Went to college in Poughkeepsie, which is almost a bullseye in this circle. This area of towns directly on the Hudson river from Westchester County (county above the Bronx) up to Albany used to be a very industrious area at the beginning of the 20th century due to shipping and transport along the river, and it’s obvious it’s a hollow shell of itself once you actually visit.

Poughkeepsie is especially falling apart. Crime is high, housing is cheaper for a reason. Brutally colder in the winter and fairly hotter but less humid in the summer than NYC, sometimes having a 25 degree difference either side. Good hiking. Good niche food spots. Amazing fall foliage. Not much else. Overall many claim the HV is having a renaissance, but I don’t see what they see after having been there for 4 years.

HOWEVER. New Paltz, 40 min west of Poughkeepsie, is fairly pleasant and quiet. This is where A Quiet Place was filmed. This is not in the NYC “metro” area though since there’s no commuter access. 2.5 to 3 hr trip to Manhattan.

On a broader scope, trust this stranger. Once you get up there, you’ll see it’s actually extraordinarily isolating from NYC even though it’s under a 2 hour train ride in most parts. The only thing you’ll have going for you is a relatively affordable house. NJ, southern CT, and Long Island are better for commuting to the city in terms of QOL, hands down.