Lumberland is a rustic getaway on the Delaware River
Lumberland is hewn from the forested wilderness on the Delaware River in Sullivan County. Lakes and reservoirs are scattered throughout the area, inviting anglers, boaters and hikers to get out and play. The river runs along the Pennsylvania state line, and Port Jervis, the town that shares a border with both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is about 10 miles away. While it’s not a well-known destination, Lumberland’s rustic nature appeals to retirees and second-home buyers who want a little peace and quiet.
Each hamlet in Lumberland offers something different
State Route 97 follows the path of the river and the Pennsylvania border, but most of Lumberland’s other roads are narrow and winding, with evergreen trees growing tall on either side. The town is made up of several small hamlets, including:
- Glen Spey, a centrally located gathering place where you’ll find the town hall, elementary school and Circle Park
- Pond Eddy, with its namesake bridge that crosses into Pennsylvania
- Mongaup, a riverside area that’s great for hiking
- Hillside, originally known for its fields and farmland
Mohican Lake isn’t an official hamlet, but the waterside community is popular with locals and visitors. It’s also home to Trailhead Restaurant, one of the town’s few dining spots.
Homes appeal to a wide range of tastes and budgets
Lumberland has housing options to suit a wide range of budgets. Prices start in the mid-$100,000s for small ranch-style houses and climb to almost a million for contemporary homes. Architectural styles vary, too; you’ll find everything from 1800s farmhouses to midcentury split-levels to A-frame cabins. Properties are wooded and private, and most measure several acres. Some houses have direct access to Mohican Lake.
Nearby towns offer jobs, groceries and medical services
Since this is a rural area, you’ll need a car for errands and commuting. “The closest major shopping for big-box stores is going to be in the Monticello area,” says Edward Rabon, a Realtor with the Upstate Curious team of Compass Greater New York. “But there are local grocery stores in Port Jervis and Matamoras. These are (also) additional areas for big-box shopping, Matamoras specifically.” Most full-time Lumberland residents commute to those places for work, too, unless they work remotely. All three towns are within a 20-minute drive, and 24-hour medical care is available at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis. The hamlets of Forestburgh and Eldred also have small grocery stores that sell the basics.
Most outdoor recreation revolves around the water
Since Lumberland is basically in the woods, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get outside. Here are a few of the town’s top recreational spots:
- Circle Park, which has nature trails, picnic areas, a playground and a mini golf course
- The Outpost, a whitewater rafting resort with tent sites and glamping cabins on the Delaware River
- Rio Reservoir, where you can launch a canoe or kayak, or take a scenic hike
- Mongaup River Trail, another hiking area with views of the river
There are a few launch sites on the Delaware River in surrounding towns like Tusten and Narrowsburg, too. If you don’t have your own boat, canoe rental services are available.
Eldred Central School District serves Lumberland students
Students here can attend schools in the Eldred Central School District, which has a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. Mackenzie Elementary School is right in Glen Spey and serves students from prekindergarten through sixth grade, and Eldred Junior Senior High takes over for seventh grade through senior year. The Homestead School, an independent Montessori school that focuses on permaculture, also has a campus in Glen Spey, serving students from prekindergarten through Grade 12.
Winters can be challenging, but flood risk is minimal
Sullivan County residents experience all four seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. “Winters here are an adventure,” says Rabon, who’s been selling in the area for three years. Snowstorms can lengthen commute times, and unless you have a garage, you’ll probably spend a lot of time clearing snow and ice off your car. Although there are plenty of lakes and rivers in the area, flood risk isn’t usually a concern because it’s rare for houses to be built right next to the water.
Keeping connected while working remotely in Lumberland
If you’re moving to Lumberland and plan to work remotely, you might be worried about cell and internet reliability. According to Rabon, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. “Cell reception can cut in and out, because it’s all mountains and cell towers,” he says, “but I used to live in Manhattan, and my internet here is faster than it was there.”
