RETURN TO HOMEA Conversation with Jennifer Fivelsdal, JFIVE Homes Realty LLC, Red Hook, New York
Red Hook is small town located along the Hudson River in the northern part of Dutchess County about 90 miles from New York City.
The town broke away from Rhinebeck in 1812 and is in the process of getting ready for the Bicentennial celebration of this event. Red Hook consists of the villages of Red Hook and Tivoli as well as several hamlets. One of the better known hamlets is Annandale-on-Hudson, home to Bard College, a liberal arts school.
The People
The population of Red Hook is 11,415, of which 5,346 are male and 6,069 female with a median age of 36.2. The median household income is $65,926; this is according to the US Census for 2010.
People, from all over, love to live in Red Hook because of the history, scenic beauty, and open space. It is also popular with those looking for second homes; an ideal place to get away to since the area offers many fine restaurants and cultural activities and yet still has the feel of a small country town. The location is also ideal, easily reached from New York City by the Taconic Parkway, NYS Thruway or Amtrak (just minutes away in Rhinecliff).
Red Hook Attractions
The Rhinebeck Aerdrome is actually located in Red Hook and attracts visitors from all over the world. You can take a ride in a historic bi-plane on Saturdays and Sunday until October; and there is also a museum you can tour.
Then go over to Montgomery Place and take a tour of this wonderful historic mansion with views of the Hudson River.
Down the road at the Richard B. Fisher Performing Arts Center at Bard College you can catch a dance performance, opera, symphony, or other musical event. Contemporary art lovers will also appreciate the Hessel Museum of Art.
Farm Tourism is also one of the attractions, during the spring and summer people come to various farms to pick their own fruits and berries, a great family activity. I have personally met people who come from as far away as New Jersey to pick blueberries here. There are many farmers markets and restaurants that feature organic and locally grown produce as well as local meats, game and cheese.
How Green is Red Hook, NY?
Red Hook is a town that really works at being green; no wonder it was the first town in the Northeast to have a green certified home. The town is presently participating in a 10 percent challenge helping residents to adopt changes to lower their energy cost.
The town also has been actively engaged in buying the development rights of some farmland to maintain open space and to keep alive the farming tradition of the area, solar installers ipswich has installed solar panels on town hall to cut the energy costs and will continue to make other green improvements, according to Brenda Cagle, Chairperson of the Red Hook Conservation Advisory Council.
How is the economy?
Red Hook was not immune from the economic downturn. Many living here were employed in the construction trade; so there are many who are now under employed. Some small business did go out of business because people were spending less.
Bard College is one of the largest employers in the town and so brings additional revenue to town from students, staff, visitors to the college, and those attending performances at the Fisher Center.
As mentioned previously, farming still makes an important contribution to Red Hook’s economy. There is also a growing community of artists and a new gallery has recently opened in town.
Red Hook Real Estate
There are 3,796 housing units of which 752 are renter occupied. In Red Hook, you will find homes from the 1700’s to the present. Most of the homes have 3 bedrooms. In July, there were 6 sales ranging from the 200,000’s to the 600,000’s. At the moment there are many homes on the market. It is really still a buyer’s market.
Tips to home sellers
Buyers really don’t care how much you think you should get for your home. Make sure your home is price based on current comparative data. Keep in mind if you have foreclosures in your neighborhood the bank does factor this into the appraisal of your home. If you know of a neighbor having a problem paying their mortgage it is in every ones best interest for this neighbor to seek help and avoid foreclosure. A real estate agent can suggest available resources.
Final words
Thinking of moving Upstate? Red Hook is a town to research. The amenities you will find in the town includes a golf course, parks, soccer fields, cultural activities to name a few. And if you are looking to buy a primary home or second home this is certainly a good time to buy.
Bio:
I am Jennifer Fivelsdal and I have been in the real estate industry since 2002 and started JFIVE Homes Realty LLC just over a year ago. When I am not helping buyers, sellers and investors with their real estate transactions I am probably taking photographs, gardening or blogging.
Contact:
Jennifer Fivelsdal, ABR,GRI,SRES
Licensed Real Estate Broker
JFIVE Homes Realty LLC
845-758-6842 or 845-594-9947
www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com
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This guest post is part of our Realtor Thursday Series. We invite realtors from towns and cities all over the country, big or small, to participate. Our goal is to “travel” to as many towns as we can in every state. Every town is unique and wonderful to our readers. If you would like to showcase your town, your neighbors and your talents as a realtor, please contact us at liz@dalesiegel.com