Affordable homes and countryside charm in Walden
Surrounded by orchards, farms and scenic countryside, Walden is a small village in the Hudson Valley offering an escape from the busyness of the New York metro area. "People are moving up from south of here, and it's a lot more affordable," says Annette Bauer, an associate broker at Century 21 Williams Realty with over 40 years of experience. "We have a lot of local farms that are close by, like apple orchards. There's Twin Ponds, which has a hay maze for the Halloween season, and there's Manza Farm that has the same thing." The village is a small, walkable community with historic homes on suburban streets. Locally owned shops and restaurants fill downtown, while parks offer an array of activities. The farms and orchards are all a short drive away, making it easy to enjoy the valley's rural setting.
Home styles spanning over a century in Walden
Century-old Colonials, Victorians and cottages line Walden's streets. Homes are often close together on hilly suburban roads with sidewalks. Front porches are common, giving homeowners a place to enjoy a morning coffee and wave to neighbors as they walk by. The village's west side has some more modern homes, ranging from the 1950s to the early 2000s. These include ranch-style houses and Colonial Revivals. Lots are larger here, sometimes between a quarter-acre and half-acre. Prices typically range between $230,000 and $550,000. There is some flood risk in the areas along the Wallkill River and Tin Brook, according to First Street.
Pubs, pizzerias and cideries offer dining options throughout town
A mix of cuisine is available in Walden at several locally owned restaurants. Sweeney's Irish Pub serves traditional Irish fare and drinks in a cozy environment. Franco's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant is a casual spot for delivery or dining in. Just northwest of town, Angry Orchard Cider House is a 60-acre orchard with bar food and a wide variety of ciders on tap. Tours are available for a behind-the-scenes look at the cider production. City Winery Hudson Valley is about 4 miles south of the village and offers tastings and flights alongside elevated American fare. Shops in town include a sporting goods store, a bookstore and Millspaugh Furniture, which has been open since 1858. Groceries are available at Hannaford on Oak Street.
Village parks offer sports, trails and water activities
Recreation is abundant in Walden, with several parks throughout the village. Residents can kayak along the Wallkill River or cast a line from the bank at Marcus "Mickey" Millspaugh Riverfront Park. James Olley Community Park is the largest in the village at nearly 100 acres. It has a lake for swimming and fishing, plus walking trails and playgrounds. Sports are the main draw at Bradley Park, with four baseball fields, a softball field and two tennis courts. Runners and cyclists can hop on the Walden-Wallkill Rail Trail at Woodruff Street. This 3.22-mile paved path leads north to the small community of Wallkill.
Students can take college courses at highly rated schools
Walden Elementary School receives a B from Niche and is in the center of the village. Valley Central Middle School and Valley Central High School each earn a B-plus. The high school offers college-level courses like English, algebra, computer science and macroeconomics. Students can participate in clubs such as JROTC, National Art Honor Society and Math Honor Society. The district does not offer open enrollment or magnet programs, but out-of-district transfers may be available through the state.
Celebrating the seasons with village festivals
Autumn is a busy season in Walden, with local farms hosting weekend events. Twin Ponds on the Farm offers pumpkin picking, hayrides and mazes. The farm also hosts line and square dances. Manza Farm & Garden Center has a hay maze and pony rides on fall weekends. The village's annual Harvest Festival takes place in September and includes a petting zoo, pinewood derby race and live music. The holiday season kicks off with a festival in November featuring handmade goods from local vendors at Wooster Grove.
Highways and trains make it easy to commute
State Routes 52 and 208 pass through Walden, connecting to nearby communities. Route 208 connects to Interstate 84, about 4 miles south of the village. Commuting to New York is possible via Interstate 87 or nearby trains. "We have several people commuting into the city. The Beacon train station is probably 15 minutes away, just across the bridge," Bauer says. Beacon is on the east side of the Hudson River and has trains to Grand Central Station in Manhattan. The closest hospital is Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall in Newburgh , about 11 miles away. New York Stewart International Airport is about 9 miles away and offers nonstop flights to South Carolina and Florida.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
