Embracing Tranquility: Unveiling the Timeless Charm of Hudson Valley Living
Drawn to a slower pace and open spaces, Hudson Valley residents enjoy a refreshing balance of two worlds—a respite from the city while still relishing the opportunity to easily access it. The Luxury Division at Compass sat down with Byron Anderson, Team Principal of the Hudson Valley Team at Compass in Millbrook, NY, to discuss why Hudson Valley living offers an unmatched escape. To explore more about the serenity of the Hudson Valley, contact byron@compass.com.
With Hudson Valley's appeal of a balanced lifestyle, how has its evolution from a weekend escape to a permanent community unfolded in recent years?
The Hudson Valley has a long history of weekend residents who, over time, become full-time residents. Changes in the workplace environment post-Covid, coupled with availability and accessibility, have allowed people to spend more time here and less time tethered to their offices and desks in Manhattan. So far, this trend hasn't bucked significantly, especially as more and more amenities come to the Valley. We see this as something that's here to stay. With future amenities like Soho Farmhouse, Six Senses, Innes, Wildflower, wineries, distilleries, breweries, and more covering both sides of the Hudson River, owners and visitors have world-class options to dine, stay, and entertain that have never previously existed. It's an extremely exciting time for the Valley.
Amidst the tranquil embrace of the Hudson Valley, time seems to take on a different cadence. How does this region's lifestyle diverge from the bustling pace of other regions outside Manhattan, and how do the slower pace, privacy, and ample space appeal to residents and buyers?
AN ESCAPE FROM FAST-PACED LIVING
One of the key differentiators of the lifestyle here versus, say, the Hamptons or Greenwich, is that time really does slow down. This is not so much a see-and-be-seen environment. There is tremendous affluence and lots of parties, but it's much lower key. We do have the Ferrari set, but we also have the billionaire set driving muddy trucks and wearing Wellies at the local diner after spending the morning fly fishing, shooting, or riding (bicycles and horses) through the countryside.
UNPARALLELED PROPERTY SIZE
One of the most significant differences, however, is the type and size of property here versus other markets. We market and sell 100+ acre properties regularly. The privacy and tranquility this allows is a real-life fantasy. Having the space to truly spread out and walk, hike, or wade in river bends on one's own property is unique to our area, something our property owners get to experience. You can't quite get the same feeling on a crowded beach.
Providing a fusion of rural charm with touches of metropolitan sophistication, residents enjoy the benefits of a fine culinary and high-end retail experience on a more local scale. Could you paint a picture of some of the locations that residents frequently indulge in while living in the Hudson Valley?
Some of the best restaurants in New York call the Hudson Valley home. Feast & Floret in Hudson has been written up in Eater NY and the NYT. Stissing House in Pine Plains was recently nominated for a James Beard award. Just across the NY border in Kent, CT, Ore Hill was named to the New York Times Best Restaurants List. Westerly Canteen at the Ten Mile Distillery is a favorite, as is Troutbeck; both in Amenia.
The boutiques in Hudson, NY are akin to the independents in SoHo or Brooklyn. It's a vibe unlike any other, having this global sophistication surrounded by large farms, rivers, lakes, and mountains with some of the best vistas anywhere.
As a prospective buyer embarks on their journey, what should they anticipate in terms of property availability, property amenities/features, and market dynamics? How do the natural surroundings provide a unique opportunity for buyers?
Hudson Valley is historically a low inventory market. We are seeing very solid demand at all price points. The ultra high-end is an absolute bargain when compared to markets like Greenwich or the Hamptons, but they are still longer sales. Properties that are priced well, in good condition, and in good locations are selling well in the region.