I live 45 miles North of the Empire State building. My wife and I were raised just outside the City. We wanted to live in a quieter and less crowded place. We had both travlled around a lot and focused on our careers, so were were able to move into the house on our 2nd Anniversary. That was 30 years ago. We had opportunities to move but we stayed and paid off the mortgage several years ago.
I like the area since it is surrounded by the NYC Reservoirs, so there is plenty of open space and good fishing. The roads are great for riding, and I can ride along the Hudson River or cross over into Orange County and ride through the Mountains and valleys up into Pennsylvania.
Our population is pretty much like ourselves. People raised in the City and looking for some quiet, so we share a common the culture. There have been no burglaries on my street or in the neighboring area n 35 years. My taxes are high, but with no mortgage we pay less per month than we would in rent.
We would like to live a true small town life and may find another place for summers. While I like small towns I sometimes wonder if we would fit in, or lose the sense of privacy. For now we are content to sit on the deck, look at the trees, read a book. If we need a jolt, we can run down to the city to take in a show or just look around. I still have 4 of the same friends I met in 1962.
