#6. Hudson Valley NY
Hudson Valley towns — Kingston, Hudson, Newburgh, Rosendale, Beacon and more — are experiencing an artistic renaissance. The area is close to New York City, but you’d never know it from the inspiring scenery.
[source: PolicyMic] Nestled in rolling hills, towns with industrial pasts (think: Walkway Over the Hudson) are converted into creative centers (think: Dia:Beacon).
For example, the Basilica Hudson, in all 18,000 square feet of the former glue factory, now serves as a performance space for ska concerts, avant-garde movies, art exhibits, filming and recording. With farm-to-table locavore, sustainable, organic food, Brooklyn-y bars and yoga studios, the Hudson Valley’s city comforts, affordable rent and countryside locale have made it a petri dish for creative thought for those looking to leave New York City.