K.K.
My parents live in "the OC" and I stayed with them for a summer a couple years ago--commuting to Manhattan every day. It's not a great commute, honestly, and really adds about 4 hrs onto your day (2hrs there + back) any way you go, but MetroNorth (www.mta.info/mnr/) on the Hudson line is the fastest, nicest, and most convenient. It leaves from Grand Central. Beacon is the stop I used. If you can find a place anywhere along the Hudson line at or before Beacon, I think your commute may be easier. NJ Transit is another option--I used the Campbell Hall stop but the line ends in Port Jervis. It takes longer, though, and you have to transfer to a Penn Sta train at either Secaucus or Hoboken. I think the Gray Line bus also goes to OC. I know there are Park and Ride stops along 87, too, so you could check those out. Also, if you are planning to stay for a while, make sure you move to a good school district: Middletown PS, for example, is awful. I think Port Jervis is alright, and Montgomery is too. If you want more info about the area let me know. My knowledge is limited, but I was born there (although didn't grow up there) and most of my family lives in the area.