What makes Copake a good place to live
Copake is a popular spot in Columbia County, known for its waterfront homes and easy access to the Berkshires. It's more densely populated than nearby communities like Taghkanic or Ancram, and there's a small town center. Around the lake, it feels almost suburban. Copake Lake is one of the few motorboat-friendly lakes in the county, so you’ll see plenty of boaters and swimmers out enjoying the water in the summer. But there's also plenty to do in the winter, with skiing at Catamount Mountain Resort and snowshoeing along local trails. Situated about halfway between Hudson and Great Barrington, Copake Lake appeals to Hudson River Valley buyers who want a sense of community along with year-round outdoor activities.
From luxury lakeside homes to rustic ranch-style cabins
In Copake, you can find rural roads and more suburban-style neighborhoods. The Copake Lake community is in high demand thanks to its expansive lake. Over at Robinson Pond, the Taconic Shores community has a smaller waterfront and HOA fees. The average home price is around $600,000, with smaller ranch-style homes starting in the mid-$200,000s. Modern construction and large, updated farmhouses can reach up to $800,000.
There’s also a luxury market with prices from $900,000 to $5.6 million, including sprawling country estates and premier waterfront properties on Copake Lake. “You could have a plot of land that's $1 million without a house on it in Copake Lake,” says Rachel Levine with Patricia A. Hinkein Realty, who has sold several homes here. “It's very desirable [and] pretty well-developed, but anything that has lake rights will go for more money.”
Local schools have standout agriculture programs
Copake is part of the Taconic Hills Central School District. The centralized kindergarten through 12th-grade campus is just north of Copake Lake. The district is known for its strong Future Farmers of America program. Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, a highly rated private school also with an agriculture focus, is about 15 miles north.
Waterside community around Copake Lake
Copake Lake is open to the public, but it's mostly used by the community's residents. The lake hosts a Fourth of July boat parade and has several marinas where you can store your boat for the winter. On one bank, the Copake Country Club has an 18-hole course open to the public. “Copake is great. It's a motorboat lake… [so] you’ve got people fishing out there, they're going out on their bigger boats, they're water skiing,” says Joseph Briggs with William Pitt Sotheby’s Realty, who has over 18 years of experience in the county. “It's like a typical lake community. You’ve got the party side of the lake, and then you've got the golf course side of the lake.” The lake has plenty of short-term rentals, as well as some higher-end homes. “Copake Lake is kind of a prestigious place for people in [New York City],” Levine says. “There are definitely celebrities and TV people who I know own houses over there.”
Limited amenities in the rural Hudson Valley
Although the area is very rural, Copake has a small town center, and the slightly larger town of Hillsdale is just a few minutes north. Some of the local staples for shopping and dining include:
- Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market is held weekly in a covered barn from May to November, with regional produce, live music and family friendly activities.
- Zinnia’s Dinette is an upscale seafood restaurant known for its seasonal menu and fresh ingredients.
- Dad’s Copake Diner is a small-town favorite with classic comfort food served in a retro 1950 diner.
- Copake General Store has everyday groceries, grab-and-go sandwiches and local produce.
- The Greens at Copake Country Club offers upscale dining with a scenic view of the sunset over the golf course.
To reach larger city amenities, Great Barrington is 25 minutes away with a hospital, cultural venues and farm-to-table dining.
Plenty of things to do in the Berkshires foothills
A major draw to Copake is proximity to the Berkshires. Within a few miles, you can reach:
- Catamount Mountain Resort: Year-round destination with skiing and snowboarding in winter and ziplining, mountain coasters and hiking in warmer months
- Taconic State Park: Scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, campgrounds and panoramic mountain views along the Taconic Ridge near the Massachusetts border
- Hudson Valley Rail Trail: Paved path that runs for miles past farmland, rivers and historic landscapes of the Hudson Valley.
- Great Barrington: Lively small town with cultural venues, local shops, farm-to-table dining, and easy access to arts and outdoor recreation in the southern Berkshires.
Residents can work remotely or commute to New York City
Copake is a popular second-home community, especially for people from the New York City area. The trip back to New York City can take two to three hours, depending on traffic. There’s also an Amtrak station in Hudson that runs into the city several times a day. Hudson is about 30 minutes away. It’s also entirely possible to work from home, since Copake has strong internet options for a rural town. Many homes have access to fiber internet, and even more rural areas have fixed wireless and cable options.
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Written By
Catherine Lashley
