Afton offers quiet small-town living among nature and the Susquehanna
Afton is a Chenango County community found among the rolling hills of the Allegheny Plateau. The town was first settled in 1786 but was officially established in 1857 in order to create its own identity from neighboring Bainbridge. The name “Afton” was inspired by the Robert Burns “Afton Waters,” which he wrote in 1791 after visiting Afton Lodge in Scotland. The poem describes the gentleness of a flowing river, something Afton also offers its residents with the Susquehanna River nearby. Afton has villages and hamlets that are separated by forested land, farmland and country roads, creating a quiet pocket amidst the region’s hilly terrain. While residents have a quiet place to call home, they also have direct routes to busy areas like Binghamton and Oneonta.
Afton has a mix of historic and modern homes
Homebuyers can find farmhouse-style properties from the late-1800s, Nationals from the early 1900s and modern ranch-style or split-level houses. Prices can range from almost $130,000 to $300,000, but some with sprawling lots that extend to almost 30 acres can reach closer to $560,000. Most homes are clustered in and around Afton Village, though there are also smaller hamlets, like Nineveh, with properties more spread out from each other. Homes in villages usually have modestly sized front and back yards. While uncommon, some properties may be in a flood zone, especially those close to the Susquehanna River and its creeks.
Digital fabrication lab at Afton Middle/High
Students may start at Afton Elementary, which gets a C-minus from Niche. Afton Middle/High receives a C-plus and has a digital fabrication lab that provides space for 3D printing, drone training and coding.
Commuting along Routes 7 and 41, I-88
The town has several major roadways running through it. State Routes 7 and 41 overlap in Afton Village, guiding residents around Chenango County. Commuters can also take Interstate 88, which runs 25 miles to Binghamton — the “Carousel Capital of the World.” A.O. Fox Health — Tri-Town Regional is 10 miles away and the nearest hospital. The Greater Binghamton Airport is located 32 miles away for nearly a 40-minute drive. There are churches close to homes in Afton Village, including Afton United Methodist Church.
Annual Afton Fair and Bainbridge's Autumn Market
In August, the Afton Fair is held at the Afton Motorsports Park off Route 41. The week-long event features amusement rides, hot air balloon rides, exhibits, stock car races and fireworks. Residents can also drive down Route 7 to Bainbridge for the Annual Autumn Market 137333 held every September. The event is usually free to vendors and visitors, which means anyone can explore the selections or register to sell their own creations.
Visiting locally owned businesses along Main Street
The New 5 & 10 is a local market with a wide selection of discounted groceries, and there’s a Dollar General further down the road. Main Street Grill & Bakery is also nearby, selling an array of desserts and a lunch menu full of American favorites. Henry’s Drive In is a small red and white restaurant that people pass as they leave Afton heading toward Binghamton. More known as just Henry’s, the diner serves comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with rotating specials each week. Hickory & Doc Antiques and Gifts is one of the only shops in town, but locals can drive to Binghamton for large shopping centers, like Oakdale Commons.
Playground and golf course close to state forests
Leggett Park features a playground and space to run around. Hunters, hikers and anglers can follow cleared trails throughout Melondy Hill State Forest or experience more of a challenge with the unmaintained trails in Oak Ridge State Forest. Both have rolling terrain and allow primitive camping. The public Afton Golf Course has 18 holes and neighbors Afton Lake.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
