Saugerties, NY

Saugerties is a historic Ulster County town of about 20,000, about 108 miles from New York City, a little over a two hour drive. A one-time bustling port town, it was founded on the spot where the Esopus Creek meets the Hudson, and it still retains a vaguely maritime feel. It’s a popular destination for day trips and weekends, thanks to its long list of things to do and easy New York State Thruway accessibility just off Exit 20.

Downtown Saugerties has the look and feel of postcard-ready small town, its two main streets lined with Victorian-era brick buildings now occupied by antique shops and restaurants. (My favorite of the latter is the lunch-only, postage-sized Love Bites, which always has delicious and innovative offerings. Ask for the Banana Ketchup.) There’s a local movie theater, a yoga studio, a great wine shop with friendly, helpful owners, and no less than four indie bookstores. Saugerties has definitely been discovered and prices have climbed over the past decade, though it hasn’t proven recession proof. The average listing price is about $316,000, with sales down over 50% in the past year.