The title reads as semi-rhetorical but I am genuinely asking for advice.

I'm 30, I just got married to my husband last year, he's 29. I got my bachelor's in Computer Science in 2023, and also lost my job as a shift lead at a coffee shop around then. I thought I would be okay since I would have a bachelor's degree. I was born and raised in Kingston, and I've always been poor. So I stayed in school and did what I was "supposed to". I was the first in my immediate family to even graduate high school, let alone go to college. My entire family is poor, and from what I've seen, they've been poor for generations in this area, but they never struggled with finding housing. Even if it was a piece-of-crap apartment, they would always have places to live.

But my generation, all of us are still living with our parents. I'm living with my husband's parents, and I thought we would've been out before 25! Covid hit hard...

And now, I have a BS in computer science, I did everything I was supposed to do but I've been unemployed for 3 years! My husband is making $62k/yr before taxes as a manager, and even with that, we can't make room in the budget for rent anywhere around here due to student loan bills, and our car payment. But even without those, we would still be cutting it dangerously close. I can't drive, due to disability, which is why I went to school for CS because it was notoriously remote-friendly. However the market for Junior developers has tanked since 2022. Public transportation is not good enough to support commuters, and half of the roads around here don't even have sidewalks so you can walk.

It feels hostile as a "young" person in this area. Job opportunities are becoming rare, the cost of living is through the roof, and wages have NOT caught up with the insane rise in cost of living. What are other young people doing? I know this sounds a lot like complaining, which it is, but I would also love to hear from others around my age, and get some advice for smart decisions to make. I'm kind of terrified of making decisions anymore because I did all the things I was told would give me a chance in life, and they all kind of turned into a rug-pull moment.

Hi all!

I am a student at SUNY and live in New Paltz. I just moved into a new place last month. It is not going so well. There is a lot to the situation, but the main idea is that the landlord (older male) is a total creep and acts very predatory to me and my roommate (both young women).

I'm seeking legal advice, or information about local tenants rights. SUNY gives me access to a lawyer who will offer me a free consultation, but I'm not too sure if it will pan out, it doesn't seem too well-organized, which is a shame. So I'm pursuing other alternatives. If anybody could recommend me a person or firm or website or ANYTHING to look into, I would so appreciate it!
Seeing as I am a college student I don't have much money to spend on this. Pro-bono work would be great but I know that'll be hard to come across.

EDIT- I figure this may be an appropriate place to put out a line for some leads on a new place. I'm scouring Facebook and Perchn, but pickings are slim so close to the beginning of the semester. If anybody has any information on an available room, whether that be in a shared house or a studio, I would appreciate it. I just need a place where I can feel safe.

Thanks in advance.

I am battling CPTSD and family issues and looking for someone to help. Ive been having a hard time finding a good one. I am not looking to just vent my problems, I want actionable, forward looking sessions that help me change. If you have a therapist like this, please offer the recommendation. Thank you.

Hi all! I am looking to buy a used car (sold my last car in 2008 and was living in a city for most of the last two decades). I’ve been trying to survive without one but given access to hikes, nature, etc. I think it’s time.

It seems like Subarus are the best for the area. Seems like a lot of maintenance shops etc. How are they on the dirt roads leading to trails and car camping? Any recommendation for a specific kind?

Ideally I’d spend under $10k. Less is better. I wish I could get something in manual transmission as I miss driving stick, but I think going back to 2014 or 2015 might be too far (seems those were the last years Subarus had manual transmission).

Appreciate any suggestions!

I recently purchased a small plastic fishing boat and Im looking for places to take it in the hudson valley. The only place ive taken it so far is the Wappingers lake using the public boat launch in the village of Wappingers. Ive looked at the nys website but most (Dutchess county) are for the Hudson and this is not that kind of boat. It has an electric trolling motor but can easily be paddled as well. Thanks in advance, just looking for some other options in the area.

A piece of fascia on my home blew down in the last storm. It should be simple to just tack it back on but due to the pitch of the roof I cannot do the repair safely myself.

I received a quote for $1250 saying they’d have to send 2 guys for safety and the cost of workers comp inflates the expense.

This seems exorbitant to me. All materials should be reusable.

Any suggestions of who to seek another quote from? Thanks!

I’m looking for a part time job after my full time 8-4:30pm job. I have office and retail experience but I’m open to anything. I currently work in Poughkeepsie so it would probably be easier for me to head right from my full time to a part time job in Poughkeepsie, Beacon or Fishkill area but I live in Newburgh so that works too! Thanks in advance!!!

Lived in the Valley all my life. 48 yo male in Middletown. That being said lately, after it was mentioned to me that I needed friends , I realized...I don't really have any.

Now Im a bit niche in what l enjoy...movies , reality TV, glam rock, video games ... but a whole lot more.

I don't always have to do it w someone else, but maybe rarely it would be cool.

How do we meet people in this day and age in Middletown?

Hey! I'm from NYC and don't have a car nor drive. I spent a summer up in Hudson Valley a few years back and I really liked it and want to return. Most of what I remember enjoying-- nature, swimming, tours of historic sites and museums-- was off the main street of the towns along the river and I could only get there if somebody drove me.

Do you have any suggestions of any places worth visiting that are walkable from a Metronorth station or have public transportation from a Metronorth station? By walkable I mean there is some actual pedestrian infastructure and I'm not just walking along a highway. TIA

Hello, I’m 21 years old and currently live in Ohio. My long term girlfriend moved to NYC nearly one year ago and now I’m looking into moving that direction as well. However, I’m just not a city person in anyway shape or form. I prefer peace, quiet, nature, and smaller community. I’d love to be able to keep my truck and have the freedom to take trips, ride my motorcycle, go hiking, camping, etc.
Previously my dream had always been Northern California, Oregon or Washington. However I really prioritize this relationship and in the future foresee starting a family with her. I’ve researched extensively the closest match to the PNW I could find within proximity to NYC so I could still fulfill some of my living desires and I’ve consistently landed on the Hudson Valley towns. They really seem to have a bit of that charm I was looking for that I wasn’t sure existed close to the city. I really just want advice from some folks who have resided here first hand on what areas I should be looking toward given the ideals I’ve listed. Some notable places I’ve looked into have been Peekskill, Ossining, Tarrytown, Croton, Irvington as well as many others nestled in between. One thing that I’ve noticed about the Hudson Valley would most notably the cost, I’m a young guy who’s willing to work hard and do what it takes but I don’t want to get in over my head. I want to prioritize affordability, safety, access to nature, proximity to jobs and nyc. So any advice on places I should be looking, steer clear from, that might suit me better, or just general advice on the area would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi! Were heading to bearsville for a bachelorette and were looking for a yoga instructor to come to our house in the morning for a 50 mins class!

Hiii I wanted to see if anyone else from last week is still feeling affected by the air quality or are any of you dealing with a summer cold?

(Update I’m on benzonatate and nasal spray now, no progress so far but one day on the meds… dry cough and head ache/body aches)

🀄️ Mahjong Night at Dassai Blue! 🍶

Come join us for a fun evening of mahjong, good company, delicious sushi, and sake! The Hudson Valley Mahjong Club is partnering with Dassai Blue Sake Brewery for a special Mahjong Night on Thursday, July 30th, from 7:30–9:30 PM.

📍 Dassai Blue Sake Brewery 5 Saint Andrews Road Hyde Park, NY 12538

• New to mahjong? Teachers will be available for beginners, and we’ll provide the mahjong sets.
• Open play tables will be available — bring your own set if you’d like!

🇭🇰🇵🇭 HK & Filipino-style Mahjong

• Tickets: $10 🍶 Free glass of sake for the winners! Sushi and drinks available for purchase

Whether you're a seasoned player or have never played before, come out and enjoy a night of mahjong and fun with the Hudson Valley Mahjong community!

Buy tickets here: https://www.exploretock.com/dassai/event/616871/mahjong-night-at-dassai-blue-learn-how-to-play

Hi Everyone, I am looking for an affordable engagement photographer on Aug 21 for a surprise proposal? I was thinking of proposing at Mohonk in the morning. Budget is $200 max, really just looking to capture the initial moment and having it be a surprise so 30 min to 1 hour max. Let me know if you have any leads or any ideas. Thank you in advance

Hi! I own a mobile dog grooming company here in Dutchess County. I’m hoping to find a mechanic in the area that has experience working on these types prefabricated vans.

I'm only fairly familiar with the area. Mostly from arriving or leaving to NYC on the Metro North on numerous occasions over many years.

But the town has always intrigued me based on bits of lore I've heard over the years & just an impression it gave me based solely on appearance & vibe.

The 1st thing I recall being told was about the asylum. (guessing that's probably the most well-known feature there) What's the story behind that from a local perspective?

Also, I get the feeling it's a very "red"/ pro-Trump place.
POC must be pretty scarce? Is there lots of racism there or is it friendlier than it leads on?

What do people there *do* for recreation/fun? Esp. young people.

Is drug use rampant or just in small, isolated pockets?

What was the area like say, 30-40 years ago vs today?

Are there areas known to be haunted *besides* the asylum vicinity?

I know these are totally random questions, but they're coming from an outsider going on impressions. Ty

Me and my organization, EcoVoices, (a global climate change organization) are hosting a creative event at the Greenburgh Public Library on Saturday about climate change! If anyone and/or your kids or if you know anyone who might be interested please share this! Hope this doesn’t count as self promotion as the event is totally free and meant to benefit youth in the community! This topic is really important and I’m looking forward to encouraging fellow students to engage with it (I’m a student myself). We’ve also been featured in the Rivertowns Dispatch recently! This workshop is super interactive and fun and I hope to see you/your children there! DM/comment any questions, I’d be more than happy to answer! This is the registration link and I’ve attached the flyer to this post: https://greenburghlibrary.libcal.com/event/17059430

I am most likely coming on a visit to the region (Hudson Valley and western Connecticut) the first or third week in October. While I will be busy with the purpose of my journey, I plan to take one day to do the FDR Library (was there about 25 years ago, but was with others and was only able to stay on site for an hour or two, and will be on my own and can do a whole day this time!), and then one day to just enjoy nature.

Thanks to climate change, it's not guaranteed the leaves will be at or near peak when i visit, but I would love to walk/hike in an area where there's some color. I am not a big hiker and would prefer something that's flat or reasonably gentle. I did check out a couple of hiking books and some guidebooks (and why are the guidebooks in general all about NYC only?? There's plenty to see and do in the rest of the state!), but they mostly recommended moderate to "strenuous" hikes in the Adirondacks or the Catskills.

I would be happy to know if anyone in this group can suggest a park or trail(s) that would give me the chance to walk through a forst or wooded area and not have it clearly be in or right by town.

Just so it helps, I plan to be in Albany, go down to Hyde Park, then from there towards Hartford. On the day I plan to walk/hike, I'm ok with driving up to an hour to any recommended places, but want to spend more time enjoying the day than driving.

I keep getting IG reels from Hat Toss King and his wife on instagram. What’s the story with them? They seem to be based in the Port Jervis area. They seem to have meet and greets often and the guy shows up and does hat tosses at many local events.

Hi moms!! My son is 3.5 and I will sign him up for UPK in January. We are in the Wappingers school district and I was curious/wanted to hear feedback about the schools and your experiences. I know you can put your top 3 choices so I want to make a good educated decision; even tho I know it’s not guaranteed you’ll get what you’ve picked. Thank you :)

want to know what people's opinions are about the different options for internet. Tia!

I do not have these cats..just a courtesy post.

please read the original post for more details.