10 Things to Know Before Moving to Hudson, NY

About 6,300 people call Hudson, New York — a city 130 miles north of Times Square — home. After experiencing a manufacturing boom and gaining a national reputation for illegal activities, Hudson’s economy slipped into a sharp fall in the middle of the twentieth century. Nonetheless, Hudson has seen a remarkable renaissance in the twenty-first century. The city’s attractions are most popular in the summer, but even in the winter, it continues to thrive.

Are you thinking of moving to this charming small city? Here are ten things to know before moving to Hudson, NY!

1. Autumn is absolutely stunning

Hudson Valley Locals Crash and burn in autumn. Simply put, the months of September through November are some of the most beautiful in all of Florida. 

With its picturesque landscape of hills, mountains, rivers, and lakes dotted with colorful deciduous trees, fall in this region is unparalleled.

2. Hudson is known for its great wine

New York is a major center for the winemaking industry, and it’s actually rather good. The practice has been going on for much longer in this city than in any other in the United States. The region is well-known for its distilleries, and its Seyval Blanc and Cabernet Franc wines are highly regarded. 

The area is also known as the site of the annual Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest, held each September, when people may enjoy a variety of gourmet foods and drinks.

3. Most residents once lived in New York

Most Hudson Valley residents are “graduates” from the Big Apple. Most people in the Hudson Valley have experienced and moved on from the fast-paced, high-stress, low-reward lifestyle of New York City. 

It was exciting at first, but after a while, you just want to relax, mow the lawn, and put that kind of thing behind you.

4. Take a bite at Crimson Sparrow

Experienced New York chefs frequently move upstate to create their own restaurants where they can get their supplies from Hudson Valley farmers and prepare meals at their own leisure after years of straining and sweating in New York City kitchens.

A good example is Hudson’s Crimson Sparrow, which offers upscale local-tasting meals with a fancy twist.

5. The people are quite liberal

The Hudson Valley is quite accepting of the LGBTQ community. Because of the welcoming nature of its residents, the Hudson Valley is widely recognized as one of the safest and most accepting regions for people of many sexual orientations and gender identities in the United States. 

One of the most well-attended yearly gay pride events takes place in New Paltz, and it’s called the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Pride March and Festival.

6. Visit the Bard’s Fisher Center

The Fisher Center at Bard College is the first rounded Frank Gehry structure in the Hudson Valley. Bard College’s Dutchess County campus includes a building that appears like a robot stripped naked and threw its clothing on the ground. 

The annual Bard Music Festival, which features classical music, is held there, and the venue is known for its exceptional acoustics.

7. The cost of living is around the same as the national average

The cost of living index in Hudson is 100.9. The annual cost of living for a single person in Hudson, NY, is $39,855, which is 68% less than the cost of living in New York City. This includes housing, food, child care, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses.

The median home price in this city is equally lower than the national average, at $361,252. So living in this city is quite affordable when compared to other neighboring cities.

8. It offers a historic small-town feel

With an inquisitive spirit and a willingness to look beneath the surface, you’ll find that Hudson is a treasure trove of hidden gems despite its relatively modest city size.

Hudson is a great choice for those who want to get away from it all in a hurry without having to deal with a ton of people or sacrificing style. It’s only two hours by car or Amtrak from Manhattan, but the trip gives you a sense of being far away from the city and in a more natural and historic setting.

9. You don’t have to deal with traffic here

The attractiveness of Hudson Valley is enhanced by its closeness to one of the largest metropolitan regions in the United States, yet without the accompanying smog. You may be able to cut or perhaps eliminate your commute to work in New York City.

What’s more, there is no gridlock at all! New Yorkers, prepare to wave farewell to the daily drives during rush hour and say welcome to stress-free trips from the kitchen to the office corner in the living room. If you plan your day well, you may even have some time at the end of it to devote to that hobby you’ve always wanted to pursue.

10. Enjoy the view of the Hudson River

Beacon’s Long Dock Park is a great place to go for a morning stroll because of its location between rolling hills and a body of water. Taking in the sunrise or sunset over the Hudson River is a beautiful way to begin or round off the day. 

If you choose to make this area your permanent home, you will be located directly on or very close to one of the many beautiful roads that go through New York State.

Final Thoughts

Is Hudson the right city for you? This charming little place has a reasonable cost of living, a ton of outdoor scenic beauty, liberal people, and great food. What’s more, you don’t have to endure the traffic that comes with bigger cities such as nearby New York. If you’re looking for a small-city experience, you’ll find it right here.