DUTCHESS COUNTY
County Offices
22 Market Street
Poughkeepsie 845-486-2000
http://www.dutchessny.gov
Chambers of Commerce
Greater Southern Dutchess
Poughkeepsie 845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
Poughkeepsie Area Chamber
One Civic Center Plaza
Poughkeepsie 845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
Situated between the Hudson River and the state of Connecticut, Dutchess County lies on the outskirts of the greater New York Metropolitan area. Offering an ideal environment for living and working, Dutchess County boasts an impressive list of advantages. Newcomers will discover an area that provides reasonable utility costs, more affordable housing, an educated work force, and access to the region’s efficient transportation facilities. These attributes and more have made Dutchess County an ideal choice for many relocating companies and a comfortable home for their employees.
Transportation
Traveling to and from Dutchess County couldn’t be easier. With a central location between New York City and the New York state capital city of Albany, Dutchess is served by major air, rail, and bus lines and is also accessible by major highways from all directions. Less than two hours to the “Big Apple” of Manhattan by car or train, the county enjoys good highway access to the northeast corridor via Interstate 84, Route 9, and the well-traveled Taconic State Parkway. Air travel is available close to home at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York.
Economy
Known for attracting leading financial institutions as well as high-tech leaders, Dutchess County claims a flourishing local economy. This region enjoys one of the highest per capita personal incomes in the country as well as unemployment rates that are consistently below the national average. The ratio of skilled workers to total workers is also one of the highest in the nation, and the county boasts a top rating for machine tools per capita as well as volume of industrial research. The result is a highly industrialized economy where nearly one-third of the population is engaged in manufacturing. This fact, coupled with the quality of life available in Dutchess County, has enabled the county to ride the waves of national economic somersaults with grace and ease.
Education
As steady as the economy, education in Dutchess County reflects an unwavering commitment to academic excellence in the classroom. Year after year, graduates rank among the top four or five states in the nation with an outstanding percentage of National Merit Scholars. An impressive number of students also pursue their higher education at highly respected colleges and universities. The outstanding public school system in Dutchess County is supported by a wide selection of college prep schools and private-school alternatives. Quality institutions for higher learning such as Vassar, Bard and Marist Colleges are close to home, well-supported by an excellent network of community colleges and first-rate opportunities for vocational training and adult education.
Lifestyle
Dutchess County, set in the heart of the Hudson River Valley, offers 800 acres for exploration and enjoyment. The Hudson Valley is an area of exceptional beauty and historical significance that has attracted artists and historians for decades. The county’s relatively modest expanse of land is steeped in more than three centuries of history that includes Dutch homesteads, Colonial-era villages, Revolutionary War sites, and mansions from the Gilded Age set majestically above the Hudson River. As the perfect place for day trips, the countryside offers the delight of regional wineries, farm markets, nature preserves, art galleries, antique shops and the hidden treasures of quaint villages as well as stately homes associated with prestigious names such as Vanderbilt and Roosevelt. Visitors find a warm welcome at historic inns, quaint bed and breakfast inns, rustic campgrounds, or the most modern of hotels and motels. While Dutchess County’s past is most appealing, the present holds a myriad of sights and activities that are fascinating. The county has an unusually high number of fine restaurants that feature a variety of popular and exotic cuisines, so residents and visitors are never far from options for fine or casual dining. This abundance of fine restaurants and eateries is enhanced by the presence and influence of the renowned Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, setting the standard for culinary excellence. Those who prefer a day of shopping will find a healthy retail climate that has made the county a shopper’s paradise in modern malls like the Galleria or quaint shops along Main Street. From the latest fashion trends to antique treasures, you’ll find it all for sale at attractive prices.
Providing the Dutchess County area with a breathtaking backdrop of natural beauty, the magnificent Hudson River is the focal point for such water-related activities as sailing and water-skiing. Relaxing cruises are available from dinner and dancing to longer excursions. The beauty of the river can also be enjoyed from vantage points on dry land.
Dutchess County’s abundant recreational resources make it a “land for all seasons.” Providing summer adventure that includes hiking, biking, camping, and swimming, the county’s many parks and lakes provide plenty of skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and ice skating in the winter. At harvest time, residents and tourists alike spend crisp autumn weekends at the local farms picking apples and pumpkins and admiring the fall foliage. Tennis courts, championship golf courses, riding stables, water sports, hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping are among the popular leisure sports and activities.
From first-time home buyers to country squires, prospective homeowners will find a wide selection of options, lifestyles, and types of neighborhoods in the prosperous cities and charming rural villages. The county’s smaller towns offer many roomy, older homes with well-manicured lawns. Waterfront living is available in a lavish single-family home or in a contemporary condominium with spectacular river views. Those who appreciate antiques may want to settle into a restored Victorian complete with gingerbread trim.
Housing styles are as diverse as they are attractive in this area, and newcomers will be pleased to discover that many fine homes and properties are available at a lower cost than those in neighboring counties. Whether you desire rural or cosmopolitan, modest or upscale — Dutchess County provides just the right neighborhood and the ideal home to suit every lifestyle and income level. Whether you are just starting out, relocating, or retiring—Dutchess County is a region that spells livability.
Amenia
Village Hall
845-373-8860
http://ameniany.gov
Chamber of Commerce
845-453-0415
http://www.harlemvalleychamber.com
A rural community located equidistant to the state capitol of Albany and New York City, Amenia conveniently borders the state of Connecticut and is only thirty miles from the county seat of Poughkeepsie. Natural beauty and a capacity for country living is coupled with easy access to major urban culture, regional employment centers, and shopping centers. In addition to its own renowned public school system, Amenia is only a half-hour drive from a number of distinguished private schools, summer stock theater, and many other attractions. Amenia offers a country lifestyle that includes quick and easy access to urban sophistication.
Recreational amenities and facilities in this area include lush local and regional parks that encourage hiking, biking, and camping as well as winter sports. Other attractions include sports fields and courts, equestrian activities, a golf course, nature centers, tennis courts, and country clubs.
Beekman
Town Hall
845-724-5300
https://www.townofbeekman.com
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
Located in the southern quadrant of Dutchess County, Beekman claims a rich history that dates back to 1788. Beekman provides the tranquility of a rural setting while offering easy access to employment centers, historic sites, shopping malls, and a vast array of urban amenities. Colorful local festivals and civic involvement are hallmarks of this residential community. Two fine school districts serve the area and maintain high educational standards that are evidenced in achievement test scores. Recreational amenities are many in this area. Among them are county and local parks, lakes and beaches, championship golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, multi-purpose trails for hiking and biking, country clubs, youth or senior centers, bridle paths, and a variety of supervised programs for residents of all ages and interests.
East Fishkill
Town Hall
845-221-9191
http://eastfishkillny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
Located in the southern part of Dutchess County, East Fishkill Township includes the small villages of Hopewell Junction, Wiccopee, and historic Stormville. East Fishkill is the proud home of the Hudson Valley Research Center and a number of small electronic companies. At the same time, it provides an excellent location for commuters’ midway between New York City and Albany.
Residents can enjoy a variety of cultural amenities close to home, from theatre and galleries to celebrated attractions like the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. Abundant and attractive housing, respected public schools, shopping opportunities both in and near the community, and recreational facilities close to home complete a quality lifestyle. State, county, and local parkland combines with nature centers, sparkling lakes and beaches, wilderness areas, athletic league sports and ball fields, tennis courts, skating rinks, and golf courses for year-round recreation.
Fishkill
Town Hall
845-831-7800
https://www.fishkill-ny.gov
Village Hall
845-897-4430
http://www.vofishkill.us
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
Fishkill Township — along with smaller villages like Fishkill, Dutchess Junction, and Brickerhoff — offers a suburban area that blends business and corporate centers with residential neighborhoods. Steeped in history, Fishkill was the site of the first Congressional Congress and Revolutionary War encampments. Points of interest include a vintage church, a burial ground for Continental troops, and the Van Wyck Homestead Museum. The housing blends older properties with newer homes that include multi-family developments. A nearby state park combines with local and regional recreational facilities such as golf courses, beaches and lakes, hiking and biking trails, and winter sports areas for four season recreation.
Hyde Park, Clinton
Town Hall
845-229-2103
https://www.hydeparkny.us
Chamber of Commerce
845-229-8612
https://www.hydeparkchamber.online
Located in the west central part of the county, the townships of Hyde Park and Clinton are peaceful and tranquil yet easily accessible to major urban areas. President Franklin D. Roosevelt lived and was buried in Hyde Park. His home, along with the Vanderbilt Mansion and Park, is now a National Historic Site and contains the Ogden Mills State Historic Site and Norrie Point. The Staatsburg Golf Course is the second oldest in America, and Clinton is home to Upton Lake Grange, a premier historic building.
Hyde Park’s charming villages include Staatsburg, East Park, and Springwood. Retail facilities along the Route 9 corridor are convenient for local shopping. Sports and recreational amenities in and near this area include ball fields and athletic leagues, playgrounds, the open space and natural beauty of state and county parks, tennis courts, local parks, swimming pools, golf courses, and country clubs.
LaGrange
Town Hall
845-452-1830
http://www.lagrangeny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
Situated in the southwestern portion of Dutchess County, LaGrange Township is the site of Baird Park, the Taconic State Park Commission Recreation Center. The five villages in this great apple producing area are Billings, Titusville, LaGrangeville, Arthursburg and Freedom Plains. Although the town is considered suburban, it has retained the flavor of its agricultural roots and “country” atmosphere through careful zoning and expert planning. Affordable housing in a wide range of architectural styles to meet every taste and budget has drawn new residents to the area. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are abundant in state and local parks. Other amenities range from developed facilities to wilderness areas.
Milan
Town Hall
845-758-5133
http://www.milan-ny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
845-758-0824
http://www.redhookchamber.org
Set in a heavily wooded environment that includes panoramic hillsides, Milan attracts city dwellers who are seeking a more tranquil life at a slower pace than even the suburban centers can provide. Country stores are scattered throughout the town, providing residents with goods and services while adding to the overall charm of the area. Retail centers are also available in the nearby communities of Red Hook and Rhinebeck. The housing choices include both newer construction and well-kept older homes, with many of properties zoned for generous lots. Excellent schools, the friendliness of a small town, and a quiet country atmosphere combine to make Milan an ideal place to settle. The recreational amenities close to home include nearby county and local parks, tennis courts, golf courses, nature centers, wilderness areas, hiking and biking trails, senior activities, supervised programs, bridle trails, sports clubs, and country clubs.
Northeast
Town Hall
518-789-3778
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
This residential haven of hillsides and sprawling acreage draws people from the urban centers who desire a more relaxed, “country” atmosphere with room to stretch and grow. Zoning for newer construction demands a generous five acres of land, which guarantees that Northeast will be able to retain its rural appeal as it grows in population. Single-family residences are available in a variety of styles and prices, although the area supports multi-family developments as well. Amenia is close to home for expanded shopping and services, and Poughkeepsie is nearby. State parks provide four-season recreation, although first-rate facilities are close to home. Some of the options include beaches, lakes, trails, golf courses, and equestrian facilities.
Pawling
Town Hall
845-855-4464
https://www.pawling.org
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
Set in a naturally beautiful terrain of wooded hillsides just a few miles from the Connecticut state border, the Pawling area offers a classic small-town environment for those who desire to escape the bustle of the “big city.” In addition to respected public schools that have earned a reputation for academic excellence, Pawling is also home to a private high school. Although some businesses operate in Pawling, the town is primarily residential in nature and claims a significant commuter population. The area’s scattered retail activity meets many of the needs for daily goods and services, although expanded shopping facilities are available just a few miles away in Danbury Mall or Poughkeepsie shopping centers. Sports and recreational amenities include local parks, sports courts and fields, athletic leagues, tennis courts, golf courses, multi-purpose trails,
lakes with swimming areas, winter sports areas, and country clubs.
Pleasant Valley
Town Hall
845-635-3274
http://pleasantvalley-ny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
Located in the west-central portion of the county, Pleasant Valley includes the villages of Pleasant Valley and Salt Point. Originally settled by Quakers, local dairies and fruit farms are still active industries. Wappingers Creek still provides excellent fishing and scenic beauty, but for many decades its rushing waters were used for Pleasant Valley Mills. In more recent years, modern retail and professional centers have sprung up along Route 44, harmonizing with major housing developments in nearly every corner of the town. The choices range from single-family residences in a wide range of styles and prices to multi-family developments. The recreational amenities include sports fields and courts, fishing, supervised programs for all ages, tennis courts, and nearby golf courses. One of the major highlights in this area is Innisfree Gardens, providing walks through natural beauty that is architecturally inspired.
Poughkeepsie
City Hall
845-451-4200
https://www.cityofpoughkeepsie.com
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
First in population in Dutchess County, the Poughkeepsie area is a well-developed hub of industry, commerce, and education. Boasting many flourishing businesses and manufacturing concerns in addition to such highly visible corporations as IBM, the township also provides a pleasing mix of agricultural and tourism industries for a healthy and balanced economic base. Other communities included in this area are Arlington, Fairview, Rochdale, New Hamburgh, Camelot, and Red Oaks Mill. Points of interest include the acclaimed Vassar College, excellent public schools, and the outstanding recreational amenities of Bowdoin Park. Opportunities for sports and outdoor enjoyment are abundant in state, county, and local parks. Lakes and beaches, athletic leagues, sports fields and courts, miles of trails, tennis courts, and golf courses are all available close to home in Poughkeepsie.
Red Hook
Town Hall
845-758-4600
https://www.redhook.org
Chamber of Commerce
845-758-0824
http://www.redhookchamber.org
Combined with its distinctive villages, Red Hook Township offers close-to-home employment opportunities in hundreds of companies. Agricultural activity focuses on fruit-growing and still plays a vital role in the economy. Advantageously situated for commerce, the town also enjoys easy access to construction supplies and draws a significant number of skilled craftsmen and highly trained professionals. Boasting one of the finest educational systems in the Hudson Valley, Red Hook is home to the private institution of Bard College and a center for the Deveroux Foundation. The area’s recreational facilities include fields and courts for softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and other popular sports. Other attractions include a community swimming pool, lakes for swimming and fishing, and nearby parkland for outdoor enjoyment in all four seasons.
Union Vale
Town Hall
845-724-5600
http://www.unionvaleny.us
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
Located in the central part of Dutchess County, Union Vale Township includes the unincorporated communities of Verbank, Clove, and North Clove. This area boasts numerous examples of rustic and quaint residences from early America, including one of the county’s oldest residences — the Nicholas Emigh Home. Union Vale is also home to the famed Clove Valley Rod and Gun Club, regionally recognized for its fine hunting and fishing opportunities. Horse enthusiasts will also appreciate the area’s generous parcels of land. Residents enjoy all the advantages of a rural, small-town life within quick and easy access of shopping, cultural attractions, and major employment centers. The recreational amenities include state, county, and local parks that offer lakes with opportunities for fishing as well as athletic leagues and sports courts and fields, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, bridle trails, tennis courts, golf courses, swimming pools, picnic areas, and country clubs.
Wappinger Township
Town Hall
845-297-5771
http://www.dutchessny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
Located in the southwestern portion of the county, Wappinger Township and the incorporated village of Wappingers Falls are bordered on the west by the Hudson River. Other villages that are nestled within the Wappinger Township area include New Hackensack and Chelsea. Newcomers will find a wide range of housing options as well as lifestyle choices that enable them to escape the bustling atmosphere of the “big city” for a more relaxed setting. Area highlights include the Dutchess County Airport, Castle Point Veterans Hospital, and the Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center. Neighborhood schools provide an excellent public education based on the efforts of a dedicated staff, generously funded school programs, and community involvement. The recreational amenities include lush parks, sports fields and courts, athletic leagues, playgrounds, tennis courts, many supervised recreation programs that appeal to residents of all ages, and a senior center with a wide range of activities.
Washington, Millbrook
Washington Town Hall
845-677-3419
Millbrook Village Hall
845-677-3022
http://www.villageofmillbrookny.com
Chamber of Commerce
845-454-1700
https://www.dcrcoc.org
The sweeping Township of Washington is geographically the largest in Dutchess County, located halfway between New York City to the south and Albany to the north. Most of the township is rural in character, and scattered herds of cattle can still be seen dotting the picturesque countryside. This panoramic area has also attracted a large number of horse farms that are dedicated to breeding thoroughbreds and show horses for events, hunting, and polo. As the township’s focal point, the quaint Village of Millbrook is home to charming antique shops, specialty boutiques, fine restaurants, and other goods and services for residents of the village and township. Unique attractions in this area encompass award-winning wineries, Innisfree Gardens, and Rockefeller University Field Research Center. Recreational amenities include lush state and local parks, nature centers, lakes, wilderness areas, equestrian activities, golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, skating rinks, and country clubs.
