Claverack blends Dutch heritage with modern farm culture
Located about 7 miles from Hudson, Claverack is a mostly agricultural community where sustainable farms, locally focused restaurants and distilleries sit next to historic homes in the hilly Hudson River Valley. “What I love about Claverack is it's very close to Hudson, which is our county's biggest city,” says Christine Hinz, an associate real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Village Green who lives nearby. “It’s just got a rich history of Dutch settlements in the area. You can still see a lot of representation of that in the home styles.” Founded in the late 1700s, the community also retains much of its agricultural heritage, seen today in locally focused restaurants, small farms and farm stands.
Colonial homes, fixer-uppers and large estates span a wide price range
“There’s a range of different housing options in Claverack, from Dutch Colonial estate homes to Sears kit homes from the turn of the century to the old houses in Philmont that are being redone, so that covers a broad price range for people,” Hinz says. Most of the homes here have colonial designs, including an 18th- and 19th-century regional style called an eyebrow Colonial, characterized by small second-story windows. Most properties have at least an acre, and some are surrounded by woods and have private ponds. Homes sit closer together in Claverack’s town center and Philmont, which has sidewalks connecting residences to a small commercial core. Fixer-uppers can cost between $70,000 and $180,000, while most move-in ready homes range from $200,000 to $640,000. Remodeled homes on acreage or with special history can range from $670,000 to $1.6 million, while custom luxury homes and large estates can cost more. Homes near Claverack Creek can be at risk of flooding; homeowners should check local flood maps to assess their risk.
Taconic Hills Central and Hudson City school districts serve the area
Kids in Claverack’s east attend Taconic Hills Central School District, which earns an overall rating of C from Niche, while kids in the west attend the Hudson City School District, which earns a B. They might start at the C-plus-rated Montgomery C. Smith Elementary and then go to the B-minus-rated Hudson Junior High. At the B-plus-rated Hudson Senior High, the football team won the state championship in 2024 and was recognized as an On3 and Army National Guard Team of the Year for its acts of kindness. Nearby, the private Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School earns an A-minus.
Restaurants and farm stores focus on locally grown food
The village of Philmont, which was once a mill town, is Claverack’s primary commercial hub. Here, diners can sample farm-to-table cuisine at Local 111, a chic restaurant in a converted garage. “There’s a lot of stuff that has to do with artisanal and craft brewing and distilling,” Hinz says. Cooper’s Daughter serves handcrafted bourbon and vodka, and their outdoor space is a popular hangout. “They've got a big fire pit going all the time, and on the weekends, they have food trucks,” Hinz says. Klocke Estate specializes in apple brandies and vermouths; its tasting room and restaurant have expansive views of the Catskill Mountains. Farm stores like MX Morningstar and Churchtown Dairy provide locally sourced produce and meat, and Philmont Cooperative is a grocery store and café that also focuses on local goods. National retailers like Aldi and Walmart are in Hudson.
Rural roads lead to Hudson and Albany
Narrow country roads or two-lane state roads are common in Claverack. Hudson is a 7-mile drive away via state Routes 23 and 23B. Here, Columbia Memorial Health provides medical care for the area, and the Amtrak station has a route to New York City that takes around two hours. The drive to New York is about 113 miles down the Taconic State Parkway, and Albany is 39 miles north via state Route 9H and Interstate 90. Albany International Airport is a 47-mile trip. Columbia County Public Transit provides a commuter shuttle between Hudson and Albany. Houses of worship in Claverack include The Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack and Martindale Community Gospel Church.
Waterfall hikes, playgrounds and golf offer outdoor fun
There are a variety of ways to get outside in Claverack. The High Falls Conservation Area near Philmont has a 1-mile hiking trail that leads to the tallest waterfall in Columbia County. At Claverack Town Park, kids can climb on the playground or play sports like baseball and basketball. In July and August, the park hosts the weekly Claverack Summer Concert Series. The private Columbia Golf and Country Club has an 18-hole course and other members-only amenities. At The Campus, located in a former school building, visitors can explore over 35 rooms of contemporary art, as well as outdoor sculptures. The Claverack Free Library and Philmont Public Library both have programs for adults and kids, including book clubs, crafts classes and chair yoga.
Written By
Annie Franklin
