Ulster County area (Kingston, Ridge, Hurley: buying a house, buying, college)

[kaff323]

We're starting to look for property in the Ulster county region (though not limited to JUST that county) and are wondering what you think are good towns to be near? We will be buying a house on 5+ acres with the idea to have a large garden and perhaps build other homes on the land for family members in the future. LOVE Phoenicia, Woodstock, etc but don't know any other areas. Thank you

[rhenning]

If you want to be able to build additional homes, you will need more than 5 acres unless you are in a place with a sewer system (rare and only in village areas). The county health department will usually not approve a new septic on less than 1.5 acres and you need approval from the NYCDEP as well if you are in the watershed (The Phoenicia area, most of Olive, and the western parts of Woodstock are in the watershed.). This is a great area to live but the economy is tough. Entrepeneurs will do better than corporate types as there are no large corporations here since IBM left unless you count Walmart. Good fields to be in are healthcare, crafts, or blue collar trades. Most of the employers do not place much value in college degrees and pay is poor relative to cost of living. What area you want to be depends on how close you need to be to Kingston where you need to go for everyday shopping, hospitals etc. Woodstock/West Hurley are only about 15-20 mins out. Phoenicia is closer to 45 minutes (25 miles). The Stone Ridge area is nice and is only 10 miles out in a different direction. Further down 209 is closer to Ellenville and not too swift.