Jewett is halfway between resorts, with mountain views and solitude
Some people want to escape busy life in areas like New York City and feel secluded in nature with amenities a short drive from home. A place like Jewett in Greene County offers those people exactly that. Jewett provides peace and quiet in the Northern Catskill Mountains, surrounded by resorts, a state forest and beautiful views. “We’ve got two ski slopes that are pretty much 10 miles apart,” says Carol Shaw, broker and owner of Shaw Country Realty who has been in real estate since 1985. “Jewett is everything in the middle of those. ... Airbnbs are very popular up here because it’s a four-seasons community. We’ve got hiking trails. We’ve got venues, a lot of wedding venues.” The wide-open stretches of woods, farmland and quiet roads to town draw residents, who may stay for ski season or enjoy the natural setting every day. It’s not uncommon for people who stay in an Airbnb for an event to come back and find their own spot in the wooded valley.
Cabins, chalets and modern farmhouses with privacy
Homes in Jewett have large lots full of tall trees that create a sense of privacy for residents. “Unless it’s an original house, you either have a modern farmhouse or you have a chalet-style,” Shaw says. “People don’t want to come up to another raised ranch or another colonial. They want to feel like they’re in the country.” Luxury homes on especially large lots have sold for around $900,000 to $2 million. Some cabins and chalets built between 1970 and 2010 have ranged from $430,000 to $800,000. In the $200,000 to $400,000 range, there are homes with less than 2,000 square feet, and although they’re smaller options, they still have private lots hidden behind stunning natural scenery. “Jewett is nice because you’re on at least 2 acres . ... It’s beautiful country,” Shaw says.
Skiing at two resorts and exploring nature around Jewett
Hunter Mountain is the tallest peak in Greene County, with skiing and hiking trails that cut through forests to the resort below. Windham Mountain Club also has ski slopes, as well as a golf course and guided tour options. “You also have some lakes in the area,” Shaw says. “In East Jewett, you have Colgate Lake. Within 15 minutes, there’s so much to do.” Anyone can visit the Mountain Top Arboretum in East Jewett to stroll through the gardens or sign up for a guided tour, though there is a suggested $5 donation upon entry.
Short drives to nearby Hunter or Windham
While Jewett feels tucked away in another world, residents are close to restaurants, shops and resorts. “There’s no traffic,” Shaw says. “We call it a minute a mile, up here. It’s not Long Island.” When driving about 13 miles to Hunter , people often pass landmarks like the Jewett Presbyterian Church, built in the 1840s. Windham is closer, about 5 miles away. Windham Medical Care offers primary care services, but the nearest hospitals are Columbia Memorial Health and Margaretville Hospital. Drivers heading 60 miles to Albany and the Albany International Airport will be on the road for a little over an hour . Living in the mountains, it’s no surprise winters can bring feet of snow. But Shaw says the snow isn’t a concern since the town and county are quick to send out salt trucks and snowplows to maintain the roads.
Learning at Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School
Residents are a part of the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District, which is currently unrated by Niche. The B-rated Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School is located in Windham and teaches prekindergarten through 12th grade. Sports are a popular extracurricular at the school, and in 2025, the girls’ alpine ski team won the state championship held at Gore Mountain.
Grocery stores and restaurants in Windham and Hunter
Jewett is in the countryside, so residents take short trips to dine out. “You either go right into Windham or right into Hunter,” Shaw says. “You can be at a restaurant in 10 minutes. We’ve got them all over the place.” Windham has popular spots like Millrock Restaurant & Bar Room and the Windham Diner. Main Street Market is a deli, butcher shop and grocery store in one. Some people prefer to visit Hunter to get dinner at Ze Wine Bar at Jägerberg Beer Hall and Alpine Tavern or coffee at Fellow Mountain Cafe. The Tops Friendly Markets grocery store is in Tannersville, about 20 minutes away from Jewett.
