I want to relocate to RHINEBECK, NY (Hyde Park, Red Hook: homes, school district)

[VespaDad]

My family and I are currently living in Rockland County, NY about 20 miles north of Manhattan. We have recently visited Rhinebeck and are seriously considering a move there. Is it a good place to relocate with a growing family? We have two small children --- ages 3, and 8 months. How are the schools? We are big foodies...so the restaraunt scene seems pretty vibrant with lots of choices. I currently work in Manhattan but will be making a switch to teaching within the next year or so...Many people say real-estate is expensive there, however, compared to where we are coming from it is a lot less...so that's not a major concern.

Any info would be great....any other people like us that did the same thing?? We're 34.

[ss58yy]

It's a nice place, but beware the heavy traffic during Dutchess County Fair week.

BTW, this is Fair Week.

[Ladeebug59]

it really isn't as bad as it was years ago... they have split Rte 9 into different lanes & it helps quite a bit!

[alexei27]

Rhinebeck is beautiful. It is a little quiet late fall through spring (and cold)...but late spring through early fall is fantastic. I cannot speak to cost of living (although Dutchess county taxes aren't much less than Rockland)

I agree with your view of the restaurant scene...there is an artsy and bohemian influence that has bled into the restaurant scene. Lots of cool little cafes.

[pburgess68]

Rhinebeck and Red Hook are both quaint, small towns, as is Millbrook. You may want to consider Staatsburgh as well in your search for homes. I believe parts may go to Hyde Park schools, however, not Rhinebeck.

Hyde Park school district, in the past (I've been gone 5 years, so I'm not sure what it's like currently), historically had problems getting the school budgets passed. They were, however, a larger school than Rhinebeck school district.

Rhinebeck schools are good from what I remember. They were 2nd on my list of "small" schools, with Spackenkill being tops in that category.

Some sites to check out some school info at:
NYSED:IRS:Schools and Districts In Need of Improvement (http://emsc.nysed.gov/irts/accountability/sini/ - broken link)
GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community

You can get around the Dutchess County Fair area pretty easily as long as you avoid the mayhem around 9-10pm when everyone starts to leave.

You can still hop on a train and be in the city in no time, too!