Village of the Week: Athens

  |  January 16, 2012

Athens, just up the river from Catskill in Greene County, has a lot going for it by the way of charm. Or potential charm. It’s right on the Hudson River, with incredible views and water access. It has loads of beautiful old buildings, and a real, walkable downtown. The problem is that there’s not a whole lot to walk to — the town is itching for more amenities, and, of course, more jobs. As this 2008 article from the Times points out, the town was once a ferry stop, and since its long gone days as a transportation hub, it has struggled to find its footing. Still, plenty of second home owners have chosen it for its beauty and its prices. At the time of this writing, the average listing price is around $320,000, far less than many other towns we’ve visited. The median sales price for September to November 2011: less than $150,000. So, we’ll go bargain hunting in Athens this week, but I’ve got my eye on a few moderately priced places, too.

Read On, Reader...