From Colorado to Putnam/S. Dutchess (White Plains, Haverstraw: house, good schools, taxes)

[Wandering Phil]

So I'm seeking advice from the forum. Situation:

Colorado is beautiful, but the economy is crap there right now. I just took a job in White Plains and now have to move. My wife grew up in Beacon and has family there. I actually went to West Point; so I am somewhat familiar with the area.

We orinigally thought about living in Rock land county, but have been warned about the TappenZee, and when we had a chance to drive through Haverstraw and Nyack, were immediately turned off. We like places were there's some outdoor activities (walking, hiking, biking, etc) and in Rock land it just seemed to be about driving each other off the road. So now we're checking into Putnam/S Dutchess.

We'll admit that we were spoiled in Colorado - house at the foot of a mountain, plenty of plazas within a ten minute drive, great schools, and all for $450k. ...and a 20 minute commute to downtown Denver.

We would love to find some place that as closely replicates what we had there. I'll forgo the 20 minutes to a major city...haha. Realistically, I'd like to keep my commute to WP under 45 minutes each way. I will have to commute to NYC 1-2 times a week, so I'll have to keep in mind where the nearest train is (and don't mind longer commutes then).

Garrison and Cold Spring just seem way out of our price range. Anyone have any info on places like Carmel, Patterson, Mahopac, Pawling, East Fishkill?

Looking for great schools, taxes that won't absolutely CRUSH us (hence, why we're not looking in Westchester), that still have some access to services (Stormville seems pretty isolated), and still around 450k or under. Does anything fall close?

Thanks,
Phil

[Dreamshot]

Your ideal location would be near 684, mainly for the easy commute to White Plains (and NYC). Take a look at Brewster, NY and perhaps Danbury, CT. Good schools, good shopping -- a pleasant area in general. Train service via Metro North's Harlem Line at Southeast and Brewster. 70 minutes to Grand Central.