Rivertowns
I've lived in the Lower Hudson valley for the past 23 years.  For much of that time I commuted into New York City for work.  I was lucky that the commute was a very pleasant one.  The New York Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line runs right next to the Hudson River and for much of it's length offers picturesque views across the Hudson to among other things (The Palisades; The Hudson Highlands; Storm King Mountain etc.).  Along the way you pass a number of picturesque rivertowns