With so much doom and gloom about the housing market these days , I am at least reading positive reports about Manhatten housing prices being up. In the first quarter of this year, the median price for a Manhattan home rocketed up 18%, to $872,000, compared with the same period last year, according to an April 17 report by ResidentialNYC.com.

This being said, there's a quieter and slower pace just a little over an hour asway where a home buyer can find some great deals. In Dutchess County. there's always been an influx of NY City commuters buying into more affordable lifestyles. For those who prefer not to commute by car, the Metro-North Hudson Line provides easy scheduling to/from Grand Central Station during peak commuter times (and at least hourly otherwise during non-peak times). The trains stop in Beacon, Hughsonville and Poughkeepsie. Many people who commute even take advantage of the down time by catching up on reading, sleeping, working from laptops, or just to unwind while enjoying the scenic Hudson river views.   

According to the Mid-Hudson MLS, in April the average median selling price was $310,000 - down 10% from last year. So, while home prices rise in Manhatten I'm hopeful that this means more business for me! If your considering a move to Dutchess County I'd love to hear from you!