Svish

In the run around of busy everyday lives, it is easy to believe that community-centered living is a thing of the past. Pleasant Valley is one of the towns that would challenge such assumptions. Seated in the heart of Dutchess County, defined by three distinct hamlets, Pleasant Valley offers an intriguing blend of rural and suburban. There are all the conveniences of a proximity to amenities and good schools that you would expect in any well-planned suburb; but there is also the additional bonus of a community that prides itself on its long history and seeks to use it to forge a strong sense of collective identity.

Washington Hollow, Pleasant Valley and Salt Point are the three hamlets that make up the Town of Pleasant Valley. Built around churches built in the early half of the 19th century, there are sections of Pleasant Valley where you can still feel the reality of the long-ago farming and milling history of this town. Those who appreciate a place with plentiful open spaces and hope to have a whiff of old-world Americana are bound to be charmed by Pleasant Valley.

The fact that the schools here are part of the large Arlington Central School District is seen as a big positive by many who live in the area. The diverse student body has helped the schools establish their strength in varied fields from academics to sports. It can be a competitive environment. Between the extra curricular activities in the schools and the good programs of the Park and Rec department, youngsters interested in pursuing different athletics are more than likely to find a good match.

Pleasant Valley has houses to fit different budgets. If you want a secluded and sprawling estate or a small fixer-upper, the chances are you'll find one here. It is a community that is growing increasingly popular as people have come to appreciate all that it offers at relatively lower prices. Its location works well for getting to various points in Dutchess County and I know of a few folks who actually drive to train stations further down south and commute biweekly to NYC. While I wouldnt see it as an easy commute to Manhattan, technically it is possible!

Pleasant Valley draws many inevitable comments about is pleasantness - and this is one of those rare instances where it does deserve those compliments!

I associate Rhinebeck with weekend trips - it has a great independent book store and there is the air show. Rhinebeck is very popular with weekend visitors because it has a sense of old-world charm and it offers all the natural beauty that you'd expect from the Hudson Valley setting.

For those who are thinking of living in Rhinebeck, it is probably best to think of it as a cute little small town. It is not suburban in the sense of strip malls and subdivisions and it is not typically rural either. It is a town with a long history which has retained that sense of history and those who live in the village get to enjoy this on a daily basis. One of the big draws for folks who live here is the ability to be within walking distance from stores and restaurants.

The schools system here has a good reputations and it is a neighborly community. It can be a great place for a young family looking for an artistic environment and a laid back lifestyle!

Wappinger Falls is a village in the Town of Wappinger but also partially in Poughkeepsie. Confusing? Don't worry, you're not alone. The good news is that I have not had too much difficulty appreciating the things that Wappinger Falls has to offer despite not understanding the exact property lines defining the different sections.

The history of the area is traceable to 1524 when exploring Europeans first encountered the Native American tribes settled on either side of the river that will later become known as the Hudson. These agricultural people, the Wappingers, had settled on either side of the river. Around the early parts of the 17th century the Dutch started settling in the area. In the August of 1683, Gulian Verplanck and Francis Rombout purchase 85,000 acres of land from the Wappinger Indians paying around $1250. The area saw much development and change. It was in 1871 that the Village of Wappinger Falls was officially incorporated. Some of the flavor of this interesting past is preserved in the Wappingers Falls Historic District where you can see architectural styles from centuries past.

For all the drama of this history, the real appeal for many of the people who make Wappingers Falls their home is the convenience of proximity to shopping and dining! Wappingers Falls offers a wide range of options in terms of small and big stores and there are a slew of restaurants. There is diversity in the fare as I know that there is even an Indian grocery store in the area. Add to this the fact that Poughkeepsie and Fishkill are neighboring communities and it is easy to see that this is the heart of Dutchess County in terms of access to goods and services. Wappingers Falls also offers affordability and good schools thus fulfilling the trifecta of most home-owners' wish lists.

The excellent news is that all this is set in the center of some of the most beautiful landscape you'll ever see. Short drives will take you to hike and bike trails and river views. Is it any wonder that Wappingers Falls continues to grow at a dramatic rate as there is a steady influx of people moving into the area? The challenge now is to keep the area from developing into a congested community; for it to retain its charm and convenience but while planning for continued growth.

Peach Lake is a hamlet with multiple identities, geographically speaking. It is part of Putnam County because part of it is in Southeast and is partly in Westchester County through North Salem. The area has a long history and there are documents from the time of the Dutch explorations in the 17th century indicating that Native American tribes lived in the area and called it Lake Pehquenakonck. Infact, it is believed that the earlier English name of the lake Peach Pond is a derivative from the Native American name Pech-Quen. It is as likely a reason as anything else I have heard, because there are no Peach orchards in the area!

Life in Peach Lake is quiet and laid back. It offers the kind of semi-rural ambience typical of these parts and so while you can expect a life filled with great views and spectacular hikes, you also have to be prepared to own a car for buying basic necessities. It is sometimes truly hard to imagine that Peach Lake is only a little over an hour away from hectic New York City.

This area was once the summer destination for NYC families but today it offers relatively affordable year round living. The lake is largely used by residents of Peach Lake and the four communities here and does not see excessive traffic or congestion. Shopping and dining are accessible in Brewster and along Route 22. Formal entertainment is also reachable via car.

The North Salem and Brewster Public School Districts which cover this area have a reasonably good reputation.

Peach Lake is perfect for those who like the idea of water-side living and are flexible about proximity to shopping or entertainment.

Crestwood is a neighborhood in Yonkers that is holding on to the easy sense of community one associates with small towns. Many families here have lived in the area for a couple of generations; some of the families moving in now are also children who grew up here returning as adults to raise their children in this community. That speaks of a deep-rooted connection to the neighborhood and the urge to recreate their own experiences for their children.

A big part of the life in Crestwood for many of the Irish and Italian Catholic families is the Annunciation Church. Practicing Catholics speaks of this Church as the social, cultural and spiritual center of this neighborhood. The parochial school attached to the Annunciation Church is also educational center for a good part of the kids of this community. The Yonkers Public School District has a mixed reputation and so parochial and private schools are popular in Yonkers and Crestwoodians feel lucky to have this option.

When you consider that this strong family-oriented neighborhood is a mere 30 minutes from Manhattan with a Metro-North station named for it to boot, it is not difficult to understand the appeal of Crestwood. The range of architectural styles in Crestwood also appeals to those looking for houses with character. Crestwood has grown around individual constructions rather than as a development and so each hose has a unique style and this runs the gamut from Tudor through Victorian.

Crestwood has a higher than average rating among Yonkers neighborhoods because it shares the Tuckahoe zip code – 10707. This allows Crestwood to be a bridging option of sorts for those who cannot afford the prices in the nearby communities of Bronxville, Pelham or Eastchester but do not want the smear of the troubled reputation!

This small and well-maintained hamlet in East Fishkill is drawing many families looking for a quality lifestyle at more affordable prices than down county towns. I know of a couple of a few families, with a member working in the Yorktown area, who have chosen to make Hopewell Junction their home – they say that they appreciate how far their money goes in terms of property in Hopewell Junction. There is the opportunity to enjoy the accessibility to thriving commercial development in places like Poughkeepsie and Wappinger Falls while still getting the benefit of the semi-rural quiet that is typical of Hudson Valley towns.

Hopewell Junction is small in itself but being part of East Fishkill means that the schools and the recreation programs are of the caliber that cater to a larger community. This allows for the kind of variety and range that may not be possible for a hamlet of around 500 people! The children here go to schools in of four public school districts – Arlington, Carmel, Pawling and Wappinger Falls. All have reasonably good reputations and there is also the added benefit of knowing that there good institutions of higher education in the area such as Marist and Vassar.

Hopewell Junction promotes itself as a tourist destination for those looking to explore the Hudson Valley and the town emphasizes its location in a nationally designated historic area. Combine this with the golf course and wineries in the area, you can see that the B&Bs here can be quiet in demand. The area is also popular as a wedding location. The fact that the town is built to cater to visitors and tourists means that it has quiet a few dining and shopping options within a short driving distance. As all this indicates, Hopewell Junction is not just a sleepy little town, even though it is emphatically embraces its small town persona!

Stormville is a part of East Fishkill in the southern part of Dutchess County. The hamlet is considered small even among the other small communities in the area, but it does have a big claim to fame – a huge flea market! With 600 vendors and a website and Facebook page promoting the flea market, this is way more than a small town, local affair! For those interested, the next flea market of 2012 is June 30 – July 1st. Whether you like browsing for antiques or are looking for hand-crafted jewelry, it promises to be a fun experience at Stormville.

Other than this very unusual fact, Stormville is a typical Hudson Valley small town in that it offers a naturally beautiful setting for a quiet life style. Hopewell Junction and East Fishkill at large offer dining and shopping options and there is also Wappinger Falls with a slew of stores. But Stormville is really quiet and best suited for those who are not looking for a hopping bar scene or a vibrant downtown.

Stormville students may end up going to Arlington, Carmel, Pawling or Wappingers public schools depending on the street address. All of them have fairly good reputations although there is the occasional criticism of some large class sizes. East Fishkill offers excellent park and recreation programs which can be very attractive to parents looking for organized sports programs. Their soccer tournament during the Memorial Day weekend is well attended from teams across the region.

You may hear that the Green Haven correctional facility, a maximum security prison, is in Stormville. While it does have a Stormville address, it is officially in Beekman.

If all these facts create a hodge-podge image of Stormville, the one picture really worth keeping in mind is of verdant meadows and expansive uncluttered landscape.

Montrose is in the northwestern part of Westchester County, a part of the Town of Cortlandt. It offers that much-sought after combination of commute convenience and untrampled greenery that is the hallmark of the best parts of Westchester. Montrose is close to the Cortland Metro North station; some residents of Montrose choose to use Peekskill or Croton-Harmon depending on the parking considerations or for accessing the express trains. A 55 minute train ride will take you to Grand Central in Manhattan.

At the end of that commute what do you come home to? A town with two beautiful parks and plenty of greenery. A lifestyle that is a dream for anyone looking for fresh air and open spaces. And river views! Those who work in the city but would like a more country life style are drawn to Montrose because it is a tucked-away little town. Montrose is not about the cute downtown and the quaint coffee shop.

Having said that, it is important to clarify that Montrose is not far from those kinds of amenities. It is necessary to get into a car but within a 15-20 mins drive there are plenty of charming eating and shopping options and this includes everything from the functional to the fancy.

Montrose is particularly attractive to families with kids because this is a place to provide the kind of stable and secure environment that many parents want for their children. The reputation of the Henrick Hudson schools is a big draw. Montrose is served by the Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School and the children meet the kids from the other elementary schools at the middle school before moving on to the high school. Henrick Hudson appears to have a balanced emphasis on academic and extra-curricular excellence.

For a small hamlet, Montrose offers some surprising dining choices. The Indian restaurant and the Mexican-Italian cafe draw people from many neighboring communities as well as they add to the cuisine diversity of Northern Westchester.

Montrose is relatively affordable and offers a fair range in housing options. There is much to recommend it to those who are moving in to the area.

Hudson Valley river town with affordable housing and low taxes - seems too good to be true? Yes, there is the minor detail of the Indian Point nuclear plant with the two reactors. Those who are concerned about the safety implications of the nuclear plants avoid Buchanan. Others, who do not share those concerns, enjoy the low taxes and the spectacular views that this town has to offer! How you feel about Buchanan is very closely tied to how you feel about nuclear power plants, because while the plant is a hot button topic in the county at large it is impossible to avoid the issue if someone is considering living here.

If you decide to live in Buchanan what will you find? A primarily residential suburb with a small commercial section. Most of the houses here are single family homes although there are some multi-family homes for those looking for an apartment on condo. The houses tend to be on fairly nice sized properties. Lake Meahagh and the Hudson River both offer many neighborhoods in Buchanan with water views. The shoreline of the lake is popular for biking and walking and in winter, if it freezes over, there is ice skating!

The local public school district is the highly regarded Henrick Hudson. The school has earned a reputation for academic excellence at the national level.

The Cortlandt Metro North station is close to Buchanan and is a 55 train ride from Grand Central. This does make Buchanan a viable commuter town to NYC. Buchanan is also reasonably close to Peekskill and its vibrant downtown area. While Buchanan itself does not have much by way of shopping, Cortlandt Town Center offers options for shopping and entertainment.

Buchanan is a unpretentious and welcoming community that offers a laid-back lifestyle for those who are willing to look beyond the Indian Point power plant.

Here are three facts about this community: Lake Peekskill is a hamlet in Putnam Valley. It shares a name with a more well-known town in another county, but is not really near Peekskill. And the lake is not so much a lake, as a reservoir! The unusual details all add up to create a picture of this small residential neighborhood.

The central focus here is definitely the lake - all residents have access to the three private beaches and can get boat tags to maintain a boat. This water-front lifestyle is within a one hour drive from Manhattan and the average prices are in the $300,000 range making it seem affordable compared to the price tags in Westchester County. The flip side is that Lake Peekskill is not a typical suburb for those looking for malls within 10 minute driving distance and multiple Starbucks around town. This is more along the lines of a serene setting where one can commune with Mother Nature.

If this sounds attractive to you, then you'll find that all the amenities are within a reasonable driving distance. Lake Peekskill is fairly close to Mohegan Lake, Cortlandt Manor and Jefferson Valley all of which are places with shopping and dining options.

The Lake Peekskill children attend the Putnam Valley School District which has a total of about 2000 kids from kindergarten through 12th grade. The schools in this system have developed a strong reputation for offering more than the bare minimum academic courses.

Lake Peekskill used to be a summer destination for New York City residents not long ago - if the idea of making a summer getaway your year round residence holds appeal, you should check out Lake Peekskill at the earliest possible!

Putnam Valley is the place to go for those looking for the life of peace and quiet amid vast expanses of land - all within commute distance from Manhattan! Putnam Valley is, as may be expected, in Putnam County. It is a place where the selling point is not shopping or dining as much as hiking and biking!

If you are a nature lover and like the idea of a couple of acres property, it is definitely more affordable here than anywhere further south including Northern Westchester. Add to this the fact that Putnam Valley has embraced the bucolic identity and prides itself on being residential with large tracts of undeveloped property, you can safely bet that there will be no strip mall replacing the wooded stretches in the near future. This commitment to preserving natural beauty is challenged whenever there is debate about the town's finances. One school of thought is that Putnam Valley can cautiously allow some commercial development to offset the tax burden of residents. It will be interesting to see how the town finds its balance on this issue.

For now residents of Putnam Valley go to neigboring communities for their groceries and other more elaborate shopping. There is plenty of choice within a 20 minute driving distance as it is not far from the Cortlandt Town Center and the Jefferson Valley Mall. Dining options in the surrounding towns also makes up for the lack in Putnam Valley itself.

The residents of Putnam Valley send their kids to the Putnam Valley School District which is very highly rated. Their emphasis on technology and music-arts along with the traditional academic curriculum draws much positive feedback. The school district along with the great park and recreational facilities and the sports leagues can all be counted as reasons that make Putnam Valley a very child-friendly community.

Crown Heights is a small section of Poughkeepsie made up primarily of middle income homes and trailers. The hamlet is bordered on one side by Route 9 and on the other by the Hudson River. The river offers great views and Route 9 offers access to shopping and dining. It is a pity that there is not a park or residential development yet to take advantage of the Hudson views that we can see if we take the Metro North train.

Children in Crown Heights go to the Spackenkill Union Free School District. Nassau Elementary seems to be the school serving the young kids in this area. The schools have a fairly solid reputation as offering interesting specialized programs to meet diverse student needs.

Among the good restaurants on Route 9 right near Crown Heights are Crew, Bonefish Grill and Umberto's. Red Lobster and Giacomo Pizza Express are also in the immediate area. There are quite a few exciting options further up Route 9 for those looking for varied cuisine.

Given the geography of Crown Heights and the dependence on Route 9 for access, traffic can be an issue during peak commute hours. The train line which runs through Crown Heights is not immediately useful as the nearest train station is actually New Hamburgh. NYC is approximately 75 mins by car or train.


Crown Heights is a safe and secure neighborhood for families looking for affordable options in the Poughkeepise area. While it is not hopping with activity, it is close to all the shopping and dining in the larger Poughkeepsie community and that is aplenty.

Garrison is a glittering gem on the crown that is Hudson Valley. Hudson Valley living is unlike what many people will be prepared for, if they are not from the area. The idea of a place that is approximately an hour from New York City conjures up images of a busy suburb with bustling shopping, varied dining and well-manicured lawns. Garrison does offer some interesting dining but is different from this image in every other way.

Garrison is a hamlet in Phillipstown and it offers a spectacular setting for those who want to make the most of the Hudson Valley experience. Whether you are a visitor to the area or are thinking of a move, Garrison can give you a taste of the laid-back, country-style living typical of this larger area. The one-lane highway and the several mud roads are symbolic of the way Garrison defines itself. Folks live here because they like the idea of a quieter life style and they do not think in terms of rushing to places. They are not looking for a downtown coffee shop or a huge discount store in the neighborhood. They are looking for great nature walks, nice views and expansive lots. There is a range of housing options from small to mansion and this is reflected in the price.

Families with children should know that Garrison Union Free School District offers classes for kids from Kindergarten to 8th grade. High school involves going to Cold Spring or Highland Falls. The k-8 experience promises to be something special though with a 181 school forest and Outdoor Learning Gardens. Given the thriving artistic community in and around Garrison, the children can also expect opportunities to explore their creative potential.

Supermarkets and malls are roughly 20 to 25 minutes away although immediate necessities are available in non-chain stores in Cold Spring or Garrison. Peekskill is probably the closest place for more extenstive shopping. Given the limited shopping, it may seem surprising that there are many good diningh establishments in Garrison and neighboring Cold Spring. The tourist element probably has a hand in this development.

Garrison can be idyllic for the nature lover looking for a slower pace of life. Outdoor activities, history, cultural engagements are all icing on the cake, which is the natural grandeur of the Hudson Valley views.

West Harrison is a small section of the larger Town/Village of Harrison. Like the larger community it is an affluent Westchester neighborhood that offers a serene and secluded lifestyle. The woods and the natural beauty of the area draw many a nature lover and the relatively easy Metro North train commute from the Harrison station makes it a nice bedroom community for many who work in Manhattan.

The good reputation of the schools draws parents to this neighborhood. Its physical location gives this community an above average degree of seclusion making it seem tucked away among the hills! All this makes for a strong sense of community. The shopping and dining here can seem limited but there are plenty of choices in Harrison and nearby White Plains. The local restaurants that have a good reputation include Aquario, 97 Lake and Trevi Ristorante. For a casual observer or visitor West Harrison exemplifies the iconic well-off suburb.

There is another facet to West Harrison though - it centers around Buckout Street and the many interesting urban legends surrounding this street. There are stories of albinos and witches and slaughters associated with this area which makes it a popular place for a teen dare. Now with the news that the the screenplay for a movie based on Buckout Street has been purchased, there is a real possibility that this winding street in a quiet suburb may acquire a national reputation! Whether it acquires cult status or remains a trivia answer, the stories about this street definitely give West Harrison an unusual status!

LaGrangeville is a central part of Dutchess County - this town with its good schools, great parks and strong sense of neighborly spirit offers a great setting for those who like to take a deep breath a savor life's simple pleasures.

LaGrange has come in the radar of those commuting to the city in recent days as there is fairly easy access to the Poughkeepsie Metro North train station. The relatively more affordable newer homes here have drawn families who have not been happy with what their money can but in communities in Westchester county.

LaGrange was farm country not very long ago and even as it becomes increasingly more developed, you can still see vestiges of the earlier days in the spread out meadows. The restaurants and shops do offer a sign of the changes that are happening in this community and every sign indicates that we can hope to see more development. Locally you have The Villa, The Daily Planet and Amedeos Brick Oven Pizzeria for dining out options. Poughkeepsie, which isn't far, also offers many exciting shopping and dining options.

LaGrange parks win rave reviews and suggest a very family friendly environment. The schools are considered good and there are good park and recreation programs. There is a good community library. Organized sports like soccer are a big part of growing up in LaGrange and those who love such sports and activities will find good opportunities in this community.

LaGrange is a town that offers the promise of a wholesome lifestyle for those who can afford the sticker price.

New Rochelle is a growing suburb that is rewriting the model of what people think of as a bedroom community. This town is just a half-hour ride from NYC and this location advantage, and the gorgeous views of the Long Island Sound, have for long made New Rochelle a popular choice for many families moving to the suburbs. It is no wonder that New Ro featured in the Money magazine Best 100 Places to Live in 2010.

It is also worth noting the New Rochelle was the suburban setting for the Dick Van Dyke Show of the 60s. The town has come a long way from the days it was the quintessential television suburb. The high-rises, the college town vibe and the diversity all make New Ro a suburb that breaks the mold. It is true that there are neighborhoods that fit the bill for sprawling houses on large lots but there are also apartments and condos catering to people with varied housing requirements.

The park facilities and the views are worth mentioning when talking about New Rochelle as it has four waterfront parks. There are residents who make it a point to talk about the fact that they live a half-hour from Manhattan and wake up to the sound of beautiful bird songs!

It is true that there are old-timers who express some misgivings that the growth has also created pockets of reduced safety but these are really limited and it is a matter of staying alert to once surroundings. New Rochelle is by and large still a safe town which offers much by way of shopping, dining and entertainment.

New Rochelle schools have made a pretty good showing in terms of standardized test scores and students from here have a good record of attending good colleges.

Those making their first foray into the suburbs may find New Rochelle an easier place to consider living than some of the overwhelmingly residential neighborhoods of Westchester. Here is an opportunity to enjoy more affordable housing without losing out on the accessibility and diversity of a NYC environment.

Cold Spring in Hudson Valley is a picturesque town with a active main street and spell-binding views. Main street is filled with restaurants and antique shops and all of it invites visitors to linger and browse and enjoy a warm summer day. As you walk down further and takes the stairs down to the lower half of Main Street you will walk toward the Hudson River with the towering mountain rising behind it. The street is lined with many benches along the way, an indication of the visitor-friendly ambience of this section of Cold Spring As some others have mentioned parking can be a challenge on weekends when the weather is good. But usually the side streets offer options and it is great to see the more residential aspect of this town also.

The lots near the downtown are small but the houses are extremely well-maintained and there is a overall sense of neighborliness and community in Cold Spring. In many ways, it reminded me of places like Carmel in California - the street lined with antique stores and restaurants and the many couples walking hand-in-hand may have had something to do with it!


While I only know Cold Spring as a weekend visitor, there are quite a few inns and B&B's here indicating that there are many folks who come to spend some time in this lovely town. It is a great place to plan a romantic get-away or a girls weekend out.

From all that I hear, Cold Spring is also great for residents. A small and active local government with an involved citizenry means that there is a great sense of community pride. The schools are good and the public amenities are excellent. Housing is cheaper than some places further down south and there is still a direct train connection to New York City.

Whether you are considering a place to move or checking out a Hudson River town to visit, Cold Spring should be on your list. Even if you choose to not live here, you'll not regret spending a day scouting out the real estate here!

I cant quite find out why this neighborhood in North Salem is called Croton Falls - I havent found any waterfalls in the area. However, the absence of the falls does not take away from the overall greenery and wooded charm of Croton Falls. It is a small section of North Salem where there are some single family homes which can be considered affordable especially given the property values of larger estates in the rest of the Town of North Salem.

Croton Falls is very popular with commuters because the Metro North station is right here. The train ride to Manhattan in over an hour but the fact that many people do live here and work in NYC suggests that it is definitely in the realm of the possible. This bedroom community is not quite what people think of as suburban living in the rest of the country. It is more typical of Westchester County in that there are not many strip malls and shopping complexes. Shopping in Croton Falls is sparse to say the least; however, there is plenty within reasonable driving distance given that Somers Town Shopping Center is 10 mins away and Danbury is about 20 minutes away. This applies to all the restaurant options in the communities nearby. Both Westchester and Putnam County offer quite a few nice dining possibilities for the residents of Croton Falls.

North Salem residents have access to good schooling and nice community services. It is considered family friendly and safe and this applies to Croton Falls also. Families researching an affordable nature haven kind of experience in Northern Westchester, without compromising education, should definitely keep Croton Falls on their list of places to consider.

And they really want to keep it that way! North Salem is at the north end of Westchester County and shares boundaries with Connecticut and Putnam County. The Town of North Salem includes the North Salem Hamlet, Purdys, Croton Falls and Salem Center. This is a historic community with streets named after early settlers and mile markers carried over from the original Boston Post Road. The minimal population spread over the entire town makes it a very low density area. It is a great place for country lovers and offers a very special lifestyle.

North Salem schools are great and the community services are excellent. The school district recently announced the Magna Award on their website. The Ruth Keeler library in North Salem actually allows patrons to check out Nooks, the electronic readers, with their public library cards.

North Salem median house prices are above $700,000. This is not a place for someone looking for affordable housing but for those who can afford to live here it is a unique experience. One hour from Manhattan, with a train station in Croton Falls, and yet deep in horse country. While shopping and dining options are limited in North Salem because of strictly observed zoning, there are plenty of options in many nearby towns from Katonah to White Plains and beyond in NY. Danbury in CT is also a short driving distance away.

Putnam County lies north of Westchester County and is over an hour's drive from New York City. While some of the places in Putnam are past the point of convenient daily commute for Manhattan, many of the towns here are popular bedroom communities earning Putnam the distinction of being called an exurb or extra -urban county. Putnam County also has the distinction of being the 11th most affluent county in the country according to the median income of the people living here. This well-off county offers an attractive mixture of easy access to urban living in a rural setting.

Putnam County was a part of Dutchess County as recently as the 19th century. Putnam County was detached from Dutchess County in 1812 and like much of this general area it has a long history interwoven with the history of the nation. There are many landmarks from the National Historical Registry in this county that will be a treat from any history lover.

The other big attraction of Putnam County is the unspoiled stretches of bucolic beauty. Putnam was not farmland for many years because its terrain and the location made it hard to be an agrarian community. While this did change to an extent, there is still some of the charm of the rugged terrain to be seen in part of Putnam County.

There are many charming towns and neighborhoods which offer great housing and shopping options. The school districts have good report cards from state testing and the crime rate is not a source of worry or concern. It is possible to get a nice sized property with land and Putnam County has over the years become the place of choice for urbanites looking for some serious country living.