Hastings, as the locals call it, is often compared to Brooklyn, with its artistic vibe and a cool downtown boasting an eclectic collection of independent retailers. In fact, Hastings is often ahead of Brooklyn in lifestyle trends, especially in green living, as the town banned plastic bags in 2015, a full five years before New York City did the same. A similar eco-conscious attitude can be found throughout, with a popular florist sourcing blooms from local farms, a soap store that eliminates single-use plastic by pouring liquid refills directly into customers’ own containers, as well as a citywide compost program. Houses here include Victorians, Tudors, and bungalows, as well as condo options. Many residents take advantage of Hastings’ somewhat secret hilly shortcuts to quickly hop into downtown or to get to the train station, where it’s just a 30-minute ride to New York City’s Grand Central.