The little hamlet of Glasco is tucked between Esopus Creek and the western banks of the Hudson River. Its name comes from a 19th-century glass company a few miles away. The glass was transported by horse and buggy along a dirt road, now known as Glasco Turnpike, to the river’s banks, where it was shipped to New York City. Glasco is one of many small hamlets that make up the Town of Saugerties, whose waterways have always played a critical economic role, powering mills for local manufacturing and serving as a means of transportation.
Boasting acres of nature preserves that border creeks and rivers, Glasco’s waterways still benefit residents today. Untouched landscapes with flowing waterfalls offer scenic retreats while weaving creekside paths attract hiking lovers, wildlife viewers, avid kayakers and anglers. “People that grow up here tend to stick around, so things don’t change as rapidly as other areas in the Valley,” says Sean Zimmerman, associate broker at Halter Associates Realty Inc., who has been helping homeowners sell their homes for over 20 years. Quiet streets with early 1900s architecture maintain the same small-town atmosphere as years ago, while the Village of Saugerties’ historic storefronts house charming eateries and boutiques 3 miles away.
Gloss is surrounded by lush woodlands and rolling hills.
Living is Glasco is a wonderful experience.
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Riverfront parks and hikes
Tucked along the banks of the Hudson River, Falling Waters Preserve offers a scenic escape for Glasco residents. Hand-carved wooden benches overlook the occasional small waterfall scattered throughout the 149 acres of woodlands. Additional benches are dotted along canopied trails. Breaks in the tree line give way to rocky riverbanks, where anglers can spend the afternoon reeling in striped bass.
Less than 1 mile south, Glasco Mini-Park offers riverfront views of the Hudson. “The Hudson is one of the few rivers that flows both ways,” Stier says. “So, you could see the same fallen tree log pass by, and a few hours later, when the tides change, it will be floating along in the opposite direction.” A large boat launch and parking lot cater to boaters looking to spend the day on the open waters, while a second smaller launch is available for kayakers. Additional amenities include a small, colorful playground, grills and a covered pavilion with picnic tables.
Esopus Bend Nature Preserve is another popular green space with forested hiking trails that weave along Esopus Creek. The Village of Saugerties is just a short drive away, brimming with outdoor recreation. At Ruth Reynolds Glunt Nature Preserve, rugged trails and boardwalks that cross over wetlands eventually grace hikers with views of the historic Saugerties Lighthouse. A local marina attracts boating enthusiasts along the creek’s winding banks, while a small beach offers a tranquil retreat for sunbathing and swimming.
The Village is also home to Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex, where amenities range from sports fields and hiking trails to a skatepark and dog park. It’s also home to the Kiwanis Ice Arena—the only indoor ice-skating rink in a 30-mile radius. Cantine’s grounds also host some of the community’s largest events.
Glasco Mini Park features a river-front playground and boat launches.
Some Glasco residents like going for a run in Falling Waters Preserve.
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The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
What once began as a clever marketing tactic to sell local farmer’s produce is now the community’s largest annual festival. Thousands of garlic lovers from across the region gather every fall to celebrate the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. The Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex’s open fields are packed with vendor stalls selling handmade crafts, fresh garlic and food. However, every food item must include garlic, even if it’s just a pinch of seasoning in a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Other activities range from live cooking demonstrations to musical performances.
Condos, townhouses and single-family homes
Glasco’s streets are scattered with apartments, condominiums, townhouses and single-family homes. “The town attracts many lifelong residents, but rising housing prices around the region has led locals and artists to search elsewhere like the Town of Saugerties for more affordable housing.” Along the eastern end of Glasco Turnpike, early 20th-century buildings sit close to the street, ranging from American Foursquares to narrow colonial-style houses priced from the low $200,000s to the mid $300,000s. Surrounding side streets feature modest split-level, bi-level, and ranch-style houses in the same price range.
21st-century condominiums and townhouse complexes sell from the mid $200,000s to the upper $300,000s along the western edge of Glasco Turnpike. Across the street, Glasco Ponds is the community’s newest subdivision that offers subsidized housing. Glasco Ponds was built in 2023 by the Ulster County Habitat for Humanity. To qualify for a home, residents must pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing. On the northern edge of the hamlet, Bishops Gate is the community’s most expensive subdivision, where Colonial Revivals with vinyl siding and attached two-car garages sit next to sprawling ranch-style homes priced from the mid $400,000s to the mid $500,000s.
Glasco offers residents a dense suburban feel.
Most Glasco residents own their homes.
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Saugerties’ charming Main Street
Along U.S. Route 9W, small shopping centers feature businesses like Dollar General, Walgreens and a local laundromat. Still, most residents head about 3 miles north to the Village of Saugerties for shopping and dining. Price Chopper is the only chain grocer around town, while the Village’s Main Street is dotted with cozy cafes and cute boutiques. “It has a quaint Main Street like you’d see in a movie,” Zimmerman says.
Shops range from Our Bookshop, a used bookstore with jam-packed shelves, to bohemian home decor at Bosco’s Mercantile. However, that wasn’t always the case. “Back when I was a kid, the only thing around were delipidated antique stores that were in such bad shape, you thought your foot would go through the floor,” says Brianne Ebel-Whalen, Director of Sales at the Diamond Mills Hotel. “When people started saying they were moving to Saugerties, I was shocked. I thought I’d never live here again, but here I am.”
Miss Lucy’s Kitchen is a local favorite on Main Street, known for its comfort food and seasonal farm-to-table ingredients. Its rustic but intimate ambiance is excellent for special occasions and weekly date nights. “And you can get an amazing burrito at Main Street Restaurant,” Zimmerman says. With facades covered in neon beer signs, this popular Mexican joint offers a laid-back but lively atmosphere, where margaritas and sizzling fajitas take centerstage. Closer to home, Lox of Bagels is the go-to spot for a classic bacon, egg and cheese or a quick sub for lunch.
Glasco residents catch the daily deals at Dollar General.
Miss Lucy’s Kitchen is a local favorite on Main Street.
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Helping hands at Saugerties High
The Saugerties Central School District serves the Glasco community and scores a B-minus on Niche. Students may attend B-minus-rated schools like Riccardi Elementary, Saugerties Junior High School and Saugerties Senior High School. Community-driven high school sociology students played a role in the school’s newest endeavor, the S.C.O.R.E. Free Store. At the store, students and families in need can receive free clothing, toiletries and nonperishable food items.
Riccardi Elementary School enrolls 18% economically disadvantaged students.
Saugerties High School located at 310 Washington Avenue in Saugerties, NY.
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Commutes to Saugerties on Route 9W
Glasco is a car-dependent community, as this tiny hamlet is home to only one Ulster County Area Transit bus stop. The bus stop sits at the intersection of U.S. Route 9W and New York State Route 32, some of the community’s main thoroughfares. Interstate 87 is also nearby, leading residents about 11 miles south to Kingston’s HealthAlliance Hospital and 103 miles to New York City. Jetsetters catching a flight can also hop on 87 to head about 56 miles north to Albany International Airport.
HealthAlliance Hospital is a general medical and surgical facility.
Public transportation get residents around Glasco and beyond.
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Written By
Lillie Duston
Photography Contributed By
Perez Folds
Video By
Jackson Nacey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Mangione,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Two bedroom, one bath brick ranch home in Glasco. Open kitchen and dining area with ceramic tile floor. Three season sunroom with slate floor lets in the afternoon sun. Living room with stone fireplace and bamboo flooring is central to the home. There are two bedrooms and an office that could be used as a third bedroom if needed. The full bathroom has a Safe Step Walk In tub. Full basement
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