Ditto to Mid-Hudson Valley and Putnam Valley in New York State. Warwick, NY is a really nice town in Orange County. Also, Saugerties, NY.

Also don’t dismiss the outta-boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. Each neighborhood can completely change by just crossing one street and you’ll be able to find something for your taste. Also, property taxes in NYC are very low. If your willing, buy a two family and you can almost live mortgage free.