Country land in New York
How much good country New York has, where it is, and what to know before you buy: growing season, homeschool rules, internet and prices. "Good country" here means land past the suburbs and their buffer, off the busiest roads, scored by the Land Finder.
The best counties for country living
Ranked by how much of each county scores as good country (fast-growing counties ranked a little lower).
| County (towns) | Good country | Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton County Speculator, Wells | 100% | -0.1%/yr | Score a spot |
| Delaware County Delhi, Downsville | 99% | -0.1%/yr | Score a spot |
| Lewis County Lowville, Castorland | 100% | -0.0%/yr | Score a spot |
| Schuyler County Watkins Glen, Burdett | 99% | -1.0%/yr | Score a spot |
| Allegany County Belmont, Scio | 99% | +0.4%/yr | Score a spot |
| Franklin County Paul Smiths, Saranac Lake | 99% | -0.2%/yr | Score a spot |
| Schoharie County Cobleskill, Middleburgh | 99% | +0.3%/yr | Score a spot |
| Chenango County Oxford, Norwich | 98% | -0.7%/yr | Score a spot |
| Otsego County Milford, Hartwick Seminary | 98% | +0.8%/yr | Score a spot |
| St. Lawrence County Canton, Potsdam | 98% | -0.5%/yr | Score a spot |
Homeschool rules
Letter of intent to the school district each year (by July 1, or within 14 days of starting), then an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), four quarterly reports (hours, material covered, a grade or narrative), and an annual assessment (a standardized test or a written narrative, depending on grade). Required subjects by grade. New York City has its own office and forms.
Not legal advice; laws change. Verify with the state and your school district. Source
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A shortlisting guide from public data (Census, USGS, USDA, NOAA, FCC, FEMA) and our principles. Visit the land and verify water, septic, zoning and access with the county.