What it is like to live in the small town of Chatham
Chatham is a creative outpost in Columbia County, with all the rural charm of upstate New York and a surprisingly lively arts and food scene in a walkable downtown. On any given day, you can browse through independent shops, catch a movie at the Crandell Theatre and grab a meal made with locally sourced ingredients — before heading home to your quiet country cottage. The community attracts a mix of full-time residents and second-home owners who want to stay within two and a half hours of New York City and Boston. While prices here tend to run a bit higher than in surrounding areas, many buyers feel it’s worth it for a town that offers rural Hudson Valley living without sacrificing the culture and convenience of a major city.
Homes are slightly more expensive than Columbia County’s average
The most rustic cabins and older homes can start in the $200,000s, and prices can reach the $700,000s for recently updated homes with acres of land. For those in the luxury market, properties priced from $900,000 up to the multimillions offer sprawling floor plans, pools and guest cottages. Home prices and property taxes are typically higher than in nearby towns like Austerlitz or New Lebanon, especially if you are located within village limits. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, but with fiber internet available in most of the town, it’s easy to work from home here.
What to expect from Chatham’s community and lifestyle
The lifestyle in Chatham feels both rural and community-oriented. You can run into familiar faces at the weekly summer farmers' markets or the seasonal street fairs that take over Main Street. But you can also find quiet hiking at Ooms Conservation Area, or stop by farm stands like Chatham Berry Farm, known for its U-pick blueberry fields.
According to Joseph Briggs with William Pitt Sotheby’s Realty, who has lived here for over 23 years, one of the best parts of Chatham is the rural atmosphere. “We just completely fell in love with the natural beauty, the open fields, the horse farms, the rolling mountains in the distance, and all of the New England architecture, the beautiful colonial farms, fenced paddocks, and different livestock farms and farm stands,” he says.
Local shops and restaurants in a walkable downtown
Unlike most towns in Columbia County, Chatham has a truly walkable downtown, with everything from a doctor's office to a public library. Plus, the village is home to a Price Chopper, the only major grocery store for miles. “The village gives us everything that we need and is a comprehensive resource for this beautiful rural area,” Briggs says. “We really have modern amenities, we have modern services, and we just have so much amazing local food here.” Vintage storefronts are home to a variety of shops and restaurants, including:
- Chatham Brewing is a laid-back gathering spot that’s been serving craft beer and well-known burgers for over 15 years.
- Chatham Bookstore is a beloved independent bookstore with a curated collection, author events and a large children’s section.
- Bimi’s Canteen & Bar has upscale cocktails and curated charcuterie boards, with a menu of farm-to-table cuisine that rotates with the seasons.
- The People’s Pub serves elevated pub food in a cozy environment, with lively trivia nights every week.
Things to do include shows at award-winning theaters
Chatham’s art scene and cultural attractions help put this town on the map. Some of the most popular local venues are:
- Mac-Haydn Theatre: An award-winning summer stock theater that is known for high-quality musical productions, often featuring Broadway-caliber talent in an intimate setting.
- PS21 Center for Contemporary Performance: This open-air amphitheater showcases emerging talent with boundary-pushing music, dance, theater and experimental performances.
- Crandell Theatre: A lovingly restored 1920s-era theater that shows current films, old classics and hosts the FilmColumbia festival.
- Columbia County Fairgrounds: In addition to concerts and agricultural events, the annual Columbia County Fair has carnival rides, tractor pulls and 4-H animal shows.
Public schools in town and a highly rated private option
The Chatham Central School District is one of the higher-ranked districts in Columbia County. It’s a small district, with fewer than 1,000 students, and all three school buildings are located on the same campus in the village. Just a few miles south, the highly rated Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School is a private school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a hands-on curriculum that includes a 900-acre biodynamic farm.
Commutes to New York, Boston and Albany
The Taconic State Parkway runs through town, so you can reach New York City in about two and a half to three hours. Hudson is about 25 minutes away and has daily Amtrak trains into the big city. Boston is also about two and a half hours away, and Albany International Airport is about a 45-minute drive. “It's convenient if you actually have to commute to New York City or Boston or Albany regularly, I'd say a few times a week,” Briggs says. “Or, some people do it every day.”
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Written By
Catherine Lashley
