Candor offers small-town living in an active community
The Town of Candor offers rural, small-town living alongside a vibrant community active with events. Hamlets like Willseyville and villages like Candor are separated by acres of forest and farmland. There are a few chain stores and local staples, but local realtor Ashley Macdonald says that’s about all that’s there. “There’s honestly not too much out there,” says Macdonald, a licensed real estate salesperson with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, who’s been selling homes in the area for eight years. “Taxes here are a little less expensive, so that helps attract people.” Despite being a smaller town, its community events are anything but. The entire town converges in Candor Village several times a year for holiday and seasonal celebrations.
Single-family homes in villages and on rural lots
Nationals and farmhouse-style homes were built as early as the late-1800s, but there are also more modern houses like ranch-style and split-level properties. In hamlets and villages, homes are closer together but still have modestly sized yards. In the rest of town, houses sit on backroads with larger lot sizes up to 20 acres. Properties tend to stay on the market for just over three weeks and typically sell for $115,000 to $375,000.
Events in town throughout the year
Candor’s July Fourth celebration is one of the town’s most popular events each year. It begins at the end of June with a carnival at Side Hill Acres Goat Farm offering Wheelock amusement rides and fireworks on the final night. On July Third, there’s a children’s parade in the morning, as well as live music and fireworks that night. On Independence Day, the main parade happens bright and early, with a community chicken barbecue immediately following. The town also sets up a water park at McNeil Park throughout the rest of the afternoon. Over a weekend in October, the entire town participates in its Fall Festival. The fest features a block party and costume event, open houses at some of the town’s businesses, corn mazes, hayrides and a beloved scarecrow contest. There’s also the Candor Daffodil Festival in April, a celebration of springtime with bounce houses, food trucks, alcohol sampling and live music. Additionally, Owego has a farmers' market that runs from June to October.
Local businesses in Candor Village
There are two Dollar Generals along Owego Road for essentials, one in Candor Village and one in Catatonk. Residents can head to Candor Village for locally owned restaurants like Double Down Bar & Grill for pizza and Hi Way Dairy Bar for desserts. People also stop by Side Hill Acres Goat Farm for local cheese, milk and skincare products. “Owego is going to be the closest hub for more shopping,” adds Macdonald.
Served by Candor Central School District
Students may start at Candor Elementary, which teaches kindergarten through sixth grade and gets a C from Niche. Candor Junior/Senior High receives a C-plus.
Hunting and hiking in nearby forests
Residents utilize the forests around town for hunting, and open hiking opportunities are available at Hope’s Haven. There are several marked trails in town, like the 3.5-mile Logan Nature Preserve Trail. Just north of Willseyville, Shindagin Hollow State Forest has an additional 20 miles of hiking trails. The Catatonk Golf Club is also just off Route 96 with a private 18-hole course.
Getting around town via Route 96
State Route 96 is the main road in town, running 10 miles south to Owego. From Owego, locals can access Interstate 86 to get 22 miles east to Binghamton. Cayuga Medical Center is located 22 miles away. The closest major airport, Ithaca Tompkins International, is 24 miles north.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
