Looking to re-locate to Orange County NY (Monroe, Warwick: homes, best schools)

[Danimommy]

We are a young family looking to re-locate form LI to Orange County.Not very familiar with different towns and areas. Being drawn there by price of homes, ability to own land, outdoor living, while still being able to commute to NYC. Would much appreciate any info/advice for
areas with best schools and all around family living and any areas which should be avoided.

[Dreamshot]

Hello and welcome (potentially) to the area! You are drawn for the right reasons; the prices of homes are definitely cheaper than Nassau/Suffolk, more land/open spaces than Nassau/Suffolk, and it is still in commuting range.

Generally, you want to avoid the City of Newburgh, Middletown, and Port Jervis.

For places to live:

There are many attractive locations in the county that are worth your time in investigation.

Cornwall
Trulia
Wiki
Picturesque town in the eastern part of the county, 5 miles from West Point. Right on the Hudson River. Good schools. Major retail a short ride away in Newburgh or Harriman. Palisades Parkway very close and 87 just to the west for all points south.

Montgomery
Trulia
Wiki
Small and affluent village just inside the eastern crest of the Catskill Mountains. Superb schools (Valley Central School District). Grocery store (Shoprite) and other stores in-town. Major retail 10 miles away in either Newburgh or Middletown. Plenty of parks nearby. Right on I-84 and near 17/87.

Washingtonville
Trulia
Wiki
Another small and upscale village. Excellent schools. Stop & Shop in town. Major retail a short ride away in Newburgh or Harriman. Plenty of parks nearby. Great schools.

Goshen
Trulia
Wiki
The county seat of Orange - one of the most expensive spots in the county. A nice village with excellent schools. Major retail 5 miles away in Middletown. Plenty of parks nearby. On Route 17.

Chester
Trulia
Wiki
Village in the southern part of the county. Great schools. Good amenities. Right on major Route 17. Plenty of parks nearby.

Some other locations that are worth looking in to: Monroe/Woodbury (Trulia, Wiki), Central Valley (Trulia, Wiki), Warwick (Trulia, Wiki), Florida (Trulia, Wiki).

You could also look into options on the other side of the river, such as Beacon, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls. You could have a look at Cold Spring, too.

Other Orange County Info:
*Major retail in the county is in the Town of Wallkill, Town of Newburgh, and Harriman.
*Many commuters to NYC, but I wouldn't call any community a 'bedroom' community.
*Rail service to NYC is abundant (stations at Port Jervis, Otisville, Middletown, Campbell Hall, Salisbury Mills/Cornwall, Harriman, and Tuxedo with service to Secaucus). Other option would be direct service to Manhattan out of Beacon. Buses also plentiful.
*Second fastest growing county in the state according to the 2010 census. Growth started in earnest following 9/11.

If you have any specific questions, please let me know!

[slope95]

Orange County is a very nice area, and yes, certainly avoid Newburgh, PJ and Middletown. Town of Warwick is very nice, and a lovely area. The village has many shops, and there are many farms outside of town. There are two supermarkets south of the village. For an NYC commute, you can take the NJT bus from Warwick to Port Authority. Greenwood Lake section of Warwick is also nice, and has NJT bus stop there. Schools are good. Malls and other shopping in Harriman or Middletown.

Closest train stop is in Tuxedo.

[Jazzii]

Avoid City of newburgh....

The town of newburgh is actually very, very nice. Taxes are a little higher ( as are the ones in cornwall) and depending on the right location you will be zoned to valley central, or malboro schools

[Danimommy]

Thank You all for the input. We really look forward to living in Orange County

[turjcxg]

Hi, my kids (ages 9 and 13) and I are also looking to move to Orange County, NY (from Houston, TX). I would be grateful for any information on kids in the Warwick and Greenwood Lake, NY area. I read one thread comments from a 12 year old who said that because it was boring that a lot of kids did drugs and got drunk. Do any of you on this thread have any input on the kid's social scene? Any info would be much appreciated.

[Danimommy]

I can tell you that we currently live in LI in a beach community with access to all major LI/ City activities and you will find 12 year olds who would say the same thing here. As parents it's up to us to keep our kids busy and involved with activities as well as monitoring what they do. Kids will get "bored" and into trouble anywhere

[montydean]

Are there any subdivisions being built? We're a young family and would like a live around other families with young kids.

[zakas80]

Originally Posted by turjcxg

Hi, my kids (ages 9 and 13) and I are also looking to move to Orange County, NY (from Houston, TX). I would be grateful for any information on kids in the Warwick and Greenwood Lake, NY area. I read one thread comments from a 12 year old who said that because it was boring that a lot of kids did drugs and got drunk. Do any of you on this thread have any input on the kid's social scene? Any info would be much appreciated.

Why? Look into Austin, ten times better then Houston and 100 times better then that section of NY IMO. May I ask what draws you to that area specifically? Family? Work? Sorry for all the questions but I am a sociology major lol. Used to live near Warwick and now a proud Texan! I live in Austin now but go to Houston for work once or twice a month.

[helpppp]

Im an OC fan just like you, long island is too expensive. My biggest concern is basically starting a new life. driving everywhere, less people, etc. Keep this forum posted on your transition.