Beacon was formed when two separate towns, Matteawan on Fishkill Creek and Fishkill Landing on the Hudson River, literally grew into each other, merging to form the mile-long main drag we know today. Named for the signal fires that blazed in its hills during the Revolution, the once-thriving factory town began a new chapter when Dia, the progressive contemporary art organization that rose to prominence in the age of Donald Judd and Andy Warhol, plinthed its collection in a crumbling Nabisco box plant — a singular event that catalyzed the complete revival of the city’s rambling red brick blocks. Chock full of post-industrial charm, Beacon appeals to everyone from bikers to upcyclers, with miles of mountain trails and a sizable downtown spilling over with craft beer bars, coffee roasters, and maker boutiques. A diverse stock of historic artist lofts, single-family homes, and new construction rentals offer flexible housing options, all just a 75-minute train ride to Grand Central Terminal.