Seward offers natural beauty and large rural properties
Seward’s rural landscapes, situated in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, offer quiet living, outdoor recreational opportunities and large properties with a scenic backdrop. “Our biggest asset is the beauty that we offer. We have incredible natural scenery that is really unmatched,” says local broker Matthew Loder, owner of Country Boy Realty. He lives in Schoharie County and has served area homebuyers for over 25 years. “And the seasons make it special, every season you see another asset.” Seward’s farms provide seasonal, fresh produce and flowers, and nearby towns have shopping and locally-owned restaurants. The community’s location near Albany promises convenience. “It’s very convenient to get from Schoharie County to the Capital District.”
Country roads lead to homes with acreage and historic charm
Seward’s outstretched country roads cut through and around hundreds of acres of farmland and protected state lands. Between the farms and state forests are a mix of homes on sizable lots. “Buyers are able to purchase a home with acreage,” Loder says. “We see anywhere between two and 50 acres.” Much of the community’s architecture has been around for a while. “We have older-style homes that offer character and history,” Loder says. Many colonials and farmhouses date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, but there are also many mid-20th-century ranch-style and split-level homes. The median sale price for a home in Seward is around $110,000. “The area offers tremendous value,” Loder says.
District schools serve 1,500 students with varied programs
The Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District scores an overall B-minus on Niche and serves around 1,500 students. Ryder Elementary School enrolls pre-kindergarten through second grade and receives a B-minus, and Joseph B. Radez Elementary School serves third through fifth graders and has a C-plus. William H. Golding Middle School scores a B-minus, and Cobleskill-Richmondville High School receives a B. The high school has extracurricular activities and student clubs, including beekeeping and guitar-playing clubs.
Seward residents enjoy easy access to nature escapes
Seward’s location in the Schoharie Valley offers residents quick access to nature trails, caverns, waterfalls and dense woodlands. Honey Hill State Forest and Cherry Valley State Forest welcome seasonal hunting, primitive camping and snowmobiling. Both forests are around 10 miles away. Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, about 15 miles southwest, has a couple of ponds popular for catch-and-release fishing, scenic meadows and hiking trails. Waterfalls are accessible at Wintergreen Park, about 15 miles north, and cave tours are common in Howe Caverns, 15 miles east. While many of the area’s natural amenities are over 10 miles away, most residents in Schoharie County don’t mind driving. Otsego Lake is about 25 miles west.
Locals shop in Cobleskill and visit nearby farm markets
Seward benefits from its proximity to Cobleskill, where locals head to shop. The neighboring town has a Walmart Supercenter, Price Chopper and Dollar General, plus the nearest fast-food restaurants and pharmacies. Schoharie County’s farms operate small stands and markets near Seward. Parsons Farm Stand regularly sells fresh produce just off U.S. Route 20, about 7 miles from Seward, and Cold Springs Farm manages a stand from April through November with meats, fruits, flowers and jarred salsas and jellies. Just north of Seward, Slate Hill Lavender Farm has fields of lavender and flowers, with house-made lavender-infused oils and vinegars. Although Seward doesn’t have restaurants, Sharon Springs, about 7 miles north, has locally-owned spots like Fancy Farmer and Brimstone Bakery.
Residents rely on cars for travel to Albany and Cobleskill
Residents rely on cars to get around, and locals have direct access to New York state routes 10 and 165. State Routes connect commuters with busier highways, like U.S. Route 20 and Interstate 88. Cobleskill Regional Hospital is a 9-mile trip southeast, sitting just north of the central Cobleskill. Downtown Albany is about 55 miles east, and the Albany International Airport is a 48-mile trip.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
