Saugerties

Tucked along the western banks of the Hudson River and Esopus Creek’s flowing waters, is the small hamlet of Saugerties South. The community’s waterways have always played an important economic role. Mills dotted the creek, powering factories that produced bricks, cement, lumber and bluestone for sidewalks. The mouth of the creek was used as a harbor where natural resources made their way by river to New York City. Today, Saugerties’ water features are one of its main draws, enticing buyers looking for scenic escapes and a small-town lifestyle on the outskirts of the Village of Saugerties. Local waterways are bordered by forested nature preserves, while the Catskills mountains scenic landscapes peak out in the distance. At the end of Sterley Avenue, a paved parking lot and trail leads to the expansive Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, where idyllic hiking trails weave through woodlands and wetlands. Quiet residential streets stem off from U.S. Route 9W, and the Village of Saugerties, a hotspot for shopping, dining and entertainment, is just 2 miles north. “Saugerties is a classic Hudson River town,” says Sean Zimmerman, associate broker at Halter Associates Realty Inc., who has been helping homeowners sell their homes for over 20 years. “It has a beautiful Main Street like you’d see in a movie, with brick two-to-three story buildings boasting quaint storefronts and it is surrounded by beautiful landscapes.” The Esopus Bend Nature Preserve’s woodlands border most residential streets in this tiny hamlet, serving as a popular spot for afternoon strolls. About 2 miles southeast, Falling Waters Preserve spans 149 acres and features weaving wooded trails that pass by the occasional small waterfall. Sweeping views await along the Hudson River’s banks, enticing anglers and wildlife watchers. Hand-carved wooden benches are scattered throughout the preserve, overlooking open meadows or hidden under a canopy of trees. About 2 miles north, the village is home to the Ruth Reynolds Glunt Nature Preserve, where dirt and sand trails are interspersed with boardwalks that cross over wetlands, eventually leading to the historic 1869 Saugerties Lighthouse. Today, the lighthouse is a living museum and bed-and-breakfast. The Esopus Creek’s winding waterways and local marina make it a sought-after spot for boaters and kayakers. At the same time, a small beach offers refuge for sunbathers, swimmers and playground-goers. A short drive leads to Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex, the community’s main gathering place for youth sports leagues and some of the town’s largest events. Sports facilities range from baseball diamonds to pickleball courts to a small skatepark. Additional amenities include a playground, a dog park, hiking trails, and the Kiwanis Ice Arena, the only indoor ice-skating rink within a 30-mile radius. Residents gather at the Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex every fall for the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival hosted by The Kiwanis Club of Saugerties. The festival began in 1989 as a marketing tactic for New York State farmers, but today attracts thousands of garlic lovers. Attendees can stock up on fresh garlic and peruse a range of food vendors. “One year, my wife sold cookies at the festival, but everything you sell must include garlic, even if it’s just a pinch of seasoning,” says Alex Stier, associate broker with Keller Williams Realty, Hudson Valley North, who has nearly 30 years of experience. Entertainment options also include rows of craft vendors showcasing handmade items, live cooking demonstrations and performances by local musicians. HITS-on-the-Hudson, an annual series of horse shows, is the community’s longest-standing event. “Saugerties used to be a working-class community, but when HITS came in, horseback riders came in droves, spawning the opening of many businesses.” From May to September, top-level hunter riders and jumpers flock to town to compete for a cash prize. Equestrians, trainers, groomers and family members from across the nation book hotels and short-term rentals and frequent local restaurants, fueling the local economy. Late 20th-century architecture styles include a mix of Cape Cods, split-levels, bi-levels and ranch-style homes. Prices can range from the mid $200,000s to the upper $400,000s, which is more affordable compared to the Village of Saugerties, where updated homes can range from the $700,000s to the $900,000s. Most properties feature paved driveways and attached or detached garages. Houses sit close together, but lots offer enough room for backyard patios and the occasional in-ground pool. Although there are no sidewalks, quiet roads cater to dogwalkers and bike riders. However, homebuyers should note that its proximity to nearby waterways may cause occasional flooding. Locally owned restaurants like Sue’s and Namaste Indian line U.S. Route 9W, but most residents head about 2 miles north to the village for dining and entertainment, but that wasn’t always the case. “Back when I was a kid, there wasn’t much besides a few antique stores that were so delipidated, you thought your foot would go through the floor,” says Brianne Ebel-Whalen, Director of Sales at the Diamond Mills Hotel. “When people started saying Saugerties is the place to be, I was shocked. I thought I’d never come back, but here I am.” Miss Lucy’s Kitchen is a crowd favorite for classic American fare. Its rustic, dark interior makes it a popular date night spot for comfort foods like buttermilk fried chicken and fresh pappardelle pasta. Diamond Mills Hotel is the new kid on the block and operates the Black Barn Restaurant. Located on the old Cantine Paper Mill site, its outdoor patio offers scenic views accompanied by charcuterie boards and cocktails. “Many locals think we’re exclusive to hotel guests, but we’re open to the public, have great views, and are one of the largest employers in town,” Ebel-Whalen says. Along Ulster Avenue, Sawyer Ice Cream Company is housed in a retro diner-style building with walk-up windows, while a shaded patio offers some respite on hot summer days. “Bob Siracusano is called Mr. Saugerties for a reason,” Stier says. “He owns and operates Sawyer Motors, MCs fundraising events and opened an ice cream store with his brother.” Stier also notes that Bob is commonly seen around fundraising events in his vintage Good Humor Ice Cream Truck and Good Humor white uniform. The Saugerties Central School District serves the neighborhood and scores a B-minus on Niche. “Saugerties has always been more of a family-oriented community,” says Laurie Ylvisaker, associate broker at Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty, who has been in the industry for nearly 40 years. Kindergarten through sixth graders may attend Cahill Elementary, which earns a C-plus. Students may then attend B-minus-rated schools like Saugerties Junior High School and Saugerties Senior High School, which share the same campus. Community-driven high school sociology students played a role in the junior and senior school’s newest endeavor, the S.C.O.R.E. Free Store. At the store, free clothing, toiletries and nonperishable food items are readily available for students and families in need. Ulster County Area Transit bus routes run through town, but Saugerties South is a car-dependent community. Route 32 leads residents about 11 miles south to Kingston and HealthAlliance Hospital. Woodstock’s hiking trails and concerts are about 10 miles west along Glasco Turnpike, and Albany International is the closest airport, about 60 miles north along Interstate 87.