Communities
Historic Roots Drive 21st Century Momentum
Presidents and poets, industrialists and inventors, farmers and philanthropists have all been drawn to Dutchess County through the years for its enviable location nestled between the Hudson River and the Southern Berkshires, proximity to New York City, industrious people and bucolic charm.
The waterfront cities of Beacon and Poughkeepsie are experiencing a rebirth, with an influx of small businesses attracted by the scenic beauty, culture, affordability, and opportunity for growth. Quaint towns and villages like Pawling, Rhinebeck, Millbrook, Millerton, Fishkill, and Wappinger are thriving too—attracting residents, businesses, tourists, celebrities and many second-home owners.
Whether you’re exploring modern apartment living near one of the Metro-North stations, a traditional neighborhood development, or a country retreat, Dutchess County offers an ideal lifestyle for everyone.
Populations by Community (from 2014 Census)
- Poughkeepsie, Town: 44,944
- Poughkeepsie, City: 30,716
- East Fishkill: 29,241
- Wappinger: 27,194
- Fishkill, Town: 23,392
- Hyde Park: 21,474
- LaGrange: 15,763
- Beekman: 14,557
- Beacon: 14,437
- Red Hook, Town: 11,298
- Pleasant Valley: 9,708
- Dover: 8,638
- Pawling, Town: 8,420
- Rhinebeck, Town: 7,641
- Wappingers Falls: 5,377
- Union Vale: 4,864
- Washington: 4,725
- Amenia: 4,399
- Clinton: 4,306
- Stanford: 3,819
- North East: 3,022
- Rhinebeck, Village: 2,642
- Pine Plains: 2,576
- Pawling, Village: 2,297
- Milan: 2,254
- Fishkill, Village: 1,923
- Red Hook, Village: 1,760
- Millbrook: 1,510
- Tivoli: 1,091
- Millerton: 764
Fast Facts
- A $100 million project with more than 13,000 square feet of commercial space and a public waterfront park is being developed in Poughkeepsie
- 90% of Beacon residents live within a half mile of a park
- Pawling is home to two of Dutchess County’s largest manufacturers
- Hyde Park is home to the Culinary Institute of America
- Cities Journal ranked Red Hook and Hyde Park in the top 20 small cities in New York via Cities Journal

– Markusen-Weiss, co-owner of Brooklyn-based Fourth State Metals