Fridays at 11, Brownstoner Upstate brings you a selection of properties within three hours north, and a little east or west, of New York City.

metro north train
Via Wikipedia

We offer today’s post with a gigantic caveat: While it is possible to live in upstate New York without a car, it is an endeavor that is not for the faint of heart. Many places in various parts of the Hudson Valley and Catskills have buses and trains that service those communities, but many of those communities rely on other communities for amenities such as grocery stores, libraries, schools, etc. Take, for example, the hamlet of Rhinecliff in Dutchess County. Rhinecliff has an Amtrak station, which is great. It’s a lovely little town, but if you want to grocery shop, you’re going to have to figure out a way to get over to the Super Stop and Shop in Rhinebeck, which is four miles away. That’s not to say it can’t be done. Ride sharing is a possibility, and if you’re desperate, you can always call a cab. But people do it. They live upstate without a car, commute downstate for work (or find a way to make a go of it without relying on the local economy for their paychecks), and know the public transportation systems really well. These people are truly committed to the pursuit of living without a car, though, so unless you’re up to the same level of commitment, trying to live car-free might not be for you. That said, we picked some spots that just might be conducive to car-free living, if you’re up for the challenge.

15 grinnell street rhinecliff ny
15 Grinnell Street, Rhinecliff: $865,000

Speaking of Rhinecliff, this Victorian is pricey, in need of some interior updating, and is located on a small lot (just a hair over a quarter-acre), but on the plus side, it’s perched up high on a hill overlooking a simply gorgeous location along the Hudson River. It’s also walking distance to the Rhinecliff Amtrak train station, which means an fairly easy commute to and from the city. Additional bonus, it’s close to a couple of good restaurants along the waterfront, and the local library is right up the hill. Beds: 3. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 2,610. Lot Size: .36 acre. Est. Taxes: $8,154.

15 grinnell street rhinecliff ny2

15 grinnell street rhinecliff ny3

15 Grinnell Street, Rhinecliff (Century 21) GMAP

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36 mountain avenue cold spring ny
36 Mountain Avenue, Cold Spring: $350,000

For the chi-chi village of Cold Spring in Putnam County, this price is downright cheap, and it’s a sweet little Dutch-style cottage to boot. Located less than a mile from the Metro-North station in Cold Spring, it’s walking distance to so much in and around town, including the local elementary and high schools, which are right next door. Includes an extra lot to create a little bit more space. Beds: 2. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1,065. Lot Size: .16 acre. Est. Taxes: $9,570.

36 mountain avenue cold spring ny2

36 mountain avenue cold spring ny3

36 Mountain Avenue, Cold Spring (Houlihan Lawrence) GMAP

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42 north elm street beacon ny
42 North Elm Street, Beacon: $239,000

Cute, affordable, and located on a corner lot amongst other cute houses, this renovated 19th-century wood frame is about a mile away from the Beacon Metro-North station near the waterfront. While that might be a little far to hoof it, you can always cab it from there to home. Also located about three blocks from Main Street, where you can shop, eat, get your hair cut, buy a bottle of wine, all the essentials. Beds: 2. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1,100. Lot Size: .12 acre. Est. Taxes: $5,545.

42 north elm street beacon ny2

42 north elm street beacon ny3

42 North Elm Street, Beacon (Houlihan Lawrence) GMAP

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27 elm street saugerties ny
27 Elm Street, Saugerties: $204,800

Yes, we’re still on Elm Street, but this time in the village of Saugerties. And yes, you can theoretically get to places from Saugerties without a car, thanks to the Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) bus system, which makes a stop right in the center of town on Market Street in front of the post office. The delightful Victorian is located on a parallel street, less than a five minute walk away from the bus stop. It’s also walking distance to the local grocery store, the natural foods market, the movie theater, lots of restaurants, and a nifty hardware store. Saugerties is one of the easier places to get around without a car, and once you figure out the UCAT system, you can actually leave town occasionally. Luckily, we have it on good authority that if you call the UCAT rider information line, they’ll walk you through it. Beds: 3. Baths: 1.5. Square Feet: 1,347. Lot Size: .13 acre. Est. Taxes: $7,279.

  27 elm street saugerties ny2

27 elm street saugerties ny3

27 Elm Street, Saugerties (Our House Realty) GMAP

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