7.1 out of 10

LaGrange

Ranked 25th best city in New York
41.6737873644601 -73.7131630687065
Great for
  • Clean & Green
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Safe & Sound
  • Internet Access
Not great for
  • Nightlife
  • Cost of Living
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Families with kids
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
  • Singles

Reviews

3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"A well-located suburb"

LaGrange, located just east of Poughkeepsie, is home to approximately 16,000 residents. Established in 1821, the town was initially called “Freedom,” a name still used for a park and one of the main roads. At 40 square miles, the town is large but not densely populated. The Taconic State Parkway serves as a north-south route through the town.

Basic necessities, which include two grocery stores, are conveniently located in the town. Neighboring Poughkeepsie and Fishkill give residents easy access to many other national retailers, with movie theaters and restaurants. LaGrange has an active Chamber of Commerce, which strongly promotes shopping its local stores. A farmers’ market runs on Fridays from June through October.

Three school districts serve the town. Most of the students attend one of the Arlington School District’s schools, which include eight elementary, three middle schools and one high school. Overall, the students perform close to or above the median on state exams at the elementary and middle school levels. Passing rates on Regents exams, administered to high school students, are also high. Though the Arlington district covers a 114-square mile geographic area, many of its schools are located in La Grange. The Wappingers Central School District also takes students from LaGrange. With 12,000 students, it’s one of New York’s most populated. In 2011-2012, the district was newly identified by the state as being in need of improvement in the areas of elementary, middle school and secondary English Language Arts. However, this designation gives the district additional support to help it meet the needs of all students. Millbrook’s district, with 1,200 students, is the smallest of the three districts. It has two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, and gets excellent results on state assessments. LaGrange’s library supports the Arlington district by organizing summer reading list books for middle school and high school. The library is also part of the Mid-Hudson Library System, which provides access to patrons who wish to borrow materials from other member libraries.

James Baird, an engineer who contributed to the Lincoln Memorial and the Folger Shakepeare Library, donated his 590 acre LaGrange farm to New York State. Today, James Baird State Park has seven miles of trails for hiking, though snowshoeing and cross country skiing is possible in the winter. A nature center offers educational programs; there are two picnic pavilions and a playground as well. The town also oversees five parks and a recreation program, which includes several sports leagues.

LaGrange has a wide range of housing choices. Toll Brothers, a company which builds luxury homes, is currently developing a new community of single-family homes, called The Hills at LaGrange.
Pros
  • Good Schools
Cons
  • lacking transportation
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"A Place to Stop and Savor Life"

LaGrangeville is a central part of Dutchess County - this town with its good schools, great parks and strong sense of neighborly spirit offers a great setting for those who like to take a deep breath a savor life's simple pleasures.

LaGrange has come in the radar of those commuting to the city in recent days as there is fairly easy access to the Poughkeepsie Metro North train station. The relatively more affordable newer homes here have drawn families who have not been happy with what their money can but in communities in Westchester county.

LaGrange was farm country not very long ago and even as it becomes increasingly more developed, you can still see vestiges of the earlier days in the spread out meadows. The restaurants and shops do offer a sign of the changes that are happening in this community and every sign indicates that we can hope to see more development. Locally you have The Villa, The Daily Planet and Amedeos Brick Oven Pizzeria for dining out options. Poughkeepsie, which isn't far, also offers many exciting shopping and dining options.

LaGrange parks win rave reviews and suggest a very family friendly environment. The schools are considered good and there are good park and recreation programs. There is a good community library. Organized sports like soccer are a big part of growing up in LaGrange and those who love such sports and activities will find good opportunities in this community.

LaGrange is a town that offers the promise of a wholesome lifestyle for those who can afford the sticker price.
Pros
  • Good Schools
  • Great Farmer's Market in the summer/fall
  • Great dog park at Overlook Park!
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
2yrs+

"LaGrangeville Will Always Hold a Special Place in My Heart"

Located right off the Taconic Parkway in Dutchess County, LaGrange (or LaGrangeville) is a beautiful, family-friendly town that was once populated largely by farmland (as was most of the Hudson Valley back when the first settlers established this area as their home). There is still Kharl Amer’s Farm on Arlington Road, which is a meat products store chain (nearest one to me is in Yorktown, off of Rt. 202). When I was a kid growing up in LaGrangeville, it was filled with rolling hills and dense woodland and lots of fields where you could stand in and look up at the stars. I have lots of pleasant memories of going to feed the horses at local farms, who would come up to the fence so that you could feed them carrots.

Perhaps one of my fondest memories of LaGrangeville were the trips to Freedom Lake Park. The lake is a great place to swim and relax on lazy Summer days. There’s a metal slide (which, while hot, cooled you off fast when you slid into the water). There’s shallow roped-in areas that always made me feel safe. Only problem is membership is a bit pricey and the park is only for residents, as well as a rule that no dogs are allowed. The town’s own Baird State Park is a beautiful park that’s lovely to hike any time of the year, especially in Autumn when the trees change their colors, and there’s also a Nature Center which is a fun place to learn about the local flora and fauna before you go out and discover it for yourself. It’s a great area if you those who feel right at home in Nature, and while it’s even busier and more developed than when I lived there, it’s still country enough for riding bikes along the scenic backroads, or perhaps right into town, where you’ll find lots of unique country stores like Lightning G Horseman’s Shop (where you can buy saddles) or Crystal’s Closet clothing store where you can rent your prom or wedding dress. There’s also a Pet Pro and a Be Wise Wash & Oil Center which can make any mud-splattered car shine. Restaurants include the daily Planet Diner on Rt. 55, Chop Stix or Happy Wok for take-out Chinese, Sonny’s Restoranti and Pizzeria, and neighborhood favorites like McDonald’s. It’s a bit out in the stix but it’s a lot more developed than when I was a kid and there’s more stores opening up everyday. You’ll still need to have a car to get most places though. The town also has a public free library.

As a kid I loved living in LaGrangeville and will always hold it in a special place in my heart. My family lived in a barn red raised ranch with a screened-in porch on a quiet cul-de-sac road named Deckert Boulevard. While there was some traffic on Arlington Road, my sister and I could still ride our bikes without fear. The Arlington School District provided me with a great education and I have fond memories of 9th grade English when encouraging and supportive Mr. Clark was the first to inspired me to be an English teacher. It’s an experience I will never forget.
Pros
  • Good Schools
  • Great Farmer's Market in the summer/fall
  • Great dog park at Overlook Park!
  • Sense of community pride
  • Some decent area restaurants
Cons
  • lacking transportation
  • A bit expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Nice town, nice parks, and nice homes"

LaGrange is one of several towns bordering Poughkeepsie, and much like the others, it has a good-sized population relative to the rest of Dutchess County and is close to modern conveniences.

First, with regards to traffic: there is some. Those who plan to move to Dutchess County must know that this area has grown quite a bit over the years, and population continues to make sizable jumps from census to census (increased 6.2% in 2010). What were some quieter country roads around here back in the day, as they say, might not be any longer. Residential traffic has really picked up in some areas. In LaGrange, you're not likely to see Manhattan-like congestion or anything like that, so let's not blow it out of proportion, but you'll be far from the only car you see on the road. When it comes to public transportation, the Dutchess County Loop Bus does pass through here, but the nearest trains are in Poughkeepsie, which could take you about 15 minutes or more to reach, depending on where you are. You still need a car to get around.

When driving through, LaGrange seems to be part suburban and part rural. Generally speaking, the closer you get to the Poughkeepsie side, the more suburban it is, and the closer to the eastern (more unpopulated) side, the land really starts to open up and there's just less development. What locals consider to be LaGrange is a slightly bigger area than is seen on the map provided here, as it extends a little further west on Noxon Road and Route 55, where you'll see some more local businesses, including popular restaurants. I've been to more than a few and haven't had many disappointments.

There are no medical facilities here in LaGrange, but not being far from Poughkeepsie makes it less of an issue. Of course, you'll find some clinics and dentists in the general area. Furthermore, there are no malls here, but there are local shops and supermarkets; you'll also find a few strip malls around that should be able to take care of a lot of your needs. Also, there are gyms here, including Gold's Gym on Titusville Road and a relatively new Planet Fitness that just opened. Finally, the schools around here do tend to have a good reputation locally.

From experience, I know that there are at least a handful of larger, more expensive homes here with big lawns and pools, but by no means does that describe everyone's living arrangements. The communities seem to be on the more tight-knit side.

Finally, there are parks in the area. Three that come to mind as being in this general vicinity are James Baird State Park, Overlook Park and Stringham Park, all of which are worth a visit. It's not uncommon to hear of festivals at places like Stringham Park during the year.

There are some nice sights in LaGrange, and though it has more noticeable auto traffic coming through, it feels like a peaceful community. You may not have every modern convenience in the world right here with you, but you're close enough to them (in other towns) that it's not much of a bother.
Pros
  • Nice parks
  • Good Schools
  • Great Farmer's Market in the summer/fall
  • Sense of community pride
  • Some decent area restaurants
Cons
  • A bit expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"A town with communal spirit."

LaGrange, or LaGrangeville as it is also commonly known, is a pretty 39.9 square mile town in Dutchess County marked by its strong sense of community. They even have a “Think Local First” campaign to promote local businesses and services.

There are some notable restaurants in town including the casual and family-friendly The Villa Pasta and Grille with their delicious traditional Italian cuisine and pleasant servers, The Daily Planet Diner, a vintage throwback with fun memorabilia adorning the walls, Sonny’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Kelly’s Steak & Spirits, Pizza Express, Happy Wok, Brooklyn Bagels and Bakery, Dunkin Donuts and the ever popular and festive States Grill with is tried and true American fare, world class beers and nightly live entertainment. There is also the wonderful Dolce Italian Bakery and Charel’s Liquors.

Shopping in LaGrangeville includes an A&P, IGA and a Hannaford Supermarket for your grocery shopping needs, an Agway, Candlestick Antiques, Heart to Sole which is a gift shop, High Octane Sports, La Grange Eyecare, La Grange Instruments, Peachetree Gifts, Upstate Comics, Scrub Street USA, Rosepetals, Aq Toys, Dollar Plus, Dragonfly Nursery, Intentions Jewelry and Margaret's Hope Chest.

The town has a lovely farmer’s market every week starting in June at M & T Bank Plaza. Vendors are proud to provide locally grown and produced goods including amazing produce, outstanding honey and maple syrup, delectable baked treats and goat milk soaps and lotions. The town also holds an annual Community Day with various community service booths, games, entertainment, a D.J., a petting zoo, a concert by In the Pocket Arlington Schools Music Groups as well as a fireworks display.

The Links at Union Vale is a very cool local golf course with its unique links-style course much like those in Ireland and Scotland. It was once voted as Best New Public Golf Course of the Year by Suburban Golf Magazine. Lagrange Park houses baseball fields, softball fields, basketball, a pavilion, a concession area, picnic tables and stream fishing. Freedom Park has a softball field, basketball, a playground, swimming, volleyball, picnic tables, grills, a bandshell, a concession area, pavilions, stream fishing and trails. Freedom Park also has a good day camp and offers both swimming instruction at the lake and life guard training. Stringham Park has soccer fields, basketbal, ice skating, a concession area, a pavilion, pond fishing and trails.

Since dogs are not allowed in the above mentioned parks, La Grange has seen to it that your canine friends have a designated place to romp and play as well: See Spot Run Dog Park located in Overlook Park.

The Arlington Central School District is considered to be quite good.

The median income is about $75,000. The median household value is about $366,200/

LaGrange is fairly safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

The population of LaGrange is approximately 15,730.
Pros
  • Some decent area restaurants
  • Sense of community pride
  • Good Schools
  • Great dog park at Overlook Park!
  • Great Farmer's Market in the summer/fall
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"A bit expensive, but the parks, farmer's market and great community feeling are worth it!"

LaGrange, which is also sometimes known as LaGrangeville, is a very nice, reasonably wealthy, and comfortable little town in Dutchess County. I wouldn't call it a 'rich' area, but the home prices tended to be a bit out of my price range. That said, you get a lot for what you pay.

First, the community is awesome. There are a lot of great people and community events in LaGrange. A local farmers market is certainly a highlight. I'm from the Midwest, and I've lived enough in big cities where I know there are farmers markets that run year long and don't have a single actual farmer in attendance. Not so in LaGrange. The people who grow the food you see are standing right there for you to ask questions. Want to know what pesticides are used? What seeds? They'll tell you. It's amazing to know exactly what you're putting into your body. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Another great part of the LaGrange community is the parks. There are quite a few in the area, and I've been to most of them. My favorite is Overlook Park because it's the only dog-friendly park around. The off-leash area is perfect for my two pooches, and the people/dogs are very nice and welcoming to new people. I love every chance I get to take my dogs there. Some of the other parks are very nice, and would be perfect for those with kids who don't want their dogs along. Stringham Park in particular is a lot of fun during the winter, as there's an ice rink, but you can have a great time during the summer too on the well-kept trails, basketball courts and soccer fields. LaGrange provides plenty of opportunities to have fun outside.

If you have kids, you'll be happy to know LaGrange has some good schools. I've heard especially good things about Arlington High School. The coaches for the various sports teams are said to be high quality, and the music program is excellent. If you have an active child, they'll have plenty to do in LaGrange.

For your own entertainment, there are some good restaurants/bars in LaGrange that should keep you from going stir crazy. States Grill is exceptional. You get a laid back, All-American atmosphere, with really good food (big portions too!) and drinks for a reasonable price. It's not the fanciest place in the world, but I don't go there for fancy. I go there for fun.

Otherwise, LaGrange is a safe, mostly quiet and enjoyable town. The only real downside is the price, as many of the homes were out of my price range. If you can afford it though, it's the place to be!
Pros
  • Great dog park at Overlook Park!
  • Great Farmer's Market in the summer/fall
  • Good Schools
Cons
  • A bit expensive
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers

Best Neighborhoods to Live In

Best Cities to Live In

Tell everyone what you love about your neighborhood!

Leave a Review

Have a question?

How are schools? Is the area safe? What about public transit options?" Why not ask our community of locals!

Ask Now

Selling or Renting Your Home?

Maximize the selling price of your home by sharing what you love about your suburb to increase its appeal...

Leave a Review

Corporate Relocation Manager?

Enable your employees to share local knowledge in a private, trusted environment with those relocating... while building community.

Learn More