Bethel is known as the famous site of the original Woodstock festival, but the modern town offers a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle with a wealth of scenic views and outdoor activities.
A rural haven, Bethel attracts a large population of buyers from the city looking for a second home in the Catskills. Residents coming from the city especially enjoy the short two-hour drive from Manhattan. For the most part, the market is a mix of single-family homes, seasonal housing, and apartment complexes. The former Borscht Belt town still has a collection of the bungalow colonies that once made up its famous chain of resorts. Many residents enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, while pockets of homes surrounding Bethel’s many lakes boast unrivaled views of the water. New development is on the rise as the area grows in popularity and sparks demand for new construction. The tight-knit community enjoys proximity to larger commercial hubs, while still maintaining a laid-back lifestyle on their home turf.
There’s plenty to do in Bethel. The town boasts a modest collection of trendy cafes, local restaurants, and vintage boutiques and antique shops. An increasing number of grocery stores and restaurants crop up each year as the town attracts more and more people looking for country living with an artsy flair. Community staples like the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts are a must-see. Built on the grounds of the original Woodstock venue, the sprawling complex has hosted a string of music legends at dynamic summer concerts.