Esperance is a longstanding farming community on Schoharie Creek
In the late 1700s, Germans arrived in Esperance to farm its rolling terrain, nestled along Schoharie Creek and blanketed with pine, oak and beech trees. This idyllic landscape inspired several works by the renowned painter Thomas Cole in the mid-1800s. “Beauty is our claim to fame,” says Kenneth Jones, a lifelong resident and the town’s historian. Today, Esperance’s natural setting and history remain intact, with a huge arboretum in the northern part of town and several original churches still standing. Home to around 1,700 residents, the town also has a convenient location about 30 miles west of Albany, New York’s capital. “Most people who live here have lived here forever,” Jones says. “But I’ve noticed a few commuters have moved to town in the last few years because we’re still close to the city, but without all the noise and traffic.”
Historic homes may need renovations in Esperance
Esperance’s oldest homes include farmhouses dating back to the early 1800s. “Our houses need updates,” Jones says. “Recently, longtime residents have started buying them and fixing them up for their kids so they can keep living in the area.” Ranch styles and cottages built between the mid-20th century and the ‘90s are also common. Some houses sit on farmland with grain and vegetable crops, while others are densely shaded by trees. Prices typically range from about $90,000 to $500,000, depending on the house’s age, size and condition. Homes near the Schoharie Creek may be at risk of flooding.
George Landis Arboretum has hiking trails and events
Once a working farm in the early 1900s, George Landis Arboretum now features more than 8 miles of trails that wind through old-growth forests, perennial gardens and fields of lilacs. Sculptures, including a T. rex nicknamed Landisaurus, are scattered throughout the grounds. The arboretum hosts regular events like bird-watching walks, stargazing parties and seasonal plant sales. “It really is the social hub of Esperance,” Jones says. “Most people I know volunteer there or pay for the annual membership.” Schoharie Creek Preserve features a hiking trail that runs alongside waterfalls and the river’s rocky shoreline, where people can catch bass and walleye. Several nature preserves with cross-country skiing trails, hunting access and campgrounds are within 10 miles.
Soup & Stroll celebrates Esperance’s history
Esperance Historical Museum, located in the town’s original schoolhouse, showcases century-old farm equipment, quilts and memorabilia from local veterans. In October, museum volunteers lead guided tours through town, sharing the stories behind local Revolutionary War soldiers and landmarks, like the stone-façade Esperance Presbyterian Church, built in 1824. The event, known as Soup & Stroll, ends with a potluck at the Vernacular Gothic-style Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church. “It’s a great kick-off to the Halloween season,” Jones says. “Some people bring thermoses of their own soup and eat it on the tour.”
Kids go to public school in Schoharie
Schoharie Central School District serves Esperance. Kids can attend Schoharie Elementary, which Niche grades a C-minus, and Schoharie Junior/Senior High School, which gets a C-plus. Both schools share a building in Schoharie, about 10 miles north. The high school offers extracurriculars, like Future Farmers of America and Environmental Stewards Club.
There’s a Hannaford in town
A few farmstands are in town, and Hannaford is on the east side. “We all still call it the new Hannaford, even though it opened in 2010,” Jones says. “Before that, we had to drive like 20 minutes away for groceries, so it’s still a big deal.” Amsterdam, about 15 miles north, has more big-box stores, like Target and Walmart Supercenter. St. Mary's Hospital and a downtown district with bars and Italian restaurants are also in town.
U.S. Route 20 reaches Albany
Esperance is a car-dependent community with easy access to several major highways. U.S. Route 20 reaches Albany, home to the Albany International Airport and major employers, including General Electric and the Albany Med Health System. “It rarely takes me over 45 minutes to get to the city, even during rush hour,” Jones says. State Route 30 connects with other small towns, like Schoharie and Amsterdam.
