Small family searching for town in NY or close to it (Syosset: health, suburbia)

[msue]

I am searching for a place to move my family, preferably NY/N. Eastern town. I am a high school teacher, my husband is in sales and we have a young child. We have been living in W.V. for quite a few years, and though there are some areas that we love, the one we currently live in is not one of them. We are ready to find a town that is close to a city without feeling to close, and without feeling like complete suburbia. We are pretty "outdoorsy" and "earthy", I guess. If we could go anywhere, we would head west (Denver, Fort Collins) but I am very close to my parents, who live on Long Island, and can't imagine being so far away. I think we are looking for something in the N. East that has that healthy, laid-back out West vibe, without being out West. We want a cultural small-town, lots of trees and places to be outdoors, water, if possible, for kayaking and good schools for me to teach in and for my child to attend. Any help would be so appreciated, as I feel desperate to make a move asap!!!

[oktaren]

Have you thought about western new york, it would be a 7 hour drive or so to long island, but it sounds like it would be a good fit.

[randye]

Great question! When I moved out of the Metropolitan area, I had the same question since my parents at the time were still living in the city. I chose Sullivan County at the time and have since moved to Orange. How long a drive would you want to take to visit your family? My son lives in Syosset and that's no longer then 2 hours drive time. Dutchess County is also somewhere to consider and I'd look at Ulster county as well. Each one of these places have alot of what you are looking for.