Posted on Mar-24-09 at 10:57 AM (Eastern) by 74.72.111.100
My husband and I have been going upstate the last 3 weekends to look at houses. We have been looking in Montgomery and found one we love but the taxes are a bit much. We found another house in Shawangunk but it is about 30 miles further than Montgomery.
I have to admit the first time we went up I cried. It is just so different than here in Queens which is a good thing but a little scary. I found the huge shopping areas in Montgomery which made me feel much better (timed it at 21 minutes from the house). The second house is beautiful but I didn't see any close shopping.
Anyway, here are my questions :)
Both houses are zoned for Pinebush schools. The second house is zoned for Crispell middle school (I would like to know if this school is good)
this may sound like a stupid question but how do all the kids get together when everything seems so far away? I live in Queens and there are kids outside all the time. Every weekend when we are upstate we don't see anyone. I have 3 kids (a 13 year old who is very mad at us right now, a 6 year old and a 3 year old).
The main point of us moving is to have a house with plenty of room for sleepovers and friends, a yard for them to play in etc... and I am just scared that they will feel so isolated. I am assuming school is a big meeting place but I was told they get picked up by school bus every morning and dropped off in the afternoon. I drive and pick my kids up right now so that whole concept is new to me. How do you meet the other parents if you never go to the school? What about Halloween? Do you drive your kids around house to house? Do they do something at the school?
My husband will be commuting everyday so it will just be me and the 3 kids. I am just worried that we will be so isolated. I also want to meet people which sounds silly but I am such a city girl that all of this is a big shock to me :)
We are definately moving up around Montgomery (maybe not that town itself but within a 5 mile radius). what schools are good? I didn't see a CVS only a Rite Aid which was scary lol..What food shopping places do you have?..
and my last question is..If you live anywhere near there do you want to be my new friend? lol
Alicia
1|1|I live in the Town of Montgomery!!!|Barb1267|barb04@frontiernet.net|12:04:32|03/24/2009|
You're practically moving in my Back yard!!!!
I live just outside of Walden...in the town of Montgomery (yes, taxes are crazy high!)
My boys go to Valley Central School district.
Pine Bush is the next district over bordering Valley Central.
The schools are good but the districts are so spread out that there are usually 5 or 6 elementary schools for each district. The kids are bussed but I alway pick my son up after school...that's one way I've met other parents.
Volunteering in the PTA is another huge way to meet people...if you can get past the stereotype PTA stigma you will get involved in lots of great things at the schools. There are all kinds of school programs you can attend or volunteer to help out at. You can also offer to help in your child's class by sending a note to the teacher.
Pine Bush is a nice area...great mountain views...maybe not too many neighbors though. I have that problem where I am. My one son is a bit of a loner (he's 12 and only loves BASEBALL) my 9 year old has a lot of play dates but mainly with one good friend...they go back and forth to each others houses alot.
Sports is another great way to meet parents and get the kids socializing. Little league is starting now and my boys just can't wait. But there is also soccer in the fall and Basketball in the winter. The schools send lots of notices to keep you informed of what is going on. There are lots of great community events too!
As for shopping...the village of Pine Bush was pretty out-dated for a long time,but they now have a McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, a diner, pizza, chinese, and a Hannoford grocery store. Montgomery has everything: Shop Rite, Pizza, chinese, Blockbuster, Rite Aid, McDonalds, BK, car wash, laundrymat, Dunkin donuts, etc. Also, Montgomery is not too far from Middletown or Newburgh (maybe 20 minutes) where you will find everything you need: Sams Club, Home Depot, Galleria Mall, Walmart, Kohls, Price Chopper, Movie theatres, loads of restaurants, etc. CVS is at the Newburgh Mall. Stop n Shop is another grocery store in the Newburgh area. There is a lot in the area...I'm sure plenty I'm not thinking to mention right now. Once you get settled and start exploring you will find lots to keep you and the kids busy!
Best of luck with choosing your new home!
2|2|Thanks for the info and we found a house!!!!!!! :)|aleeann|alee10177@aol.com|12:30:08|04/26/2009|
We found a house!!! If all goes well we close June 25th. It is in Walden but they said the town is Crawford (the zip is 12586)? All I know is that I like the area, the house is cute and the schools are close. My son will be in Pinebush HS, My 6 year old is zoned for E.J.Russell and I have to find a pre-k for my youngest. The town of Pinebush was soo close and it looked cute. Like you said I will have to go out and explore and find things to do with the kids but I am so excited (and nervous)..Thanks for your help with the information too..Now I just have to wait until June. I have rubermaid/sterlite containers that I got 90% off at cvs all over my house (packed)..
I don't know if you will see this post but i you do I was just wondering if there is a park, movies or bowling alley anywhere close? Thanks so much :)
Alicia
People too weak to follow their own dreams will always find a way to discourage yours....