Tucked along the Hudson River, Poughkeepsie’s idyllic location makes it easy to forget just how close you are to it all. New York City is just two hours away by car—and 90 minutes by train. If that sounds enticing, it is. The “Queen City of the Hudson” has all the magnetism that would tempt a big-city cash-out: a peaceful, safe downtown that’s a joy to walk (with a #28 Walkability ranking), a college-town spirit (Marist is right in town, with Vassar and another handful of schools nearby) and historic architecture that contributes to a #51 ranking in our combined Livability index. (Is it any wonder that home prices are up nearly 20%?) Its Urban Trail Project connects a range of landmarks and green spaces, including the Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park—the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Small but mighty, Poughkeepsie—perhaps fueled by New Yorkers with the means for a second property or full relocation—is buzzing. Historic Market Street is getting renovations and hotels are cropping up—check out The Heartwood at Vassar, the city’s newest boutique stay. And on a larger scale, there’s the ongoing Hudson Heritage development, which is transforming a former psychiatric center into a 156-acre walkable community.