The Hamptons Phenomenon

In New York, you can literally drive North for an hour and be amidst hundreds of thousands of acres of forests and mountains. It's the great antithesis of the city. However, most New Yorkers prefer to shift to the Hamptons instead for the weekend getaway.

Pick up a Sunday NY Times and here's what you'll find in the real estate section:

• Option #1 Hamptons Sardine Cans- absurdly expensive:
  1/2 acre 2 bedroom depressing house: $1,950,000, share a jitney with ppl already guzzling alcohol drenched fruit drinks enroute to Long Island beaches and farmer's markets, 3 to 4 hour drive from Manhattan, in endless traffic jams, on the L.I.E. (which has been dubbed the ugliest road on the planet, even though it's undergoing construction on it's 8th year now).
  
  Destination: Filthy beaches crowded with wealthy wall street types looking for coke, sex, etc. and alcohol fueled runway fashion models looking for coke, sex, etc.

   

• Option #2 Upstate Country Homes- much more reasonable:
  25 acre 5 bedroom house: $1,950,000, 1 to 2 hour drive away from Manhattan on beautiful tree-lined roads, so much room to drive safely, mountainous state parks with waterfalls and trails, etc.
  
  Destination: Hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping, rock climbing, etc. Paradise for the outdoor activity enthusiast.