Military families and new development shape Champion’s growth
A convenient location, a rural atmosphere with elbow space and access to nearby destinations attract residents to the town of Champion in upstate New York. “Champion is a central hub with a great location,” says local Realtor Noah Taylor of Keller Williams Northern New York, noting nearby draws like the Adirondacks, Canada, New York City and Lake Ontario. Additionally, the town’s proximity to Fort Drum, northern New York’s largest single-site employer, results in a large presence of military families in Champion. “But it’s really second to none for the amount of land and size of home you can get compared to the rest of the country,” Taylor says, adding that newer homes have sprouted up in the last 20 years and lots of land for custom construction are readily available. “There has been more development because of increased military presence with the fort and the affordability of land,” he says.
Newer homes with acreage add variety to Champion’s landscape
Most homes in Champion are clustered along the river and in West Carthage, with homes becoming sparser as roads lead into the area’s more rural regions. Colonials, vernacular cottages and ranch-style homes are most common for residential architecture. Still, new developments have been sprouting up in recent years, many featuring modest acreage and newer amenities. Prices for single-family homes start around $135,000, though fixer-uppers and manufactured homes may cost less. Four- to five-bedroom homes typically price between $300,000 and $500,000, which include sought-after riverside properties.
Copenhagen Central School serves Champion students
Students are zoned to attend the Copenhagen Central School, a grade school that serves just under 500 students through prekindergarten and 12th grade. Earning a B-minus overall score from Niche, Copenhagen Central School gets above average ratings for academics and teachers and boasts a low student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. Home of the Knights, the school offers a variety of sports programs and activities, including basketball, baseball and field hockey.
Fishing, boating and hiking are popular near Champion
Recreation abounds along the Black River and surrounding natural areas. Riverbend Park offers a scenic route along the waterfront, while West Carthage Boat Launch and Park provide river access for paddling and fishing. Anglers can reel in walleye, bass and trout. In nearby Watertown, locals can hike and bike the Black River Trail, which snakes 4.5 miles through woodlands along the river. The West Carthage Playground is a play space for kids and the Carthage Recreation Park across the river features athletic fields for year-round use. Taylor adds that Champion’s location gives residents access to popular destinations for year-round recreation. “You can really have a four-season lifestyle here because they’re distinct,” he says. “Spend your summers outside in the nice weather, transition to fall with the beautiful landscape, and winter outdoor activities are close by.” Additional attractions are fishing and boating in Lake Ontario to the north and skiing and in the Adirondacks.
Most retail and restaurants are in West Carthage and Watertown
Champion is anchored by West Carthage, which has a handful of local establishments and convenient stops. Hall Pass Tavern and Wicked Wench are local favorites for their laid-back, divey atmospheres. Fast-food chains like Dunkin’ and McDonald’s give locals casual options. Nearby grocery stores include Aldi and Price Chopper. Additional establishments are across the river in Carthage, like The Morning Ritual bakery and Stefano’s Pizzeria and Restaurant. Watertown, about 12 miles west, has national retailers for more shopping. The Salmon Run Mall houses a variety of familiar brands and big-box retailers like JCPenney and more.
Route 126 and Route 26 connect Champion to nearby towns
Champion residents rely on cars for transportation, with Route 126 providing direct access to nearby communities like Carthage and Watertown. The town is just a short drive from Interstate 81, offering convenient north-south travel through the region. Route 26 also runs through the area, connecting Champion to Fort Drum and Lowville. For healthcare needs, the Carthage Family Health Center is located just minutes away. Watertown International Airport serves regional flights, while Syracuse Hancock International Airport, located about 70 miles south, offers broader domestic and international options.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
