If you’re typing "where is Montgomery New York" into a search bar, there is a very high chance you are actually looking for one of three different things. This is a classic New York geography trap. You might be looking for the quaint, historic village where people get ice cream by the river. Or, you’re looking for the larger town that surrounds it. Or—and this is the one that trips up everyone from tourists to delivery drivers—you are actually looking for Montgomery County, which is a good 90 miles away in a completely different part of the state.
Let's get the GPS coordinates straight. The Town of Montgomery is sitting pretty in the north-central part of Orange County, New York. It is part of the Hudson Valley, tucked about 60 miles northwest of New York City and roughly 90 miles south of Albany.
The Orange County Hub
Basically, when people talk about "Montgomery" in a social or travel context, they are usually talking about the one in Orange County. It’s an "outer-ring" suburb. That’s just a fancy way of saying it’s far enough from NYC to feel like the countryside, but close enough that people still commute to the city for work.
The town itself is a bit of a sprawl, covering about 51 square miles. Within those borders, you’ve got three distinct villages: Montgomery (the village), Walden, and Maybrook. The Wallkill River snakes right through the middle, flowing north. If you’re driving, you’ll likely find yourself on Interstate 84 or Route 17K. Honestly, it’s nicknamed the "Transportation Hub of the Northeast" for a reason. Between the proximity to Stewart International Airport and the major highway intersections, it’s surprisingly easy to get to, even if it feels a world away from the subway.
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The Geography of the Town
The land here is mostly level, especially compared to the rugged mountains you'll find just a bit further south in the Hudson Highlands. It’s a valley town. To the north, you hit the Ulster County line. To the east is Newburgh, and to the west is Crawford.
The elevation stays pretty low, around 400 feet, except for a few spots like Kings Hill on the eastern edge. That’s where you get the views. If you are standing in the village of Montgomery, you’re looking at a historic core that feels like a movie set. Federal-style houses, brick storefronts, and a massive bridge crossing the Wallkill.
Don't Confuse it with Montgomery County
This is the big mistake. If you're looking for where is Montgomery New York because you have a court date, a government meeting, or a specific historical site in mind, double-check your paperwork.
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Montgomery County is located in central New York, midway between Utica and Albany. It’s in the Mohawk Valley, not the Hudson Valley. Its county seat is Fonda. While the Town of Montgomery (Orange County) was named after Richard Montgomery—the Revolutionary War general who died at the Battle of Quebec—the county was also named after him.
If you end up in the town when you meant the county, you’re looking at a two-hour drive north. You’ll know you’re in the county if you see the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal. You’ll know you’re in the town if you see the Orange County Airport and a lot of commuters headed toward the Thruway.
Getting There and Around
You can’t really do Montgomery without a car. That’s just the reality of the Hudson Valley. While there is a "Dial-A-Bus" service and some CDTA routes (mostly for the county, not the town), you’ll want your own wheels.
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- By Car: Take I-84 to Exit 28. It drops you right near the village. From Manhattan, it’s a straight shot up the Thruway (I-87) to I-84 West. On a good day with no traffic, you can make it in 90 minutes. On a Friday afternoon? Pack a snack.
- By Train: There isn't a station in the village itself. You’d take the Port Jervis Line (NJ Transit/Metro-North) to Campbell Hall or Salisbury Mills. From there, it’s a 15-minute Uber or taxi ride.
- By Bus: Shortline Bus/Coach USA runs a route from Port Authority directly to the village of Montgomery. It takes about two and a half hours, but it’s a solid option if you want to nap while someone else deals with the traffic on the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Why People Search for It
Most people are looking for the "Village of Montgomery" specifically because of its vibe. It’s become a destination for weekenders. You’ve got the Orange County Arboretum nearby, which is stunning in the spring. There’s the Montgomery Worsted Mills, a piece of industrial history that still looms over the river.
Historically, this area was a massive rail yard hub. Maybrook was once one of the largest rail switching terminals in the East. Today, that blue-collar industrial past has shifted into a mix of suburban life and preserved history.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you are planning a trip or a move to Montgomery, here is how to handle the "where" of it all:
- Confirm the Zip Code: If it starts with 125 (like 12549), you are in the Town of Montgomery, Orange County. If it starts with 120 or 133, you are likely looking at Montgomery County.
- Park at Clinton Street: If you’re visiting the village, don’t stress about parking. There’s usually space on Clinton or Union Street. It’s the most walkable part of the town.
- Check the Airport: If you’re flying in, Stewart International (SWF) is literally 15 minutes away. It’s way easier than JFK or Newark for getting to this specific part of the state.
- Visit the Museum: The Montgomery Village Museum on Clinton Street is the best place to understand why this spot was so critical during the Revolution and the industrial boom.
Knowing where Montgomery New York is depends entirely on which "Montgomery" you need, but 90% of the time, the answer is a charming river town in Orange County waiting for a Saturday afternoon visit.
Next Steps:
- Cross-reference your destination's zip code with 12549 to ensure you are heading to the Orange County town.
- Use Route 17K as your primary east-west artery if you are navigating between the villages of Montgomery and Walden.
- Download the NJ Transit app if you plan on using the Campbell Hall station for a rail connection to the city.