Forests, rivers and farmland shape daily life in Ava
Viewed from above, Ava may not look like much more than land and water divided by a state route. Zooming in reveals a rural community, with country homes and a quaint town center anchored by a post office, church, park and town hall listed on the historic register. Land, over commercial options, is prized here. However, Ava is within easy reach of villages and cities — such as Boonville, Rome and Utica — with more options. While Ava has been around for over 220 years, its population remains fewer than 700 people. "Everyone knows each other, for the most part," says Dwayne Roberts, the manager of a nearby tavern. "A lot of hard-working loggers and farmers have lived here a long time." Days in Ava are filled with privacy and pastimes revolving around hunting and snowmobiling. Residents also live near Lake Delta, a popular boating and fishing destination.
Living in the country on ample land for homesteading
The center of Ava has a collection of homes spaced comfortably apart, where it's still possible to see a neighbor. But most homes are in the vaster countryside, separated by long stretches of pasture framed by woodlands. The area features a mix of renovated farmhouses, ranch-style homes and cottages dotting winding country roads. Many homes sit on generous parcels of land, some with 18 acres or more, with room to roam and homestead. Some homes near Lake Delta also share a zip code with Ava. Prices range from around $165,000 to $400,000, with larger homes on multiple acres commanding the highest prices.
Education through a relatively small school district
Students primarily attend the Adirondack Central School District, which serves roughly 1,200 pupils. They start at Boonville Elementary, scoring a C-plus from Niche. From there, they filter into the C-rated Adirondack Middle School and the C-plus-rated Adirondack High School, both housed in the same building. The middle school's range of clubs includes one for sewing. Members gather monthly to craft unique projects like pouches, hand warmers and plush squishy pillows.
Woodlands to get lost in, family-friendly parks and a nearby beach
Ava Town Park anchors the town with a small playground, picnic pavilion and open space. Surrounding creeks, rivers and state forests offer more fun. Point Rock State Forest has a snowmobile trail that hikers use during the warm months. Chase Creek, a trout-fishing spot, flows through Webster Hill State Forest. Both permit hunting, trapping and camping. Camp Kingsley runs programming for local Cub Scout members, including summer camps. Delta Lake State Park is known for its beach, boat ramp, campsites and multi-use trails used by cross-country skiers during the winter. Erwin Park, 9 miles away in Boonville, has playgrounds, sports courts and fields, a small skatepark and a swimming area. Robert Smith Sports Complex, home to the Boonville Lumberjacks, draws out a crowd on game days. Fall Brook Stable Retreat Center hosts yoga, mindfulness and horseback riding immersions on its farm, about 10 miles away.
A local garden center and more options in nearby communities
Most commercial options are outside Ava, but the community has a greenhouse and an auto store with various services. Just north, in West Leydon, locals can fill up their tanks and grab comfort food between Hilltop Market and Milk Plant Tavern. "We are open long hours to serve everything, breakfast and dinner," Roberts, the tavern manager, says. "We do a lot of soups and specials, like spaghetti, lasagna and meatloaf." Just east of Ava, Boonville's Farmhouse Corner Store sells farm-fresh produce and homemade goods, including soap and grass-fed meat. Boonville's retail includes Tops Friendly Markets, a snowmobile dealership and a Tractor Supply Co. For more variety, residents head to Rome and Utica. Rome is the closest, within 20 miles, housing a mix of familiar chains, including Aldi and Marshalls.
Taking Route 26 to Rome, Utica and beyond
Country roads wind through Ava, and New York State Route 26 passes through town. Rome is within 20 miles, and Utica is roughly 30 miles away. It's about 15 miles to the general hospital, Rome Health, and 60 miles to Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
2024 brought extreme snow
Oneida County experienced a massive lake-effect snowfall in 2024 that affected much of the county. "We like the snow, but that was too much," Roberts says. "Some people had collapses in their barns and garages."
![Kathryn Ashworth]()
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
