Schoharie blends history, agriculture and small-town charm
In upstate New York, among the fruitful foothills of the Catskill Mountains, the historic village of Schoharie abuts scenic valleys and cultivated fields. The area's fertile farmlands helped sustain the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, laying the foundation for a continually prosperous agricultural community. "It's in the country with beautiful scenery and a lot of history," says Realtor Matthew Loder, broker and owner of Country Boy Realty. He's sold homes across the community for over 25 years and lives in Schoharie County. "It's more of an agricultural area that benefits from Agri-tourism. There are plenty of farmers markets." Residents fervently support small businesses and restaurants, which often source goods and produce from local farms. The village's location near Albany promises convenience, and its setting invites outdoor activities.
Historic homes and spacious lots define Schoharie living
Schoharie's earliest architecture, built across the 19th century, includes center hall Colonials and vintage farmhouses concentrated in the village's heart. A few historic homes have Victorian and Italianate influences. As Schoharie continued to develop throughout the 20th century, ranch-style houses and cabins began to fill the rural landscapes outside the village center, where the lots are pretty large. "The motivation for people to come out here is the space," Loder says. Hundreds of homes sit on at least a few acres of land, but some properties measure over 50. Many properties provide views of the Schoharie Valley or the Catskills and often have access to Schoharie Creek. The median sale price for a home is around $300,000. The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Local schools offer career and college prep options
The Schoharie Central School District serves just over 800 students and scores an overall C on Niche. Schoharie Elementary welcomes kindergarten through fifth grade and has a C-minus. Schoharie Junior/Senior High enrolls sixth through 12th-graders with a C-plus. High school seniors can enroll in the Capital Region BOCES New Vision Program for college-level coursework centered around the medical and legal fields. The high school also offers foundational career and technical education courses.
Outdoor activities range from cave tours to creekside picnics
Schoharie County's natural amenities encourage residents to get outside. "There are a lot of outdoor activities," Loder says. "We have a lot of state land, allowing fishing, kayaking and hiking." Cotton Hill State Forest and Dutch Settlement State Forest have hiking and snowmobile trails accessible just south of Schoharie. Seasonal hunting is permitted in most state forests. Vroman's Nose in Middleburgh offers sweeping views of the Schoharie Valley and the distant Catskill Mountains. Schoharie is about 8 miles from the Howe Caverns, a county-wide hot spot for cave tours and boat rides. Some folks also enjoy cave yoga and Zumba. Schoharie has plenty of traditional parks, from Central Bridge Community Park to Fox Creek Park; they have sports facilities and picnic pavilions. Spots like Lily Park overlook the area's trickling creeks.
Village center offers homey dining and small-town charm
At the heart of Schoharie, locally owned businesses inhabit a small stretch of brick historic buildings, and flowers hang from ornate light posts on walkable streets. "We have family-owned restaurants where you get a homey experience," Loder says. The village's quaint center provides a spot to grab a floral bouquet, new clothes or a bottle of wine. The Farmers Beef and Brew uses many Schoharie County farm ingredients to create a robust menu of steaks, flatbreads and cast-iron mac-and-cheese. Folks also grab pies to-go from Wiggle Pizza or Paisano's Pizza Villa. Schoharie's village center is additionally home to the county's family court and clerk's office.
Farm stands and markets offer fresh produce and baked goods
Many farm stands and markets surround the village. "Our farmers markets are incredible," Loder says. Schoharie Valley Farms sells baked goods, jams, flowers and seasonal vegetables out of a big green building off New York State Route 30. The farm operates a small café, where folks can order sandwiches or salads, and a greenhouse with seasonal arrangements. Locals head into Cobleskill for big-box shopping, and the Walmart Supercenter is about 10 miles away.
Navigating Schoharie County
Residents depend on cars to get around Schoharie. Interstate 88 cuts through the community's northern end and runs toward Albany, about 37 miles away. Commuters have quick access to a few state roads, including New York state routes 7, 30 and 145. Cobleskill Regional Hospital is about 10 miles away, and Albany International Airport is about 34 miles away.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
