What's the best small town north of NYC for a young artsy couple from CA? (Buffalo: safe area, university)

[photogirl4]

My boyfriend and I are planning to make a big move within the next year or two and are considering our options in the NY area. He is from NJ originally and has family in Saratoga Springs, but I'd like a second opinion from someone other than family. I will be graduating in May from a 4-year university, with a B.A. in Photojournalism. I know that the economy is tight right now, but I'm willing to take whatever I can get, so long as I get out of Los Angeles and into a quiet, peaceful new town--with real seasons! I was looking at Cold Spring, that area looks very nice, but maybe too pricey.. My boyfriend is a writer, aspiring to open his own restaurant one day. We're basically very simple people, animal and nature lovers, who want to get out of this chaotic town, but still have access to the city for work. ANY advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you.

[tambre]

Originally Posted by photogirl4

My boyfriend and I are planning to make a big move within the next year or two and are considering our options in the NY area. He is from NJ originally and has family in Saratoga Springs, but I'd like a second opinion from someone other than family. I will be graduating in May from a 4-year university, with a B.A. in Photojournalism. I know that the economy is tight right now, but I'm willing to take whatever I can get, so long as I get out of Los Angeles and into a quiet, peaceful new town--with real seasons! I was looking at Cold Spring, that area looks very nice, but maybe too pricey.. My boyfriend is a writer, aspiring to open his own restaurant one day. We're basically very simple people, animal and nature lovers, who want to get out of this chaotic town, but still have access to the city for work. ANY advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you.

Here are some off-the-cuff suggestions...if you want some grit, try Poughkeepsie or Newburgh, but stay in the safe areas. If you want a hippie/artsy vibe, try Sugar Loaf or New Paltz.

[highfallslover]

A friend of mine who is really into music moved from the Woodstock area to Saratoga Springs and loves it. Another friend moved there and loves it. I want to go back to Woodstock but they moved and are very happy with their decisions.

[havoc315]

Take a look at Nyack.

[ckhthankgod]

Depending on how far North you want to go, I would also suggest Ithaca, the Park Ave. area of rochester, the Westcott Street area of Syracuse, the Elmwood Strip/North Buffalo areas of Buffalo and the Lark Street area of Albany. Saratoga springs in a nice community and I think you guys would like it.

[photogirl4]

Thanks everyone, what a great help!

[jfkIII]

check out downtown Saugerties, also.

[nothingbutlove]

well it really all depends on what your looking for.. i mean if your looking for a real nice community and depending on how far you want to move. pottersville is beautiful. Chester town is beautiful and also lowe ville is another very nice place. its peaceful and beautiful.

[nothingbutlove]

well it really all depends on what your looking for.. i mean if your looking for a real nice community and depending on how far you want to move. pottersville is beautiful. Chester town is beautiful and also Lowe ville is another very nice place. its peaceful and beautiful.

[damara72]

Check out Rhinebeck..very artsy, great places to eat, nice main st.!