A small rural community in the picturesque Catskill Mountains
Surrounded by the Catskill Mountains, Broome is full of state-protected forests and picturesque recreation. The town’s population is approximately 850; the small hamlet of Livingstonville is the densest community, with a fire department but no grocery store. About 10 miles away, the larger village of Middleburgh gives Broome access to retail and other services. “It’s rural, away from the city," says Realtor Rebecca Wilcox, who works with Century 21 Rural Estates and has about two decades of experience in the area. "The location is only an hour away from Albany. You’re rural and you have space. But you’re still near stuff, so if you want to do New York City in a day trip, you can do that."
Franklinton Vlaie Wildlife Management Area and more outdoor recreation
Broome is surrounded by outdoor recreation sites. Franklinton Vlaie Wildlife Management Area, on the north side of the area, is especially popular in autumn. Mountains surround Vlaie Pond, and activities include kayaking, fishing and birding. Located in Middleburgh, the Vroman's Nose Hiking Trail is a 1.8-mile loop that goes to the top of a cliff overlooking the Catskills and the valley’s farmland. Max V. Shaul State Park is about 10 miles west of Broome and offers campgrounds as well as hiking trails through the woods. About 10 miles east of the community, E.N. Huyck Preserve features walking paths to a 120-foot-tall waterfall and Myosotis Lake.
Contemporary homes, multiacre lots and more in Broome
Livingstonville is the main section of the community and has compact lawns, plus historical architecture. Prices here range from $90,000 to $180,000. Elsewhere, most of the homes in Broome come with multiacre lots, some heavily wooded with private waterfalls, mountain views or ponds. Woodsy country roads branch off from state Route 145 and have manufactured homes as well as contemporary homes. Manufactured homes range from $140,000 to $260,000, while contemporary homes range from $380,000 to $430,000. “The market tends to be slower because of a lower income in Schoharie County,” Wilcox says.
The area has a severe flood risk because it’s in the Susquehanna River floodplain, where heavy rain and snowmelt can cause issues. Prospective buyers are encouraged to get flood insurance for their homes.
Schools from Middleburgh Elementary to Middleburgh Junior/Senior High
On Niche, Middleburgh Elementary School has a B-minus grade. It’s located about 10 miles north of Broome. Middleburgh Junior/Senior High School earns a B and is next door to the elementary school. The secondary school’s courses cover subjects from TV studio production to animal science.
Retail like Wattles' Produce and Heather Ridge Farm
Broome's sole business, Wattles' Produce, is located on the east side of the community. The small farmstand offers seasonal goods. About 10 miles south of town, Heather Ridge Farm has a family-owned store selling dairy products and grass-fed beef, plus a restaurant. The rustic farm-to-table experience is available only for lunch on Saturdays. Middleburgh has plenty of retail and restaurants in its walkable downtown. The dining options include the authentic Italian spot Middle Village Pasta & Grill. For snacks, Forget Me Not Soda Shoppe is a vintage-themed business that opened in 2025, making it one of the area’s newest additions. Valley Market is one of the village’s largest local grocery stores.
Attractions, including Creekside Flea Market
The most popular attraction in Broome is the Creekside Flea Market, open from April through October. Every Sunday morning, it offers antique vendors and food trucks. The Broome Animal Sanctuary and Farm houses rescued pigs, alpacas, sheep and more, and offers tours to visitors.
A 35-mile drive to Albany and more logistics
Broome has direct access to state Route 145, which goes north to Middleburgh. Via state Route 32, Broome is about 35 miles from Albany. It’s also about 150 miles from New York City. Albany International Airport, the closest major airport, is about 40 miles away from Broome.
