Camden offers a cozy outpost in central New York
In Camden, sidewalk-lined blocks, enveloped by an assortment of classic houses, form the core of a tightly knit community of 2,200. This area, located high in central New York’s Oneida County, is the type of place some homebuyers go when they’re looking for small-town life, says local Relator Kevin Faatz. It has its own collection of restaurants, stores, and schools, and is home to significant employers such as International Wire. “Everybody runs into everybody. The local shops are locally owned — most of them, at least,” says Faatz, who’s with Acropolis Realty Group and serves Central New York and the surrounding areas. “And then there is the wire factory there as well, so that helps with employment. Kids go to school together. Some of the parents work together, or a lot of people grew up together there, too.”
Connectivity combines with tranquility in Camden
Most of Camden’s homes are concentrated in the center of town, organized tightly and connected by sidewalks. Some of them date back to the late 1800s, making this part of the community an exhibition of classic architecture, with Victorian-, Italianate-, Gable-front- and colonial-style structures. “There’s a little variety of everything,” Faatz says. “There’s no cookie-cutter.” Lots get bigger, and houses a bit more modern, as they stretch into Camden’s outskirts. Rustic roadways in the area, like Florence Hill Street, feature multiple multi-acre properties and homes built in the mid-20th century. Single-family houses around Camden sell for $110,000 to $410,000. Camden also has manufactured homes for $100,000 to $250,000.
Camden schools offer career days, internships and community service
The Camden Central School District carries a C-plus grade on Niche. Camden Elementary also gets a C-plus. The school has a PTO supporting events like a Color Blast 5K and a student council that assists the area food pantry and volunteers with the Salvation Army. The C-plus-rated Camden Middle welcomes representatives working in industries from banking to health care for its annual career day. The B-minus-rated Camden High has an internship program in partnership with the local International Wire company.
State route helps drivers reach health care, air travel
New York state Route 69 connects Camden residents to cities like Rome, 18 miles away. The Rome Health hospital has a 24-hour emergency department. Drivers can also take Route 69 to Interstate 81 for trips toward Syracuse and the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, about 40 miles away. The airport has direct flights to almost 30 destinations. Some in Camden, who work at places including the International Wire facility, have a relatively short commute to work. International Wire is located at the heart of Camden, between Railroad and Main streets, and is the biggest manufacturer of copper and copper-wire goods of its kind in the county.
Main Street is the main draw for shopping and dining
Main Street is the center of commercial activity in Camden. The stretch features brick Italianate-style buildings filled with a variety of restaurants and other businesses. Avicolli's Pizza is a popular Main Street spot, Faatz says. Avicolli’s has lasagna, chicken riggies and subs, in addition to pizza. Shorty’s Deli is a draw for specials like its prime rib sandwich, available on Tuesdays. Locals can finish the day with a drink at Good Life Tavern. “That’s a popular nightlife [place],” Faatz says. “They do live music there.” The Letter and Leaf, next to the tavern, offers a selection of used books. Carpenter's Paint & Hardware down the street dates to 1848 and is a go-to for appliances and other household items. There’s also a Dollar General on Main and a Tops Friendly Markets location farther south, off Harden Boulevard.
Forests, trails and parks cater to a range of outdoor activities
Camden’s rural backdrop is a setting ripe with recreation opportunities. “There’s tons of outdoor stuff to do in Camden,” Faatz says. “Between the snowmobiling, the four-wheeling, hiking, hunting, you name it.” Forest Park is one of the stalwarts, a space well over 100 years old, spanning over 100 acres. The park, located by the Mad River, offers nature trails and pavilions, making it a popular spot for walks, bike rides and picnics. The almost 3,000-acre Mad River State Forest, on Camden’s north side, has another 8 miles of paths and is open to hunting. In the wintertime, snowmobilers can tackle the multiple routes in the NYS Corridor Trail System that criss-cross through Camden. The Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area, about 15 miles north, has passages open to all-terrain vehicles.
Community members find multiple ways to come together
Events in Camden range from summertime traditions like the Fireman’s Field Days in July to the Camden Holiday Stroll and Santa In The Park in December. Fireman’s Field Days, held at Manley Field, across from Camden High, includes bounce houses, music, a parade and fireworks. The holiday festival features selfie opportunities with Santa, hot chocolate, face painting and more, in Village Park, off Main Street. The stroll also encourages visits to nearby businesses, for treats such as free hot dogs at Carpenter's Paint & Hardware and hot cider at R.A. Wilkes Real Estate.
![Wayne Epps Jr.]()
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
