Updated 04/30/2010 06:30 PM
Hudson Valley featured in national newspaper
New York City makes national news all the time. But in Friday's edition of USA Today, the Hudson Valley received some attention. Our Beth Croughan has more on the local trend that caught interest from the paper.
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. -- While many of us call the Hudson Valley home, many others call it a getaway. And that's putting this area in the national spotlight.
Knick Staley, the owner of Staley Real Estate in Rhinebeck, says he was thrilled when he received a phone call from USA Today. But what they were asking Staley, he said, is nothing new.
"The Astor's and the Vanderbilt's, they all came here because they wanted to see the sunset over the Catskill Mountain and the Hudson River," said Staley.
And now, many others have followed in their footsteps, traveling from New York City to their second home in the Hudson Valley.
"It's the right distance. You feel like you're getting away, you're two hours away, actually less than that by train and you're away from the hustle and bustle of the City," said Staley.
When Staley first started in the real estate business 50 years ago, his company only advertised in New York City. Fast forward to 2010 and more than half of his business comes from families investing in their second home.
In fact, the population of Rhinebeck is fueled by New York City residents. Thirty percent of homes in this town of 10,000, are owned by people elsewhere. And that Staley says, is keeping the 14 real estate companies in town, pretty busy.
"You know what, we're all making money," said Staley.
Another person making money from the weekend traveler is Jonna Paolella. The owner of the Old Rhinebeck Inn says the majority of her guests come from the greater metropolitan area.
"Rhinebeck has long been a destination, so people have heard of Rhinebeck. Whether it be for the Dutchess County Fair that happens, the antique shows, craft festivals," explained Paolella.
Paolella says it's really no surprise, there's no place like home.
"I've traveled the country looking for a place that's perhaps better. It's a personality flaw. And I've yet to find one," said Paolella.
Tom Traudt, the Town Supervisor of Rhinebeck, said it's interesting to hear the town's second home market is making national news. Because he said, for the people of Rhinebeck, it's simply a way of life.