Living the Rural Life Outside Manhattan in New York State

Mine Kill State Park, NYS -

by Marie C. Dimino 



Rural life in the Catskills area, Conesville-Gilboa, New York in Schoharie County.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to give up urban life and a nine to five job in New York City? Less than three hours away from Manhattan is an entirely diverse universe you might want to explore.

Spending a little time in the Catskills area during each season will give you the perfect feel of rural living which can help you make your decision. Most of the small towns in upstate New York have motels and quaint Bed and Breakfasts to choose from, depending on your personal style and what you would like to experience. The Schoharie, NY Chamber of Commerce lists these for your convenience. No matter which you choose, the roads connect with easy access to many larger resorts, including Windham and Hunter Mountain.

One particular area, which is not well known, is considered very desirable by real estate companies. Crime is almost unheard of and property value never plummets.

Nestled in the scenic country of Schoharie County, NY is the beautiful hamlet of Conesville, a community settled around 1764 and town formed in 1836 in the Gilboa settlement. It is also home of one of New York State's nineteen reservoirs.

With a spectacular view and mountainous surface, it boasts many miles of untouched wilderness. Its running streams and waterfalls gently tumble and sometimes thunder across the rocks and ledges forming rows of white frothing foam. Here the wildlife is abundant and can be experienced the way nature intended. Even the sky is filled with many birds of prey proudly sailing high above the mountaintops. This natural beauty creates poetic visions that lure some fortunate city folk to abandon their way of life to set up home in these parts.

When seeing this town for the first time, many people are impressed with its school district and the friendliness of the locals who welcome all with a wave of the hand and their knowing smiles. Although you will not find many stores around here, the roads have easy access to neighboring towns where you can find anything you need. There are never traffic jams or long lights to contend with, making travel an unstressed event. Many people who have never driven in the city find they are easily capable of tolerating these roads, whether paved or unpaved, and enjoy their newfound freedom.

Creating a life in these rural areas is not without challenge. There are harsh winters and short summers. Most homes are heated with wood and require several cords a season. Some families spend an entire summer chopping and splitting the wood themselves while others choose to buy it from the local mills or farms. Before using the logs, they must be dried and then stacked in a convenient area outside the home where it can be assessable during the cold winter months.

Many types of units are now available to choose from. There are fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, corn-burning stoves, pellet stoves, inserts and outside heating plants. There are even gas-burning units which make for a cleaner environment. Some will argue which is most efficient, but in the long run, they all require some old-fashioned physical labor and a strong desire to experience the country effect of unsurpassed warmth. Most homes are equipped with a backup of electric, gas or oil heating system, which will automatically turn on when the wood supply is low, or the thermostat dips.

In Conesville, New York, the scenery changes with every season. Winter has its snow peaked mountains bringing skiers from everywhere. Many birds return in the spring bringing the promise of new crops growing and flowers blooming. Summer welcomes tourists with many fish filled lakes and boat rentals. Autumn foliage never ceases to amaze everyone no matter how many times they've seen it.  The locals are the lucky ones.  They get to experience first hand the beauty of God's Country and all it has to offer every single day.

Choosing a lifestyle in a rural community is a commitment from the heart. A strong desire to experience the great outdoors and the opportunity to exist in the beauty of untouched nature is the fundamental reason for all who come here.

Some will follow their artistic values with the hopes of creating a living from it. Others will set up a hobby farm or other small business. There are also those who come to retire and others who enjoy the relaxation of a summer home. The one thing you can be sure of is that once you experience all the community of Conesville has to offer, you will wish you never had to leave.

Though rural living may not be everyone's ideal, it will certainly leave an impression on your heart for many years to come.