2023 Best Places to Live in Dutchess County

Niche User: I love living in the Hudson Valley. There are so many beautiful things to see, especially in nature. It is absolutely lovely to be surrounded by mountains and the Hudson River. There are a few colleges around the area as well which keeps the atmosphere young and hip. I plan on staying in the Hudson Valley all of my life. As the years come, I believe the area will only improve. I've been all over the country yet I still love coming home to the constant beauty surrounding me here.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 4,130

Current Resident: Hamlet in the TOWN of Poughkeepsie (Arlington Zip Code). Borders Spackenkill, Arlington, LaGrange, and Wappingers. Has Wappingers School District yet closer to Spackenkill Union Free School District. 10mins to all the shopping & restaurants in Dutchess County, 15mins to Taconic Pkway, 12 mins to New Hamburg Train, 15 mins to Arlington (Vassar College), 5 mins to brand new library, 5 mins to McCann golf course, 5 parks in area, 12 mins to Bowdoin (largest park) in Dutchess, 8 mins to Gold Gym & Rail Trail, 20mins to Poughkeepsie Walkway over the Hudson, our own shopping plazas (pharmacy-chinese-pizza-gas), eclectic neighborhood 250k-750k homes, no sidewalks, minimum public transit (if any), no sirens, well kept, quiet.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 4,215

Niche User: The crime rate around here is low very safe area... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 3,050

Niche User: I feel fortunate to have grown up in the area that I did. As I get older, I realize that my hometown is diverse and unique. There are areas that are busier, like the city of Poughkeepsie with shops, clubs and restaurants. However, we also are also have areas with farms, hiking trails, and waterways. We are close enough to New York City, or the Adirondacks for a day trip. There really is something for everyone. If I had to go back and choose, I would love to grow up here all over again.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 2,651

Visitor: Whenever I’ve visited the town of beacon j have loved it. For it being a town located in Dutchess county, it’s actually really hip and upscale in comparison to other areas in Dutchess county. Cute coffee shops, lots of city people in the area either visiting or moving up to get away from the city life but still the town has a urban feel to it. Love this area!... Read 47 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 13,713

Niche User: This area has a lot of outdoor activities and shopping centers available in a short drive, or you can easily access a highway to travel upstate to more campgrounds/hiking trails, horseback riding, water parks, zip lines and the like. New York City is also about 90 miles from here so you can drive or take the train for a day trip if staying overnight would not be enjoyable for you.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 10,427

Current Resident: Very Pretty and Quaint Neighborhood. Perfect for raising a family. I grew up here and wouldn’t change anything. I’ve met so many people in this nice community including all my childhood friends... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 1,291

Niche User: Even though the people are not very great here, the police are very good at doing their job. I appreciate what they do and how much safer they make me feel.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 6,044

Niche User: I feel comfortable in this area for the most part. There are certain areas I don't prefer to be alone in but I don't feel incredibly unsafe anywhere that I frequent.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 2,459

Niche User: Hyde Park is good, but the next town over isn't... Read 3 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 3,513

Current Resident: I love this town. The community is amazing and it is a great place to raise a family. There is tons of historical landmarks here, and also, so many places to visit to share time with family and friends. We lived in the heart of NYC and it was way too crowded. this town is perfect for my family and I know, anyone who comes to live here will love it as well.... Read 32 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Population 6,074

Other: In the short six months since my fiancee and I moved to Poughkeepsie, it has been a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of big city living. It has given us a chance to breathe and refocus on our personal, educational, and professional goals. Work-life balance was finally attainable and enjoyable. With a strong sense of community and access to interstate routes, homesickness has not been an issue. We have also appreciated the rich culinary environment and local nature excursions available.... Read 114 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C minus

• Population 31,475

• Town in New York

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: We lived in Red Hook on and off since 1985. It’s a very nice town. There are lots of parks and places to go biking and snowshoeing. It is safe to walk around. Houses have gone up considerably since 2001 and pandemic so it is not as affordable to live in so we will have to move out of area which is a shame. City people are moving up and not as much of that local feel as much. They have craft fairs and holiday fairs and local restaurants.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 10,113

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 576

• Town in New York

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 616

Current Resident: LaGrange is small family oriented town with emphasis on local sourcing with an abundance of farm to table eateries. Surrounded by preserves and wildlife, exploration and hiking is at your fingertips.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 15,935

Current Resident: I love living in East Fishkill. I have lived here in the town for over 18 years, and it never disappoints. It is close to the rail trail, has good pizza, and great parks and recreational places. Only 90 miles north of NYC and 90 miles south of Albany makes it a good location. It is not too quiet like some places further upstate but not too loud and crowded like the city. East Fishkill is an excellent middle-ground between upstate and modern suburban life and has opportunities for all. Overall, there are new real estate developments, great food, job opportunities, it is somewhat close to the city, and it is a safe town for families.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 29,455

Current Resident: This place has everything you need locally. From stores to great places to go to for a hike and spend time in the outdoors with friends. If your job is in New York City, you can live here and save money by doing just that. The cost of living here is much better than the cost of living in New York City. The only downside is that if you have a city lifestyle, you will not like it much as there is only a few places to go out at night. If you're looking for a place to enjoy nature while not leaving city life entirely, this is the place. If you want to raise a family, this is the place to do it. School districts are a lot better than the ones from New York City in the respect that the schools are a lot smaller than the ones in New York City, and smaller classes and schools allow teachers to do a more detailed teaching according to the needs of every individual student in their class. The Town of Poughkeepsie is the place to live for a single person or married couples with or without kids.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 45,658

• Town in New York

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: Great small town with awesome restaurants and bars. Cute shops (although pricey) but you can explore and enjoy the day! Living in the area is great to be able to walk into town for food, a walk, drinks, etc. Good distance from Kingston and Poughkeepsie (not too far) PLUS the Amtrak train is right there!... Read 17 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 7,623

• Town in New York

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 799

Current Resident: Fishkill is a quiet, peaceful, and neighborhood-friendly town. I definitely recommend it to those who have an appreciation for the outdoors as there are many places to hike and explore. This town also has a great public school system however, if parents prefer to send their children to private school that is also an accessible option.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 24,381

Current Resident: Rural living is what you'll find in Beekman, NY. It's a very family friendly upstate NY town that is beautiful the entire year, but especially during fall foliage and apple picking months. It's a safe community to raise a family and it's a simple train ride to New York City for an easy commute to work. Education is top notch in the Arlington School district. With the Hudson River 20 minutes away, and the Appalachian trail in your backyard, there's so much to do outside all year long.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 14,338

Current Resident: As a current resident, I have enjoyed my upbringing in small suburban town surrounded by farm land. We have easy access to New York City (which is approximately an hour away) as well as to large employers such as Global Foundries. The town provides a family friendly atmosphere, with a large recreational center, rail trail and nature path.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 881

Current Resident: Pawling is a very small town located just a few hours away from New York City, which makes it a convenient place to live. One can easily seek job opportunities and entertainment in the city, while also being able to live outside of the crowded metropolitan chaos that composes urban areas. Pawling's public schools are small, but very safe, and they often provide excellent educational opportunities for their students. Though the small size means that many programs cannot be offered due to lack of interest, the lower student to faculty ratio allows teachers to give one-on-one instruction time. Overall, Pawling, though small, is a quiet and peaceful place to live, and many of the negative aspects of small-town life are countered by the fact that New York City is just a train ride away.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 8,024

Current Resident: A very good area to raise a family with a small and friendly community. The only down fall to this area is the fact that there isn't very much to do besides going to local restaurants. But with Rhinebeck and Poughkeepsie nearby, if you do not mind traveling for a little bit, more access to entertainment is available.... Read 39 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 21,115