Small-town living with city convenience in Dickinson Township
Four miles north of Binghamton, Dickinson Township offers a small-town atmosphere with community parks, convenient access to city amenities and homes priced below the national median of $420,000. “It’s very family-oriented,” says Nadia Murphy, a real estate agent with Howard Hanna and a Broome County local. “The people who live here tend to stay.” Dickinson Township is considered a bedroom community, so many residents work, shop and dine in nearby Binghamton. However, the town draws people with key amenities such as SUNY Broome Community College and Otsiningo Park, which hosts the annual Spiedie Fest. “The town is thriving,” Murphy says. “Expect a welcoming community.”
Single-family homes with Craftsman details
Single-family homes are typically set along sidewalk-lined streets with manicured lawns, creating a classic suburban feel. Construction spans from the mid-19th century to today, though most listings date to the early and mid-20th century. “They’re very historic — a lot of them were built in the ’20s or ’30s,” Murphy says.
In Port Dickinson, older homes often have Craftsman details such as lattice skirting, covered porches and louvered shutters. Beyond the village, split-level and ranch-style houses are common in planned subdivisions. These newer properties tend to have simpler designs, larger lots and modern features like attached garages. On the outskirts of town, a handful of homes are tucked away with acreage, providing privacy and space for outbuildings, like workshops or detached garages.
Prices typically range from $80,000 for a fixer-upper to $450,000 for a spacious turnkey property.
Chenango Valley Central Schools receive favorable ratings from Niche
Dickinson Township is part of multiple school districts, including the Chenango Valley Central School District, which is rated B overall by Niche. Kids may start at Port Dickinson Elementary before moving to Chenango Valley Middle — both are rated B. The B-plus-rated Chenango Valley High is home to a robust arts department, with sculpting, ceramics and 3D design courses. SUNY Broome Community College prepares students for careers or transfer to four-year schools with programs in liberal arts, business and STEM.
Broome County parks have something for everyone
Dickinson Township’s parks are lively, but still relaxing. “We have a good slew of local parks,” Murphy says. “Most of them are little neighborhood parks.” Set along the Chenango River, Port Dickinson Park is a quiet spot offering grills for family cookouts, a basketball court and a boat launch. On the other side of the river, Otsiningo Park is buzzing with activity. The 170-acre park features an ADA-accessible playground, paved walking trails and sports like bocce, soccer and sand volleyball. The park also includes a fishing pond stocked with largemouth bass and the Cutler Botanic Garden with rosebushes, a vegetable garden and a wildflower meadow. Nearby, Ely Park Golf Course provides 18 public holes with sweeping countryside views.
Casual dining chains, farm-fresh produce and downtown Binghamton
Aside from a few franchise restaurants along U.S. Route 11 — including Cracker Barrel, Starbucks and Applebee’s — Dickinson Township has limited dining and shopping. Just north of town, Nirchi’s Pizza, a Broome County chain, serves its signature sheet pizza, while Maines Food and Party Warehouse covers grocery needs. On Saturdays, the Broome County Regional Farmers Market takes over Otsiningo Park with farm-fresh produce, homemade treats and live music.
Four miles away, downtown Binghamton offers a wide selection of cafes, bars and restaurants. Strange Brew Cafe is a go-to for a caffeine fix or brunch bites like the turkey brie melt on house-baked bread. Other restaurants offer international flavors, like De Island Hut’s Jamaican jerk chicken, Pho Nomenal’s Vietnamese yellow curry and Iron Agave’s pork carnitas. Nearby, Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge serves craft cocktails and hosts live jazz. “We have a lot of great local dining,” Murphy says.
Celebrating Spiedies at Otsiningo Park
The Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally Expo is Dickinson Township’s largest annual event, held each August at Otsiningo Park since 1983. The weekend celebration draws tens of thousands of visitors who come for spiedies — a regional specialty of marinated, cubed meat (typically chicken or pork) served on a soft Italian roll. Variations range from Greek-style lamb to vegan mushroom spiedies. Home chefs put their own recipes to the test during the Backyard Chef Spiedie Cooking Contest. The festivities also include live music, hot air balloon rides and a volleyball tournament.
Getting around Dickinson Township
The town is considered car-dependent, but some areas, like Port Dickinson, are sidewalk-lined and bike-friendly. Broome County Transit buses also stop in the area. “In my opinion, it’s best to always be able to drive,” Murphy says. “However, you can walk/bike many places.” State Route 7 provides a direct route to Binghamton, and Interstate 81 grants access to Ithaca, 49 miles away. UHS Binghamton General Hospital is 4 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 54-mile drive.
