Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Meridale, NY
Considering a move to Meridale, NY? This quiet hamlet of around 300 residents offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices at $168,000 and average rents near $890. Crime rates are low, and the area boasts beautiful scenery with 52% sunny days annually and cool summers. Commute times average about 29 minutes, and local schools are small with favorable student-teacher ratios. If you’re seeking peaceful rural living with easy access to nearby towns, Meridale could be a great fit.
Demographics - Meridale, NY
Demographics - Meridale, NY
Meridale is a small rural community with an estimated population of 300 and a low population density, offering a close-knit atmosphere. The median age is 47.5, indicating a mature resident base, and the area is predominantly White with a slight male majority. Non-English speakers make up just 3% of the population, reflecting a primarily English-speaking environment.
Population:
300 (est.)
Density:
45 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.5
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
1.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Meridale, NY?
Living in Meridale is affordable, with a median home value of $168,000 and average rents around $890 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average at 92.1, and housing expenses are particularly reasonable compared to many areas in New York State. Utilities and groceries are also moderately priced, making Meridale attractive for budget-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$168,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.1
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
82.0
Utilities:
104.0
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Meridale, NY a safe place to live?
Meridale enjoys low crime rates, with violent crime occurring at a rate of only 110 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime remaining low as well. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 900, making this hamlet a safe place to live. This peaceful environment contributes to Meridale's appeal for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
820
Crime Index:
930
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 122
Weather
What is the weather like in Meridale, NY year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters reaching lows around 13°F and pleasant summers peaking near 78°F. The area receives about 41.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. These conditions create a scenic rural setting ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
The median household income in Meridale is $48,600, with a poverty rate of 14.6% and an unemployment rate of 5.8%. Most residents commute just under 30 minutes to work, reflecting the area's rural nature and limited public transit. Education levels are solid, with nearly 90% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$48,600
Family Income:
$56,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,400
Income Male:
$29,900
Income Female:
$27,800
Poverty Rate:
14.6%
Non English Speakers:
3%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Meridale, NY?
Local education options include Franklin Central School, a small public school with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 10.6, supporting personalized learning. While there are no private schools in town, residents benefit from proximity to SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, both just 13 miles away. This ensures access to quality K-12 and higher education within a short commute.
Public Schools
Name:
Franklin Central School
Street:
26 Institute St, Franklin, NY 13775
Phone:
607-829-3551
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.6
Colleges
Name:
SUNY Oneonta
City:
Oneonta
State:
NY
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
Hartwick College
City:
Oneonta
State:
NY
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Meridale residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like A.O. Fox Hospital and Bassett Medical Center located within 22 miles. The community enjoys a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.3% and a good supply of local physicians. Emergency services and general care are readily available nearby.
Major Hospitals
Name:
A.O. Fox Hospital
Address:
Oneonta, NY 13820 (approx. 12 miles)
Phone:
(607) 432-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Bassett Medical Center
Address:
One Atwell Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326 (approx. 22 miles)
Phone:
(607) 547-3456
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Meridale, NY?
The housing market in Meridale is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $168,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $890. Homeownership is high, with over 80% of residents owning their homes, and vacancy rates remain modest. Property values have seen steady appreciation, making it a promising area for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$890
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Oneonta, located at 251 Main St. This office provides all standard vehicle and licensing services, and more information is available on the official DMV website. The location is convenient for Meridale residents seeking vehicle registration or renewals.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
251 Main St, Oneonta, NY 13820
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.