Hudson Valley grows; Buffalo shrinks

ALBANY - The Hudson Valley had some of the fastest-growing areas in New York since 2000, as many other upstate regions lost people, according to census estimates released Thursday.

Orange County was tops in growth statewide from 2000 to 2006 - adding 35,025 people for 10.3 percent growth, according to yearly Census Bureau estimates. Two counties across the Hudson River also were big gainers over the period: Dutchess (5.4 percent) and Putnam (5 percent).

The valley has been on a growth spurt fueled in part by New York City residents seeking peace of mind after the Sept. 11 attacks and by families priced out of suburban markets closer to the city.