Brookfield is a rural community with scenic forests
Brookfield is a rural community in southeastern Madison County, defined by the forests and farms that cover nearly its entire area. The region is known for its many state forests, which draw outdoor enthusiasts to the area throughout the year, and farming is also a major draw. "Brookfield's identity has always been rooted in agriculture," says local real estate salesperson Michelle Collins of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. "From early hop farms to today's thriving dairy and horse farms, the land continues to be a big part of life for the people there."
A mix of historic farmhouses and midcentury builds
While there are a few grid-style streets in central Brookfield, the vast majority of properties in the area are scattered along rural roads and highways. Historical farmhouses and ranch-style homes make up most of the housing inventory. Brookfield is comprised of a mix of agricultural land and forest, so it's common for properties to back up onto farms or dense woods. "You get some really great views in the area," says Collins. "They may not be the most dramatic, but there's peaceful, natural scenery everywhere." Most homes sell for between $100,000 and $300,000; however, properties with significant acreage can command higher prices. Parts of the area are subject to some flood risk.
Multiple state forests make for great hunting and hiking
There's a playground and athletic fields at Brookfield Town Park, but otherwise, the community doesn't have much in the way of public parks. What it does have are multiple state forests, including expansive Charles E. Baker State Forest, Beaver Creek State Forest and Brookfield Railroad State Forest. These forests are connected by a large network of mixed-use trails and are popular with hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and hunters. The community is also crisscrossed by creeks and streams good for fishing.
Locals do their shopping in Hamilton and Utica
There is a small, historical village area in the heart of the community that is home to the Brookfield General Store and gas station, the highly rated Beaver Den Diner and the local post office and fire department. While the general store does have a limited selection of fresh, locally sourced meat, locals looking to do a full grocery run generally make the drive to the Price Chopper supermarket in Hamilton, about 15 miles west of Brookfield. It's a roughly 25-mile drive to Utica, which is home to the closest major shopping centers.
Brookfield Central School teaches grades K-12
The Brookfield Central School District serves the area. It oversees a single school, Brookfield Central School, which teaches prekindergarten through 12th grade and has a D on Niche. The school offers college credit courses to high school age students through partnerships with Mohawk Valley Community College and Tompkins Cortland Community College.
The Brookfield Speedway and Madison County Fair
The Madison County Fair has been staged at the Brookfield fairgrounds for many years and is the high point of the local event schedule. It includes grandstand shows, 4-H exhibits, live music and carnival rides, drawing sizeable crowds every July. The Brookfield Speedway, located at the fairgrounds, holds dirt-track races and events throughout the warmer months.
Rural highways connect the region
State routes 12 and 8 run along the western and eastern sides of the community, respectively, connecting it to the greater Madison County region. It's a little less than 15 miles from Brookfield to the nearest medical center and emergency room, Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. Both Syracuse and Syracuse Hancock International Airport, the nearest major airport, are around 60 miles away. There's no regular public transportation in Brookfield, so residents generally depend on cars to get around.
