Convenience in the Richmondville countryside
Richmondville is a rural community about 50 miles east of Albany in Schoharie County. Pastoral fields, dotted with round bales of hay surround the modest town center. “It’s a quiet, small village that’s pretty tight knit,” says Aliha Harwood, the electric clerk of the town. “People also come here for the low electric rates, since we have our own electric utility.” Although it feels relatively secluded in nature, the area is 6 miles from Cobleskill, home to the nearest health care facilities, stores and restaurants. Drawn by the calm of nature, practical costs and proximity to urban centers, nearly 900 residents have created a permanent home in Richmondville.
Houses built across three centuries
Buyers will primarily find single-family homes with ranch-style, Cape Cod and farmhouse architecture. Most properties were built throughout the 20th century, though some date back to the mid-1800s, and others were constructed as recently as 2025. Prices tend to range from $100,000 to $300,000. Cottages in need of restoration may start as low as $50,000, while newer, larger homes can top $400,000. Lots are typically spacious, with the average size surpassing 30,000 square feet. Residential roads branching off of Main Street are more densely packed. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Learning in the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District
Prekindergartners through second graders begin at George D. Ryder Elementary, which earns a B-minus rating from Niche. C-plus-rated Joseph B. Radez Elementary, serving third through fifth grade, is the district’s only school located in Richmondville. Golding Middle scores a B-minus, and Cobleskill-Richmondville High gets a B. Students may participate in career and technical education programs and take Advanced Placement courses to earn college credit.
One central park and nearby nature preserves
Richmondville has a mix of outdoor areas, anchored by the Richmondville Community Park beside the elementary school. The space provides a playground, open fields and a seasonal outdoor pool. The village has a designated Little League field on Winter Drive. State forests lie within 10 miles in almost every direction, and the Caskey Mountain Hunting Reserve is 2 miles away. For those willing to venture a bit farther, the Glimmerglass State Park, located on Otsego Lake 30 miles northwest, features sandy beaches, campsites and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Shopping and dining primarily in Cobleskill
Apart from minimal commercial development on Main Street, Richmondville has no downtown district. “There are no malls, only a couple of little strips,” Harwood says. “You’d go to Cobleskill for most things.” Spots on Main include a few government buildings, a bank and a Dollar General. The only dining option in Richmondville is Broken Spoke Saloon, a bar that serves beer and pub fare. It’s also a popular hangout spot with a jukebox and pool table. Cobleskill has a Price Chopper and a Walmart, as well as local restaurants and chain eateries. Cobleskill Diner has been a favorite since 1983 for a casual meal and soft-serve ice cream.
Summer camps and events
Despite its rural landscape, the community hosts a variety of events and activities. Each summer, residents gather on Main Street for Richmondville Days, a three-day festival with vendors and a parade. “It’s the typical small-town event where the community comes together and celebrates,” Harwood says. Kids stay busy throughout the summer with programs offered by the Richmondville Joint Youth Recreation Commission. Children can enjoy supervised pool days, arts and crafts at the fire station and educational sessions on healthy living.
Getting around by car and access to medical facilities
Interstate 88 cuts through town and leads to Albany, 50 miles east. State routes 10 and 7 are also main thoroughfares. Health care is 6 miles away at the Cobleskill Regional Hospital. The nearest commercial flights depart from Albany International Airport, located 45 miles away.
