A small industrial city in the Adirondack foothills
The city of Gloversville takes its name from the industry that made it a prosperous industrial center in the early 19th century. Amongst the foothills of the Adirondacks, this town that was once known as Stump City prior to its renaming was once the center of American glove-making, with a thriving leather industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Surrounding forests played a key role in Gloversville's economic success, as the bark from the abundant hemlock groves in the area provided the requisite tannin for local tannery operations and subsequent glove production.
Today, the glove industry is no longer the driving economic engine, but Gloversville’s scenic landscapes remain one of the greatest draws to this city of nearly 15,000 residents. "It's an affordable, quaint area with a lot of outdoor recreation," says Carol Paciolla, a local broker and owner of Pace It Realty LLC, with over 25 years of experience. "We're right at the base of the Adirondacks, 10 minutes from a ski center, 10 minutes from Great Sacandaga Lake, and 45 minutes from Saratoga Springs and Schenectady."
And despite the decline in the leather industry, manufacturing and distribution continue to be major employers today. "There are still many manufacturing jobs within 20-to-25 minutes of Gloversville," Paciolla says. In recent years, Gloversville has seen revitalization efforts fueled by a $10 million state grant aimed at downtown redevelopment. Investments focus on restoring historic buildings, attracting new businesses and improving public spaces to create a more walkable, vibrant city center.
Historically, Gloversville was renowned as a hub for the glove making industry in the United States, with over 200 manufacturers operating in the city and the adjacent city of Johnstown during its peak;this industrial prominence earned it the moniker "Glove City."
All around Gloversville you can find fingerprints from the past where leather and gloves were made.
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The Adirondacks, lakes and city parks
Several state parks, golf courses, and lakes surround Gloversville, while the city boasts green spaces and community gathering places. "We have children who moved to the south, and I truly believe that you will never find fresher air or beautiful landscapes than in New York State," Paciolla says. "That's why I'm still here."
In the heart of town, a small public area with a splash pad hugs Cayadutta Creek. A bridge over the creek leads to Trail Station Park. The park features a historic train car and access to the 8-mile-long Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville Rail Trail along the region's old railroad tracks.
Neighborhood parks are scattered around the city, including the recently revitalized Spring Street Park and Wandel Park's town square, the site of annual holiday tree lightings. Other green spaces include Darling Field, which caters to youth sports leagues, and Melchoir Park's lush open fields. Farther south, Myers Park is a community landmark with blooming flower gardens, wooded nature trails and a lily pond.
Just outside the city, Great Sacandaga Lake, the largest manmade lake in the state, attracts boaters, anglers and paddleboarders. "Fulton County also has 44 different lakes within a short drive," Paciolla says. On the west side of town, local orchards offer family-friendly activities like apple picking, corn mazes and wagon rides.
The nearby Peck Hill State Forest features hiking paths and lakes. Farther west, the Adirondacks offer miles of rugged hiking trails, campgrounds and breathtaking views. In the winter, residents can cross-country ski, ice fish in one of the many nearby lakes or hit the slopes at Royal Mountain Ski Area.
Established in 1975 and named in honor of Milton R. Wandel, the park has been a cherished part of the community of Gloversville for decades.
Trail Station Park is located on a former rail station and historical location of the Gloversville train line, now turned into an 8 mile walking/biking path.
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19th- and 20th-century homes
Tree-lined residential streets fan off both sides of Main Street, while farmland and woodland surround the community. Quiet small-town roads give way to 19th- and 20th-century duplexes, multi-units and single-family homes. Standard amenities include paved driveways, detached garages and modest backyards. Some properties feature lush gardens and a fresh coat of paint, while others need some major TLC. Median home prices hover around $160,000, ranging from $30,000 to $300,000, with some of the city's most expensive homes on the east side.
You can find many homes well kept in the Tudor, Colonial and other classical styles in Gloversville.
You can find many homes in Gloversville like this American Foursquare that need some tender loving care.
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Nearby amenities and Main Street's revitalization
Gloversville's downtown district is home to several small businesses, and the area is characterized by a growing emphasis on revitalization efforts. Main Street's historic storefronts vary between vacant buildings and small local businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues like the Glove Theatre. Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, Inc., is a thriving community-focused grocery store offering local and organic products. "The co-op draws residents together. You can hang out in there with a coffee and laptop," Paciolla says. "We also have a seasonal Saturday morning farmers market."
The city's downtown revitalization efforts have sparked a growing calendar of activities, including the Southern Adirondack Wine & Food Festival, seasonal celebrations like holiday parades, and summer concert series.
Gloversville is home to several chain grocers, dollar stores and big-box retailers along New York State Route 30A. For more extensive shopping, Amsterdam is home to additional national retailers about 14 miles away. Saratoga Springs and Schenectady also serve as larger commercial hubs with a broader selection of stores, shopping malls and restaurants within 30 miles.
Mohawk Harvest is a great mercantile type shop that has many things to enjoy from the Gloversville community from local goods, a gallery, live music and more.
Over on route 30 just outside downtown Gloversville you can find a few national chains when you are in need.
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Gloversville Enlarged School District
The Gloversville Enlarged School District earns an overall C-plus rating from Niche. The district enrolls around 2,800 students across three elementary schools, one middle and one high school. The local Fulton-Montgomery Community College is one of the many colleges within the State University of New York (SUNY).
Gloversville residents are less than 60 miles from the Capital Region's many higher learning institutions. Skidmore College, the University at Albany, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are just a few of many scattered between Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Albany and Troy.
McNab Elementary School is one of three in Gloversville and has a C+ overall on Niche.
Just under 50 miles away from Gloversville is the University of Albany, a top tier place to learn and grow.
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Commutes around the city
The Gloversville Transit System offers routes to Amsterdam and Johnstown. Main Street offers a walkable downtown area, and Nathan Littauer Hospital is conveniently located on the city's north side. However, Gloversville is primarily a car-dependent area. Albany International Airport and the Capital Region's tri-cities are within a 50-mile drive via Interstate 90, and Saratoga Springs is 30 miles east via New York State Route 29.
Living in Gloversville
Tucked between the Adirondacks and the Catskills, Gloversville offers all four seasons. Humid summers turn into cool autumns, and cold winters bring an average of 77 inches of snow. Streams like Cayadutta Creek are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall.
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, property crimes decreased by nearly 20% between 2022 and 2023, while violent crime rates decreased by 10%.
Written By
Lillie Duston
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Schulman
Video By
Michael Carey
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Gloversville, NY sell after 13 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Gloversville, NY over the last 12 months is $287,000, up 51% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Calling all Investors and flippers! Excellent investment property. 2 family home on Lexington Avenue - Each apartment has 1 bed, 1 full bath, dining room & living room. Large front porch and shared common are in the rear. Both apartments are currently empty and were previously rented for $1050 a month. Price reflects some cosmetic & plumbing work needed.
This welcoming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers 1,728 square feet of comfortable living space on a generously sized double lot measuring 100x121. The spacious living room features a charming wood accent wall, while the kitchen opens into a large dining room perfect for hosting dinner—or just dinner conversations. The main floor includes a half bath currently in progress, just waiting for your
Well maintained and updated home on .43 aces. Private lot overlooking an adjacent stream with commons wildlife sightings. The house features 3 bedrooms including a primary suite with full bath. Living room w/ pellet stove for added heat, eat in kitchen, laundry area and 2nd full bath. All on single floor living. Front deck and rear sliding glass door. All appliances are included. Upgraded
Calling all Investors and flippers! Excellent investment property. 2 family home on Lexington Avenue - Each apartment has 1 bed, 1 full bath, dining room & living room. Large front porch and shared common are in the rear. Both apartments are currently empty and were previously rented for $1050 a month. Price reflects some cosmetic & plumbing work needed.
This welcoming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers 1,728 square feet of comfortable living space on a generously sized double lot measuring 100x121. The spacious living room features a charming wood accent wall, while the kitchen opens into a large dining room perfect for hosting dinner—or just dinner conversations. The main floor includes a half bath currently in progress, just waiting for your
Well maintained and updated home on .43 aces. Private lot overlooking an adjacent stream with commons wildlife sightings. The house features 3 bedrooms including a primary suite with full bath. Living room w/ pellet stove for added heat, eat in kitchen, laundry area and 2nd full bath. All on single floor living. Front deck and rear sliding glass door. All appliances are included. Upgraded
Property Id: 398596BEAUTIFULLY renovated home on quiet street. Brand new kitchen, baths, flooring and so much more. Entertain in the large open concept first floor living area.Kick back and relax on any one of the three porches including one enclosed porch on the second story. Spacious yard for enjoying the outdoors. Nothing to do here except move in and
Relax in this remodeled and fully furnished apartment. ALL UTILITIES are included except for Wifi, but can be added for an additional $50.00 a month. Off-street parking provided. Located only minutes from Nathan Littauer hospital, and NYS RT 30 for an easy commute. Security of one month rent plus first month rent due upon signing lease. No pets, and no smoking of any type of products inside the
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