Sand Lake offers upper Hudson Valley countryside just outside Albany
The town of Sand Lake is a rural area about 15 miles east of Albany. It's made of three hamlets: Sand Lake, Averill Park and West Sand Lake. West Sand Lake is large enough to be its own town, but Sand Lake and Averill Park are small town centers that anchor these spread-out countryside communities. This upper Hudson Valley region is known for its rolling hills, glassy lakes and bountiful farms. "My clients who choose this area are the ones who love nature. These are rural communities where they can have lots of land," says Vera Cohen of Vera Cohen Realty, a Sand Lake resident who's been selling in the Capital District for almost 20 years. In Sand Lake, buyers can find a wooded cabin or lakefront home without spending a fortune. "I, along with many other agents, selected this area because you can find a home on a beautiful piece of land without winning the lottery,” Cohen says.
Wooded cabins, lakefront homes and countryside properties
Many buyers come to Sand Lake to live on one of the many lakes peppered across the landscape. "If you want a crystal clear lake that doesn't allow motorboats, you can find it," Cohen says. "But if you enjoy boating, you can look on a lake that allows it." Lakefront homes can cost $250,000 to almost $900,000, ranging from older cabins to large remodeled homes on over an acre. Off the lakefront, small wooded cabins, Cape Cod cottages and midsize ranch-style homes start under $100,000 and can cost up to $340,000. For $350,000 to $650,000, buyers can find larger ranch-styles, spacious country cottages, timber-frame homes and newer colonial-style homes outside Averill Park. Contemporary country homes and mansions on manicured multiacre properties with views of the rolling hills can reach $750,000 to $1.4 million.
Sand Lake's landscape is laden with lakes
Residents take in the upper Hudson Valley from lakes and trails throughout Sand Lake. "You can go for a long bike down a country road without seeing many cars, and there are so many beautiful lakes," Cohen says. "You have Crystal Lake, Crooked Lake and Glass Lake within a few miles of each other." Some are residential, like Crystal Lake. Meanwhile, anyone can swim at Sand Lake Town Beach at Reichards Lake. Paths like the Sand Lake Walking Trail are within a short walk of many homes. During the summer, many people visit the Massachusetts Berkshires, a lake-laden mountain retreat on the state's western plateau. Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the Berkshires' largest town, is 30 miles southeast.
Students begin at Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary
The Averill Park Central School District serves the area and receives a B-plus grade from Niche. "The school district has great programs," Cohen says. "Not just during the school year. They have great summer camps and programs for kids and families." Students in the hamlets of Sand Lake and Averill Park begin at Miller Hill/Sand Lake Elementary, which is in Sand Lake and earns a B-plus. Algonquin Middle gets an A-minus. Finally, Averill Park High gets a B grade.
Dining on Crystal Lake and collecting produce at local farm shops
Each of Sand Lake's hamlets has its recognizable establishments. The Towne Tavern is a staple in Sand Lake, where diners enjoy American fare surrounded by timber frames and mounted moose heads. In Averill Park, Lakeview on Crystal Lake provides a scenic porch on the water. Hannaford in West Sand Lake is the nearest supermarket, but this upper Hudson Valley area is known for its farm shops. Hoffay's Harvest House sells fresh produce on Averill Park's west end. June Farms provides a popular countryside experience outside West Sand Lake. "June Farms is a magical space with great events," Cohen says. "Whether it's a fall festival or a wine tasting night, it's amazing for kids and adults." June Farms' 120-acre property has a restaurant, luxury cabins, event spaces and heritage breed animals used for petting, rather than for profit.
A rural location with a quick commute to Albany
Albany is only about 15 miles from Sand Lake via state Route 43. As New York's state capital, Albany is home to administrative agencies, businesses and expansive hospitals like Albany Medical Center. Its neighboring cities, Troy and Schenectady, are also home to significant employers. From Albany, drivers can merge onto Interstate 87, which leads 150 miles south to New York City. The train from Albany-Rensselaer Station to Penn Station takes less than 3 hours. Albany International Airport is about 20 miles northwest of Sand Lake.
