Otego combines rural mountain views with interstate access
Set along the banks of the Susquehanna River in the Western Catskills, Otego offers both mountain landscapes and small-town familiarity. Starting as a farming and timber community, the heritage is still seen in the rural countryside dotted with maple and evergreen trees. These forested hills frame a community of around 3,000 residents, most of whom live in the quaint and quiet village center. “The Main Street, which is state Highway 7, is a wide boulevard looking street, so the houses set back from the road have high end looks to them. It’s a pretty drive through Main Street,” says Rich Santos, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Upstate NY Properties. “And it’s on the Interstate 88 corridor, which is a nice place to be located. You can get to Binghamton in maybe 45 minutes, and Albany ’s in the other direction. You can get to work easy and still live in a quiet town.” Bigger cities like Binghamton, 50 miles west, offer manageable commutes, while seasonal adventures like fishing, kayaking and skiing are part of everyday life.
Local establishments bring a small-town feel to Main Street
Otego’s Main Street, though modest in its offerings, offers a mix of local favorites tucked among its tree-lined roads. Residents can explore the rustic 354 Main art gallery, where handcrafted pottery, wall art and home goods reflect the area’s creative spirit. Two shops down, Rubera’s Restaurant is known for its pizza and pasta. The Dairy Lounge is a popular, quick stop for burgers, sandwiches and ice cream. Trollbok Farm brings a Scandinavian touch to the village with specialty foods and unique gifts, while Sun Moon and Earth caters to those seeking crystals and metaphysical items. For more options, residents can head 8 miles east to the larger city of Oneonta , where Hannaford and BJ’s Wholesale Club provide essentials, and A.O. Fox Hospital serves the region.
Ranch-styles, farmhouses and cabins define the area’s housing
Historic Victorian and Colonial Revival residences pepper the village core alongside longstanding local establishments. Sidewalks line Main Street but become less common along the side roads. Away from the town center, the countryside opens to more spacious yards shaded by mature trees. “As you head further west out of the Catskills area, it gets gradually less hilly,” Santos says. “It becomes more of an agrarian landscape, which is brilliant with the fall foliage.” About 80% of residents own their homes, with ranch-styles or raised ranch-styles being common designs. Buyers can also find the occasional Greek Revival farmhouse or secluded wood cabin tucked into the hills. Prices start near $140,000 for cozy options of around 1,000 square feet, while expansive cabins with more than 3,000 square feet can reach $780,000. In the village center, quarter-acre to half-acre lots are normal, but the outskirts can boast properties up to 90 acres.
River access and nearby state parks offer outdoor recreation
Otego’s village center offers recreational opportunities through its town park, which features a community pool and fields used for Little League games. “The Susquehanna River is a really nice fishing and summertime kayaking river,” Santos says about the body of water that divides the town and the interstate. About 15 miles north, Gilbert Lake State Park has a sandy swimming beach, winding wooded trails and a playground. Nearby, Milford State Forest provides opportunities for hiking and Nordic skiing. In neighboring Oneonta, Cooperstown All Star Village draws youth baseball families from across the region to its major league-inspired fields and resort-style accommodations. Adjacent to the baseball complex, Oneonta Country Club has a semi-private, 18-hole golf course.
Unatego Central Schools and Otsego Christian Academy serve students
Unatego Central Schools serves students in both Otego and the neighboring town of Unadilla . The district is comprised of an elementary that receives a C rating from Niche, a middle that holds a C-plus and high school that earns a B-minus. High schoolers have the option to join the Ski & Snowboarding Club, which comes with the responsibility of attending club fundraisers and community service projects. Otsego Christian Academy is a private school option in Otego, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Interstate 88 connects residents to Binghamton and Albany
A major perk to living in Otego is its proximity to Interstate 88, which offers streamlined commuting access to Binghamton and Albany in either direction. For further destinations, Albany International Airport is about 80 miles away. Otego is car-dependent, as no public bus or train offer service in the area.
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Written By
Mary Beth Greene
