Another Warwick question...m (Newburgh, Middletown: townhome, school district, taxes)

[wanditapa13]

We visited Warwick over the weekend to view homes. It really is a very charming place, but I have many concerns. Firstly, we were raised in NYC and the thought of living in the country is a little scary to me. It would definitely be a huge transition. Where are the places to shop around here...supermarkets, malls, etc.? I am aware that we are still pretty close to our beloved Manhattan so that helps.

Secondly, work would be a big issue for me. Where are the nearest hospitals besides St. Anthony's?

Thirdly, the schools are very highly rated (10s and 9s) but the home prices and taxes are not outrageous like in Westchester County. This is really the most appealing to us since we have a five yr. old.

This would be a starter home for us with the hope of eventually moving back to Westchester in the future (unless we really fall in love with the Warwick lifestyle). Is this such a terrible way of thinking?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

P.S. Any thoughts on Warwick Meadows or any other desirable townhome community?

[winnie]

I cannot help you with specific places to shop. But usually there are Shop Rites, Wal-mart, Stop n Shop and local grocers in the area. For clothing you can look up your favorite stores online and do a location search. Or order right online. There is also a big outlet in Woodbury Commons to shop at they have some of your more upscale namebrands. These communities usually try to beat down strip malls and stuff so sometimes you have to look in the yellow pages then see where the store is on a map. There is also tons of shopping in Paramus NJ area off Rte 4 and rte 17.

Your definition of "country" is a little funny to someone raised in Northern OC. The schools are pretty good and the town might not have the stores you have in Manhatten but it does have activities and opportunities you kids might not have if they lived in NYC, like hiking, horseback riding, lakes and such.

St. Anthony's is about the only thing you have as far as hospitals in Warwick. I believe there is one in Suffren NY which should not be too far. How far are you willing to drive? Within 1 hour are St Lukes Newburgh, Arden Hill, Horton (both part of Orange Regional Medical Center), Middletown NY, Westchester Regional at Valhallah (should be 1 hour or less depending on where you live in warwick), there is a psych ward somewhere around Goshen NY..there might be a few more in Northern Jersey that are less than 1 hour as well. I would advise hitting one of the online yellow pages and doing a search for hospitals within a radius. Many are online and list jobs online too. There are a couple in Sussex NJ, but it is 16 miles on back roads so I really don't know how far it would be for you. I would guess at least 32 minutes. Check out infospace.com and search for hospitals and use the "distance from address" option. Warwick's zip is 10990.

[wanditapa13]

LOL...the term "country" is all perspective, I guess. I was driving around and and saw plenty of farmland, cows etc which I have to admit has a certain appeal.

My husband works in Manhattan and I in Westchester but I would not want to work on this side of the Tappanzee if my daughter is in school in Rockland, Orange etc. I need to feel like I can get to her in less than half hour if I had to.

I will certainly look up the hospitals you mentioned. Thank you so much for the advice, Winnie.

[winnie]

No problem. Give Orange Regional a check...I think the Arden Hill campus is about 9 miles from downtown Warwick.

Don't forget that some (maybe all?) towns offer the STAR discount on taxes if you go to the town hall and fill out a form. You have to live in your home as a primary residence. Be sure to ask the realtor if the taxes reported are with or without the STAR discount. And make sure you are getting the school district you want. Some towns use other town's schools if you are on the outskirts.