Columbia

The Columbia County name refers to Christopher Columbus (the country itself was almost named “Columbia”). And how fitting a moniker it is, given that this rural haven has the diversity of a nation: gentle, rolling hills, dramatic mountains along the Massachusetts state line, and the Hudson River to the west. The county also has more than 50 public heritage sites that reflect its historic roots, including the fascinating Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. Add rural beauty and a rich cultural scene, and you’ll see why weekenders are bee-lining up the Taconic.

PHOTO BY PETER BIANDORI

LEFT, PHOTO BY PETER BIANDORI; RIGHT, ANDY WAINWRIGHT

Data

Population Density: 99.41 people per square mile
Median Home Value: $211,000
Median Annual Property Tax Payment: $3,992
Median Household Income: unavailable

Do

Visit the Plein Air Paint-out & Festival at Olana Historic Site in Hudson on Columbus Day Weekend.

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Dine

See what’s new on the menu at Wm. Farmer & Sons in Hudson.

Did you know?

One of the rarest and most in-demand coins ever minted is the Hudson Half Dollar. Only 10,008 coins were struck in 1935 to celebrate the city’s sesquicentennial, and coin dealers scooped most of them up, adding to the rarity. One recently was going for more than $10,000 on eBay. Check the attic!