Looking for a small town within a doable commute to the city for work (Carmel: rent)

[Her]

Hello,

Currently based in NJ but working in NYC (commuting in 2 days a week).

My job has become permanently hybrid so I would love to move farther out but as a transplant to the area originally, I don't know much about NY. I've vacationed around Hunter and hike in the catskills and always love it but that's really the extent of my knowledge.

I currently live in Northern Jersey and it takes me about 1.5 hours to commute in by bus. As I'm only commuting in 2 days a week, I'd be willing to move farther out if I could still keep my commute to about 1.5-2 hours each way (assuming this would require a train).

Any recommendations are welcome. For reference, while I live in Montclair, I really love the areas around West Milford and Warren, NJ. I am happy to be far away from everything really ha! As long as I can be within a reasonable commute (~30 mins) to a grocery store and train station, I'm a happy camper. Just looking for a place to hike, bike, and get out of the hustle. Maybe get a dog. Breathe!

Looking to keep my rent around ~2k or less for a one bedroom. So far coworkers have recommended Chester, Monroe, and Warwick. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

[ckhthankgod]

If those communities are more in line with what you are looking for, places such as Washingtonville, Walden, Wappingers Falls, Rhinebeck, Cold Spring, Highland Falls, Cornwall, Fishkill, New Paltz, Highland and Marlboro, among some others within that commuting criteria.

[ckhthankgod]

A couple of others that come to mind are Montgomery and Millbrook.

[ckhthankgod]

Others that come to mind are Brewster, Carmel and Red Hook.

[Her]

Thank you! Going to check these places out!

[Lillie767]

Where do you work in NYC? MetroNorth Hudson, Harlem, and CT lines come into Grand Central Terminal.

If you can walk to your office from there, you are in a much better position than if you work in lower Manhattan or the west side.

[Dave 92 LSC]

Cold Spring is great.