Cute town? (Peekskill, Cortland, Hudson: real estate, condos, coops)

[*vega*]

I live in Brooklyn, and I love it. But, my partner and I are thinking about kids and I think we need more space and more nature. I'd like a place where a kid could ride a bike outside, and we can't afford those types of places in Bk.
I don't know where to go, as I want a commute into the city in less than an hour, and a small house for under $300,000.

Our ideal city would:
-have old houses
-be racially diverse (we are not all white)
-be progressive (we are lesbians wanting to start a family)
-be pretty and not just rural... have a town/or small city
-maybe be near a body of water????

Am I living in a dreamland? Is this at all possible? Up and coming is OK!
Please send advise!

Thanks

[rubygreta]

Good luck trying to find any house under $300,000. You might try Peekskill. It is a one hour train ride from Manhattan, racially diverse, on the Hudson River, and steadily improving as can be seen by the large condo complex being built near the river.

[jyyanks]

I agree with the above poster. $300K is low for a house in Westchester. I second Peekskill and the surrounding areas - Cortlandt manor, Mohegan Lake. While Peekskill is up and coming there are areas that are still "sketchy". I would also check out the school districts in those areas.

[ThisJustIn]

I don't know about housing costs - 300k may be doable there -but Nyack over in Rockland is very diverse (celebrates it actually). It's also right on the river and certainly less than an hour commute (barring bridge closures).

[Kevrltr]

It is difficult, but you may be able to find a house like that. Just be patient and realize it will need work or have some downside.

All the best!

Kevin O'shea

[sukinson]

Get a trailer, it's cheap

[KarenBo]

There are listings for houses in that price range but its hard to tell if they need tremendous work or are in unsafe neighborhoods. I'd suggest finding a real estate agent. It can be hard to find one that won't try to steer you to condos or coops but eventually you'll find someone who is willing. Some people will say its not possible but nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'm looking at houses this weekend in the mid-300s range which I was told simply wasn't possible. You just have to be flexible and willing to put in some work.