Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Berkshire, NY
Thinking of moving to Berkshire, NY? This small town of about 1,400 offers affordable living with a median home price of $138,000 and average rents around $850. Residents enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle, low crime rates (75 violent crimes per 100k), and short 27-minute commutes. Excellent access to nearby schools and hospitals, plus four distinct seasons with snowy winters, make Berkshire a great choice for those seeking a peaceful upstate New York community.
Demographics - Berkshire, NY
Demographics - Berkshire, NY
Berkshire, NY is a small rural town with a population of around 1,400, featuring a median age of 45 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, with 95% of residents identifying as such, and just over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. The low population density of 44 per square mile offers a peaceful environment ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Population:
1,400
Density:
44 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Berkshire, NY?
Berkshire offers affordable living, with median home values at $138,000 and average rents of $850, both notably lower than national averages. The cost of living index is 92.4, indicating expenses are below the U.S. average, especially in housing. Residents can also expect modest utility and transportation costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$138,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.4
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
79.0
Utilities:
101.0
Transportation:
97.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Berkshire, NY a safe place to live?
Berkshire maintains a low crime rate, with 75 violent crimes and 430 property crimes per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 1,333, significantly lower than in many urban areas. Residents enjoy peace of mind in this close-knit community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
75
Property Crimes Per 100k:
430
Crime Index:
505
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 326
Weather
What is the weather like in Berkshire, NY year-round?
Berkshire experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters where lows dip to 15°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The town receives an average of 38.5 inches of rainfall annually and about 49% of days are sunny. Seasonal changes bring a variety of outdoor activities and picturesque scenery throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Residents in Berkshire have a median household income of $65,100, with a poverty rate of 11.5% and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The average commute is about 27.5 minutes, and public transportation usage is minimal at 0.5%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with nearly 90% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$65,100
Family Income:
$70,300
Per Capita Income:
$28,700
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
22.0%
Education
How are the schools in Berkshire, NY?
Families in Berkshire benefit from nearby public schools such as Newark Valley Middle and High School, which offer low student-teacher ratios around 11:1. For higher education, SUNY Broome Community College and Cornell University are within a short drive, providing a range of academic opportunities. The town's strong educational resources make it appealing for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Newark Valley Middle School
Street:
88 Whig St, Newark Valley, NY 13811
Phone:
607-642-5524
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Newark Valley High School
Street:
68 Wilson Creek Rd, Newark Valley, NY 13811
Phone:
607-642-8351
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Colleges
Name:
SUNY Broome Community College
City:
Binghamton
State:
NY
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
5,700
Name:
Cornell University
City:
Ithaca
State:
NY
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
25,500
Healthcare
Berkshire residents have access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals like UHS Wilson Medical Center and Cayuga Medical Center within driving distance. The area is served by 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 94% of people have health insurance coverage. Local healthcare scores well, offering reliable services for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UHS Wilson Medical Center
Address:
33-57 Harrison St, Johnson City, NY 13790
Phone:
(607) 763-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cayuga Medical Center
Address:
101 Dates Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone:
(607) 274-4011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Berkshire, NY?
The housing market in Berkshire is stable, with a median home price of $138,000 and owner-occupancy at 81%. Rental opportunities are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $850, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.2%. Home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$138,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Berkshire residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office located in Binghamton, about 20 miles away. The DMV provides a full range of motor vehicle services, and information can be accessed online at the official New York DMV website. Convenient access to licensing and registration helps simplify moving and settling in.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6 Court Street, Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.