Petersburgh is a quiet area with farmlands and mountain views
Flowing streams, distant mountain views and rolling farmlands characterize the rural town of Petersburgh. The area attracts homesteaders and residents who are usually willing to commute for necessities. "My wife and I come from farming backgrounds," says Joe Longhi who, with his wife Marie, owns Elderberry Springs Farm. "We moved here in 1988, and Petersburgh has been perfect for us. Petersburgh is an incredible community. It's so diverse. You have families that have been here for generations, and you have new people moving in. But you also have professionals from all backgrounds." Although Petersburgh and surrounding cities have experienced some environmental issues, the small town remains a bucolic haven on New York's eastern edge. The community has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, which is significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Country homes range from cabins to ranches near creeks and woods
Dotted along Petersburgh's scenic backroads are country homes near meadows, wooded lots and peaceful creeks. Some dwellings are planted among the maple and birch forests of the Taconic Mountains. Buyers can find homes from the early 1900s and 21st-century homes. Secluded cottages and log cabins are tucked away from quiet country roads. There are also several ranch-style and manufactured homes. Many lots have detached garages, workshops, barns and other outbuildings. Properties usually have septic tanks and well water, and locals are encouraged to use filtration systems due to contamination issues. Move-in ready dwellings typically cost between $100,000 and $440,000. The region is susceptible to flooding, particularly near the Little Hoosic River; some residences are within designated flood zones.
Farms and stores serve residents across nearby towns
Rensselaer County has family owned businesses and farms. Elderberry Sprigs Farms has been growing and harvesting the native berry since 2013. "We started small, but once we did, the demand for elderberries was there," Longhi says. "We wholesale through stores throughout the northeast and sell directly through farmer markets." The town manages a free meal program for children four days a week during the summer; residents leave the community to pick up groceries. Hewitt's Market is a corner store in Berlin, located to the south, that has been operating since 1941. The family-owned establishment has a deli, convenience store supplies and grocery items. Tops Friendly Markets sits about 10 miles from the center of Petersburgh. Dining options, such as Man of Kent Tavern and Berlin House Restaurant, are located 5 to 10 miles from most homes.
Religious landmarks and easy trips to Vermont and Massachusetts
Petersburgh is home to multiple religious sites. The Grafton Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa, is a space for quiet reflection and community gatherings. Petersburgh United Methodist Church, built in 1820, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Petersburg is a car-dependent area, with most residents driving along state routes 22, 2 and 346. "We've been the best-kept secret in the area," Longhi says. "You are about 45 minutes from Albany International Airport. You are very close to Boston and the beauty and recreation in Vermont." The Massachusetts border via Route 2 is about 30 miles away. Bennington, Vermont, stands roughly 15 miles away. Samaritan Hospital is approximately 20 miles west, while Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is situated about 15 miles east.
Harvest festival and recurring concerts highlight local traditions
Petersburgh offers community gatherings throughout the year. "The third Saturday of every month, the town brings a different band into the Veterans Memorial Community Center," Longhi says. "They bring in all genres of music: jazz, Celtic, folk and soft rock. The community has a potluck, bringing their own meals. For a remote community, you can have first-class music and a night out with a nice dinner." Petersburgh Harvest Festival is held at the local library. The event features food trucks, beer and cider stations, and local farmers selling produce and artisan goods. There is also a town-wide Halloween Party for kids.
PFOA pollution prompted legal action and filtration systems
In 2016, Tonoga, Inc. was found to have contaminated local soil and groundwater supplies with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Pollutants were also discovered in nearby communities from similar manufacturing facilities. News of contaminated water contributed to a decline in population over the years. A Supreme Court settlement funded a monitoring program for affected residents in 2021. The water contamination investigation is ongoing, and filters have been added to the town water supply as well as treatment systems in nearly 200 homes.
Hiking trails and scenic peaks at Taconic Ridge State Park
Taconic Ridge State Park stretches past Petersburgh's eastern edge and has hiking trails that traverse hills, with elevations reaching nearly 3,000 feet at the peak of Berlin Mountain. The path takes hikers past the Snow Hole, a small crevice known to have snow even in the warmer months. The natural area is also a hot spot for hunting and trapping. Locals are close to waterside recreation at Grafton Lake State Park. The park hosts youth camps during the summer.
Many attend the Berlin Central School District
Most families are zoned for the Berlin Central School District, which has a C rating on Niche. Berlin Elementary School has a C-plus rating. Students in grades six to twelve attend Berlin Middle-High School. The combined school, about 4 miles from the elementary location, receives a C rating. Students in the far northern section may attend Hoosick Falls Central School District, which also has C.
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Written By
Ashley Kennedy
