Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chatham Center, NY
Considering a move to Chatham Center, NY? This small, rural community of around 250 residents offers a tranquil lifestyle with a median home price of $325,000 and average rents near $1,200. Enjoy very low crime rates (violent crimes at 82 per 100K), commutes averaging 29 minutes, and reputable local schools. The area features a charming upstate climate with four distinct seasons, and easy access to regional healthcare and educational opportunities, making it ideal for those seeking peaceful country living with modern amenities.
Demographics - Chatham Center, NY
Demographics - Chatham Center, NY
Chatham Center is a small, close-knit community with a population of about 250 residents and a median age of 45. The area is predominantly White, and about 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The balanced gender ratio and moderate population density contribute to a peaceful rural atmosphere.
Population:
250
Density:
60 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chatham Center, NY?
The cost of living in Chatham Center is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $325,000 and typical rent around $1,200. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare costs are moderately high, but overall expenses remain manageable for those seeking a quiet upstate lifestyle. State income taxes range from 4% to 8.82%, reflecting New York's typical rates.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,740
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.0
Grocery:
106.0
Housing:
110.0
Utilities:
105.0
Transportation:
102.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Chatham Center, NY a safe place to live?
Chatham Center enjoys very low crime rates, with only 82 violent crimes and 690 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a low chance of being affected by crime, making it one of the safer small towns in the region. The peaceful environment is ideal for families and those seeking a secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
82
Property Crimes Per 100k:
690
Crime Index:
772
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,220
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 362
Weather
What is the weather like in Chatham Center, NY year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 52% of the year. This classic upstate New York climate offers a beautiful backdrop for year-round outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Chatham Center's households typically earn around $68,500, with a per capita income of $34,200 and a poverty rate of just under 9%. Most residents are well-educated, with nearly 95% holding at least a high school diploma and nearly 40% having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commutes average about 29 minutes, and unemployment is low, contributing to a stable, friendly community.
Median Income:
$40,000
Household Income:
$68,500
Family Income:
$86,000
Per Capita Income:
$34,200
Income Male:
$45,500
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
8.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
39.2%
Education
How are the schools in Chatham Center, NY?
Chatham Center offers quality education through local public schools, such as Chatham High School and Mary E. Dardess Elementary, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education is available at Hawthorne Valley School, and residents have easy access to nearby colleges like Columbia-Greene Community College and Bard College. The area’s educational options make it suitable for families seeking strong academic opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Chatham High School
Street:
50 Woodbridge Ave
Phone:
518-392-2400
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Mary E. Dardess Elementary School
Street:
50 Woodbridge Ave
Phone:
518-392-1530
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8

Private Schools
Name:
Hawthorne Valley School
Street:
330 County Route 21C
Phone:
518-672-7092
Students:
300

Colleges
Name:
Columbia-Greene Community College
City:
Hudson
State:
NY
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,600
Name:
Bard College
City:
Annandale-On-Hudson
State:
NY
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chatham Center is supported by nearby facilities like Columbia Memorial Health, offering general and emergency services. With about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, residents have reliable access to medical care. The community’s healthcare index reflects a good standard of services for a rural area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Columbia Memorial Health
Address:
71 Prospect Ave, Hudson, NY 12534
Phone:
(518) 828-7601
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
73.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chatham Center, NY?
Chatham Center's housing market features a high owner-occupancy rate of 77.5% and a median home price of $325,000. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents around $1,200 and a moderate vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 3.3% over the past year, indicating a steady, healthy local market.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Chatham Center residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles at the Hudson County Office in nearby Hudson. This convenient location provides a full range of licensing, registration, and vehicle services. For more information, residents can visit the New York DMV website or call the local office.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
Hudson County Office, 560 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
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.