Eaton has outdoor recreation near SUNY Morrisville
Rolling farmland makes up the town of Eaton, 35 miles from Syracuse. The town is near state forests and reservoirs for outdoor recreation, but still close enough to other cities and towns for shopping and dining. “It's very country, so … if you want a place that’s close to a Walmart, Eaton and Morrisville are not it,” says Kate Despins, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Sexton Real Estate. She has been working in the industry since 2020. “If you’re looking for agricultural, if you're looking for country and farming and things like that, then Morrisville might be where you want to be.” Clusters of homes and a few commercial buildings form hamlets and villages within the town. The largest is Morrisville, home to a State University of New York, specializing in agricultural and equine studies.
Homes in villages and on farmland
"Not a ton of people actually move there,” says Despins, adding that most residents of the area have been born and raised there. “I think they stay there and they return. It’s the kind of place where you stay.” Most homes are clustered on sidewalk-lined streets in the villages and hamlets of Morrisville, Eaton and West Eaton. Houses outside these areas are usually on large lots or farmland. Those along the Bradley Brook Reservoir and Hatch Lake have private docks. Many homes rely on wells and septic tanks. National, Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes are common and range from $70,000 to $500,000.
Morrisville-Eaton Central School District gets a C from Niche
Morrisville-Eaton Central School District serves most of the area and gets a C from Niche. Edward R. Andrews Elementary earns a C. Morrisville-Eaton Middle-High also gets a C and has a Wall of Fame where alumni are celebrated for leadership, character and community service. Some students may attend Hamilton Central School District, which gets a B-plus. SUNY Morrisville is about 4 miles away, and the private Colgate University is about 6 miles away.
Swimming in lakes and skiing in state forests
Shiloh Christian Family Campground is along Hatch Lake and offers tent, RV and cabin rentals. The facility’s beach area offers kayaking, boating and swimming. Nearby, there are hiking trails to explore. The Morrisville Community Club is just outside the area, along the Eaton Reservoir. There is no clubhouse, but there are several park benches and a dock. Residents gather here in the summer to boat, fish and swim. Farther along the lakeshore is a boat launch. Stoney Pond State Forest, a wildlife habitat 7 miles away, offers kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Hunting and trapping are also permitted. During the winter, cross-country skiers may use the 13-mile Stoney Pond Nordic Ski Trail, and equestrians may use it from May through October. Snowmobilers also have dedicated trails in the wintertime.
Traveling to Syracuse and Utica
Hamilton Hill Road leads 4 miles to Hamilton and state Route 92 leads 35 miles to Syracuse. In the opposite direction, state Route 26 leads to Utica.
Community Memorial Hospital is 6 miles away in Hamilton, and the Syracuse Hancock International Airport is 44 miles away. Houses of worship such as the Eaton Community Bible Church, Faith Baptist Church and St. Joan of Arc Church are in the villages of Eaton and Morrisville.
Shopping and dining in Morrisville
Most restaurants are in Morrisville, including The Fort, a rustic pub serving comfort food along Main Street. Nearby is Prime 67 Market and Deli for quick snacks or a sit-down lunch on its patio. Farther down Main Street, New York Pizzeria serves classic Italian dishes and pies. There’s also a Dollar General for grocery and convenience items. Hamilton has a Price Chopper and a Whole Foods for more grocery shopping.
Antique Week on U.S. Route 20
“You’re not far from the Bouckville Antique Show, which is huge,” says Despins. “Antiquers come from all over the map.” The Madison Bouckville Antique Week is hosted along U.S. Route 20, 5 miles from Eaton in August. The route is lined with antique stores and other vintage vendors selling odds and ends to eager buyers. Food trucks and stands from restaurants and farms add to the vending area for those taking a break from thrifting.
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Isabella Pontecorvo
