Taghkanic has privacy and quiet living in Columbia County
With rolling hills of farmland and forest, Taghkanic is a classic example of rural Hudson Valley living. It’s located right off the Taconic State Parkway, making this an appealing spot for New Yorkers looking for a second home away from the city. Taghkanic has one of the lowest population densities in Columbia County, so you won’t find a small-town center like those in Chatham or Hillsdale. People move here for the large yards and the uninterrupted peace, while still staying within reach of Hudson and the cultural attractions of the Berkshires. Whether you are searching for a rustic cottage or a sprawling luxury estate, Taghkanic is a quiet option within two hours of New York City.
Homes for sale include luxury properties and rustic cabins
Like much of the Hudson Valley, Taghkanic has luxury homes. The median home price is $1.4 million, with contemporary vacation homes from the 1980s and 1990s mixed in with the occasional sprawling farmhouse. But you don’t have to spend top dollar to find a place here. Entry-level cabins start in the mid-$200,000s, with updated homes selling in the $700,000s. Regardless of the purchase price, all homes typically have several acres and are spaced far apart from neighbors.
Home prices tend to be higher than average for Columbia County, thanks to large lots and the desirability of the rural character. However, property taxes have historically been among the county’s lowest — typically lower than those in nearby communities like Copake, Ancram, Hillsdale and Hudson.
Taghkanic is very rural, and residents want it to stay that way
For the most part, people choose Taghkanic because they want personal space. “I think Taghkanic is really special in that it's probably the most rural of towns in this rural area,” says Christine Hinz, an associate broker with Village Green Realty who has lived in Taghkanic for over 18 years. “People come here for quiet and seclusion and privacy, and the farmlands that are here. It's an agricultural community, and the comprehensive plan for the town is all about maintaining that and preserving that.”
There are a couple of attractions, including Lake Taghkanic State Park, which has a sandy beach for fishing, swimming and launching boats. A tiny town center has Taconic Wine & Liquor, which offers an upscale collection of global wines, and Jo Jo’s Pizza, the go-to spot on a Friday night.
Strong internet connection makes it possible to work from home
Despite its rural atmosphere, Taghkanic has robust internet options. In addition to cable and fixed wireless options, many homes have access to fiber internet, which offers speeds comparable to those in big cities. Hinz says she still remembers the day that the fiber was installed in 2020. “It's life-changing because before we were all with little plug-in USBs, getting things off our cell phone, trying to pay bills online — it was impossible. But now…people can work from home, so we're having a lot more people that…are full-time — who in the past could only be weekenders.” Cell service can still be spotty, especially in more rural areas.
Driving to the nearest hospital or grocery store
Because of Taghkanic’s rural location, homebuyers should be prepared to drive to reach nearby amenities:
- Hospital: Columbia Memorial Health hospital is 10 miles away in Hudson, about a 20-minute drive.
- Restaurants: Downtown Hudson, a 20-minute trip away, has local spots and chain restaurants.
- Grocery store: Hannaford is right outside the township, 10 minutes away, and there are more options in Hudson.
- Airport: Albany International Airport is 50 miles away, about an hour’s car ride.
Direct routes to NYC, Albany and the Berkshires
In Taghkanic, you’ll have to drive for a while to be anywhere near a cultural hub, and you’re likely going to have a long commute to work if you don't work from home. Here’s what the commute looks like to the largest surrounding cities:
- New York City: Depending on traffic, the drive along the Taconic State Parkway can take two to three hours. An Amtrak station in Hudson has daily trains that take two and a half hours to get there.
- Albany: The drive to the state capital is usually an hour, either via Interstate 87 or Interstate 90.
- The Berkshires: It’s typically less than an hour to reach Pittsfield, Lenox or Stockbridge, some of the top destinations in this mountainous region known for its vibrant arts and culture scene.
Taconic Hills schools and nearby private options
Depending on your home location, your student might be part of the Taconic Hills Central School District or the Hudson City School District. The Hudson schools typically receive slightly higher ratings. The Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, a highly rated private school for kindergarten through 12th grade, is about 10 miles north.
What you should know about winters in Taghkanic
Buyers should be prepared for the typical climate of the Hudson Valley. Expect regular snowfall and cold temperatures, especially in higher elevation areas. Town and state roads are typically plowed quickly, but private roads and personal driveways are not. “It's good to know if you have town-maintained roads,” Hinz says. “That's an important thing to look for when purchasing a home in the area.”
![Catherine Lashley]()
Written By
Catherine Lashley
