The Internet Calls Poughkeepsie a Ghetto. I Call It Home.
I’ve lived in Poughkeepsie as an independent business owner since 2005. While most bloggers focus on the high school graduation percentages and average household incomes, I focus on what makes this little city the most comfortable place I’ve ever lived.
Poughkeepsie has 24-hour convenience, beautiful parks and landscape, two major hospitals (that’s right TWO), a variety of adult night life and, of course, its famous delis.
24-Hour Convenience
My home is located near Vassar College. There are 24-hour gas stations within a 10 minute walk or a two-minute drive from where I live. Pretty handy when it’s 1AM and you need to go on a beer run or you forgot to get milk for your children the next morning.
Variety in Nightlife
If I’m looking for a mature watering hole to quench my thirst and casually converse with my peers, there’s Mahoney’s Irish Pub & Steakhouse open until 4am every night. If I want to tear it up on the dance floor with a bunch of 21-year-olds, there is Union Tavern.
If you’re the bar hopping type, there are a least 6 night spots in that same area ALL within walking distance. It makes for a phenomenal pub crawl which you can partake in every February with The Tony Cappillino Memorial Mini-Golf Tournament.
Parks and Landscape
Poughkeepsie is located in the heart of the beautiful Hudson Valley. The surrounding tree-covered mountains create some breathtaking views.
I can see firsthand how impressive Mother Nature can be simply by walking over the Hudson River. This railroad bridge was originally built in 1888, but in 2009 it was converted and opened as the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s largest pedestrian park. It's accessible from both Poughkeepsie and Highland.
(If you’re afraid of heights, this is definitely the place to help you conquer your fears.)
Rossi’s Deli
Ask any Marist or Vassar student what their favorite Deli is and nine times out of 10 they’ll say Rossi’s Deli.
This place offers the most filling and delicious dishes that you wouldn’t expect from a deli. This will come across as sacrilegious, but I do favor K&D Deli. I know, I know, but I only like turkey subs and it’s insulting to a place like Rossi’s to only order a boring sub.
So K&D Deli is where my actual heart lies. With their top selection of Boar’s Head meat and delicious bread (delivered fresh every morning), I can honestly say that K&D is the deli for me!
Vassar & Mid-Hudson Regional
Growing up in Orange County across the river from Poughkeepsie, I always had to drive 20-40 minutes to get to a hospital.
Thankfully, I never suffered a life threatening injury. Poughkeepsie offers multiple hospitals both within five minutes of my home. I sleep safe at night knowing if my chest ever feels tight or my lung collapses, there are doctors close by to keep me or my family members alive.