I live about six miles south of the Indian Point Power plant, in Croton-on-Hudson. While there is the usual blather from a certain type of environmentalist about closing the plant - which I believe supplies about 6% of the power for NY State - I have no safety concerns at all. I know at least one person who was involved in safety concerns - OSHA stuff - at the plant and he never had any worries.

Cold Spring is a GREAT area. I know it very well and it's literally at the heart of the Hudson Highlands. Great hiking area - one of the top day hikes in the northeast - Breakneck Ridge - is five minutes up the road from downtown Cold Spring. My college roommate brought up his family in the town and still lives there. The only negative I can think of - it's a bit of a long commute if you work in Manhattan.

Good luck, whatever you do.