Where to live in Hudson Valley for Education, Easy Commute to NYC and Walkability within Town?

[Ex New Yorker]

Pinuzzo:

That budget can get you a nice place in the lower Westchester river towns... Irvington, Dobbs Ferry, or Hastings-on-Hudson.

Agreed, Irvington being the best of the three, you may want to include Croton, the express train runs straight to the city from the Croton-Harmon station.

[Ex New Yorker]

Apples75:
I would spend as much time as possible in your communities of choice after all one of them is the one you're going to live in. Also drive around on your own and talk to some of the locals if possible by visiting stores and restaurants. Don't listen to realtors they are only interested in selling you a home. Most communities have their own parks. In my opinion the ones along the Hudson are the nicest. Can't help you with restaurants we seldom went out to eat. Just check out the ones in the different communities. Plan on making additional trips, possibly during the different seasons. It will give you an idea of what it's like year round. You should also subscribe to the local newspapers well before you move. Paying particular attention to the letters and comments section. We did all of this before moving to Arizona and have found the right place and couldn't be any happier. Good luck with your move!