SCHENECTADY, NY — A new chapter in the story of upstate New York’s rural revival is unfolding just outside Schenectady, where a group of Amish families has established a thriving settlement. Their arrival is transforming the landscape, local economy, and community spirit, as the Amish bring age-old traditions, skilled craftsmanship, and a steadfast commitment to agricultural living to the region.
Amish Families Settle in the Mohawk Valley
Over the past year, more than a dozen Amish families, primarily from St. Lawrence and Montgomery counties, have moved into the rural outskirts of Schenectady. Drawn by affordable farmland and the promise of a quieter, more sustainable life, the newcomers have purchased and revived several long-neglected farms, breathing new life into fields that had lain fallow for years124.
“For us, it’s about living simply and working the land,” explained Samuel Miller, a member of the new community. “We want our children to grow up knowing the value of hard work and faith.”
Their migration is part of a broader trend: New York State now hosts over 23,000 Amish residents in 58 settlements, making it one of the fastest-growing Amish regions in the country4. The Schenectady area’s new community is primarily Swartzentruber Amish, known for their conservative practices and reluctance to adopt modern conveniences14.
Reviving Farms and Rural Traditions
The Amish are quickly making their mark, not just on the land but on the local economy. They have established small dairy farms, lumberyards, and produce stands, selling everything from fresh eggs and handmade pies to sheds and wooden furniture13.
Local resident Teresa Manocchia, who lives near one of the new Amish farms, said, “Their purchase saved the land next door from being turned into a solar panel array. Now, instead of metal and wires, I see horses plowing and children playing. They’re keeping our area agricultural and beautiful.”1
Deborah Whitman, another neighbor, agreed. “The farm had been empty for over 20 years. It’s wonderful to see it alive again, with people working the fields and doing it all with horses. I’d much rather have them as neighbors than anyone else.”1
Building Businesses and Community Ties
The Amish have brought new business opportunities to the region, both for themselves and their non-Amish neighbors. One standout is Foote’s Amish Sheds in nearby Schuylerville, which sells high-quality, Amish-built sheds and outdoor structures. “The craftsmanship is incredible,” said local customer Bob Jenkins. “You can see the care and attention to detail in every piece.”3
Other Amish-run enterprises include:
- Miller’s Produce Stand: Fresh vegetables, eggs, and baked goods, open daily along Route 30.
- Yoder’s Lumber Mill: Supplying locally sourced timber and custom woodwork for area builders.
- Stoltzfus Dairy: Offering raw milk, cheese, and homemade butter to the public.
These businesses have been welcomed by the broader community. Priya Patel, owner of a nearby café, noted, “We’ve seen more customers since the Amish arrived. People come for their goods and stop by our shop, too. It’s good for everyone.”
Navigating Challenges and Change
The Amish way of life, while admired, has also brought some adjustments for the region. The sight of horse-drawn buggies on rural roads is new for many locals, and town officials have had to adapt building codes and traffic safety measures to accommodate their religious beliefs1.
Greenwich Town Supervisor Don Ward, who has worked with Amish communities in neighboring counties, shared, “We’ve had to think about things like reflective tape and lanterns on buggies for safety, but the Amish have been cooperative. They’re committed to their principles, and that’s something a lot of people respect.”1
Some residents have raised concerns about road safety and early-morning farm work noise, but most agree the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. “It’s a small price to pay for seeing the fields worked and the community thriving,” said local farmer Bill Jenkins.
Preserving Values, Embracing Neighbors
The Swartzentruber Amish in the Schenectady area are among the most traditional in the state, eschewing electricity, indoor plumbing, and even battery-powered lamps in favor of oil lanterns and wood stoves4. Their homes are simple, often with unfinished siding and minimal landscaping, reflecting a focus on function over form.
Despite their reserved nature, the Amish have built friendly relationships with neighbors. “The girls come over to help me with my garden,” said Manocchia. “They’re polite, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand.”1
For the Amish, these connections are important. “We believe in being good neighbors,” said Miller. “We may live differently, but we share the same land and want to be part of the community.”
Looking Ahead: Growth and Opportunity
With more Amish families expected to move to the area in the coming years, local officials and residents are optimistic about the future. “It’s definitely been a plus for the community,” said Ward. “Seeing kids playing outside, buggies on the road—it just makes your day.”1
The Amish are also providing new opportunities for collaboration. Local landowners have partnered with Amish loggers and builders for projects ranging from forest clearing to custom home construction2. “If you need a barn built or trees cleared, just stop by an Amish store and ask,” advised one resident. “They’re always willing to work with you.”2
As the Schenectady area’s Amish community grows, it promises to bring continued vitality, tradition, and economic opportunity to the region—reminding everyone that sometimes, the best way forward is by looking to the past.
Citations:
- https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Amish-enclave-moves-to-Washington-County-16411219.php
- https://amishamerica.com/amish-new-york-mohawk-valley/
- https://footessheds.com
- https://amishamerica.com/new-york-amish/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s1FQyIriV0
- https://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2020/10/a-therapeutic-escape-in-any-season-road.html
- https://wadetours.com/tours/the-ark-and-amish-tour-september-14-18-2025/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g48465-d3596332-Reviews-New_York_Amish_Trail-Randolph_Cattaraugus_County_New_York.html
- https://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2018/11/an-autumn-visit-to-amish-country-in.html
- https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2025/02/schenectady-county-historical-announces-spring-events/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/upstate_new_york/comments/y8gz6i/hiring_the_amish/
- https://www.albany.org/blog/post/2025-a-look-at-the-year-ahead/
- https://www.classicshedandpatio.com
- https://www.timesunion.com/tuplus-local/article/A-predator-amid-the-unworldly-Amish-6194267.php
- https://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2020/10/a-therapeutic-escape-in-any-season-road.html
- https://www.pinterest.com/lifeangel2/amish-quotes/
- https://www.marcellasappliance.com/by-brand/slam/Simply-Amish.html
- https://suzannewoodsfisher.com/amish/friday-fun-amish-proverbs/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish
- https://amishtrail.com/what-see
- https://www.thetravel.com/learn-about-the-amish-on-new-yorks-self-guided-amish-trail/
- https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/child-sexual-abuse-amish
- https://www.tiktok.com/@t.vmoments/video/7491788577232243999
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Adirondacks/comments/17w9o8e/looking_for_amish_contractors/
- https://adirondackwoodshed.com
- https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/amish
- https://www.amish365.com/amish-sayings/
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