Orange County, NY

My parents live in "the OC" and I stayed with them for a summer a couple years ago--commuting to Manhattan every day. It's not a great commute, honestly, and really adds about 4 hrs onto your day (2hrs there + back) any way you go, but MetroNorth (www.mta.info/mnr/) on the Hudson line is the fastest, nicest, and most convenient. It leaves from Grand Central. Beacon is the stop I used. If you can find a place anywhere along the Hudson line at or before Beacon, I think your commute may be easier. NJ Transit is another option--I used the Campbell Hall stop but the line ends in Port Jervis. It takes longer, though, and you have to transfer to a Penn Sta train at either Secaucus or Hoboken. I think the Gray Line bus also goes to OC. I know there are Park and Ride stops along 87, too, so you could check those out. Also, if you are planning to stay for a while, make sure you move to a good school district: Middletown PS, for example, is awful. I think Port Jervis is alright, and Montgomery is too. If you want more info about the area let me know. My knowledge is limited, but I was born there (although didn't grow up there) and most of my family lives in the area.

We moved to Plattekill/New Paltz area (Ulster county) 2 years ago but kept our apt. in the city so we go back n' forth quite a bit. Orange county is 20 minutes from us. we try not to drive as there is limited parking on the upper west side. we always take the train from Beacon into Grand. takes us about 20 minutes to get to the station. It's ALWAYS on time and lots of time options. it's an hour n 20 ride but there are some expresses that get you there in an hour. you can also take the bus from New Paltz into Pt. Authority but it's a longer trip and more money. we buy a 10 trip card for the train to save money which you can do on line. Try and look for homes on the west side of the river. Any town along the train line and south of beacon will be very expensive. The town of Beacon itself is on the upswing but still VERY SKETCHY!!! Plus we have more land for the money over here:) doesn't feel like suburbia :)

you will love it up here. Lots to do for kids!! My daughter is 15 months and we've been able to make the commute work and she likes being in both places. feel free to contact me for any other info. or if you need info. on surrounding towns etc. I'm in the city alot this coming month and I'd be happy to meet up and let you pick my brain if you'd like :)

D.

well i am currently moving to new windsor. My in-laws already live there. But the town of Beacon is where the Metro-North is at. For me is about 15 minutes to the train station and depending on which train you take its about 80-90 minutes to Grand Central Station. The train is the Harlem train service.
There are also Bus Services from Newburgh and they take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Hope its useful to you.

I would check on craigslist for any possible carpools. It generally takes anywhere from 15 minutes, to 45 minutes to get to the city though. It depends on the locations. There are stations located at different parts of the city, that will let you off closer or farther from your job. Hope that helps!