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Dutchess County, New York has become one of the most popular places to live for middle class New Yorkers. The reasons are simple. The quality of life on Long Island is being challenged by daily traffic jams and over crowding. Westchester County housing prices and property taxes are extremely high. The cost of living in Westchester County is far too high for most middle class families. Putnam County is becoming as expensive as Westchester. In comparison to Westchester and Putnam, Dutchess County homes are much less expensive, at least for the present
Lower Dutchess real estate is within commuting distance of White Plains and New York City. There are commuter trains available on both sides of the county. They provide daily transportation into Grand Central Station, in lower Manhattan. There are also exceptional roads for commuting. Whether you are traveling North, South, East, Or West, the interconnecting highways that cross Dutchess County, match the best in the country. Dutchess County roads and highways handle a lot of traffic; but far less than the roads in New York City and Long Island.
The Western side of the Dutchess County has developed faster than the Eastern side. This is primarily due to the lack of a two lane highway above Brewster. This may soon change. There is talk that the impediments to widening Route 22 have been removed and plans are being made to extend route 684 into the upper towns of Patterson, Pawling, Dover and Amenia. They may be the next communities, in the Dutchess County real estate market, to experience rapid growth.
There are always plenty of single family homes for sale in lower Dutchess, but very few good parcels of land. The land that is available is not as costly as land in Westchester or Putnam Counties; but much more expensive than it was in Dutchess County a few years ago.
Long Island, White Plains, and New York City homes are usually built with very little separation. Dutchess County homes are normally situated on a half acre or more. Many homes are located on even larger parcels. Most people like having a larger parcel of land and feel it provides a better quality of life.
Larger parcels of land are being developed by professional builders for upscale homes in Dutchess County. Most of the new homes being built today are modern colonials and contemporaries. The cost of the land and its development, make it unprofitable to build a ranch, or raised ranch; the principle style homes built in Dutchess County during the 60´s, 70´s, and 80´s. These new homes range in price from $500,000 to $1,000,000 or more. They are being purchased as fast as they are built.
The new homes may be considered to expensive by many; but there are always plenty of less expensive older homes available throughout the county. Moving into an older home is not a setback. Most older homes have been well kept. Many are situated on choice parcels of land, and in communities where vacant land is no longer available. It´s not uncommon for older homes to have a modern kitchen and baths, and recently refinished exteriors.
Another important complement to the quality of life in Dutchess County is the availability of shopping malls; summer theatre; quality schools; plenty of exceptional restaurants, and an outstanding library system throughout the County. Yes, if quality of life is important to you, Dutchess County is a great place to live.
Home buying is much easier if you take advantage of the MLS searching ability in my web site. Use the Quick Home Search above to see all the current homes for sale in any area of Dutchess County. Find your dream home by clicking on your chosen price range; and you and your family will enjoy the quality of life you deserve.
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