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…