Bainbridge offers country living 35 miles east of Binghamton
Bainbridge is a rural town on the Susquehanna River in Chenango County, offering scenic views and a peaceful countryside setting. Known for its year-round recreational opportunities and a small but vibrant village center, Bainbridge is ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life in the country. The village center features a selection of locally owned eateries, businesses and markets that provide residents with everyday essentials and a strong sense of community. “When you go to all the little coffee shops and diners, you’ll see the same people every day,” says Dolores Nabinger, town supervisor. “Many of our local businesses are opened by young people who grew up in the community, and everyone knows everyone.” The area has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
A mix of historic homes and rural houses with acreage in Bainbridge
Bainbridge is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and open countryside. Many homes were built between the late 1800s and 1900s, with a diverse housing stock ranging from American Foursquares, workers cottages and farmhouses to colonials and ranch-style homes. In the village center, homes are neatly set along tree-lined streets and have open lawns with mature landscaping, creating a more traditional neighborhood feel. Beyond the village, rural homes are spaced far apart along quiet country roads, often surrounded by open fields and forest. "I live on 17 acres of land,” Nabinger says. “I can go out on my porch in the morning and there are no neighbors around, all of it is just your own space. We also have a little pond and a miniature donkey. People also keep horses, and you can easily keep a homestead.” These properties also frequently include detached garages, barns and outbuildings for storage or agricultural use. Prices for single-family homes typically fall between $100,000 and $250,000. Nabinger says the village has municipal water and sewer, and the rest of the area has private septic and well water.
Outdoor recreation at state forests and local parks
The Susquehanna River flows through town and provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. One of the more popular riverfront destinations is General Clinton Park, a 50-acre community space with a walking trail, campsites, sports facilities, a bandshell for events and river access. Nearby, William S. Payne Memorial Park also offers boat access and includes a community pool, playground and courts for basketball and volleyball. Village Green serves as a central gathering space and hosts seasonal events like the Bainbridge Flea Market. Pathfinder Park and the baseball fields on Front Street provide additional recreational options for families and youth sports. Locals can get to Oak Ridge State Forest for hiking, hunting and snowshoeing, and hikers can explore the Finger Lakes Trail, which stretches for hundreds of miles and connects Allegany State Park to the Catskill Forest Preserve.
Shopping and dining options in Bainbridge and Sidney
The village center is home to about a dozen businesses. A local landmark since 1935, Bob's Diner serves old-school comfort food. Just down the road, Jerry’s Inn has traditional pub food like burgers, nachos and gyro. Pine Ridge Grocery provides daily essentials. ”It’s an old-fashioned grocery store that sells bulk baking supplies and meat,” Nabinger says. Frog Pond Farms has fresh local produce. Larger supermarkets like Price Chopper are available in nearby Sidney, less than 5 miles away, and Walmart is 20 miles away in Norwich.
Public schools serving Bainbridge
The town is part of Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District. Guilford Elementary covers prekindergarten through first grade and earns a B-minus from Niche. Greenlawn Elementary gets a C-plus, serving grades 2 to 6. Bainbridge-Guilford Jr.-Sr. High School rates a B-minus, and offers a Career Academy and Career and Technical Education programs.
Festive celebrations that bring the community together
General Clinton Canoe Regatta is a big event in town. This 66-mile endurance race on the Susquehanna River draws paddlers from across the country. There are events throughout the rest of the year as well. “The whole town comes out for our Christmas and Memorial Day parades,” Nabinger says. “Especially for Christmas when it’s snowing outside. It brings everyone together. There’s also a free movie screening at our local theater and vendor setups.”
Distance to nearby hospital, airport and cities
Several major roads run through town, including state routes 7 and 206. Interstate 88 provides direct access to Albany, 100 miles away, and Binghamton, 35 miles away. Greater Binghamton Airport is also about 35 miles away, and A.O. Fox Hospital-Tri-Town Campus is in Sidney.
