepsie so we are now researching the surrounding towns for our possible new home. We are a family of five with two kids in elementary school and one in middle school. My husband does not want to drive over the river and prefers not to have a commute greater than 40 minutes. Areas we have been considering include Wappingers Falls, Pawling, Red Hook (far away), Rhinebeck (again a bit far), Spackenkill, Arlington and Carmel - however we would be grateful for any other suggestions. We would prefer an older/historic town with some land, as we don't really care for new subdivisions but a town that would be good for walking or riding bikes. Of course, schools are very important - as we are coming from Montgomery County, MD - where the schools are very good. Our children are artistic so a place with good art and dance programs as well as community theater is a plus. Proximity to the rail station would also be great - as we would like to go into NYC on occasion but not spend all day getting there. I know - not too much to ask - right!

Much appreciated!

[Dreamshot]

Thinking your best bets are in Southern Dutchess and Northern Putnam Counties. As you mentioned, Wappingers Falls is a location worth investigating. Based on your description, I think Fishkill and Beacon are also good options in Putnam. Cold Spring is also worth a look.

Located in Wappingers Falls is Bowdoin Park, offering lots of room for walking, exploring, and marveling at the views of the Hudson River and distant Catskill Mountains. Wappingers Central School District serves most of Southern Dutchess (Wappingers Falls, Fishkill incl.) excluding Beacon. Good district - your children will get a great education here no matter the district. The New Hamburg train station serves Wappingers Falls with a ride in to New York ~1hr 40min. 10 minutes to POK.

The Village of Fishkill is walkable and has many neat shops and restaurants. The Town of Fishkill is one of the fastest growing in NYS. Train station less than 5 miles away. 15-20 minutes to POK.

The City of Beacon is another fast-growing place - lots of people moving up from the city seeking some peace and quiet. Major commuting hub on the eastern shore of the Hudson River - Beacon Station. Beacon sits in the shadow of the hikeable (and endless source of outdoor activities) Mount Beacon. Schools are good, perhaps slightly less so than WCSD (this is a city district after all). Beacon is quite the artistic spot - major art gallery in town Dia:Beacon. 20-25 minutes to POK.

Cold Spring is an affluent NYC suburb in the north-easternmost part of Putnam County. It is a bit more expensive than the aforementioned locations in Dutchess. Village is really nice - antique shops, nice restaurants, tremendous views of the Hudson, and excellent schools. It wouldn't be hard to find a place with land here, especially on the outskirts of the town. Has its own train station - 1hr 10min all the way. 30 minute commute N to POK.

I typically recommend that people try to get as close to the Hudson River as possible when moving to the Mid/Lower Hudson Valley. The Hudson River and the surrounding terrain is unique and remarkable. Of the 3 locations I just provided, Wappingers Falls, Beacon, and Cold Spring are all right on the Hudson. Fishkill is about 3 miles away.

You would likely find Rhinebeck and Red Hook intriguing but they are farther away from NYC and out of Metro North's service range. Arlington is worth looking into IMO. Really good schools and ~5 minutes away from downtown Poughkeepsie.

Other places like Carmel / Pawling / Brewster are nice too, just a bit farther away from the Hudson and your husband's place of work.

[KidsMake5]

Thank you very much for your help - this sounds similar to what we have been hearing but want to be sure we make the right move!

[Dreamshot]

Just a quick edit, I accidentally wrote that Fishkill and Beacon are in "Putnam County" in my first post; they are in Dutchess County. Cold Spring is Putnam County.

[KidsMake5]

Thanks for the clarification!

[crittergal]

Pawling is a quaint village with a rail station right in the center. I spent most of my life in that area so am partial. Have you considered Millbrook? It is definitely worth a look.
Millbrook NY Online Guide to Upstate Millbrook New York

[KING1998]

I live in Wappingers Falls. It is a 5 minute drive to Poughkeepsie.

[KidsMake5]

Thanks - how are the public schools in Wappingers Falls?

[Merilerole]

I hear very conflicting opinions on the two districts. All the adults I know haven't attended schools there in more than 10 years. I realize that the two districts are top performers but I also hear about drugs and violence in Wappingers that I don't hear about in Arlington. I would hope for a school where I can volunteer and my kid feels safe and encouraged. We are moving to the area this month!

Can anyone offer current info on the schools in Wappinger and Arlington? I sure would appreciate the input!

[zakas80]

Crittergal has good suggestions as well as the post that said Cold Spring.. Love that town worked there yesterday.