New York Communities

Dutchess County, New York

Dutchess County , New York lies tucked away in the scenic Hudson River Valley.  Its location, ninety minutes from the bustling metropolis of New York City, affords Dutchess County residents access to an astounding array of urban amenities, without the hassles of city life.

Located between the Hudson River and the Connecticut-New York border, Dutchess County rests midway between Albany and New York City.  The cities of Beacon and Poughkeepsie as well as numerous other smaller towns and villages comprise Dutchess County.  According to the Census 2000 Dutchess County reported a population of 280,150.

Beacon, population 13,808, lies along the eastern shore of the Hudson River across from the lovely City of Newburgh.  It lies in close proximity to Bannerman Castle, Dia: Beacon and West Point.  Poughkeepsie, home to nearly 30,000, serves as the seat of Dutchess County.  Located at the junction of the US-9 and the US-44 highways, Poughkeepsie is home to several fine higher learning facilities that include Marist College, Ridley-Lowell Business and Technical Institute and the prestigious Vassar College.  The renowned Culinary Institute of America is nearby in Hyde Park and Bard College is in Annandale.

IBM operates a major campus in Poughkeepsie and is one of the largest employers in Dutchess County.  Other significant employers include Health Quest, St. Francis Hospital and Vassar College.  Dutchess County communities are accessible by an extensive highway and railway system, affording convenient connections to the surrounding business markets.  At over $63,000 per year, residents enjoy a median family income that stands well above the national average.  The cost of living in Dutchess County is also well below that of other counties in Eastern NY.

The Berkshire foothills, Catskill Mountains and numerous trails such as the renowned Appalachian Trail provide breathtaking scenery, while offering a wealth of recreational activities for residents and visitors to Dutchess County. Sites such as the artistic Town of Rhinebeck, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s homestead in Hyde Park and the stunning mansions along the Hudson River also lure tourists into Dutchess County.  Millbrook, known as horse country, has a lovely vineyard found along the Dutchess Wine Trail.  Art galleries, beautiful botanical gardens, farmer’s markets, historic landmarks, museums and festivals such as the Dutchess County Fair are other exciting destinations that regularly attract numerous visitors. The area’s moderate climate adds to the unlimited potential for recreation year round.

Dutchess County, New York provides over 800 square miles of scenic landscape, comprised of friendly communities with a charming blend of historic and modern architecture.  Dutchess County provides a wide array of opportunities and an exemplary quality of life sure to delight residents and vacationers alike.