Pittstown is a quiet area offering outdoor recreation
Pittstown is a quiet community with streams flowing through wooded spaces in eastern New York. The area is home to the Tomhannock Reservoir and verdant hillsides that reach up to 700 feet. The water feeds small ponds and lakes alongside agricultural fields and secluded cabins. "This is a small, tight-knit local community. It's a very outdoors-oriented area," says Edward "Ted" Madigan, who owns the local shop, Tomhannock Bicycles, with his wife. "It's very cycling-friendly here, which is uncommon in [much of] New York. This is a welcoming community. Our bike shop is well known along the country back roads. We are always getting friendly waves." The town is in Rensselaer County, near the state line. Pittstown has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Locals visit Tomhannock Reservoir and Pittstown State Forest
Tomhannock Reservoir spans over 1,700 acres with a shoreline of nearly 20 miles. Swimming and motorized boats are prohibited. The water supports year-round fishing, including ice fishing in the winter; however, visitors must obtain the proper permits and licenses from the city and state beforehand. "Pittstown State Forest is a popular spot for outdoorsy folk. There are mountain biking, hiking and hunting opportunities," Madigan says. He notes that the grounds contain game, including deer and wild turkeys. Lanford Wood Community Forest covers 500 acres and offers cross-country skiing and more trails through hardwoods and evergreens.
Shopping at family-run spots and nearby grocery options
The community is home to family-owned businesses, such as plant nurseries and private farms. The Produce Parlor is a small roadside stand selling seasonal crops. Tomhannock Bicycles has helped support the area's outdoor recreational lifestyle for over 15 years. Giuseppe's, one of the few local dining options, serves Italian cuisine. The Pittstown Area Food Pantry operates at the town hall on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Locals visit nearby towns and cities for grocery shopping. "There is about a 15-minute drive, no matter which direction you're coming from," Madigan says. "People go down to Troy. There's Walmart, Market 32 and multiple [other] options. You can go to Hannaford in Hoosick Falls. Some people, like me, travel to Schaghticoke because it's closer to my house."
A town with private wood cabins and farmhouses
Many Pittstown homes stand on multiple acres; some of these properties include private farms, horse stables and barns that could double as workshops. Ranch-style residences, wooden cabins and farmhouses are common, in addition to dwellings with colonial influences. There are also a few New Traditional homes. Move-in-ready houses range from approximately $175,000 to $550,000. Manufactured homes are also available, including those in the Country Acres Mobile Home Community. Manufactured homes sell between $130,000 to just under $450,000, depending on the lot size.
The area is served by multiple school districts
Most families are zoned for the Hoosic Valley Central School District, which receives a C-plus rating on Niche. Children in kindergarten to sixth grade attend Hoosic Valley Elementary. Older students head to the combined Hoosic Valley Junior-Senior High, located next door; both schools have a C-plus rating. Depending on their place of residence, students may also enroll in the Hoosick Falls Central School District or the Brunswick-Brittonkill Central School District, which have C and C-plus ratings, respectively.
Traveling on State Routes to reach amenities
Pittstown is a car-dependent area where locals travel an average of about 30 minutes to work. Route 7 is typically the main highway; however, Route 67 and Reservoir Lake Road also serve as alternatives to get around. It is about a 15-mile drive to reach Bennington, Vermont. Samaritan Hospital is located in Green Island, approximately 15 miles away. The Albany International Airport stands roughly 22 miles from Pittstown.
Risks of severe storms in the region
The community can experience severe storms that may lead to wind damage, downed trees and power outages. The surrounding area also has a history of some flooding after heavy rainfall.
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Written By
Ashley Kennedy
