Page 44 - The Business Council of Westchester - 2018 Relocation Guide

34
LIVING IN WESTCHESTER AND THE HUDSON VALLEY | RELOCATION & MOVING GUIDE
LOWER HUDSON VALLEY
ORANGE
O range County’s rich history, unique geograph- ic position, natural and man-made resources and inviting lifestyle make it one of the best places to live in New York State and perhaps the country. Only 50 miles from New York City, Orange County has a vibe all its own, with very affordable real estate and easy access to all the great things its New
York State has to offer.
One of the chief attractions of Orange County is its
history. It is the home of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Established by President Thom- as Jefferson in 1802, West Point is one of the US’ most treasured historical landmarks. Not only can residents and visitors watch the Army Black Knights take on all gridiron challengers at the 38,000-seat Michie Stadium, they can tour the West Point Museum, that nation’s oldest military museum. What people don’t know is that West Point is where you’ll find the amazing 4,400- seat Eisenhower Hall Theatre – America’s largest the- ater space after New York’s Radio City Music Hall.
Speaking of art and culture, Orange County is awash in it. Here you will find the one-of-a-kind Storm King Art Center – the largest outdoor sculpture park in the entire country – in addition to Motorcyclepedia, the country’s largest motorcycle museum. These are joined by the Purple Heart Hall of Honor and the Harness Racing Museum Hall of Fame.
Once you’re done touring all the evocative man-made attractions in Orange County – the only county in New York State that borders both the Hudson and Delaware Rivers – you can pick up the pace at one of the county’s many idyllic walking trails. Orange County contains or is connected to literally thousands of miles of some of the nation’s most iconic pedestrian pathways, accom- modating hikers at every level, including the historic Appalachian Trail, Highlands Trail and Shawangunk Ridge Trail, among many others.
After all that walking and sightseeing, you’ll no doubt have worked up a healthy appetite. No problem: Orange County has you covered. Enjoy the super-fresh seafood, four-season terrace and retractable ceilings at the heralded Blu Point in picturesque Newburgh, which features some of the best Hudson River views. Or stop by Craft 47 in Goshen for some unforgetta- ble small-plate tapas or even braised Hudson Valley duck. Other great choices include Cilantro in New Windsor, and Newburgh’s Il Cenacolo and Liberty Street Bistro.
To walk off that great dinner, kill two birds with one stone by hitting up some of the great shopping oppor- tunities Orange County provides. Center stage among the inviting yet eclectic cache of shops, boutiques and specialty stores is the mega-popular Woodbury
Above: For
40 years, the famous New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo Park has been a rollicking romp through the spirited hearts of devotees from
all over the map. Left: Blu Pointe restaurant in Newburgh offers not only some of the best fine dining in the region but also incomparable river views.
Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, one of the largest contiguous outlet centers in the world.
To get the full Orange County experience, save time to visit America’s oldest winery, Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, and check out the ever-popular New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo Park.
KEY FACTS
POPULATION DENSITY: 459 people per square mile MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $246,473
MEDIAN ANNUAL PROPERTY-TAX PAYMENT: $6,253 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME: $70,848
ROSSMEDIA
DEBORAH GROSMARK