Mayfield has rural charm near Mohawk Valley and Adirondack attractions
Mayfield stretches across the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, where Great Sacandaga Lake is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. While its location in the southern Adirondacks and the Mohawk Valley region provides access to some of the region’s largest natural attractions, it maintains a slower pace of life with a largely rural town surrounding the Village of Mayfield. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Four seasons of outdoor recreation in the southern Adirondacks
Mayfield Town Beach is the only area on Great Sacandaga Lake with staffed lifeguards, making it a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming. Seasonal campgrounds and marinas also provide access to the water, with boat launches for motorboating and paddling. Mayfield Municipal Park features a nature trail and gazebo on Mayfield Lake, part of the Sacandaga Reservoir, where fishermen most often catch largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Anglers continue during colder months with ice fishing, as the town’s average annual snowfall is nearly five feet. Cross-country skiers and snowmobilers can explore trails in the Shaker Mountain Wild Forest, part of Adirondack Park that stretches into Mayfield. There are more than 400 miles of snowmobile trails in Fulton and Montgomery Counties, and Adirondack ski destinations like West and Gore Mountains are within day-trip distance. A public 18-hole course at Holland Meadows Golf Course and a drive-thru safari at Adirondack Animal Land round out the town’s recreational offerings.
Homes accommodate village, countryside and lakefront living
Housing styles vary widely across Mayfield, offering choices from small-town village living to rural retreats and lakefront escapes. The village center has quiet streets lined with gable-front cottages, New England-style farmhouses and ranch-style homes, some dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Beyond the village, homes sit off winding roads on wooded lots that stretch up to several acres. Along the lake, cabins and custom-built homes with private docks offer direct access to the water. Prices generally range from $130,000 to $450,000, though larger lakefront properties can sell for $520,000 to over $1 million.
Small-town essentials near more options in Johnstown and Gloversville
Most shops and restaurants are in the village center. Residents can grab essentials at Dollar General, or pick up fishing supplies at Jim’s Bait Shop. The dining scene includes craft beers from Kessler Brewing Company, pub grub at the Mayfield Grill and homestyle classics from Nanny & Pops Small Town Cafe, a family-run diner known for its all-day breakfast. Zippy’s Ice Cream opens seasonally for dessert. The village is also home to Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church and Mayfield United Methodist Church.
Farther out, Brower Family Farm and Lakeview Orchard offer farm-fresh products. Maple sugaring is a staple in the Adirondacks, and maple products are made in town at Brower Road Sugarhouse. Residents can head to Gloversville or Johnstown for bigger retailers like Hannaford, Walmart and Aldi. They’re also 30 miles from the cultural hub of Saratoga Springs.
Students can attend the Mayfield Central School District
The Mayfield Central School District earns an overall grade of C-plus from Niche and has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Mayfield Elementary School scores a B-minus, while Mayfield Junior-Senior High School receives a C-plus. High schoolers can earn college credit through Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses, and business electives give them hands-on experience in areas such as marketing, coding and accounting.
Festivities in the village center and at the historic Rice Homestead
Events in the Village of Mayfield bring residents together throughout the year. The annual tree-lighting ceremony spreads holiday cheer with horse-drawn wagon rides, festive music and an appearance from Santa Claus. The Mayfield Historical Society hosts seasonal festivities at the Rice Homestead, a Federal-era farmhouse that serves as a public history museum. Events include the Fall Harvest Cruise-In and Christmas Open House, which celebrate local heritage and offer opportunities for the community to connect in a historic setting.
Highways connect residents to the Adirondacks and the Capital Region
Mayfield is a heavily car-dependent area with few sidewalks and no public transit system. Its main highways are state Routes 30 and 29. NY 30 takes traffic north to south throughout the Adirondacks, while NY 29 leads west to Johnstown and east to Saratoga Springs. Albany is roughly 50 miles away, and Albany International Airport is about a 45-mile drive from town. The closest hospital is Nathan Littauer Hospital, which is about 5 miles away and has a 24/7 emergency room.
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Written By
Sally Stimpson
