Berne Knox/ Westerlo
Population: 7500
Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Albany, the Berne-Knox-Westerlo area consists mostly of rural townships with scattered small population centers. While this was once an active agricultural area, there are few working farms left. Many of the area's residents commute to the Albany-Schenectady area for employment. Known to many as the "Hill Towns", this area is also referred to as the Helderberg Mountains, however it is more properly described as a series of escarpments rising sharply from the Hudson-Mohawk flood plain. This locale is excellent for those who love the serenity of country living.

bulletChurches

The Hill Towns offer a variety of religious denominations. For information on services times and locations, please check the local newspapers.

bulletMedical

Local general practitioners provide medical services. The nearest hospitals are in Albany, and include the Albany Medical Center, Albany Memorial Hospital, St. Peter's, The Veterans Administration Hospital and Child's Hospital.

bulletTransportation

Commuter: The Berne Knox-Westerlo area is a 45 minute drive from the City of Albany.
Public: The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) provides a bus trip once a week to the City of Albany. For information call 518-482-8822.
Rail: No local rail service.  See "Albany" for information.
Air: There is is private airstrip in Westerlo. See "Albany" for information.

bulletClubs & Organizations

Fraternal and social organizations are typically "small town", helping to knit together the widely scattered residents of the towns. Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops are very popular with the youngsters. A local theater group and the Town of Berne Recreation Program provide local cultural and recreational activities too.

In addition, there are locally active senior citizen groups. For information on senior citizens services call the Albany County Department for Aging at 518-447-7177.

bulletShopping

Shopping is limited to local small businesses which provide for most people's day-to-day needs. These businesses include grocery stores, auto service stations, farm and building goods dealers, restaurants and insurance agencies to name a few.

bulletLibrary

Berne Public Library; For information call 518-872-1246.

bulletParks & Recreation

The countryside here is ideal for swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, and practically all outdoor sports. There are several small lakes and creeks, and a very large state-owned wilderness area in Berne which has been developed for recreational purposes. Minutes away, Thatcher State Park offers fine picnic, game and swimming facilities along with an excellent view of the Capital District. In the winter time, cross country skiing and snowmobiling are very popular.