What is family life like in Woodstock, N.Y.?

[lilrayosun]

I'm getting into this thread very late, but perhaps this information will be useful to people like myself who do a later search.

Taxes in Woodstock have gone up considerably since we first purchased in 2003. We started out with taxes of roughly $2400 per year, and are now paying a little over $6000 per year. Our home is only one bedroom, one bath, under 900 square feet. We do have 2 acres -- but still. It's a little daunting. We'd like to do an addition, but are afraid we won't be able to afford the taxes.

As for the citizens of Woodstock. Some are very nice. Ellen at the Building Department is worth her weight in gold. Our immediate neighbors (except for the ones who moved her from NYC) are extremely rude and sometimes downright hostile. I've lived in Peterborough, NH before (a town very similar in size to Woodstock), and people there couldn't be nicer. So I was a little surprised.

But don't be put off. The rude people don't out number the nice people, they're just more vocal.

I think the locals are angry about the influx of new people from the city, and the cost of housing having risen. And who can blame them? There aren't many high-paying job opportunities here. I couldn't afford it, if I didn't work from home. Now, the housing market is bottoming out again.

My "local citzen" friends say the schools are actually very, very good. I think it's a safe environment, and there are tons of outdoorsy things to do. The air quality is fantastic, and the scenery can't be beat. And there are some really good restaurants, and a terrific health food store.

Just brace yourself for some initial restistance.

[tkln]

We have looked all around the New Paltz/Woodstock area (coming from eastern Queens) and I cannot believe the property taxes...out of control. There appear to be some that more reasonable than others, but that seems to be the exception. I was in contact with a real estate agent who said we "might" be able to find something for less than $9K a year in property taxes. !!!!!

The area is quite beautiful, but I was really disheartened by the expensive taxes...we crossed it off our list quickly.

[music and mountains]

Originally Posted by creative1

Hi all. I'm thinking of moving with my husband and elementary school aged son to Woodstock. what is life like there? Will it be a hard adjustment for Long Islanders? What are the schools like? Any areas better suited for families than others? ANY info would be helpful...we want to leave behind lofty taxes, congestion, etc....and think woodstock is beautiful.

Hi,
I saw your message and though it's old, I wondered if you guys actually made the move. I am a recently divorced mom with twin 5 yr old boys. I'd lived in NYC for 15 yrs, then moved to Northern NJ. I feel like we need a change. Something more rustic, yet with a charming town. I've always loved the Far Eastern part of the Hamptons, but it's too quiet most of the year. Not a suburban girl! I'm also into music the mountains, and think that the Woodstock area might be good for us. We are also Jewish, and although not religious, I might want to send them to a Jewish Day School for a few years. At least I'd like the option to have one within 15 min. from where we live. Any suggestions you could make would be much appreciated. We might just end up doing a weekend home, but I'm really thinking along the lines of a full time move right now. Hope your decision worked out for you, and that all is well.

Thanks,
Lisa

[suescanal]

I've lived in Ulster County for 33 years & the taxes are forcing us out; we're hanging in, but when your taxes begin to equal the mortgage you're in trouble. Please check out Taxnightmare.org for more information. Previous writers correct when they say that Woodstock is mostly for the wealthy now, & that everyone else has moved to Greene/ other counties. The economy stinks.Still, we love it here and doing our best to make sure we're being heard.

[dexheime]

Does anybody have any thoughts on New Paltz as a place to raise a family (taxes aside)? I am coming from a place that has high taxes and mediocre middle and secondary schools, so I can deal with high taxes if the middle/high schools are good, which they seem to be. My kids are still very little, so the high taxes would still be less than the private school fees we might have to pay if we stay put. Thanks!

[hlachel]

Originally Posted by creative1

Hi all. I'm thinking of moving with my husband and elementary school aged son to Woodstock. what is life like there? Will it be a hard adjustment for Long Islanders? What are the schools like? Any areas better suited for families than others? ANY info would be helpful...we want to leave behind lofty taxes, congestion, etc....and think woodstock is beautiful.

Woodstock is a beautiful town. Have you ever seen the movie Ground Hogs Day? It was filmed in Woodstock. The down town square is very charming with little store, the Opera House Theatre, and resturants. I am a realtor with Lewke Partners, Agents of Prudential. I've lived in the Crystal Lake area for 19 years now which is very close to Woodstock. Woodstock is really growing right now with new businesses and homes. The schools are good as well. If you'd like more information on the Woodstock or surrounding communities, please feel free to contact me Moderator cut: ad

[hlachel]

Originally Posted by hlachel

Woodstock is a beautiful town. Have you ever seen the movie Ground Hogs Day? It was filmed in Woodstock. The down town square is very charming with little store, the Opera House Theatre, and resturants. I am a realtor with Lewke Partners, Agents of Prudential. I've lived in the Crystal Lake area for 19 years now which is very close to Woodstock. Woodstock is really growing right now with new businesses and homes. The schools are good as well. If you'd like more information on the Woodstock or surrounding communities, please feel free to contact me at 815-370-9498 anytime. Heidi Lachel

Dear Woodstock Inquiry....I quess I should ask which Woodstock town are you speaking of? I was referring to Woodstick, Illinois. Heidi