New Berlin's historic village is surrounded by outdoor adventure
There's a quiet pace to life in New Berlin, where the heart of the village beats along its historic Main Street and extends west to a more country setting. “New Berlin offers a scenic, rural lifestyle with access to parks, lakes and forests...It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts,” says Michelle Collins, a local Realtor with Howard Hanna. Collins adds that some residents seek out New Berlin as a peaceful place to live, while others view the area as a vacation retreat or investment opportunity. Millbrook Reservoir and Chenango Lake provide swimming and boating, while Charles E. Baker state forests offer miles of hiking and snowmobiling trails.
Millbrook Reservoir and Baker State Forest provide scenic escapes
Residents can escape into nature, as New Berlin is surrounded by rolling landscapes and woodlands. Hyde Park, situated just off Main Street, is a cozy pocket park where play structures sit beneath a canopy of mature oaks. To the west, Millbrook Reservoir has a campground, playground and a swimming beach open from May through October. Its waters and surrounding trails invite kayaking and hiking against a rural backdrop. Nearby, Hunts Pond draws campers to its secluded trails and accessible shoreline. About 12 miles north of town, Charles E. Baker State Forest provides 130 miles of trails used for hiking, biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Chenango Lake, located 7 miles west of New Berlin, is another popular spot with a boat ramp for motorboats.
Greek Revivals and wooded cabin styles stand out for housing
New Berlin’s walkable village features sidewalks and a mix of historic homes, with architectural styles ranging from Federal and Greek Revival to late Victorian. Some of these town center properties require extensive renovation, while others have been carefully restored and retain their vintage character, generally ranging in price from $50,000 to $350,000. To the west, the landscape shifts to a tapestry of dense hardwoods and evergreens, occasionally revealing open fields and sprawling green spaces. Country cabins, some nestled in the woods and others sitting lakeside, farmhouses with acreage and mid-century ranch-styles dominate these outskirts. Depending on their level of upkeep and size, price tags can typically vary from around $80,000 to $450,000.
Main Street reveals local restaurants and historic landmarks
New Berlin’s Main Street houses most of the town’s local eateries and establishments. The Nook Coffeehouse serves home-brewed coffee alongside handmade desserts and a selection of breakfast and sandwich options, while New York Pizzeria & Restaurant is known for classic Italian fare such as pizza and calzones. Between these eateries, the New Berlin Library welcomes the public, providing a community resource in the heart of the village. Historic architecture is also prominent, with St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church standing out for its Gothic Revival design dating back to 1848. About 15 miles beyond the village center, Norwich extends its amenities to New Berlin residents, offering grocery stores, healthcare services through UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, and community events like the Parade of Lights each November.
Unadilla Valley schools offer connection and niche programs
Unadilla Valley Central School serves students in New Berlin and the neighboring South New Berlin, with a shared campus building for all grades that is divided into two schools. As students progress through their education together, a close-knit learning community ensues. This connection can be seen through events like Halloween Night of Fun, which is held at the school each October. Pre-kindergarteners through sixth graders attend Unadilla Valley Elementary School, which earns a C-minus rating from Niche. Seventh- through 12th-grade students progress to Unadilla Valley Junior/Senior High School, which holds a C. High schoolers can enroll in agriculture, technology and fine arts programs, as well as nearly 100 dual enrollment courses, allowing eligible seniors graduating with an associate’s degree. Additionally, Milford Academy is a private junior college in town that focuses on helping student athletes graduate or move on to four-year universities.
New Berlin relies on Routes 8 and 80 for commuting access
Routes 8 and 80 are the main two-lane thoroughfares through New Berlin, intersecting at the village center. Route 8 connects residents to Interstate 88, about 25 miles south. Once on the interstate, Albany is about 75 miles east, where Albany International Airport is located. Route 80 leads about 60 miles west to Syracuse, where there’s Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The community is car-dependent, as no public bus or train services the area.
Chobani and Motocross bring jobs and national spotlight
Located in northern New Berlin, Chobani’s Greek yogurt manufacturing facility provides employment opportunities for residents. “The site is surrounded by local dairy farms that supply fresh milk,” Collins adds. Just north of there, Unadilla Motocross features the longest-running Pro National track in the country, drawing motocross fans for both professional national competitions and amateur events.
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Written By
Mary Beth Greene
