Brownstoner Upstate: Taxes Schmaxes

Fridays at 11, Brownstoner Upstate brings you a selection of properties within three hours north, and a little east or west, of New York City.

It’s tough to have a conversation about living in the Hudson Valley/Catskills without considering property taxes. There’s nothing more disappointing to a home buyer than finding the perfect house at a reasonable price, only to discover that the taxes will cost them almost as much as the monthly mortgage payment. There are a variety of factors that go into determining a property’s tax rate, including the home’s assessed value and where its located, and while it may seem impossible at times to find something with low taxes up here, there is hope. You just have to know where to look. We picked four properties in four different areas of the region this week, all with reasonable taxes (comparatively speaking, of course), all of them easy on the eyes, and all within three hours of New York City.

Look out: The village of Catskill in Greene County is poised to become the next Saugerties. Or Rhinebeck. Or something like that. It’s different depending upon who you ask. Meanwhile, taxes are still low in the village, and this three-bedroom cheapie located right in town next to the Catskill Creek is about as low as they get. The listing states that it’s been recently renovated with new carpeting added…which we would be tempted to rip right back up again and replace with hardwood. At least they kept some of the original details. Walking distance to stuff in the village. Beds: 3. Baths: 1.5. Square Feet: 1,368. Lot Size: .11 acre. Taxes: $1,774.

93 North Street, Catskill (Coldwell Banker Village Green) GMAP

——

When you ask someone, “Which town in Ulster County has the lowest tax rate?”, most people will tell you that it’s the town of Olive, located near the Ashokan Reservoir. Indeed, there are some beautiful properties there with lower taxes than other spots in the county, but if you need to live near lots of activity and tons of civilization, it might not be the place for you. If, however, you like communing with nature more than drinking at a crowded bar all night, you’re in the right spot. We love this farmhouse in the hamlet of Olivebridge on 4+ acres, and it includes a two-bedroom apartment you can rent or just have around for company. Perfection? Not sure, but it’s awfully close. Beds: 3. Baths: 2.5. Square Feet: 2,323. Lot Size: 4.44 acres. Taxes: $6,703.

317 Acorn Hill Road, Olivebridge (Prudential Nutshell Realty) GMAP

——

Do you know about the village of Roxbury up in Delaware County? If not, you should get to know it right away, because it’s one of our favorite places. Cute town, great local park, and home to the nifty Roxbury Motel, it’s got some sweet homes on the market right now, and taxes in Delaware County are notoriously low. Think it’s too far away? It’s really not; just a stone’s throw from Sullivan County and about 2.5 easy hours from New York City. This cedar chalet on over an acre in the Roxbury Run country club community has an enviable greenhouse enclosed porch with a loft space. Also gives you access to a pool and tennis courts. Beds: 3. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 1,080. Lot Size: 1.14 acres. Taxes: $5,114.

492 Deer Run Road, Roxbury (Frank Lumia) GMAP

——

And finally, our hands-down favorite, a cedar Colonial farmhouse in the hamlet of Callicoon Center in the town of Callicoon, Sullivan County. It’s gorgeous with lots of modern touches and priced reasonably. Plus, the taxes are low for what you’re getting, and can you dig the chalkboard doors in the kitchen? We call this a heckuva find. Beds: 4. Baths: 2.5. Square Feet: 2,717. Lot Size: 2.64 acres. Taxes: $4,148.

781 North Callicoon Center Road, Callicoon Center (Catskill Castles) GMAP

——