Rockland has laid-back living and great fishing in the Catskills
Rolling hills, dense forests and world-class fishing are the hallmarks of Rockland, a relaxed community tucked within the sprawling Catskill Park. The town includes the hamlets of Roscoe, also called “Trout Town USA,” and Livingston Manor, which is known as the birthplace of fly fishing. “We have two very famous trout streams that run through the town, the Willowemoc and Beaver Kill, and they attract people from around the world,” says Peter Feinberg, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Hudson Valley who has sold homes in the area for nearly 20 years. The area has a mix of seasonal and full-time residents, as well as an increasing number of New York City transplants searching for a slower pace of life. “The lifestyle is laid-back,” Feinberg says. “You can be as busy as you want or do absolutely nothing and listen to the brook or watch bald eagles.”
World-class fly fishing and miles of hiking trails
The region’s trout season kicks off on April 1, and locals celebrate with the “First Cast” at Junction Pool, the confluence of Willowemoc Creek and Beaver Kill, in Roscoe. The season ends October 15, after which only catch-and-release fishing is allowed. Avid anglers can stop at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor to learn more about the history of the sport or attend a workshop to see how bamboo fishing rods are crafted. Feinberg adds, “It’s also a big tourist area. We have a lot of state parks and a lot of hiking.” Trails weave through wild forests, all part of the 288,000-acre Catskill Park. Golfers can hit the links at Twin Village Golf Course. Kids build lifelong memories at sleep-away summer camps tucked into the Catskills, including Timber Lake West Camp and Onteora Scout Reservation.
Historic homes in hamlets, lakefront chalets and wooded estates
Buyers can find homes dating back to the early 1900s in the hamlets of Roscoe and Livingston Manor, many of which sport early 20th-century designs. Thick forests, woodland streams and mountain views await buyers in the Rockland countryside. The hills are dotted with seasonal and year-round cabins, cottages, wood chalets and contemporary styles, some situated around private lakes. “Prices are reasonable compared to other areas around the New York metropolitan area,” Feinberg says. “The average house is $350,000 to $375,000 and you can get a decent house for that price. There are still plenty of properties with 100-plus acres with a house, so for people looking for a farm, that’s not a problem.” Homes on private lakes, such as Elko Lake or Amber Lake, feature exclusive access to the water and come at a higher cost. These waterfront properties, along with renovated historic estates and homes with acreage, can range from $500,000 up to nearly $1 million.
Diverse brews and bites in Roscoe and Livingston Manor
Each hamlet houses an array of bars, restaurants and local businesses. “Thursday through Sunday, all the towns are packed with people from New York City looking to escape,” Feinberg says. “There are a lot of dog-friendly restaurants in most of the towns” Locals can grab a craft beverage at Roscoe Beer Co., Upland Brewing Company or Catskill Brewery. Roscoe has eateries like Roscoe Diner, Kasos Greek Restaurant, Northern Farmhouse Pasta and Raimondo’s for Italian fare, as well as groceries at Roscoe Supermarket. Livingston Manor has its own gems, including Robin Hood Diner and Café 43. Pizza is on the menu at The Kaatskeller, while Threshold Restaurant serves up elevated Korean fare. Haven Market, Peck’s Market and Main Street Farm Market/Café serve Livingston Manor.
Community spirit thrives through festivals and local nonprofits
Roscoe and Livingston Manor host their own farmers' markets and seasonal community events. Livingston Manor celebrates all things trout during the Trout Parade in June, and September brings the Catskills Conductor's Clambake, a revival of a longtime tradition. Feinberg says local organizations and non-profit groups are popular with residents. “The volunteer ambulance and firefighter departments are just that, volunteer,” he says. “There’s the Rotary Club and the Lions Club, so if they want to get involved in the community, there’s always something happening.”
Students can attend schools in the Rockland Central School District
Roscoe Central School District and Livingston Manor Central School District merged in 2025 to create the Rockland Central School District. The new district serves nine towns in three counties and spans 260 square miles. The former Roscoe Central School is now the district's elementary school, serving students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, while Livingston Manor's former building now hosts the middle and high school.
About two hours from New York City
“The lifestyle is relaxing, with no pressure, no stress, and no traffic,” Feinberg says. “If you’ve got to get somewhere in 20 minutes, you leave, and it takes you 20 minutes to get there. It’s not like New York City, where a 20-minute drive can take two hours.” Route 17 connects to New York City and John F. Kennedy International Airport, both roughly 130 miles south. The closest emergency room is about 20 miles away at Garnet Health Medical Center in Harris.
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Written By
Leslie Klosterman
