Tucked between the Hudson River and the New York-Massachusetts state line, Columbia County offers homebuyers countryside settings that take your breath away and a mix of local farms, small towns, and unique cultural venues that emphasizes pastoral splendor rather than urban sprawl.
With a population of about 59,000, Columbia County attracts homebuyers looking for a primary residence as well as buyers looking for a second home. Homes for sale in Columbia County, NY run the gamut of styles from farmhouse to contemporary. Many homes feature extensive acreage.
We’re highlighting four towns in Columbia County that offer top community amenities and services along with quiet roads, bustling village centers, and views that don’t stop.

Chatham: Arts and Retail Central for North Columbia County
With its Spanish Renaissance style, the Crandell Theatre is one of Chatham’s best-known architectural gems and is Columbia County’s oldest and largest movie theatre.
Chatham’s location is about 30 minutes from Albany on Interstate 90 and about two and a half hours from New York City on the Taconic State Parkway. Restaurants, galleries, unique shops, and a thriving farmers and makers market create a vibrant community atmosphere. Town landmarks cherished by residents include the Chatham Public Library, Crandell Theatre, the Clocktower, and Tracy Memorial Village Hall. This village of about 4,000 residents is small but mighty. The town hosts three annual festivals: SummerFest, OctoberFeast, and WinterFest.
- Town of Chatham Website As you look for homes in Chatham, make the Town of Chatham website one of your first stops for digital research.
- Chatham Virtual Walking Tour Explore Chatham from the comfort of your present home and learn about the historic buildings in Chatham.
- Town of Chatham Photo Gallery This beautifully curated photo gallery is a perfect way to learn about community events in Chatham—and the town spirit that makes them so popular.
- PS21 Chatham The cutting-edge Performances Spaces for the 21st Century offers live music, theater, and dance in a 300-seat open-air pavilion and a smaller black box theater.
- Crandall Theatre Built in 1926, this Spanish Renaissance style movie palace screened its first “talkie” in 1929. Today this architectural jewel is the oldest and largest single-screen movie theater in Columbia County.
Ghent: A Town of Hamlets
Tony Tasset, Arrows, 2015. Art Omi Photograph by Bryan Zimmerman
Kinderhook: A Historic Town with a Dutch Heritage
Located in the historic town of Kinderhook, Lindenwald is the home and estate of President Martin Van Buren.
- Town of Kinderhook Website
- Village of Kinderhook Website
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
Austerlitz: Where a Poet Lived
A scenic view from the Pinnacle Point Loop trail at Harvey Mountain State Forest in Austerlitz, New York.