Schoharie County in Upstate New York offers a rare blend of affordability, high quality of life, scenic towns, family-friendly schools, vibrant libraries, local farm markets, and expanding digital infrastructure. You’ll enjoy charming communities, safety, and access to nature, without sacrificing opportunity or connection.

Schoharie is just 40 minutes from Albany, about 3 hours from New York City and Boston, and a short drive to Lake George, Cooperstown, and the Catskills. The county’s location offers residents the perfect balance between small-town serenity and big-city access.

Families appreciate Schoharie’s safe, close-knit environment, excellent schools, dedicated educators, and small class sizes. Local libraries, summer programs, and 4-H activities create a nurturing environment for children to thrive while adults build fulfilling careers and businesses. 

Yes. Schoharie County is investing over $30 million through New York’s ConnectALL program to ensure 100% countywide high-speed internet access by 2027. SEEC also provides free public Wi-Fi in village centers and supports ongoing digital training programs.

The overall cost of living, including housing, childcare, and daily expenses, is significantly lower than in major metro areas, allowing residents to enjoy a higher quality of life at a more affordable cost. 

Schoharie offers diverse housing options, from walkable village homes and renovated historic properties to farmsteads and plots ideal for small-scale agriculture. Whether you’re seeking a Main Street residence, a farmhouse with acreage, or land for a farm-to-table venture, you’ll find supportive networks and local resources to help you settle and thrive.

Absolutely. Entrepreneurs benefit from practical programs, peer networks, and support from SUNY Cobleskill, UAlbany SBDC, and SEEC’s business programming. These partners help reduce barriers, provide technical assistance, and connect founders to customers, mentors, and collaborators. 

Schoharie is increasingly welcoming to agri-preneurs. Resources like SUNY Cobleskill’s Institute of Rural Vitality, local incubators, and mentorship programs provide training, land access, and business guidance. Farmers and producers can easily reach local markets through farm stands, co-ops, and festivals that celebrate regional agriculture.

Yes. Albany International Airport is less than an hour away, and regional Amtrak stations are nearby, making business and leisure travel simple. Schoharie’s central location also allows for convenient road trips to Boston or New York City.

Schoharie County’s communities are tight-knit and civic participation is high. Public safety, schools, parks, and youth programming create an environment conducive to raising families and building long-term relationships. The county’s A scores from CrimeGrade.org indicates that the rate of crime is much lower than that of the average US county. Schoharie County ranks in the 91st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 91% of all counties in the United States. 

287 Main, a beautifully restored 1920s bank building, serves as the county’s top coworking space. It offers open desks, private conference rooms, art galleries, and regular networking events, making it a social and professional hub for founders, freelancers, and remote workers.

Subscribe to the Root Access Newsletter, follow SEEC on social media, and attend events at 287 Main. Root Access also offers a relocation guide, community event calendar, and volunteer match tool. For direct support, email rootaccess@seecny.org or visit 287 Main to meet the community in person.