AdamN

It's kinda tricky to review a county. There is so much to cover, with some areas clearly much better than others, and other differentiated not by quality but by style.

Want the quiet life? Dutchess County certainly has you covered. I'd say a majority of the county is perfect for those looking to get away from the bright lights and loud noises of the city. At the same time, there are some cool artistic communities that will bring in a trendier crowd, such as my home town of Beacon. Parts of Dutchess County are very historic, such as Hyde Park, which is where FDR was raised, and is the site of his Presidential Library/museum. Yet other parts are a little bigger and commercial, such as Poughkeepsie.

There are some great colleges in Dutchess County, such as Vassar, but you also have quality educational opportunities for younger children. If you're a parent, there are a ton of great towns, villages, hamlets and cities that would be a perfect place to raise a child. Overall, Dutchess County is exceedingly safe. That's important for a lot of us, including myself, as a recently engaged fellow hoping to start a family in a few years.

That's actually one of the things that most drew me to Dutchess County. I was living in NYC, which I loved, when I was thinking about proposing. I took a day trip to Beacon to check out Dia Beacon, a museum, and I realized I wanted to enjoy a quieter life. I don't necessarily want to forgo the fun of the city altogether, and Dutchess County gives you a great balance, as it's plenty far from NYC to be truly quiet, but not so far that you can't make the trip on occasion to take in a show or Yankees game.

If you're considering Dutchess County, let me encourage you. It's safe. It's picturesque. The schools are good. The people are warm, friendly and welcoming. The cost of living isn't too bad. There are some (admittedly not a ton, but some) artistic opportunities. There is more to do in Dutchess County than you might expect from a small town area. You can let your kids run around playing without having to be overly worried.

There are a lot of great places in the world, and Dutchess County deserves to be ranked amongst the best. Nothing is ever perfect, but if you want to aim high and get close to that high point, Dutchess County is the place to be.

When moving to Dutchess County I looked at Millbrook very briefly before moving on to other towns. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Millbrook. It's a beautiful town with a lot of stunning homes and some great golf courses, but it is sure expensive.

I'm a young guy who recently got engaged. I need an affordable place, and Millbrook just doesn't provide that. It's nicer than most places, but it's a bit quiet for me and out of my price range.

All this said, I'll rundown a few of the positives of Millbrook. Yes, it is picturesque. You won't be left wanting for a great view. And this extends further than the natural beauty, as some of the homes and estates are extraordinary. I like driving through Millbrook on occasion to just look at the houses. You need to be pretty well-off to afford it, but you'll probably be happy in Millbrook if you like having an awesome home and rich neighbors.

Millbrook also has a couple golf and country clubs, which I suppose isn't terribly surprising considering the wealth of the residents. The Millbrook Golf Course is very nice, as is the Millbrook Golf and Tennis Club. You could do a lot worse than spend a lazy Saturday hitting the links here. Totally worth a look if you can get in.

As for restaurants or much else to do, Millbrook is fairly limited. You have a few Cafes like the Cafe Les Baux, and there's a cool antiques shop, but you don't have a ton of options for going out and getting a drink or a bite to eat. You'll need to drive outside the town to find much to do. Fortunately, Millbrook is right there on Route 44, so you can get out pretty easily, and traffic is very rarely bad.

All in all I don't have a great affinity for Millbrook. It's certainly nice, and the homes are spectacular for the most part, but you won't find nearly enough to do and there is a pretty limited number of people who can afford to move here.

Beacon is my home, and I chose it for the absolutely outstanding feel the town has. It can be challenging to describe the enjoyment I get from Beacon. When I looked into moving to Dutchess County I looked (at least briefly) at almost every town, and I chose Beacon because there's an artistry at play here you don't get from almost any other town in the area.

My first experience with Beacon was when I was still living in NYC. I was thinking about proposing to my girlfriend (now my fiancee!) and I wanted to get away from the loudness of the city to collect my thoughts. A friend suggested I check out Dia Beacon, which is a museum with a lot of interesting art. I suppose I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to artwork, since I didn't quite understand many of the pieces here, but I took a train out to Beacon one Saturday, and the experience had such an effect on me that after I proposed I convinced my fiancee that we should move out of the city.

I got on the train and was take along the Hudson River and through some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. Having grown up in the Midwest, I can say the sight of vast stretches of nature is a welcome sight, especially after years in the city. I'd always been wary of the idea of raising a family in a big city, so going out to the suburbs or finding a small town has always been on my to do list. Beacon turned out the be the place for me.

I'm an aspiring novelist, and though I make my money with business writing at the moment, at some point I hope to make my living on books. With it's lively yet small town feel, Beacon was the place for me to get started.

But it's not all (as my dad would say) artsy-fartsy stuff. Beacon has plenty of restaurants, bars and coffee shops to keep you entertained for a while. Sure, it's small compared to NYC, but most places are. It's also a billion times safe and quieter. Point is, you won't get bored. Whether you want to go to the Beacon Bagel for some great baked goods, the Bank Square Coffeehouse for a cup of coffee, the Artisan Wine Shop for a few bottles of fine wine or Isamu for a bit of sushi, you'll have a great time getting a bite to eat.

Though I don't have children yet I did look into the schools a bit before moving to Beacon, and I was impressed by Rombout Middle School and Beacon High School, which are right nearby one another, and I believe parts (I need to double check this) of Beacon are zoned to go to Balmville Elementary, which is actually on the other side of the Hudson River, but I've heard it's an amazing school. Regardless, I think your kids will learn a lot and have an amazing experience at schools in Beacon.

I really love Beacon, and though there are a lot of great places in Dutchess County it is definitely the place for me. I highly recommend it, especially for those who want to have an energetic community that continually grows and gets better.

I'm a pretty big fan of Wappinger for a number of reasons. There's a lot to do, good schools, some decent outdoor opportunities and a wonderful feel of a town on the brink of a huge growth explosion. All of this adds up to a fantastic place to live, though I feel some who come to Wappingers or Dutchess County for the quiet life might not love it.

I first mentioned there's a lot to do in Wappinger. That is very true. Maybe not for every little hamlet, as I've found Chelsea and Myers Corner to be a bit too quiet for my tastes, but Wappinger Falls more than makes up for this. I wrote a review of Wappinger Falls too, and I want to reiterate that Palace Dumpling is really outstanding and you can get a phenomenal cup of coffee at Bad A$$ Coffee. But there's a lot more than that. There are a couple great Italian restaurants in the area like Aroma Osteria and Stefano's, and you can get a good drink at Kitty Mcguire's or have a laugh at the Bananas Comedy Club. I get so used to looking at towns in Dutchess County that are so quiet that Wappinger can feel like a haven for fun!

There are a fair number of educational opportunities in Wappinger as well, which I think is great, as I'm a young guy who recently got married and I'm thinking I'll have kids in the next couple years. Fishkill Plains is supposed to be good, and St. Mary's School, which is connected with St. Mary's Church in Wappinger Falls is likewise said to be above average. I've only looked into this a bit, but it certainly seems like you could do a lot worse for finding a place to raise a family.

For those of you who are like me and want to have some fun in the sun, Wappinger has plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy, from hiking in Reese Park to playing a ball game at Castle Point Park. I wouldn't say Wappinger is a place I would go out of my way to visit for outdoor fun, but if you live here you won't have to travel far and wide to find a good place to enjoy nature.

Finally, I mentioned Wappinger feeling like it's a town on the verge. Because of increased traffic on Route 9 the town is growing pretty steadily, and more and more businesses are showing up, which in turn brings in more people and so on. I could definitely see the population continuing to go up for the next several years, which is both good and bad. If you're looking for a real quiet existence you may want to look elsewhere, but you'll have a lot of awesome opportunities in Wappinger that you will miss out on in other areas as well. Pick your poison. I'd rather have a bit more fun!

I've been through Wappinger Falls on Route 9 more than a few times, and I've always really enjoyed it. I briefly looked into living here when I was looking into various parts of Dutchess County, and I was mostly impressed by what I found here.

First, you have quite a few options as far as dining and things to do. I've had some of the best Chinese food of my life at Palace Dumpling. Based on the name alone you can probably tell they have dumplings, and they are really good. I also really like getting a cup o' joe at Bad A$$ Coffee (actual name). The coffee more or less lives up to the name, and the atmosphere is really good. You really have quite a few options, especially for a little town like Wappingers Falls.

Outside the surprisingly good dining options you also have some decent, though not outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities. Mesier Park is pretty but not really a place to run around outside. Reese Park is a better bet, especially for hiking, though I don't have as much experience with it yet. I hope to get a good trek in this summer. :)

I think Wappingers Falls is an outstanding little town, and though it can be a bit busy at times, it's so nice and provides so many options for fun that I think you could have a great time living there without really sacrificing the small town feel you get from other areas of Dutchess County. It doesn't provide the same level of peace and quiet, but I think it more than makes up for it with fun.

Union Vale is a little town with few things going on outside of a couple nice parks and some absolutely beautiful homes. It seems like those who choose to live here are okay with having to drive to find a decent place to eat or get a drink. They want a quiet life, and they're getting it!

So there's little nightlife, few to almost no restaurants, and few chances for shopping. It's not looking good so far.

What Union Vale has is really nice homes. There are some stunning houses here, and while you pay for it, getting a home this big, beautiful and with enough land to feel secluded is great. I like to have entertainment options nearby, but there's nothing wrong with driving a little ways. You really feel like you can get away from it all in Union Vale. Yeah, it's a bit on the boring side sometimes, but there's a peacefulness here that's nice to check out on occasion.

I definitely like Godfrey Park, which has a nice little baseball diamond and some room to have fun. It's not the biggest or nicest park in the world, but I've always had some fun here. I also like the nearby Taconic park, which while not exactly the most beautiful place in the world, is reasonably nice and has a number of trails that are good for mountain biking. You can also let your dog off the leash here (I think, I've done it) and I always welcome a place where my dogs can run around a lot. These outdoor opportunities really take Union Vale to the next level in terms of fun.

So you get some great outdoors, great homes and a lot of seclusion. You don't get any hustle and certainly no bustle, but it's lovely otherwise.

I don't have nearly as much to say about Stanford as some other parts of Dutchess County. This is because you won't find too many towns that are this quiet. There are positives and negatives to this.

On the plus side, Stanford is quite safe, and there's a peaceful air that I'm fond of. Buttercup Preserve is lovely, and though the hiking is very easy-going you will generally enjoy yourself. If you're looking for a challenge, Stissing Mountain is right nearby as well and will give you more of a challenge than Buttercup. Both are beautiful pieces of land that are perfect for a relaxing day outside with the many wonders of nature. Nothing fancy, but peaceful and relaxing.

Otherwise, I don't think about Stanford too much. I don't generally come here to find a bite to eat, and I've heard next to nothing about the school system, which I believe is because the population is so low and widely dispersed that you just won't find the student population for a top notch school. It might not be the best place to raise a family because of this. If you want to raise your kids in a simpler environment you might love the peace, quiet and safety (it is super safe) of Stanford, but if you're single or a tourist you might find it just a bit too slow for your tastes.

That was ultimately my problem. I briefly looked into Stanford when moving to the area, and it does nothing for me. You have a bit of a drive if you want to get to anything, and I like to have a bit more to do, even when I'm seeking the quiet life. If you visit Stanford and feel it delivers on what you're after, then by all means enjoy the solitude, but if you need even a bit of excitement you will want to go elsewhere.

Rhinebeck isn't a sleepy town by any means, but I do think it has a bit of a sleepy town appearance at times. I think it's a very welcoming, beautiful area with a lot of great things going on to make you a happy small town resident.

First, you have a fair bit to do without it being a crazy loud or exciting place to live. You have some great places to get a bite to eat, from Bread Alone Bakery to The Local (awesome), and I've always enjoyed my visits. I don't come through Rhinebeck as much as I should, because it's really quite pretty, and you get this awesome mix of fun things to do with a small town feel.

Rhinebeck is very safe, and the homes are outstanding, though I felt they were a bit pricey for me when I looked into moving here. I know there are some absolutely outstanding homes that are not only beautiful, but also have a lot of beautiful land, but these were out of my price range.

If you can afford it, Rhinebeck is a great little place to live, and has plenty of options for having fun, either with a good bite of food or a nice, laid back outdoor adventure. I'd suggest visiting, and if you have the cash, living in Rhinebeck whenever you get the chance.

Tivoli is a nice little village on the Northeast corner of Red Hook, and while I don't think it fully embodies all the awesome features of Red Hook, it definitely has a great feel overall and would be a great place to raise a family.

You get a couple really good things in Tivoli. First, as I said, it seems family friendly. There's plenty of chances for outdoor fun, with Tivoli Park (meh) and Tivoli Bays (much better) right nearby, and as I really like to get outside and have some fun, this is a huge feature for the village. Tivoli Park has an area for baseball, a basketball court and a bit of greenery, but it's nothing to write home to mom about. Tivoli Bays is a really pretty wetland with plenty of beautiful scenery, especially on nice days. I wouldn't say there's a ton to do in terms of playing sports, but it's a beautiful place. The bugs can be a bit much for some, but I really like it.

Like Red Hook, Tivoli is pretty family friendly in terms of educational opportunities as well. You're part of the Red Hook school district, which is above average for sure, and Bard College is right nearby as well, so have some decent options for educational advancement, which I think parents will really appreciate.

For food, I've never gone hungry in Tivoli. I really like little bakeries like Tivoli Bread and Baking, and though it's easy to miss sometimes, getting a lemonsquare here is a GREAT idea. Definitely check it out. I also have enjoyed Luna 61, though it's less for me than for a few of my cousins, who are vegetarians and have somewhat challenging dietary habits, but they've always like Luna 61, so it's worth checking out as well.

I'm not going to praise Tivoli as much as the larger town of Red Hook or even the Red Hook hamlet, but it's a great place to check out whenever you get the chance. I've considered moving to Red Hook, and though I don't think I'd pick Tivoli as my place of residence, it's certainly pretty cool and I'll spend some time here.

Red Hook is an interesting little town. I'd call it very family friendly, and the local golf course is a big attraction for me, and represents most of my experience here.

First, I know Red Hook is pretty family oriented, and the schools are good. In fact, I've heard from more than one source about how proud the parents are of both the academic and athletic successes of the local public schools, which I believe are Mill Road Elementary, Linden Avenue Middle School and Red Hook High School. They've competed and done fairly well in state wide sporting events, and I know they're super proud of that, which, though I don't have kids and am not the most athletic dude in the world, is very attractive to me. I think I'd want my kids to go to schools where there's such a community spirit. I think it breeds better friendships, and I see Red Hook as really making a lot of great, lasting friendships.

For me, Red Hook is also attractive because of Hook Golf Club. I've only enjoyed a few chances to play a round here, but I've always enjoyed it. Hook Golf Club is a really beautiful course, and it is quite well maintained. I was talking to a buddy of mine, and he said they keep costs down too in order to promote membership, so it's not too expensive, yet you get a similar course to far more expensive options. It's important to me to find a good place to enjoy the great outdoors, and you could do a heck of a lot worse than Hook Golf Club.

I also have noticed a number of pretty good restaurants in the area, and while none are particularly standout to me, they're all pretty good and will keep you well fed, and with enough options to not go bored overnight. You could have it a lot worse.

I really like Red Hook, and when I have kids I will definitely consider moving there. You get a really nice, family-friendly town with good golf and a great overall atmosphere.

Arlington actually has a fairly big population for a hamlet in Dutchess County, and while it's still overwhelmingly white, the racial makeup is more diverse than many other towns. The area is dominated by Vassar College, thought the college itself is just south of Arlington. The Vassar Golf Course is here though, and a lot of students live in the area, so there's a nice younger feel to Arlington than many other towns.

Of course, since Vassar is right there, you're going to have quite a few educational opportunities. As one of the Seven Sisters colleges, a ton of students come here every year, and they bring a ton of life to the area. You can tell if Vassar suddenly closed that Arlington would have a huge downturn in the economy and population. Fortunately, Vassar is doing fine, and the number of students who have gone on to be notable is pretty long, so you know there's a lot of interest in the area.

Because of the nearby campus, you get a few more cool bars than in other areas of Dutchess County, so you'll have plenty of chances to have fun in Arlington, and there are a handful of good restaurants as well, so there's an above average amount of things to do in Arlington.

While I think the students are a great thing, they do make Arlington a bit noisier than other hamlets, and if you're looking for a sleepy little place to live, this probably isn't it. You're going to see a lot of faces come and go, and you don't get quite the same community feeling as other places.

Don't get me wrong, I really like Arlington, but it isn't quite what I was looking for when I looked into Dutchess County. Dependent on what you need, it might be just the place for you though.

Fairview is just north of the city of Poughkeepsie, and this geographic location is perfect, because there's a bit more to do in Poughkeepsie which isn't too far away, yet you still get a decent amount of outdoor fun in Fairview.

I would say Fairview isn't quite as nice as the city of Poughkeepsie, but it's still a lovely area, and it's not a terribly low class hamlet by any means. It's very clean and there are plenty of outdoor options in the area, especially Fallkill park. Fall Kill Creek runs through Fairview, and it empties out in Poughkeepsie. It's a pretty little creek with plenty of fishing options. I'm not much of a fisherman myself, but I do like the creek, and I love lazy days out on a boat, so you can certainly enjoy such a day in Fairview. Fall Kill Creek is somewhat of a uniting factor for many parts of Dutchess County, as it runs through more than one town, and though it isn't the cleanest body of water in the world, there are a fair number of fishing enthusiasts who enjoy it regularly.

In addition to the creek, Fallkill County Park has room for baseball and other outdoor activities and sports. It's a great place to enjoy some outdoors fun. I always look for such features when I check out a new town or area, so this is a big factor for me.

If you're a younger person or just want to continue your education, Dutchess Community College is in Fairview, and while I wouldn't call it the world's greatest educational institution, it's supposed to be nice, and you could get a lot out of your studies there if you put in the proper time and effort. Marist College is also right nearby, so you have a few options close by.

Overall, you're not going to be terribly bored in Fairview. There's plenty to do, and there are other towns close by that will give you more options. It's fairly affordable, and there are some nice options for having fun outdoors. I think it would be a decent place for families or students.

The big thing to note about Red Oaks Mill is the intersection of Vassar Road, New Hackensack Road and Spackenkill Road, which is where the heart of the town really lies. Pretty much all the major businesses in Red Oak Mills is located here, from grocery stores and barbers to pizza places, ice cream shops and delis. You can really find just about anything right by this intersection, and it gives Red Oak Mills a very different feel than many other nearby hamlets.

The population is also a bit higher here than other places, so though it is a hamlet in a small you get a lot of excitement. I think it's actually quite a bit of fun to visit Red Oaks Mill, and I think many families and singles will find it to be a great place to live. You get many of the benefits of other areas, as it's safe and there are good outdoor opportunities nearby, but you won't be bored. That's huge for Dutchess County. You get a wonderful blend of different sides of the county, and this makes Red Oaks Mill one of my favorite hamlets.

A couple of my favorite things: Good Fellas Pizza. Great pizza and I have always enjoyed getting a quick slice at a great price. Chan's Peking is also a really good place to get a bite to eat when you're craving simple Chinese takeout. I love driving through Red Oaks Mills and just getting a bite to eat. I don't even have to plan my meal, I just pick a place, and it's usually good.

If I had to give Red Oaks Mill any one negative, it's that it's a bit more commercial and not as peaceful as other hamlets. It's not loud by big city standards, but it's not exactly the friendly little small town from an old movie. This is, in my opinion, a small matter, but it's still worth noting. Otherwise, I really like Red Oaks Mill and highly recommend it!

Poughkeepsie is a bit of an anomaly in Dutchess County. On the one hand, it's a reasonably large city for the area. Not big by truly big city standards, as there's only about 30000 people in Poughkeepsie, but that's far more than most towns and villages in Dutchess County, so it ends up feeling like a bit and loud area. This is both good and bad.

The good is that theres a fair amount more to do in Poughkeepsie than most towns. There are a number of good restaurants in a number of different styles, from Mexican and Sushi to good old fashioned American cuisine, and you'll have a fair set of options for dining out. The nightlife is a similar story, with far more options than you're used to in Dutchess County. So I definitely give it a higher rating for singles.

The bad is that Poughkeepsie doesn't have nearly the same small town charm of other towns nearby, and the crime rate/economic status of the citizens is worse than many areas. Sure, you can make some money here, in fact, if you're in need of a employment there are more opportunities in Poughkeepsie than some of the smaller, tighter knit communities, but you also run into a lot of poverty, and that's too bad and takes the city down a peg or two. This likely contributes to the higher than average crime rate (for Dutchess County, if you're used to New York City there's very little crime here).

Because of this I don't really recommend Poughkeepsie as a place to raise a family. It's not bad or anything, but compared with a lot of other towns in Dutchess County it's not very nice. Compared to Pawling Poughkeepsie is not a nice area at all.

It simply depends on what you're looking for. If you're going to get bored easily then I might suggest Poughkeepsie. The larger population and greater number of restaurants will keep you better entertained if you're not going to be happy running around outside hiking and climbing the beautiful trails of other towns.

There are a few things important to me when considering visiting or living in any town, and those things are pizza and hiking. I love to get outdoors and go for a long walk through beautiful scenery. After working up a healthy appetite I like to satisfy it with a slice of pizza. Fortunately, Pleasant Valley has both a wonderful hiking trail and one of my favorite local pizza places.

First, the Bower-Quarry Trails are outstanding. They're just the perfect level of kept up and natural. I'd gotten used to the well-manicured trails of big city 'parks,' and when I first came to Dutchess County it was really refreshing to see real scenery, not something developed by a city planner. The Bower Quarry trails are easy to navigate, but you wouldn't want to walk them in sandals. Sounds good to me. I like to put on my shoes and get out there. You can find little trails on occasion and new places to sit and drink a sip of water or just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. It's really a great place to get away from life for a while.

For pizza, I enjoy Four Brothers. It may not be the world's greatest pizza place, but it's pretty good, and the environment is very welcoming. And it isn't just pizza there, as the sandwiches and salads are also really good. Top notch all around.

Outside of the parks and pizza, Pleasant Valley is a fairly safe, picturesque town, with a fair amount of local businesses, though I would hesitate to say there's much to do for nightlife. If you're looking for a great bar scene, you won't find it here.

I could see Pleasant Valley as a good place to raise kids, and I've had such a good time there when I've visited that I'd recommend it for most people, though I think many singles might find it too slow.

Pine Plains has a few things going for it, and these positives nicely offset any negatives, which are mostly due to the size and economic level of the town.

First, I've been hiking in the Stissing Lake Park, and I loved the amazing view from the top of the mountain. It's not an incredibly difficult climb but it's great to get to the top, as outside of the mountain there are very few hills or other mountains, so you can see a really long ways from the top. It's really quite beautiful. I read up on Stissing Mountain a bit, and in the past they used it as a lookout for forest fires, and I can see why they used it. Like The Who sang, I can see for miles!

In addition to the beautiful outdoor scenery, there's a wonder quaint charm to Pine Plains itself. The various establishments all have a really authentic feeling and flavor that sets them above so many similar places. The Stissing House is a great place to get a bite to eat, with a nice selection of very American food, from steaks and duck to burgers and gourmet pizza, and the service is very friendly. Overall I've been impressed. The local pharmacy (I've never had to fulfill a prescription) is very cool as well, and has a small town friendliness that I like. I'm sure if I needed a prescription filled it would be a pleasure getting it here.

Pine Plains is also fairly safe, and the schools are supposed to be good, as I've heard Seymour Smith High School is above average, and I'm pretty sure I've been waited on by some of the students when dining at the Stissing House, and I can attest to their friendliness and professionalism. That, in my opinion, bodes well for the school.

All in all, I would give Pine Plains a very high score. It's a solid small town that can be a bit sleepy or slow at times, but it's not so bad that you will hate it, and there are great options for getting out and hiking some beautiful scenery. Not the best I suppose, but definitely above average.

To be honest, I don't visit Holmes all that often, though I did briefly look into living here, and I can say that it is a nice little hamlet, and if you're looking for peace and quiet you will find it is perfect.

The problems come from the lack of just about anything to do. There are extremely few restaurants or bars/clubs to visit, and you will quickly discover you have next to no entertainment options. I've lived quite a bit in larger cities, and while I moved to Dutchess County in large part to get away from the hustle and bustle associated with big cities, I found Holmes to be just too quiet. My fiance and I like to go out on occasion, and you just won't find enough options for enjoying yourself.

That said, Holmes is very peaceful, and quite clean, which is nice, and I almost never hear about much crime, so it might be a great place to raise kids. I would not feel nervous about letting my kids running around finding trouble, which I would in a bit city. Thing is, most of Dutchess County is very safe, and I don't feel the boost in safety here is all that dramatic over other areas that have more going on.

If Holmes ever develops into a more happening hamlet with more stores and restaurants, I would love to give it a second chance, and perhaps even live here, but for now I'll stick to other areas that are a bit more interesting.

The village of Pawling is very representative of the town of Pawling. Both are very safe, have good educational opportunities, decent though low key restaurants, poor nightlife and outdoor recreation, and are generally great for families raising younger kids.

Pawling is a charming place. There are a handful of good little restaurants like McGrath's Tavern and McKinney and Doyle Fine Foods. McKinney and Doyle was a bit on the busy side when I went there, which made think it was the only place in town worth eating at, but some of the other options are actually really good. If you want to go out on occasion, you won't have too much trouble finding a bite to eat.

Between Mizzentop and Trinity Pawling School you have some excellent options for sending your kids to school. I've heard very good things about both places, and it's always nice to hear that the schools are good. I'm hoping to be a dad in a few years, and I always check out the schools even though I'm not a parent just yet.

There are two things missing from Pawling: nightlife and great parks. There are a few places to get a drink, but the village (or town) doesn't exactly have a hotspot, and that's too bad.

There's plenty of open space outdoors, but not a lot of well taken care of or developed parks. I miss this a lot, as I like to have places to go outside. It's really too bad.

Otherwise Pawling is a charming village that isn't too big or little, has nice people and is safe and affordable.

Note that there is both the town of Pawling and the Village. I'm talking about the town here, but much of what I say here relates to the village as well. First, let me say I really like Pawling. This is one of my top areas in Dutchess County, or New York in general. The population isn't terribly high (I'm not sure of the exact number, but Pawling is by no means a crowded town) but most of the people are doing pretty well. I won't call it a rich town, but it's certainly not struggling, and you can tell with the success of many local businesses.

McGrath's Tavern is a favorite spot for a drinks and a good bite to eat. You can find a ton of really good beers, and the burgers are outstanding. I know many people think a good burger isn't hard to find, but a burger this good actually is. I've driven out of my way more than once with my fiance to visit McGrath's Tavern, so if you live in the area you'll never have to struggle to find a decent meal.

There are a number of good local businesses, from auto shops to barbershops, and I like that everything has a community feeling. Pawling is very welcoming and a great place to visit.

As for living in Pawling, while I found some of the real estate and rentals to be a bit expensive, for the most part you can find a nice place for a good price. The cost of living is otherwise fine, and you should have a comfortable existence in Pawling.

If you're a parent or may be one in the near future, Pawling is an excellent choice. In addition to being very safe, the schools are great. Mizzentop is said to be very good, and you can count on your kids getting not only a good education, but also a great experience that teaches them about living as much as it teaches them about reading and writing.

One downside to Pawling is I don't much like their parks, so if you're the outdoorsy type you might be less than thrilled with what they have to offer. There's certainly a lot of open space, and most homes have a decent amount of land, but I just don't see the great parks that I'd like.

Overall Pawling is a VERY nice, very cool place and I think most people would be very happy to live there. You won't get the best parks, and the nightlife isn't stellar, but if you are already in a relationship and can find your own things to do outdoors, you'll be okay.

Millerton is a bit of an anomaly. On the one hand, it's very small. The population is only around 1000, and you can tell, yet at the same time it doesn't feel as sleepy as some other towns.

I think is largely due to Millerton's ranking a few years back on a Frommer's list of cool small towns. A few bands that were pretty cool came out of Millerton, and it's isolated enough not to get watered down like bigger cities. That said, I don't think people should be looking at Millerton as a hotspot for upcoming artists. A few standouts do not make a trend.

I was actually talking to a few people who said that after the Frommer's came out traffic and tourism went up a bit, and there was a bit of a resurgence for Millerton that continues today.

It's very affordable without being cheap, and the local businesses are genuine and offer really good services and goods. This is huge for most visitors, as you don't find that many honest to goodness main streets with charming little stores anymore. Only in the rare small town in Millerton.

There is a bit more to do than you might think in Millerton, with some good bars and quality bands on occasion. I really like a few local businesses, like Irving Farm Coffee House. I've had a few really good panini's here and the coffee is truly excellent. Top notch stuff.

One downside to Millerton is the lack of much to do in the outdoors. Yeah, there's a fair bit of greenery around, and Millerton Recreation Park is nice, with a couple baseball diamonds, but it's not the most exciting area. I'd prefer a bit more. That said, you're in a small town. Go outside this little hamlet and you can find good hiking trails and more within a short driving distance.

North East is, as the name implies, on the Northeastern side of Dutchess County, and it really feels like it's way out there. You can drive through North East and not even really realize there's a little town here. It's mostly farmland, and there isn't a ton to do or entertain, but there are still a few charms.

First, it is a peaceful place. Very quiet, very much in tune with the simplicities of nature. It's a welcome feeling some days, but at the same time I think it would drive me nuts if I was living here. There aren't a whole lot of places to get a drink or have a bit of fun. If you live in North East, you're going to have to make your own fun.

Because of the low population and lack of very much to do, North East is pretty safe, and if you like a farming lifestyle it could be a great place to raise kids, though you'll have to drive your kids a ways to find great education. Fortunately, it's just North of Amenia, which is a more fun community, so you'll at least have something to do if you drive down there.

One thing I would like to mention, and it's really my main experience with North East, is the Round Tuit Restaurant, which is right nearby. It's just a basic, old fashioned diner, but the food has been very good when I visited, and after years in big cities where at best you get a phony reproduction it was nice to get the real deal. Definitely worth checking out if you're driving through.

I check out Milan when I first looked into moving to Dutchess County. The home prices were pretty good, but there weren't a lot of options, and I found many of the places to be in need of some work. I can't say I was overly impressed by Milan. It's not a horrible place, but there isn't a whole lot to do. I was looking for a bit of peace and quiet, but this is just too much.

Milan is mostly farms, with few real parks with amenities for children, and while some of the homes are on large plots of land, that land is meant to produce something. Not what I had in mind.

Milan has a fairly small population, and I think that's why there are so few restaurants and bars nearby. I think everyone who lives here either gets really good at home cooking, or they leave the town to find something to eat.

I know once upon a time Milan was a major throughway to Salisbury, CT, but those days seem to be long gone, and the town just hasn't recovered. I wish I could say better things. I don't have anything against Milan; it's just too slow for me.

LaGrange, which is also sometimes known as LaGrangeville, is a very nice, reasonably wealthy, and comfortable little town in Dutchess County. I wouldn't call it a 'rich' area, but the home prices tended to be a bit out of my price range. That said, you get a lot for what you pay.

First, the community is awesome. There are a lot of great people and community events in LaGrange. A local farmers market is certainly a highlight. I'm from the Midwest, and I've lived enough in big cities where I know there are farmers markets that run year long and don't have a single actual farmer in attendance. Not so in LaGrange. The people who grow the food you see are standing right there for you to ask questions. Want to know what pesticides are used? What seeds? They'll tell you. It's amazing to know exactly what you're putting into your body. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Another great part of the LaGrange community is the parks. There are quite a few in the area, and I've been to most of them. My favorite is Overlook Park because it's the only dog-friendly park around. The off-leash area is perfect for my two pooches, and the people/dogs are very nice and welcoming to new people. I love every chance I get to take my dogs there. Some of the other parks are very nice, and would be perfect for those with kids who don't want their dogs along. Stringham Park in particular is a lot of fun during the winter, as there's an ice rink, but you can have a great time during the summer too on the well-kept trails, basketball courts and soccer fields. LaGrange provides plenty of opportunities to have fun outside.

If you have kids, you'll be happy to know LaGrange has some good schools. I've heard especially good things about Arlington High School. The coaches for the various sports teams are said to be high quality, and the music program is excellent. If you have an active child, they'll have plenty to do in LaGrange.

For your own entertainment, there are some good restaurants/bars in LaGrange that should keep you from going stir crazy. States Grill is exceptional. You get a laid back, All-American atmosphere, with really good food (big portions too!) and drinks for a reasonable price. It's not the fanciest place in the world, but I don't go there for fancy. I go there for fun.

Otherwise, LaGrange is a safe, mostly quiet and enjoyable town. The only real downside is the price, as many of the homes were out of my price range. If you can afford it though, it's the place to be!

Staatsburg is the Northernmost part of Hyde Park, but this hamlet feels very different from most of the town. Staatsburg is very small, with only about 1000 people at most, and there are very few things to do or see here. There are some pluses that make it an interesting place to visit, but not necessarily to live.

First, you have Mills Mansion, which is a tourist destination and likely brings in a decent amount of business to this otherwise sleepy town. The mansion is quite luxurious, and has been well kept up. It has huge white columns and outstanding architecture. I can't claim to know a lot about historic buildings, but it is a sight to see. I'm not the biggest fan of touring these types of homes, but when a place has been around for over 100 years and still looks great, it's pretty cool.

Mills Mansion is located right on Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park, which is a clean and pretty park on a warm Spring day. RVs and campers come by on occasion, and it's pretty well set up for them without being a full blown RV Park. Dinsmore Golf Course is there, and you have a ton of greenery to take in for a hike or leisurely stroll through the woods. It's a peaceful corner of the world, as is most of Staatsburg.

Outside of this there's little to do or see in Staatsburg. It's safe enough, but that's true of most of the towns in Dutchess County. The cost of living is pretty good, and some of the homes looked really nice, but there just isn't a whole more to it. If you do decide to live in Staatsburg, you'll have the benefit of being within a short driving distance of other, more entertaining parts of Hyde Park.

There are two things everyone will mention first when talking about Hyde Park: It's the birthplace and final resting place of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Culinary Institute of America is located here. Both of these go a long way toward defining Hyde Park. Not only is this hamlet where FDR was born, but it's also the site of his home, presidential library and museum. There is a lot of history to love here, so if you're a big fan of American history, especially the times of the Great Depression and WWII, Hyde Park could be the place for you.

The Culinary Institute of America is also a big draw. It's one of the biggest cooking schools in the country, if not the world, and it's renowned for its quality. You will meet future chefs if you're in Hyde Park. This is not a bad thing, as you are likely to get a few great dinners out of the experience.

These two defining characteristics bring a lot of tourists, and therefore business, into Hyde Park. The population is much larger than most hamlets in Dutchess County, and this larger population has made Hyde Park a great place to live if you're interested in having more to do. Whereas many hamlets are small and sleepy, Hyde Park feels far more alive and entertaining. There are a fair number of restaurants and hotels for tourists, and this benefits the locals with not only business, but also more things to do. There are a fair number of shops in Hyde Park, and you can always find something fun to buy or do.

Hyde Park is one of the few hamlets that I suggest for singles because of the larger population. At the very least you have a chance of meeting more than one or two single people. That's a huge plus for single guys and girls out there.

Outside of the attractions, Hyde Park is very nice and welcoming, safe, clean and a fine place to raise kids. I think having all the history around will give kids a great appreciation where we've come from here in the US, and the schools are supposed to be pretty good, so no worries about getting a decent education.

From the historic buildings to the kind community, Hyde Park is definitely a place to check out for at least a visit, if not to live!

I have to admit I'm a huge fan of FIshkill. It's a small hamlet, with a limited population and overall not very big geographically, yet there's a fair bit to do and see. The average income isn't very high, and the home prices are reasonable for quality. it's not as picturesque as some other hamlets in the town of Fishkill, but the hamlet of Fishkill is great.

First up, I really like Sarah Taylor Park. Again, not as fancy as some parks, but it's very well kept up, has soccer fields, a playground for kids, and plenty of room to go for a walk or have a picnic. I'm not much of a fisherman, but I've heard a lot of people like to fish there. If that's your thing, you've got a place to go!

There are also a handful of places to get in shape in Fishkill, which is nice considering how small it is. There's a Gold's Gym (I haven't been to this particular one, but these chain gyms tend to be all the same) and a splash park for summer fun and exercise in the water.

For dining and nightlife I recommend Paula's Stone Cottage Wine Bar. It's a very welcoming establishment where you can try out a lot of great wines and talk to the proprietor Paula and enjoy yourself. I've been here a few times with my fiancee and loved every visit. There are some other good dining options in Fishkill, from India or Mexican food to steakhouses and good old fashioned pizza. Not bad, and you'll have enough to keep entertained.

If you have kids and are Christian, St. Mary Mother of the Church is right nearby. I'm not sure if it's technically part of FIshkill or not, but it's so close you can easily send your kids there. I've heard it's a great place for teaching your kids.

There are a lot of great things about Fishkill, and the overall welcoming nature just had me hooked right from the get go. I highly recommend it if you can find work nearby.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not the biggest fan of Stormville. I've only been through the area a few times, and that's because there is so little to do. I'm pretty sure most of the people who live in Stormville commute away for work, and while there are places close by to visit, within the hamlet itself there's very little to do or enjoy.

The good things are the low cost of living and the extensive access to nature. If you like hiking, camping and hunting, Stormville might be the place for you. It's pretty safe as well, but the population is shrinking because of a lack of opportunities, so there aren't enough people for a lot of crime.

If you're young and want a fun lifestyle with lots to do and see, you will want to look elsewhere. If you're retired and just want a really quiet life then you might find Stormville wonderfully relaxing. I don't enjoy it much myself, but perhaps a different mentality will get more from this hamlet.

The first thing I noticed when I first visited Hopewell Junction is the beauty of the homes and how well maintained everything is. I've been through this hamlet a few times in every season, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it's one of the more beautiful areas I've visited, especially in the Spring and Fall. The homes are stunning. You'll see a ton of great country-style homes that are very well kept up, and one street after another has a very Norman Rockwell look to it. Definitely good for raising kids.

On that subject, Hopewell Junction is very safe and has some good schools, so if you're planning on starting a family or have recently done so, this is definitely an area to check out. I've heard St. Columbia School is well above average, and I saw a report that said for grade schools the student to teacher ratio is 12 students per teacher. That's really good, and pretty much ensures your kid is going to get a very hands-on education.

There's essentially no crime in Hopewell Junction, and no real drug or gang issues. The community feeling is really nice, and I think you would have a hard time doing better if you have kids and want to raise them right.

For some fun in the sun, the Hopewell Junction Recreation Center is hard to beat, as there are baseball diamonds and soccer fields aplenty for you to get outside and get some exercise.

The biggest downside to Hopewell Junction is the cost of living. While not crazy rich, the average income in Hopewell Junction is higher than most other parts of Dutchess County, and while the homes are nice, you'll pay for that. This makes it hard to find a place in a more limited budget. I'm not saying this is the end of the world, since it's hard to find such a nice place anywhere else, but I really enjoy Hopewell Junction and wish I could afford living there.

East Fishkill is easily one of the nicer towns in Dutchess County. I know the economy is a little better here than in many other towns, and it shows in great facilities like their parks and schools. I looked into East Fishkill quite a bit when moving to the area, and it was definitely toward the top of my list of places to live.

To be sure, the whole county has a small town feel, but East Fishkill doesn't suffer from quite the same limitations as other towns because of a larger population than towns like Dover, which is so limited that few restaurants and businesses can be supported. East Fishkill, while certainly not a big city, has enough of a population to give you some options for an active lifestyle. Because of this, East Fishkill is one of the few towns in Dutchess County that I'd recommend for singles. Sure, it still isn't as exciting as NYC, but the cost of living here is ridiculous compared to the city, and it's safer and picturesque to boot.

I think one thing you'll really love about East Fishkill, especially if you're used to a big city, is that it isn't quite as sleepy as other towns. It's quiet and peaceful, but not boring. That makes a big difference when you're in these smaller towns.

If you're a parent, take note that the schools are great, and there are a fair number of parks nearby for you to explore with your little ones. If you're the adventurous sort you'll love the parks and trails. I love Harrison's Trail and some of the golfing you can partake in when in East Fishkill.

The only negative I can really come up with for East Fishkill over other nearby towns is that it's a bit higher up on the economic ladder, so it's slightly more expensive. That's not to say it's really pricey, since this is still a small town, but it's more expensive than some areas.

Wingdale is a nice little hamlet in Dover, and I have mixed feelings about the area. It's funny, I looked into living here and there are a lot of homes on the market, especially for how small Wingdale is, and that's part of the problem. Wingdale has been on a downward slide for a while, with a declining population that I've read is due to the closing of an infamous insane asylum, and it just hasn't recovered. It also doesn't seem like it's going to recover.

This is too bad, because some of the best food in Dutchess County is in Wingdale. Not just in Dover, but in the whole county! Big W's BBQ is outstanding. From the name no doubt you can tell it's all about the quality of the BBQ sauce, and it is soooooo good. I've only been in Dutchess for a little while, and I already go out of my way on the weekends to get a little BBQ brisket. Totally worth the extra drive. And I'm not alone. A lot of people love Big W's.

Outside of Big W's there's very little reason to visit Wingdale, which stinks, but there's so little shopping or dining that you just can't find much to do. It's too bad. I wish I could come here and do more than eat, but I feel like there's so little to do.

The people are nice, but the community feeling is abysmal when compared with other nearby towns. Wingdale just feels like it's on a downward slope and can't get back. I've heard the schools aren't bad, but I can't say for sure, and if you choose to live in Wingdale you won't be too far from other hamlets with more to do and see, but that's more a recommendation of those areas than Wingdale.

Dover Plains is a little Hamlet in Dover. I think the total population is only around a thousand people, and while I think there are some great things about Dover as a town, Dover Plains doesn't really have the benefit of the quality parks, and the economic class is decidedly lower in Dover Plains than the average for the whole town.

I would say Dover Plains is not the best part of Dover, and that's too bad because it can be beautiful here. There just isn't much to do or come see. Few restaurants are in this hamlet, few bars, and if you live here you're going to have to travel to find anything to do after about a week.

On the plus side it's very quiet and pretty safe. If you're looking for a simple existence and don't need excitement very often, maybe Dover Plains is for you. Otherwise you can do better.

I've spent a bit of time in Dover, and I like a lot of parts of Dutchess County I checked it out before moving nearby to see if it would be a good place to live. I ultimately decided against living in Dover because my first few trips through had a few too many homes in disrepair. The places I was checking out seemed nice, but there were a lot of buildings that needed at least a fresh coat of paint, and some looked like they needed a lot more than that.

This isn't to say the whole town is suffering from bad housing, as there are some beautiful country homes in Dover. Thing is, there are beautiful country homes in almost every town of Dutchess County. I need more.

I have the impression that Dover is a nice place, and while I generally feel welcome, the community feel isn't as developed as other towns. You still see a lot of small town touches, but it's not the same.

One place that Dover does shine is its parks, especially the Thomas J. Boyce Park. I've lived in big cities where the need for a quality local park is an absolute necessity, and while you don't have quite the same level of need for a park when you live in these smaller towns, its still one of the first things I look for. Thomas J. Boyce Park has a nice mix of stuff for kids and adults. There are basketball and tennis courts as well as a playground, so if you're active and have kids this is definitely going to be spending time here. Soccer fields and baseball diamonds are also pretty well kept up, so teaching your son to play ball is going to be great fun in Dover. If you don't have kids but still love spending time outdoors, the Thomas J. Boyce Park is still an excellent place to go hiking, and the trails can lead to some great views. From time to time I'm the quiet sort who just wants to get away from it all, and I've hiked here a few times and loved it.

I may not think of Dover as the perfect place to live, but it's certainly worth checking out and spending a restful yet high energy Saturday playing tennis or hiking the trails.

I haven't spent as much time in Clinton as some other nearby towns, but I did check it out when I looked into moving to Dutchess County. The problem was the price for a nice place. It's a weird thing for me to talk about, since I've spent a fair bit of time in big cities like Chicago and New York, so to say the cost of living was higher than I'd have liked is almost ridiculous, as your dollar will go WAY further here than in NYC, but it's still a bit pricier than other towns. Of course, the upside is that the average income in Clinton is higher than other towns, and the town itself is very well kept up.

Sure, it's a small town, but you'd have a hard time finding a place as nice and welcoming as Clinton almost anywhere in the world. This is sorta true of most areas in Dutchess County, but Clinton has an extra level of friendliness. The village runs a lot of events that are intended to bring everyone together, and from what I can tell these events work well, because the people seem to know one another very well. The sense of community in Clinton is outstanding.

Another thing that stands out to me about Clinton is that it feels really spread out. There are small streets of business, with nice little stores and boutiques, but for the most part you feel like there's a lot of room here. Maybe my time in major cities has clouded my judgement here, but more than even towns like Amenia and Beekman, which are not exactly packed with people, Clinton felt wide open. It's a nice feeling.

You'll find a few more restaurants in Clinton than other towns in the area, but it's not exactly the type of place where you'll find a lively nightlife. I think you're more likely to find a fantastic dinner party and learn to prepare feasts at home than visit a fancy dining establishment. You can get a drink as well, but don't expect to find any amazing clubs or bars.

As a fun side note it turns out Clinton was named after George Clinton, who was an early governor. Not quite as funky as the singer, but it's a cool detail!

At first glance Beekman might appear like a lot of other towns in Dutchess County, but it's actually one of the fastest growing towns in the country, and boom is apparent in the quality of the homes and many of the facilities.

Like other nearby towns, Beekman is picturesque. This is why I chose to live in the county, and I checked out Beekman quite a bit during my home search. It's very nice, with some great schools, and Beekman is exceptionally safe.

Unlike many other nearby towns, Beekman is fairly commercial, and there's less farmland than in the past, with more commercial enterprises coming into the area. This also makes Beekman a bit higher up on the social ladder than other towns. Just by looking at the homes you can tell the population is a bit better off. Sure, there are a few rundown places, but overall you have a lot of really beautiful and large homes that are stunning.

Beekman is about an hour North of NYC, so it's not a long drive if you want some excitement, because you won't find a ton in the town. That said, there are some decent dining options like the Beekman Pub, where you can get a fantastic burger and beer, but there aren't a ton of fine dining options. It is better than some of the local towns, and it's closer to other towns for more options.

You'll get a quiet but slightly more upper class existence in Beekman than some neighboring towns, and while you'll pay for it, it's not exactly pricey. You can get to the city for fun, and have an extremely safe and welcoming community to raise kids in or even live as a young couple. I don't recommend it for singles, but I could've been happy here if I could've afforded it. Maybe one day...

Amenia is a beautiful city that would be perfect for younger couples looking to start a family. As a young guy myself, I can say Amenia drew me in and nearly won me over when looking to move. I ultimately decided against it because of the distance from my job, but it was almost worth the commute to enjoy this quiet little corner of New York.

I guess it doesn't technically count as a corner, but Amenia is on the border with Connecticut, so it does have a connection outside of New York.

What really attracted me to Amenia, and likely what those who live here love, is the atmosphere. This is a wonderful small town. I'm from the Midwest originally and while I like the hustle and bustle of New York City, I can only take it for so long. Peace and quiet are important for me, and Amenia has that. The people are super friendly, as I walked around from shop to shop and was greeted warmly by almost everyone. I'd spent some time in NYC before visiting Amenia, and it was such a welcome change of pace. So you definitely have good people and a welcoming atmosphere.

Another big plus is the crime rate, which I understand is very low. If you're looking to start a family you don't want to hear about drugs and violence. You rarely hear anything negative about Amenia. I don't have kids yet, but I think I'd be comfortable with them walking to school once they hit a certain age. If I lived in NYC I'd probably not let them leave the house alone till 30. The comfort level in Amenia makes a huge difference in my book.

I wouldn't call Amenia a rich area, as I see it has middle class, but the homes are beautiful and old fashioned. Sure, there are some with money, and some with less, but the cost of living isn't too bad, and if you can find a job here you'll be pretty happy.

Which brings us to what I consider to be Amenia's biggest downside. Employment opportunities are rare. I work in marketing and I couldn't find a job close enough to live here. Sure, I could've commuted, but it would've been a pain. I want a short drive to work.

The other negative ties into Amenia's wonderful quiet. Yeah, I like the peaceful nature of this community, but there didn't seem to be a lot of chances for having a lot of fun. I've lived in quiet areas, and it's nice to have more than a few dining choices and places to go for drinks. My fiance and I do enjoy the occasional night out, and Amenia was a little too sleepy for us at this point. If you're single you might find Amenia too slow for a great time. Once I've had kids this might be less of an issue, but for now I need a bit more fun.

All in all I think Amenia is a phenomenal city, but that will really depend on where you're at in your life. If you have a decent job nearby and aren't looking for consistent excitement I think Amenia would be an ideal place to raise kids. If you're a few years from settling down I would recommend looking elsewhere and keeping Amenia in mind for the future.