By: Amanda Reseburg
Looking around the current housing market in the state of New York, there is little doubt that prices are going up. As with everything from groceries to gas, the cost of a new home in the tristate area has also risen.
The Hudson Valley has seen a surge in interest among city dwellers seeking a relaxing place to call home. It has not been immune to rising home prices, and many people seeking a quality, custom-built home in the area have had to be more discerning about which amenities are “must-haves” and what they are willing to pay.
Upstate Modernist, a modern, sustainable homebuilder in the Hudson Valley, is working hard to meet the moment by providing custom homes with modern sensibilities, amenities that working professionals look for, and a sustainable model that fits each home to its surroundings. The company offers city buyers what many luxury markets no longer offer: space, privacy, and sustainability in a home that feels anything but standard, designed to suit how today’s buyers want to live.
A New Price Reality In The Hudson Valley Region
In the Hudson Valley market, which includes towns like Rhinebeck and Cold Spring, the $1M+ price tag has become a familiar number for homebuyers. When one considers the land, materials, labor, and finishes, it is easy to see how that number becomes reasonable. Customization, location, and size all contribute to rising costs, as do recent increases in the prices of homebuilding materials.
The Hudson Valley region quickly rose to a higher price tier as it became a popular destination for professional urbanites seeking a country getaway. Many of these buyers are not just looking for a house; they want a lifestyle upgrade that includes spacious land, views for miles unencumbered by skyscrapers, and a welcomed lack of noise and crowding. All of this has helped push modern, well-built custom homes to the forefront.
“We offer a reimagined modern lifestyle,” says Doug Maxwell, co-founder of Upstate Modernist. “The homes are unique, site-specific, and built sustainably.”
Tailored To Place
Upstate Modernist offers homes that are thoughtfully tailored to the place. Each home is architect-designed and site-specific, intended to merge with the land rather than imposing upon it. The firm’s warm, nature-inspired designs blend modernist lines with natural textures, artisanal details, and positioning that considers light and sight-lines.
In this way, Upstate Modernist’s homes are appealing to urbanites who want to escape the city and live a more country-inspired lifestyle. “They want luxury that they have become accustomed to in New York City, but they don’t want it to be ostentatious,” says Maxwell.
The Upstate Modernist approach is turn-key and concierge-like, something urban New Yorkers are used to with city life. This full-service model emphasizes consistency and quality throughout the process.
In Search Of A Different Rhythm
People moving out of the city and into the suburbs or the country are looking for a change of pace. They want a healthier, calmer environment to work, raise their kids, or retire.
This mission is what makes the Hudson Valley such a destination of choice for many New Yorkers. The pastoral open spaces, agricultural land, proximity to nature and outdoor living, and a slower pace are exactly what people leaving the city consider non-negotiables.
Upstate Modernist’s focus on sustainability aligns well with today’s buyers. Rising costs still factor into decision-making, even at the $1M+ price point, making energy efficiency important. The firm’s sustainably-sourced materials and conservation-focused site planning speak to the modern buyer’s desire for less waste and a more environmentally-conscious brand to do business with.
Redefined Luxury
While the $1M+ price point is becoming more standard in certain tristate areas, it can still help them afford luxury. Upstate Modernist represents a break from the norm in this new luxury living space by avoiding the typical, generic symbols of wealth in design.
With Upstate Modernist, there are no gilded fountains or pillars, nor are its homes builder-grade. The firm highlights designer fixtures, quality finishes, and thoughtful detailing. In a region where the idea of “luxury” has shifted, architecturally significant homes that feel both modern and timeless are now the goal.
People seek privacy, acreage, and a sense of serene retreat. Upstate Modernist offers all of that in each home design.
How Upstate Modernist Stands Out
With inflation in 2026 spiking to a three-year high amid rising costs, even $1 million doesn’t go as far as it used to, especially in the high-end New York market. Upstate Modernist understands this, as well as the emotional factor of relocation for urban New Yorkers.
“It’s not just about finishes or square footage,” says Maxwell. “It’s also about identity, calm, transition, and a desire for a different lifestyle without sacrificing design standards.”
In a region where $1M+ is becoming the new normal, Upstate Modernist offers a thoughtful answer to the desire for escape and for luxury, giving city buyers access to space to breathe.
