Florence’s remote setting draws outdoor enthusiasts
In the rural Tug Hill region of upstate New York, Florence is a forested community known for its outdoor fun. “It’s a true country area with recreational activities like snowmobiling, four-wheeling and cross-country skiing,” says Bambi Norman, the broker/owner of R. A. Wilkes Real Estate LLC, who has over 45 years of experience. “There are many beautiful trout streams. It’s just a very nice area.” The town is in northwestern Oneida County, just north of the village of Camden . State forests and public land provide plenty of areas for recreation. The location on Tug Hill means Florence gets more snow than the surrounding areas; the entire plateau averages over 200 inches per year, the most snowfall in any place east of the Rocky Mountains.
Secluded homes on wooded lots in upstate New York
Cabins, ranch-style homes and Colonial farmhouses make up most of the inventory in Florence. They are often on properties with dense trees, giving them a secluded and private feeling. Lots are spacious, with a median size of over 1 acre. The rural town features winding roads that lead through forested areas. Most houses have wells and septic systems. Some streets in the area are seasonal and do not get plowed during the winter; Norman says this information is usually mentioned in home listings. Prices in Florence typically range from $130,000 to $380,000. The community’s CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10 is lower than the national average of 4.
Year-round outdoor fun on public lands around Florence
Multiple state forests surround Florence, offering thousands of acres of public land for outdoor activities. Big Brook State Forest has nearly 3,900 acres of woodlands and streams. Visitors can hike on 14 miles of trails or fish in the four protected trout streams that flow through the property. Mad River State Forest has about 3,000 acres and features native tree species like eastern hemlock, black cherry and sugar maple. This site offers more fishing opportunities and primitive camping. When the snow falls, residents hit the trails on their snowmobiles. T.C. Riders Snowmobile Club maintains 68 miles of trails in the town and nearby communities, leading through open fields and forests and into Camden.
Residents rely on Camden for shopping, dining and essentials
Commercial activity is extremely limited in Florence. The center of town is home to the town hall, the fire department and one restaurant. The Allen’s Florence Hotel serves burgers and other bar food and is well known for its Friday night fish fry. The restaurant is a popular spot for snowmobilers, located along one of the trails. Residents can head to Camden for more shopping and dining. “It’s not far from Camden, only about a 10-minute drive for grocery shopping,” Norman says. “Camden is your closest drug store, supermarket, gas station and Dunkin’ Donuts.” The village is about 8 miles away via River Road and has a TOPS Friendly Market and Dollar General. Eateries include pizzerias, a deli and a few fast-food chains. Camden has other essentials like pharmacies and an urgent care center.
Camden schools are a short drive away and offer college and career pre
Camden Elementary School and Camden Middle School each get a C-plus from Niche, while Camden High School earns a B-minus. Each school is about a 7-mile drive from Florence. The high school offers dual enrollment courses through Syracuse University and Mohawk Valley Community College. Students can also train for careers at Madison-Oneida BOCES, which offers classes in agriculture, construction, engineering and health.
State routes connect to nearby cities
River Road is the quickest route to Camden, where residents can connect to state routes 13 and 69. The larger city of Rome is about 23 miles away via Taberg-Florence Road and Route 69 and is home to the closest hospital. The nearest major airport is about 46 miles away in Syracuse .
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
