Does Route 22 provide adequate access to Pawling, or does it get very congested?

Route 22 during rush hour time can be a bit congested. Most of that congestion begins in Brewster where Interstate 684 meets Route 22 North. Once you move pass Brewster, the traffic breaks up and moves more freely towards Pawling.

Yeah, I'd think you'll be okay here. On the eastern side of Dutchess, regardless of where you are, the traffic is most likely going to be tolerable. It's not a high-population area, so even though you'll have some cars (and it's a one-lane road in many spots, so be prepared for that), it's not even the sort of traffic you'd get in Poughkeepsie, let alone somewhere bigger.

I haven't been to Pawling on Route 22 too many times during rush hour, but the times that I've taken the road it hasn't been too bad. I'd say you'll be okay in general.