New Paltz's mountain charm and college-town energy
Tucked within the shadows of the Shawangunk Ridge, the Village of New Paltz, the commercial hub of the Town of New Paltz, is an idyllic Hudson Valley community surrounded by sweeping landscapes and brimming with local businesses and entertainment. Less than 90 miles from Manhattan and 15 miles from Kingston, New Paltz has become a haven for hikers, bikers, college students and creatives who value both the outdoors and urban convenience. "It's home to the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz," says Greg Berardi, Principal Broker at Berardi Realty. "So, it's a big, easygoing and safe college town." Founded in 1678 by a group of Huguenots, or French Protestants, the Village is home to about 7,300 residents, approximately half the town's population. Residents can dive into the Village's past along Historic Huguenot Street, where seven of the settlement’s original stone houses still stand.
The village center spans along a lively stretch of Main Street, where independent bookstores, cafes, bistros and bars draw crowds year-round. Quiet residential streets canopied by towering maples and oaks fan off Main Street, while SUNY New Paltz anchors the south side of the Village. Rolling hills, nature preserves and patches of farmland frame the Village's surrounding landscapes. "New Paltz isn't known for its old historic buildings like Kingston," Berardi says. "But homes are built into the natural landscape. Many properties take advantage of the mountain views, the lakes and the creeks." Just outside the Village core, world-renowned destinations like the Mohonk Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House draw nature enthusiasts from around the globe.
Trails, preserves and open space around town
The Village of New Paltz offers access to some of the Hudson Valley's most scenic outdoor spaces. "It's really a place for people who like to enjoy the outdoors," Berardi says. Residents can kayak along the winding waters of the Wallkill River or fish along the shore. The 13-mile Wallkill Valley Rail Trail spans from New Paltz to South Kingston and is just one small section of the 750-mile Empire State Trail.
A short walk from the village center leads to the River-to-Ridge trailhead, where a 6-mile path cuts through scenic farmland and wildflower meadows before climbing towards the Shawangunk Ridge. The ridge is home to several world-renowned state parks, including Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve, where miles of rugged terrain welcome hikers, bikers, horseback riders and rock climbers. Each year, the town hosts Rock the Ridge, a 50-mile running race, with proceeds from the race going towards the Preserve's conservation efforts. East of the Village, Black Creek State Forest and Black Creek Preserve offer another 5,000 acres for exploration.
Closer to home, flat, serene trails weave through Mill Brook Preserve, a 134-acre green space comprising the Village's north side. Down the road, the Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary features additional trails and wildlife viewing opportunities along the Wallkill River's banks. Hasbrouck Park anchors the village center with a large castle-themed playground, lush open fields and sports courts. Moriello Pool and Park is the only public pool within the village limits. A shaded walking trail leads from the pool to New Paltz Community Center, which offers a long list of activities for all ages.
The Field of Dreams Park features soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a playground, and two beach volleyball courts, 3 miles from the Village. Lush lawns and an off-leash dog park cater to furry friends and serve as the site of free events like the town's summertime concert series. Across the street, open fields give way to the Ulster County Pool and the adjacent Ulster County Fairgrounds.
Condos, townhouses and single-family homes amongst the trees
Tree-lined streets give way to a mix of condominiums, townhouses and single-family homes that attract investors and long-term residents. Modest condo units can range from $150,000 to the low-$300,000s, while 20th-century townhouses can range from $300,000 to $400,000. New development is rising, with a brand-new community boasting duplex-style townhouses with mid-century modern designs priced in the upper-$700,000s. "There is a lot of residential development along U.S. Route 32 before you enter the town," Berardi says. "We've finally grown to the size where vacancy rates are so low for rentals and permanent housing. It's terrific to see." An eclectic mix of single-family homes ranges from historic bungalows and colonial-style farmhouses to Cape Cods and ramblers shaded by mature foliage. Other streets are lined with split-levels, Dutch Colonials, Colonial Revivals and the occasional 21st-century modern Craftsman-style design. Prices in the Village typically range from $300,000 to $700,000, with a handful selling into the $900,000s. Just outside the Village, sprawling custom-built homes on acreage can easily fetch price tags as high as $2 million. Like most of the Hudson Valley, meandering streams like the Wallkill River may occasionally flood.
Main Street's commercial hub and nearby amenities
Anchored by the State University of New York at New Paltz, the Village pulses with a youthful spirit seen amongst its thriving local businesses. The Village's commercial corridor spans New York State Route 32, or Main Street. Small boutiques, bookstores and beauty salons are scattered between community staples. Casual eateries match the town's laidback, college vibe, with an array of coffee shops, delis and bars. Local establishments serve global flavors, ranging from Vietnamese and Mexican to Indian and American. P&G's is a community landmark housed in a 1900s wood-paneled building. This former casino-turned-pub’s staples include cold brews and clam chowder: “Everybody knows it, and everybody goes there,” Berardi says. Down the road, Main Street Bistro is another local favorite known for its hearty brunch offerings, and Lola's Cafe draws lunch crowds with its flavor-packed sandwiches and burgers.
A mile east of the village center, New Paltz Plaza features a small movie theater, additional retailers and Tops Friendly Markets; ShopRite is across the street. For big-box retailers, residents can head about 20 miles north to Kingston or 20 miles south to Newburgh.
Entertainment options and festivities around the Valley
Year-round entertainment ranges from cultural offerings to seasonal festivities. Throughout the year, SUNY New Paltz and Unison Arts host performances, gallery openings and film screenings that draw visitors across the Valley. Townwide events range from Halloween parades and holiday craft fairs to fishing derbies and Thanksgiving turkey trots. Each spring, crowds flock to the riverfront for the New Paltz Regatta, where whimsical handmade boats race down the Wallkill River. Monthly festivals take place across the Valley, while the Mohonk Mountain House hosts everything from a Mountaintop Oktoberfest with polka music, brews and bratwurst to a spring Italian Festival with artisan markets, homemade pasta and Aperol Spritzes.
Educational offerings in New Paltz
The New Paltz Central School District, the best school district in Ulster County, earns an overall B-plus rating from Niche. Primary-aged students are divided between Duzine Elementary School for pre-kindergarten through second grade and Lenape Elementary School for third through fifth grade. Both schools boast a B-plus. New Paltz Middle School scores a B, and New Paltz High garners a B-plus. The Village is also home to the Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, a private K-8 school that has an A rating from Niche.
Commutes around the Hudson Valley
Walkability is one of the Village's greatest assets. For trips further afield, direct bus service to New York City is available via Trailways, and Ulster County Area Transit connects the Village to nearby metro areas like Kingston and Poughkeepsie. Nuvance Health Vassar Brothers Medical Center is one of two general hospitals in Poughkeepsie, about 11 miles east via New York State Route 299. Interstate 87, or the New York State Thruway, runs along the Village's eastern edge, leading 80 miles north to Albany International Airport and 85 miles south to Manhattan.
