AdamN

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!