Clover 1It's that time of year! St. Patrick's Day is upon us and the Hudson Valley region is ready to celebrate! Everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day, and all across Ulster County, NY there are great places to go and have some fun. So grab a beer and a plate of corned beef! Wear some green and get in the spirit of St. Patty's Day in Ulster County!

Raise A Glass - Ulster County, NY Pubs & Breweries

St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year so there's no reason not to celebrate! Ulster County, NY has a variety of pubs and breweries to have a pint and enjoy the day with some friends. New Paltz alone has enough venues to eat and drink for the entire holiday! If you like live music, head over to Bacchus Restaurant. The Irish band the Whiskey Shivers will be…

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Red GoatHow do you feel about the red goats? Kingston, NY's homegrown controversy surrounding the mysterious red goats spray-painted on some public planters has grown into an international phenomenon. A simple search on Facebook will produce a Red Goat page with over 1,500 fans! Most recently, an article in the New York Times reignited the debate over what, if anything, the red goats represent: Art or Vandalism? Protest or Graffiti? Although we may never learn the true meaning behind the red goats, the mini-controversy and the publicity that followed once again shows that Ulster County, NY has got people talking!

The Canvas: Kingston, NY

It started innocently enough. A stencil of a goat, painted in bright red, appeared on some public planters in Kingston, NY's…

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NYS Property TaxAll homeowners should know how to file a tax grievance because with a market turn like we've just experienced it's important to know if/when you are being over-assessed. If you think you might be paying too much in property taxes, a grievance can be filed and your case reviewed by a local municipality. A successful grievance can lower your property taxes and is not as complicated as you may think. But there is a deadline; so without further ado here's a quick reference guide from Taft Street Realty on how, when, (and why!) to file a tax grievance.

When To File A Grievance  

Ulster County Property taxes are based on the value of your home. Your local assessor determines the market value of your home on behalf of the municipal government; and does so in a…

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davenport_farms_logoFinally! With an unseasonably warm winter, many locals in the Rondout Valley have been craving the tasty offerings of Davenport's farmstand. The wait is over because tomorrow on March 1st, Davenport Farms in Stone Ridge, NY will open its farmstand for the 2012 season. For many folks in Stone Ridge and throughout Ulster County, NY the opening of Davenport's farmstand marks the beginning of Spring. More importantly perhaps, the farmstand's opening means access to fresh produce, delicious baked goods, pre-made organic meals and a top-notch nursery! Famous, among other things, for its delicious Rondout Valley Sweet Corn, Davenport Farms is rich in local history and offers quality food at affordable prices. It in turn contributes to the wide appeal and…

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New Paltz Colonial 1Looking for a home for sale in New Paltz, NY? This 4 bedroom colonial has it all! 608 Rte. 32 North in New Paltz is located just minutes from Main Street New Paltz, NY; however you'd never know it relaxing on the wraparound porch. Set on 5 private acres, this beautiful home cannot be seen from the road and offers plenty of space both inside and out! It is low-maintenance, centrally located, and worry free! And offered at $307,500, it is also the best deal in New Paltz, NY right now! So c'mon in! Take a look with Taft Street inside this well-maintained, value-packed home!

Convenient Yet Private Location - Just Minutes to New Paltz and Kingston

This home's location is super-convenient without sacrificing privacy. Literally minutes from the the town of New…

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heartLove is in the air in Ulster County, NY this Valentine's Day! There's no shortage of romantic places to dine, breathtaking views to see, or relaxing activities for a couple to do. Ulster County, NY is known to inspire passion; from master artists in the 1800's to a new generation experiencing free love in the 60's. The beautiful surroundings set the backdrop and each unique town has a great place to eat or have a drink with someone special. It's no wonder so many people enjoy Ulster County Living. Visitors tend to fall head over heels, and not want to leave. Hey with so much to see and do, what's not to love?

Pick Your Pleasure at Mohonk Mountain in New Paltz, NY

Few places are as beautiful as Mohonk Mountain in New Paltz, NY. You could arrive here the…

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ashokan_reservoir

Why call the Ashokan Reservoir, Ulster County's "Gift" to NYC? Like any gift freely given, the giver expects nothing in return, and that's precisely what some residents living near and around the reservoir have gotten from New York City: nothing. Well, at times nothing, other times a little something, and sometimes, much more than they bargained for. But we'll get back to that later. First, join Taft Street Realty as we explore the unique relationship between the Ashokan Reservoir and New York City...

The Birth of a Reservoir: A Prelude of Things to Come

At the turn of the 20th century, New York City was already a thriving metropolis that was rapidly growing. Basics like water were needed on a massive scale, and city officials soon looked north to the…

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rdale_elementary

Sadly, it’s official. The Rosendale Elementary School is set to close, but what now? As of now the schools doors will close at the end of the 2012 school year. We here at Taft Street have been following this story through past blogs about the debate on closing local area schools. In what has proven to be an emotional issue among residents here in the Rondout Valley Central School District, the closing of Rosendale Elementary raises new questions and concerns. A recent article in the Daily Freeman (January 15th) illustrated the ongoing debate over the future of this beloved local school.

Rondout Valley School Board Not Interested In Selling School

The Rondout Valley School Board states in the article that they’re not interested in selling the…

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59 Mill RdCalling all Ulster County Real Estate buyers! Here's that private Stone Ridge contemporary home you have been waiting for!  Just reduced to $350,000 complete with open spaces, clean lines, and a great flow from room to room make this contemporary a must-see.  An entertainer's dream home for sure, with a great private location just minutes from the Historic Stone Ridge, NY center. This 3BR works very well for either full time or weekend use.  A long driveway leads you to this cedar sided gem set amongst 6 gorgeous park-like acres.  Pride of ownership is quite evident throughout the home. Both house and property are very well maintained, and only need a new owner's personal touches.

An Entertainer's Dream, Perfect for Full-Time or Weekend Use

Extensive…

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2011 was quite a year! Real estate in the Hudson Valley region has been recovering, albeit slowly, and we've kept our finger on the pulse. Events in New York State and around the world focused our attention on key issues and how they relate on a local level. All the while we've been blogging...

...so without further ado, here are the best Ulster County real estate blogs of 2011!

 

The Love Affair Continues - The New York Times & Ulster County Real Estate

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Without a doubt our best and most popular post in 2011! With over 40,000 views, this post addressed the tight relationship the New York Times has with Ulster County, NY real estate. Whether it's Woodstock, New Paltz, Rosendale, Marbletown, or Saugerties, the New York Times has pretty much covered…

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