Fishkill has history and convenience
The Town of Fishkill played a part in America’s early history. It was New York’s capital for about a year and home to one of George Washington’s largest supply sites until 1783. Today, Van Wyck Hall on Main Street even holds a reading of the Declaration of Independence every Fourth of July to keep the spirit of history alive. The town evolved as centuries passed, and now this Dutchess County town is known as a place to live close to highly rated schools, popular restaurants and highways.
“I think the location near the highway is a big thing,” says Jennifer Velez, a Realtor at JonCar Realty who has been in real estate since 1998. “You’re right near I-84, and it will connect you to Beacon in about 15 minutes. Fishkill is also about 15 minutes from the train station, if you’re going into Manhattan.” Velez says home prices are lower in Fishkill than in Beacon, but some homes are close enough to the city that residents still have access to the city's amenities without paying the higher prices. “The village has a cute Main Street with good restaurants. The schools are decent, and the district is cheaper compared to Arlington.”
Commuting down I-84 or taking the train
Fishkill has a GAP Distribution Center, which allows residents to work close to home. Manhattan workers can drive down Interstate 84 to the Beacon train station. The Hudson train line leads to Grand Central Terminal, a trip that takes a little over an hour. Dutchess County Public Transit buses primarily run in the Village of Fishkill, with stops along U.S. Route 9. I-84 also extends 16 miles east to the New York Stewart International Airport.
Traffic tends to pick up around graduation season, as Fishkill has many hotels around Route 9, which leads about 14 miles north to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie. I-84 is also close to the hotels and runs about 20 miles to West Point. Most places of worship in the area are churches, though people can also visit temples and masjids in Beacon.
Established houses and condos under construction
There are condos, townhouses and single-family homes throughout Fishkill. Velez says there are brand-new condos and townhouses still being built, particularly in the Van Wyck Mews area. Condos in a 55-and-over community can range between $165,000 and $250,000, while a brand-new unit can sell for $250,000 to $400,000. New and existing townhouses sell for $400,000 to over $650,000. Many detached single-family homes, like those in the Dutchess Lake area, have ranch-style or split-level designs. Though, there is the occasional Craftsman or Colonial Revival. Properties often have full yards and tall trees in the front and back yards. Prices for single-family homes can start at about $375,000 and reach around $650,000.
Two of Dutchess County’s best school districts
The Town of Fishkill has two school districts. The Wappingers Central School District covers the west side of town and earns an A-minus from Niche. The district is also ranked as the third-best in Dutchess County by Niche. “Parts of Fishkill are in the Beacon City School District, so that’s one of the selling points,” Velez says. “You’re not in Beacon, but you get the schools.” The Beacon City School District also earns an A-minus and is ranked as the fifth-best district in the county.
Locally owned restaurants on Main Street and shopping along Route 9
The Village of Fishkill is a destination for dining and shopping. “We like to The Tomato Cafe, and they just opened up The Duchess Biercafe and Beast,” Velez says. “Il Figlio Enoteca is in a strip mall, but it’s fancy Italian food and so beautiful that you don’t know you’re in a strip mall. He opened La Sorella next door, and it’s fancy and expensive, but worth it.” Shopping centers line the length of Route 9. For groceries, residents can shop at Walmart or go across the parking lot to Sam’s Club. There’s also a ShopRite in Fishkill Plaza.
Rec center activities, parks and community events
Velez highlights the Village of Fishkill’s community center as a hub for residents to get active. “They do a lot of stuff, like jazzercise and community-based events,” Velez says. “It was built in the last 10 years, and it’s nice. The parking lot is always full.” For more outdoor fun, there is Geering Park and Sarah Taylor Park. Some residents who prefer hiking might head to Beacon to climb Mount Beacon and reach the overlook.
“The Village of Fishkill does a lot of street festivals, like a car show and community day,” Velez says. “They close down Main Street and have parties.” The Village of Fishkill activities committee organizes community events, from the Memorial Day parade to farmers markets.
Limited street parking when it snows
On average, Fishkill sees about 21 inches of snow every year. The Town of Fishkill has a snow ordinance that prevents street parking between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. from November to April, while the village’s ordinance is from December through March for the same time frame. Keeping cars off the street will allow snowplows plenty of room to clear the roads when it snows.
Photography Contributed By
Augusto Abreu
