What is the Best Place to Live in Upstate NY?

A not so short list of some of the most popular towns in Upstate NY that will get you started on your hunt for the best place to live in the Hudson Valley or Catskills:

Ulster County:

Stone Ridge/High Falls/Accord:

• Rural charm with scenic views of the Shawangunk Mountains.

• Rich in history with well-preserved colonial architecture.

• Close-knit community with local farmers markets and artisanal shops.

• Convenient location between Kingston and New Paltz.

• Ideal for those seeking a tranquil countryside lifestyle.

• Home to new hospitality hotspot "Inness" (Accord)

Kingston:

• Bustling city with a diverse arts and cultural scene.

• Historic waterfront district with trendy cafes and galleries.

• Affordable housing options in a variety of neighborhoods.

• Proximity to outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and skiing.

• Growing economy with opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.

• Trendy hotels and restaurants

Woodstock:

• Bohemian enclave known for its arts and music festivals.

• Picturesque setting in the Catskill Mountains with hiking trails and waterfalls.

• Eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and cafes along Tinker Street.

• Rich cultural history with ties to the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

• Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for creative types and nature lovers.

Saugerties:

• Quaint town with a bustling arts scene and historic charm.

• Picturesque waterfront district along the Esopus Creek.

• Home to HITS-on-the-Hudson, a premier equestrian venue.

• Close proximity to outdoor recreational areas like the Catskill Mountains.

• Vibrant community with local events, farmers markets, and festivals.

Dutchess County:

Rhinebeck:

• Quaint historic town with a vibrant cultural scene.

• Charming main street lined with boutique shops and restaurants.

• Home to the picturesque Rhinebeck Village and Dutchess County Fairgrounds.

• Close proximity to outdoor recreational areas, including parks and hiking trails.

• Easy access to the Hudson River and scenic drives along Route 9G.

Red Hook:

• Quaint village atmosphere with tree-lined streets and historic homes.

• Strong sense of community with local events and festivals.

• Access to the scenic Hudson River for boating and fishing.

• Close to Bard College and cultural attractions like the Fisher Center.

• Convenient location for commuting to Poughkeepsie or Rhinebeck.

Millerton:

• Charming village with a vibrant arts and culture scene.

• Picturesque Main Street lined with antique shops and cafes.

• Close to outdoor recreational areas such as the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

• Strong sense of community with local events and festivals.

• Convenient location near the Connecticut border and the Berkshires.

Millbrook:

• Equestrian paradise with a strong horse culture and numerous equestrian facilities, including stables, riding trails, and prestigious horse shows.

• Tranquil rural setting with expansive estates, horse farms, and vineyards, offering privacy and seclusion while still being within commuting distance to major cities like New York City.

• Historic charm with elegant country estates, historic landmarks, and picturesque landscapes, providing a sense of timeless beauty and sophistication.

• Active community with a range of events and activities, including farmers markets, festivals, and cultural events, fostering a strong sense of local pride and camaraderie.

• Access to outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, and golfing in nearby parks, nature reserves, and golf courses, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Columbia County:

Germantown:

• Quaint rural town known for its scenic beauty and historic architecture.

• Close proximity to the Hudson River for boating and fishing.

• Rich agricultural heritage with local farms and farmers markets.

• Peaceful atmosphere with opportunities for outdoor recreation.

• Convenient location for commuting to Rhinebeck, Kingston, or Hudson.

Tivoli:

• Picturesque village with a small-town feel.

• Home to Tivoli Bays Nature Preserve for outdoor recreation.

• Close proximity to Bard College and its cultural offerings.

• Charming main street with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.

• Peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquility.

Hudson:

• Historic significance with well-preserved architecture, including many 19th-century buildings, contributing to its designation as a National Historic Landmark District.

• Thriving arts and cultural scene with numerous galleries, antique shops, and performance venues, attracting artists and creatives from around the region.

• Bustling downtown area with a diverse mix of boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and specialty shops offering a unique shopping and dining experience.

• Waterfront location along the Hudson River, providing scenic views, recreational opportunities, and access to the Hudson River Greenway for walking and cycling.

• Growing reputation as a food destination with a range of culinary offerings, including farm-to-table restaurants, artisanal bakeries, and craft breweries, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage.

Greene County:

Catskill:

• Proximity to the Catskill Mountains offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.

• A vibrant arts scene with galleries, studios, and cultural events throughout the year.

• Historic charm with well-preserved architecture and landmarks like the Thomas Cole National Historic Site.

• Access to the Hudson River waterfront, providing opportunities for boating, kayaking, and scenic walks.

• Growing culinary scene featuring local eateries, farm-to-table restaurants, and artisanal food producers.

Athens:

• Waterfront location along the Hudson River, offering picturesque views and recreational activities like boating and fishing.

• Small-town charm with a close-knit community and historic architecture.

• Convenient access to nearby attractions such as the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse and nearby hiking trails.

• Quaint downtown area with local shops, cafes, and restaurants.

• Easy commuting distance to larger cities like Albany and Troy for employment opportunities.

Tannersville:

• Gateway to the Catskill Mountains, providing easy access to outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

• Charming Main Street with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants catering to both locals and tourists.

• Close proximity to popular attractions like Hunter Mountain and North-South Lake Campground.

• Strong sense of community with regular events and festivals celebrating local culture and heritage.

• Scenic beauty with stunning mountain vistas and natural landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Sullivan County:

Livingston Manor:

• Serene rural setting surrounded by picturesque landscapes, forests, and streams, ideal for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle.

• Access to outdoor recreation including fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping in the nearby Catskill Park and Willowemoc Wild Forest.

• Thriving arts community with galleries, workshops, and events showcasing local talent.

• Quaint downtown area with a mix of historic buildings, shops, and eateries.

• Very "hipstery" with great restaurants and boutiques.

Roscoe:

• Known as "Trout Town, USA" for its world-class fly fishing opportunities in renowned streams like the Beaver Kill and Willowemoc Creek.

• Scenic beauty with rolling hills, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

• Close-knit community with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and conservation efforts.

• Charming downtown area with local shops, cafes, and eateries catering to residents and visitors alike.

• Convenient access to nearby attractions such as hiking trails, state parks, and ski resorts in the Catskill Mountains.

Narrowsburg:

• Picturesque location along the Delaware River, offering stunning views and a variety of water-based activities like kayaking, rafting, and fishing.

• Vibrant arts scene with galleries, theaters, and cultural events showcasing local and regional talent.

• Quaint downtown area with historic architecture, boutique shops, and farm-to-table restaurants.

• Strong sense of community with regular events and festivals celebrating local culture and heritage.

• Easy access to outdoor recreation areas such as hiking trails, state parks, and wildlife reserves along the Delaware River.