Bridgewater boasts open spaces in an advantageous place
Bridgewater links remote living in the Adirondack hills with access to amenities around Oneida County. Vast stretches of farmland dominate this small community, but it’s less than 20 miles from the much larger city of Utica , the county seat. This is a place where residents can find an escape from the hustle and bustle, while remaining relatively close to shopping, dining and entertainment.
Houses span decades, properties span multiple acres
Most of Bridgewater’s homes were built across the mid-to-late 20th century. Bridgewater has a small downtown, where houses are relatively close together on sidewalk-lined streets. However, many of the community’s properties are spread out on multi-acre lots — some closer to rows of crops than neighbors. Architectural styles and layouts vary, ranging from ranch to contemporary to manufactured homes. Most traditional single-family houses sell for $230,000 to $280,000. Manufactured homes can go for anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the condition.
Schools feature music programs and achievement awards
The Mount Markham Central School District serves Bridgewater and nearby communities, and gets a B-minus grade from Niche. Mount Markham Elementary also carries a B-minus, and Mount Markham Middle gets a C-plus. The Mt. Markham Optimist Club recognizes fourth-grade students of the year at the elementary school and eighth-grade youths of the month at the middle school, for their academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities. The B-minus-rated Mount Markham High has a show choir and an award-winning band.
Intersecting highways carry drivers around the region
U.S. Route 20 and New York state Route 8 cross each other right in the middle of Bridgewater. Drivers can take Route 20 to places like West Winfield, a similarly sized community 3 miles east. Route 8 takes people north toward Utica, about 18 miles away. Wynn Hospital in downtown Utica has a 24-hour emergency room. The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is a 65-mile trip using state routes 8 and 840, and Interstate 90.
Local pub specializes in hearty eats
Bridgewater’s downtown is home to a handful of businesses, including Patty’s Pub. The restaurant is filled with warm wood paneling and eclectic decor, from license plates to Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys flags. Weekly specials range from prime rib to fried fish, and breakfast is available on the weekends. Downtown also features a Dollar General and Old School Farm Supply, a hardware store. Locals can head to West Winfield for places like Joe’s New York Pizzeria, whose wings are popular. Utica, along with its neighboring town of New Hartford , offers big-box stores like Walmart and Lowe’s. Utica's Stanley Theatre is an option for live entertainment, like musicals and concerts. Area houses of worship include Bridgewater First Congregational Church, which has been active for over 225 years.
Hiking to BMX, the area has space for a variety of outdoor activities
Residents looking for fresh air have Bridgewater Town Park close by, a space with a playground and a ball field. The park borders CNY BMX, an off-road BMX track. Bridgewater is also just about 4 miles from the 2,664-acre Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest. A couple of miles worth of trails trace through the forest, and explorers can trek to the top of the 1,945-foot Tassel Hill, the tallest point in Oneida County. The forest’s Chittning Pond is open to fishing and boating.
Town Park hosts a summertime tradition
Bridgewater Firemen's Field Days takes over Bridgewater Town Park in July. The annual event has live music, tractor pulls, a 5K run and walk, and fireworks.
![Wayne Epps Jr.]()
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
