Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Columbia County offers homebuyers upper Hudson Valley real estate in a country-like setting removed from the bustle of urban life yet still reachable from Albany or New York City.
The Hudson River forms the western border of Columbia County. The Massachusetts-New York state line makes up the county’s eastern edge. In between, rolling terrain rises to meet the Taconic Mountains that covers the county’s eastern half.
Known for its charming towns and rural beauty, Columbia County has long been the choice for Hudson Valley real estate buyers looking for second homes or primary residences. Here’s what to know about relocating as you look for homes for sale in Columbia County.
Most Towns Are Rural and Small
When you’re looking to relocate to Columbia County, keep in mind that most communities are rural and small, with populations under 5,000.
Claverack and Hudson are two of the largest towns in Columbia County, NY. U.S. Census Bureau data for 2020 shows that Claverack is the largest town in Columbia County with a population of 6,058. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Hudson’s population is 5,894
Columbia County is sprinkled with towns, villages, and hamlets surrounded by farm country and rolling fields and linked by quiet roads and byways. The Taconic State Parkway bisects the length of the county, running north to Albany and south to Poughkeepsie and New York City. Interstate 90 cuts across the county’s northern corner between Canaan and Chatham.
Public school districts in Columbia County are generally small, with some serving students across multiple communities.
One of the largest districts is Taconic Hills Central School District with an enrollment of about 1,400 students K through 12. The towns that form the district are Copake and Hillsdale, the Village of Philmont, and parts of the towns of Ancram, Austerlitz, Claverack, Gallatin, Ghent, Livingston, and Taghkanic.
Many Homes for Sale Have Acreage
Homes for sale in Columbia County include properties with acreage. Luxury estates can come with upwards of 100+ acres. Many homes have land suitable for farming, livestock grazing, and gardening. Many offer pastoral settings with panoramic views and amenities like work-from-home spaces, guest suites, and outbuildings.
Land for sale in Columbia County includes large-acre, buildable lots with magnificent views of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley. You can also find secluded sanctuaries that are still just 10 minutes from the Taconic State Parkway.
Local Businesses and Services Fuel the Economy
Hudson is home to big-box stores like a single Wal-Mart and one Lowe’s, but the rest of Columbia County is fueled by independently owned local businesses and services. They provide every need from heating and plumbing to home renovations and health care.
Columbia County farms and orchards supply Columbia County’s burgeoning farm-to-table restaurant scene. Columbia County is also known for its local vineyards and orchards. Artisanal breweries, distilleries, and wineries can be found in every part of the county.
Get to know these local businesses and do business with them. You’ll discover family-owned and -operated companies that have been the backbone of the county’s economy for generations.
Community Sprit and Civic Engagement Are Important
Buying upper Hudson Valley real estate in Columbia County offers an opportunity invest in a community as well as a property.
Columbia County towns thrive on community spirit and civic engagement. Second homeowners as well as year-round residents can get involved in organizations dedicated to green causes, like the Columbia Land Conservancy. Volunteers and audiences power cultural groups like the Ancram Opera House and Chatham’s Mac-Haydn Theatre.
Whatever your interests or skills, you can find a local organization that will welcome your contributions. Community engagement is also a great way to get to know the members of your town, village, or hamlet.
A Stone House Broker Can Help You Buy Upper Hudson Valley Real Estate
Stone House Properties offers a team of brokers that can help you search for and buy real estate in Columbia County.
Their extensive real estate experience combines with their knowledge of upper Hudson valley real estate trends to give you an edge in achieving your home buying goals. Our Chatham, NY office helps us keep a pulse on the market.
Check out our Berkshires and Upper Hudson Valley home buying guide to start your search today.
