Brownstoner Upstate: Walkable Communities

There’s something to be said for small town life. It’s not for everyone, to be sure. Some people journey upstate to get away from people, to bask in seclusion. But others need at least some modicum of civilization, and if there’s one thing the Hudson Valley does right, it’s the small town vibe. This week, we’re looking at four properties in the HV that are walking distance to shops, restaurants, schools, and other amenities. On a personal note, we’ve lived in a small HV town within a block of local businesses for the past decade, and we find it quite agreeable.

This renovated circa 1840 Colonial is located in the historic Huguenot Street neighborhood in the village of New Paltz. The owners intended it to be a short term rental property, but after spending a year renovating (and what a nice job they did), the town enacted a local law banning short term rental properties. So the owners have decided to sell. We love lots about this place, but the screened-in back porch with the windows that open into the kitchen and that stunning view of the Wallkill River is what sealed the deal. Oh, and there’s a Trailways bus stop less than a mile away, and access to the Wallkill Rail Trail is practically steps from the front door. Beds: 5. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 1,740. Lot Size: .17 acres. Est. Taxes: $10,590.

105 Huguenot Street, New Paltz (Lawrence O’Toole) GMAP

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As always, the city of Hudson in Columbia County is a good prospect for foot travel. This Greek Revival is just a few blocks from Warren Street, Hudson’s main drag bustling with restaurants, galleries, and shops. It’s also about a mile from the Amtrak station and the waterfront. A stylish renovation that includes a semi-private courtyard and a heated patio and walkways, and that kitchen will do nicely, thank you very much. Note: The Brownstoner listing has it at $499,000, while it’s actually listed at $485,000. Beds: 2. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 1870. Lot Size: .13 acres. Est. Taxes: $11,780.

92 North 5th Street, Hudson (Gary DiMauro) GMAP

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And now for something a lot less pricey in the Orange County village of Walden, town of Montgomery. Walden straddles the Wallkill River and has some great historical buildings and a walkable central businesses district. And while this c.1915 Victorian could use a bit of updating inside, we can see that lots of original details have been preserved, such as the woodworking, floors, and built-ins. Property is walking distance from the local elementary school, a music school, restaurants, and stores. Beds: 3. Baths: 1.5. Square Feet: 1656. Lot Size: .11 acres. Est. Taxes: $5,800.

37 Gladstone Avenue, Walden (ERA Curasi Realty) GMAP

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And last but not least, a unique fixer-upper in the village of Goshen, the seat of Orange County. It clearly needs some work, but we like it a lot. It does, however, have a new furnace and updated electrical system. Goshen was named one of the seven best places to live in the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine in 2012. The Shortline bus stops a half-mile from the house. Beds: 3. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1710. Lot Size: .07 acres. Est. Taxes: $5,300.

14 High Street, Goshen (Thomas E. Griffith Realtors) GMAP

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