On Saturday, December 6, 2014 3:08:20 AM UTC-5, albs wrote:
I live in Europe and will be relocating to New York City next spring. Which would be the closest airfield where I could keep a SLMG (doesn't necessarily need to be a glider club) or the closets airfield where gliders are operated (which and/or tow)? Any that you'd recommend in particular?
thank you

For soaring, the sites listed are your best bets. I believe there are still sites out on Long Island, but travel to them can be "interesting" in the summer due to traffic volumne.
As to where to keep your SLMG, keep in mind closer airports are within the "Mode "C" veil" from the 3 NYC area major airports. It will really require some additional radio/transponder equipment to deal with that even if the airport (like Lincoln Park, NJ) is "uncontrolled".

I know Middletown/Valley Soaring (where I've flown for 30+ years) has a bus from NYC to not far from the airport. Not sure what, if any, real "mass transit" options the other airports have.
We also have a number of Long Island/NYC area members that get together and car-pool to the airport.

Yes, you should visit each and see what you like. Valley Soaring is sorta modeled off the European "club type" airport. It is a mixed use airport (as most are) where we have glider operations, power traffic, ultralights, balloons, etc.