Hamilton is a New York college town with New England charm
Home to Colgate University, one of the “Little Ivies,” Hamilton brings a slice of New England to Upstate New York. “Hamilton, New York is the quintessential college town. There are awesome stores and sporting events. The students are classy and the whole community supports them,” says Chip Hodgkins, associate broker at Hunt ERA Real Estate, with over 25 years of experience. “Hamilton is a place where people want to go. It’s got a New England town feel.” The university is a large part of life thanks to its Division I sports teams, scenic golf course and local businesses that cater to students. Brick storefronts and white wooden homes line the streets in the village, reminiscent of the small towns in states like Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Outside of the village, the town is mainly rural, with rolling hills and several dairy farms that contribute to the bucolic feel of the community.
Classic New England-style homes from the 1800s
Homes in the villages of Hamilton and Earlville are often mid-to-late-19th-century properties, including folk-style, Federal-style and Tudor houses. Colonial Revivals are also common in these areas. Homes are set close together on streets lined with sidewalks and tall, leafy trees. Many have white siding, but buyers can also find homes painted yellow, green or blue. The rural areas outside of the villages have spacious properties, including multiple farms. Winding roads lead through fields and forests, with ranch-style homes and farmhouses on either side. Prices typically range from $130,000 to $450,000. “The housing is very affordable. The thing is, as soon as it lists, it sells. Hamilton is a property that’s in demand,” Hodgkins says. The town’s CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10 is lower than the national average of 4. Some homes near the rivers and brooks are at risk of flooding.
Small businesses fill the village streets and country roads
The village of Hamilton has a broad mix of shopping and dining. Locally owned stores sell clothing, books and home goods. Cafes like FoJo Beans or Flour & Salt offer cozy places to start the morning. The Tavern is an elegant American eatery in the historic Colgate Inn, with hardwood floors and a brick fireplace that feels right out of a Colonial-era restaurant. Hamilton Whole Foods sells natural groceries, while Price Chopper has more options. Parry’s is a locally owned general store, offering everything from groceries to hardware. Local dairy farms and producers have stands along the rural roads in town, including the Kriemhild Kupboard and Jewett’s Cheese House, where customers can find hundreds of varieties of cheese, honey and other goods.
Quality education options for kindergarten through grad school
Students might attend Hamilton Elementary School, rated a B-plus, and Hamilton Middle/High School, rated a B. High school students can take dual enrollment courses through local colleges like Colgate, Utica University and SUNY Morrisville. The district does not have open enrollment, but out-of-district transfers are possible depending on administrative approval. Colgate University is a prestigious liberal arts college known as one of the Little Ivies. The university serves about 3,200 students and offers 57 majors. The Colgate Raiders have 25 NCAA Division I sports programs, including the football team, which plays at Andy Kerr Stadium.
Rivers, parks and golf courses offer a variety of recreation
Recreation surrounds Hamilton, with natural areas and developed parks throughout town. Residents can fish or boat on the Sangerfield River at 9-Mile Park. Lake Moraine is a 251-acre lake nearby with a boat ramp on county Route 87, where visitors can fish for bass, pickerel or walleye. Hikers and bikers can enjoy a trip on the Chenango Canal Towpath Trail. Seven Oaks Golf Club is a par-72 course open to the public that also serves as the home course for Colgate University. The Village Green hosts the weekly Saturday farmers market while Hooks Wiltse Field has four softball fields, a playground and picnic shelters.
State highways and free shuttles provide commutes around Hamilton
State routes 12 and 12B are the main roads through the community. Colgate operates a free shuttle service for students and the public, with stops on campus, downtown and at Price Chopper. The closest large city is Utica , about 30 miles northeast via Route 12. Health care is available at Community Memorial Hospital in town, and the nearest airport is about 51 miles away in Syracuse .
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
