From Brooklyn to Orange County (Monroe, Warwick: houses, movie theater, school districts)

[ForMyBoys]

My husband and I have finally decided to make the move from Brooklyn. I have 2 small boys and need to think of schools. We have focused our search on the Warwick area on the recommendation of a friend. Our biggest concern is the commute for my husband who will continue to work in Brooklyn. He works off hours so traffic is not a concern. Can anyone give me some information on the Warwick area? Are the schools good? Is the commute to the city horrible? How about to Rockland? Any information would be appreciated. I have lived in Brooklyn for over 30 years and hate to leave but life is all about what is best for my kids now and this is not the place it once was so it's time to move on.

Thanks

[joeymarine]

Originally Posted by ForMyBoys

My husband and I have finally decided to make the move from Brooklyn. I have 2 small boys and need to think of schools. We have focused our search on the Warwick area on the recommendation of a friend. Our biggest concern is the commute for my husband who will continue to work in Brooklyn. He works off hours so traffic is not a concern. Can anyone give me some information on the Warwick area? Are the schools good? Is the commute to the city horrible? How about to Rockland? Any information would be appreciated. I have lived in Brooklyn for over 30 years and hate to leave but life is all about what is best for my kids now and this is not the place it once was so it's time to move on.

Thanks

Warwick Valley School District has been rated 10 out of 10. I live in Warwick, but don't have any children yet, so I can't really tell you first hand. I have heard great things about it. Where I live in Warwick, I would say about every third house, someone commutes to the city, so it can't be that bad.

Rockland County is nice, but the median price of housing there is in the 400-500 range and the houses seem to be more on top of each other. The taxes are through the roof, and to get into a good school district, it will cost a good deal more.

I prefer Orange County, it really is a great place to live. If you haven't visited Warwick yet, take a drive this weekend if you can, go to the village, go check out Pennings Farm Market on 94 and get a pie, then go to the bellvale creamery where they make their own ice cream and you can look over the mountians, the views are amazing.

If you need directions or anything, don't hesitate to let me know. Good Luck!!!

[hjlacey]

Warwick and Monroe are both very good school districts, although it is an easier commute to the city from Monroe. good luck!

[ForMyBoys]

Thanks for the information. I think I will take that road trip next weekend. Maybe look for a few open house in the area. Is there any advice on what route I should take from NYC?

[joeymarine]

Originally Posted by ForMyBoys

Thanks for the information. I think I will take that road trip next weekend. Maybe look for a few open house in the area. Is there any advice on what route I should take from NYC?

I find that the easiest way is to come straight up 87. If you want to check out Monroe you can get off exit 16, go through the toll booth, take the very first exit and that will drop you off on 32. The Woodbury Commons is to the right...you can explore from there.

If you want to go straight to Warwick, get off at exit 15, make a left at the light onto Old 17 (Follow the speedlimit signs, cops in Tuxedo will pull you over for 5 over). Make a Left turn onto 17A, it's a little bit of a mountain road, so drive carefully on it for the first time. You will go through Greenwood Lake, you need to stay to the right at the first fork and to the left at the second fork (you will be following signs for 17A). That will bring you right to 94 in Warwick. If you make a left there is Pennings Farm and the Warwick Drive-in Movie Theater. To the right will bring you into the Village of Warwick. Keep in mind, Warwick itself is 102 Square Miles and encompasses Greenwood Lake, the Village of Warwick, the Town of Warwick, Florida, and Pine Island.

It's big, but gorgeous. Good luck and have fun!

[settlepa]

I think it all depends on what your price range is for a home once we know that, its easier to direct you. Monroe and Warwick have high taxes. Most start looking in Monroe and end up in the town of Wallkill with Pine Bush Schools. You get a bit more for your money and its no further than communting from Warwick. Warwick is nice but tough commute in the winter. Good Luck.