Poughkeepsie 77 Exceptional
Poughkeepsie Livability #198 ranked city in New York#2,896 ranked city in the USARanks better than 90% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Poughkeepsie

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

What's it like Living in Poughkeepsie?

Located in the state of New York, Poughkeepsie is a moderately-sized city with a population of 31,213 residents. With a population density of 6,067 people per square mile, Poughkeepsie is well above the nation's average density level. Individuals of White (49%) and Black or African American (34%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. Poughkeepsie is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 41%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Poughkeepsie your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 26 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Living in Poughkeepsie can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of New York, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Poughkeepsie and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New York and national averages.

Poughkeepsie, NY receives 76 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #193 in New York and #2,991 in the USA. Compared to the US average, Poughkeepsie ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Based on the scores for each individual category, Poughkeepsie has received high marks for amenities (B) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Poughkeepsie. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (F) and cost of living (F).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Poughkeepsie, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Poughkeepsie undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Poughkeepsie are: Walkway Over the Hudson, Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, and Bardavon Opera House.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Poughkeepsie excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Assuming that Poughkeepsie meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Poughkeepsie. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Poughkeepsie are simply unattainable. The median home price for Poughkeepsie homes is $373,425, which is 25.8% lower than the New York average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Poughkeepsie, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.4, which is 3.6% lower than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Poughkeepsie

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      Poughkeepsie transportation information

      Statistic Poughkeepsie New York National
      Average one way commute26min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work65.3%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.4%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit7.5%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk7.0%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home3.7%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The Poughkeepsie, NY data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.