Small-town charm meets lakeside living in Richfield
Set 33 miles east of Oneonta, Richfield is a rural town anchored by the village of Richfield Springs, where small-town rhythms and lakeside living shape daily life. "It's a smaller community," says Noah Posson, a real estate salesperson with Posson Realty. "Everyone kind of knows everyone." Once a popular 19th-century mineral spring resort, the area still reflects that past in its Victorian-inspired architecture and leisure opportunities on Lake Canadarago. "It's renowned for its sulfur smell," Posson says. "It's a little bit of a pungent smell — you'll definitely notice … if you're going right through the center of town." Main Street serves as the village's hub, lined with locally owned shops and restaurants. "It's a great spot to raise a family," Posson says. "You have your privacy, and there's a lot to enjoy outdoors."
Explore farmhouses, waterfront properties and Victorian-inspired homes
Richfield's single-family homes typically date from the late 19th century through the late 20th century. "You have the larger Victorian homes that you'll see directly in [Richfield Springs]," Posson says. In the village, Victorian- and Craftsman-inspired homes sit close together along narrow streets, showcasing vintage charm with lattice skirting, clapboard siding and louvered shutters. Many have manicured lawns shaded by mature trees, plus the occasional covered porch or detached garage.
Outside the village, farmhouses sit on larger lots, offering more privacy and space for outbuildings. "There are tons of older farms," Posson says. Waterfront homes are limited but desirable for their peaceful views of Canadarago Lake and amenities such as decks and docks.
Prices range from about $30,000 for a fixer-upper to $300,000 for a turnkey home on a multi-acre lot, with a few lakefront and larger properties reaching $950,000.
Sulfur springs and boat days on Canadarago Lake
The mineral springs that once put Richfield Springs on the map are no longer a major tourist draw, but their legacy — scent included — still lingers at Richfield Springs Municipal Park, where Ocquionis and Mink creeks cut through the grounds. At Spring Park, the sulfur water flows from a public fountain for the curious. For residents, however, the park is better known as a community gathering place, hosting annual events along with everyday picnics under the pavilion and afternoons on the playground. Nearby, Baker's Beach draws locals to Canadarago Lake for swimming and lakeside lounging, with seasonal lifeguards on duty. Anglers set sail from the Canadarago Boat Launch in search of largemouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass. Outdoor enthusiasts head to the nearly 2,000-acre Exeter State Forest for hiking and winter snowmobiling through dense woods teeming with wildlife, including wild turkey. Otsego Lake, 9 miles away, offers another escape, with Glimmerglass State Park's trails, the historic Empire State Carousel and the Otsego Golf Club's 9-hole course nearby.
Shopping, dining and bowling in Richfield Springs
Residents head to Main Street for everyday shopping and dining. Cassidy's Diner is a popular morning stop for no-frills brunch, along with specialties like the Reuben Omelet, made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing. Nearby, New York Pizzeria serves up game-day wings and pies, while the cash-only Foo Chow Restaurant offers classic Chinese dishes such as lobster chow mein and sweet-and-sour duck. On Fridays, Tally-Ho Restaurant offers dinner service featuring rotating country-style plates, including grilled chicken with cranberry sauce. Beyond Main Street, Richfield Bowl-A-Rama is the spot for a night out hitting the lanes or watching the game with friends. Price Chopper covers grocery needs.
Championship soccer and CTE at Richfield Springs Junior/Senior High
Richfield is part of the Richfield Springs Central School District, rated C overall by Niche. Kids in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade may start at the B-minus-rated Richfield Springs Elementary before moving to the C-rated Richfield Springs Junior/Senior High for seventh through 12th grade. At the latter, teens may explore their interests in career and technical education courses, such as criminal justice and cosmetology. The school also has a successful athletics department, with the girls' soccer team winning the Section IV Class D championship in 2025. "They have the school right downtown," Posson says. "You don't really see that often in rural areas."
Festival fun with crafts, concerts and authors
Richfield's annual events both celebrate the community and spotlight local artists. The Friendship Craft Festival, held in June, has been a tradition for over 40 years. In addition to dozens of craft vendors, the all-day event includes digging in at the Brooks' Famous Chicken Barbecue and bake sale. In August, the Richfield Springs Public Library hosts the Local Authors & Artists Festival, where festivalgoers enjoy meet-and-greets, rock music and hot dogs. There's also a summer concert series, which invites the community to bring their lawn chairs and dancing shoes to Spring Park.
Car-dependent town with a walkable village
Richfield Springs is sidewalk-lined, but residents drive to get around town. State Route 28 and U.S. Route 20 pass through town, providing direct routes to Oneonta and Albany, 74 miles away. Otsego Express bus routes stop in Richfield Springs. Bassett Medical Center Emergency Department is 16 miles away, and Albany International Airport is 71 miles away.
