Congratulations. I don't know if you've already found a place or not. Rockland offers a variety of towns and places depending on what you like. Any other infomation on what your needs would be, would help narrow the search for the perfect location.

Dorit Katz
Realty Teams
845-642-0835
dorit@doritsellshomes.com

I grew up in Rockland and have lived and worked in every corner. I once had a home across from Kakiat park on Route 202 in Montebello and it was fabulous! The park is not well known, except to hikers and you can start from here and have access to thousands of acres of parkland. Horses and dogs are welcome. While I like many areas of Rockland County, I feel that Montebello is still the most beautiful. A bit farther up is Sloatsburg, which has very easy access to 7-Lakes Drive and Harriman. Since the weather is warming up I'd be happy to give you a free tour of the various areas and my opinions of the merits of each regarding natural amenities. If you'd rather go it alone I can send you a route with points of interest that you can follow. E-mail me at janineb200@gmail.com

Hi RIck,

Congratulations. I live in Rockland and service both Rockland and Orange Counties. They are both beautiful counties with lots to do that is nature connected. You do want to want to keep your commute time in mind. Many people commute from bothe counties, but not everyone is ready for the 1hr + commute. Orange County is definitely farther and it willmake a difference as to how close you are to the highway or the commuter lots. You can enjoy many of natures beauties from the hiking trails in Harriman Park or Bear Mountain to the Rockland Lake. Your priorities will definitely help you make the decision. You do get more home for the money in Orange County, but you will have to deal with more of a commute. It's a trade-off. Feel free to let me know if you need anymore help or have an other questions. Good luck.

Dorit Katz
Realty Teams
845-642-0835
dorit@doritsellshomes.com

Hi Rick - I work midtown and have lived in Rockland for 16 years. My home is for sale by owner and is also on realtor.com and zillow.
Check it out. 1 Polk Court, Stony Point, NY 10980

Hi Rick,
There is a lot of history in Rockland County regarding park lands. Some of the original families like the Harriman's and the Welch's have donated acres and acres of property for us to enjoy. Rockland County is relatively a small county in comparison to other NYS counties. You can be in either end of the county in 30 min max. The important info is finding the town in Rockland that suits you best. To explore the area and like your surroundings. We offer hiking, kayaking, cycling, camping, etc. With such close proximity to NYC, many, many people from Rockland commute everyday. If you would like to explore Rockland County, I have extensive knowledge after living here for 44 years!!!!! Thank you, Kathleen
I can be reached @ 845-304-4838 or kpuder@joycerealty.com

Hi Rick,
You absolutely have to check out the Village of Suffern. You have the Harriman State Park in your backyard. Also, you have the Ramapo Reservation within a 10 mile radious. Suffern has many different outlets for NYC transportation including the New Jersey Transit. I think you will love Suffern. I also have been living here for the past 10 years and love it myself. Good luck in your search.

Hi Rick,

Congratulations on you upcoming nuptials. I have lived in southern Rockland county for almost 17 years. For the first 11 years, I commuted to NYC for work. For downtown NY the best commute is via the train. For midtown, the express bus from Montvale NJ or the train are also options.

Rockland is a beautiful county. Outside of the city it is the smallest county in New York; yet over 30% of the county is dedicated parklands. There are many beautiful towns in Rockland county. I suggest you figure out how you will commute to work and then look at towns along that route. Interest rates are coming down, and prices have been decreasing in Rockland county for the last 2-3 years. Additionally, the recently passed Stimulus package included an $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers who purchase by August of 2009. This is a great time to buy. I would like to help you find your new home. Think about what type house you want, the number of bedrooms, and your price range. These things will help determine which area of Rockland is right for you.

Please feel free to call me at 914-588-1873.

Maureen McEnroe
Broker
Joyce Realty Pearl River office

Hi Rick! This IS a GREAT TIME for you to buy your first home! There are tax credits being offered to first time home buyers, inventory is high and interest rates are pretty low! Congratulations on your decision! I used to live in Rockland myself, in the Valley Cottage area, which is just outside of Nyack and not far from Piermont (on the river). All very nice areas with plenty of nature all around. Stony Point is a little further out and has more rural type area and does areas of Congers. Rick is right, Pearl River is a wonderful area to consider as well. If you REALLY want MORE nature...come on out to Orange County, where I currently live! Areas like Harriman, Woodbury (where the commons is), Monroe, Chester...even Goshen, or Cornwall..all very close to the highways making commuting easy...trains and buses very close..MANY MANY live here and commute, including my husband to Manhattan...Prices are MUCH better here and taxes a bit better too. You will love the towns and country areas as well. I work in BOTH counties and love much about both...If youwould liek more information or help, just let me know, I am very happy to help and could show you things in BOTH counties... Have you been pre-qualified for your mortgage yet? I can help with that too...If you haven't, it is a good place to start..you should know what you might get approved for.

If you want more neighborhood and school info, check out my neighborhood site
If you want to browse through some houses, try my currier and lazier site..

Good Luck and let me know how I can help!!!

My Best,
Lisa Brodsky
Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker Currier and Lazier REALTORS

Greater Hudson Valley Chapter
Women's Council Of REALTORS
Founding President 2008

845-401-1448 cell
845-782-5151 office

http://www.HudsonValleyNeighbors.com

Hi Rick - Rockland is a great choice for nature lovers who still need to be close to Manhattan for work. Approximately 30% of Rockland is parkland, so there is plenty of open space.
Check the Wikipedia page for Rockland in the link below -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockland_County#Geography

My wife & I moved here to Pearl River over 7 years ago. We had lived in Brooklyn and we instantly fell in love with this area and the ease of functioning compared to the city. I did commute to midtown until I retired and began my real estate career 2 years ago. The commute will surely be longer than you are currently used to but I found it very reliable and even relaxing.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

Tom Bolan

Licensed Realtor w/Joyce Realty
21 North William Street
Pearl River, NY 10965
Phone: (845) 735-7100 ext. 3629
Cell: (718) 288-7569
Fax: (845) 620-9052
email: tbolan@joycerealty.com http://www.joycerealty.com

Rick,

As John said, there are many parks and recreational opportunities in Rockland County. Since you both work in Manhattan, I would begin by determining your best method for commute, i.e., train, bus, car, ferry. Next, determine your price range. Finally fit your results into a specific area. The Town of Ramapo offers numerous parks within its borders including Harriman State Park. The areas of Pomona and Chestnut Ridge have a more rural feel and working farms. In general, the western part of the county from Suffern to Stony Point have the most parkland but don't discount the areas along the Hudson River from Piermont to Haverstraw. There are also specific develpments that promote their natural surrounding like Skyview Acres and The Gate Hill community. There is truly a lot to choose from.

Rick, Rockland is loaded with areas where you can enjoy nature. I actually live in New City near a large reservoir that attracts many different species of wildlife. Also, there are many parks run by the State, County, and Townships which offer hiking, walking, pools, lakes, golf, boating, etc. The commut into Manhattan from most parts of Rockland average about 45 min.

I can supply you with a link to some homes in your price range as wel as those that meet your other criteria. I have lived in Rockland for 59 yrs and know it very well and can help guide you to your dream home.

Let me know your criteria.....price range, BRs, etc.

You can email me at JMNYREALESTATE@AOL.COM or call me direct at 845-639-4440.

Thanks

John Maiorano, GRI, Licensed Realtor
Joyce Realty