hoping to move to NY to get out of NJ (Peekskill: car insurance, house)

[Donnach]

hello All. I was hoping to get some input from all of you. I posted this on the PA forum as well, since I"m considering from moving from NJ to either PA or NY, depending on what's an easier commute into NYC.
I currently work in NYC--SOHO area.
I would like to move to PA or NY because of cheaper property tax, med insurance, homes, car insurance. (Currently living in NJ close to NY and the cost is just ridiculous). but at the same time I heard that NY isn't all that much cheaper anymore.
I'm not that picky about where to live in NY (married but no kids) as long as the neighborhood is safe and there are grocery stores and other stores conveniently located.
What would be the most economical, safest area to live to be able to commute to NYC? I'm looking to buy a house with my husband as well. Westchester area is probably out of the question. I heard it's very expensive. I'm not ruling out CT either.
I don't mind being on a bus/train for an hour and a half but I refuse to drive half hour to get to the train, to only get on another train that will take to me to a bus which then takes me to the subway etc.
Also looking for a fairly inexpensive area--don't want to pay NJ prices while living in NY and then dealing with a longer commute.
Any suggestions?

[Viralmd]

Unless you're thinking outside of Rockland, Westchester and Orange counties, the property tax is just as bad in NYC as NJ. And the commute from Rockland and Orange counties is bad because there's not a direct route to the other side of the Hudson and down. Most cross the Tappan Zee bridge, park in Westchester (Tarrytown) or take the bus across and then take the train. A real pain.

[Donnach]

I'm open to being outside of those areas. I just don't know where to go. And i just want the area to be safe. We're looking to buy a house.

[HomerBrink]

Try Putnam or So. Dutchess. Fishkill , or Pawling or Beacon. Just a few possibilities. Some people say Peekskill in No. Westchester has range of housing from the expensive to the affordable.

[Donnach]

do you know how the commute into NYC is from Fishkill or Beacon?

[suediglio]

We have lived in Carle Place for years, it is located in central Nassau county population around 4000. Class room sizes are very small about 14-16 kids per class and a graduating class of around 95 students.

Great location safe, friendly neighborhood convenient shopping etc.

[HomerBrink]

Donnach-Beacon has a metro north station. You can check out the details at the metro north website (schedule & fares). I myself have never done the commute but know of others who have.
Another possibility is Peekskill which has a wide range of housing.

[Donnach]

Originally Posted by suediglio

We have lived in Carle Place for years, it is located in central Nassau county population around 4000. Class room sizes are very small about 14-16 kids per class and a graduating class of around 95 students.

Great location safe, friendly neighborhood convenient shopping etc.

Is it convenient to get into Manhattan from there? What type of transportation would you use? How long does it take? Thanks for all your help!