Ilion maintains a strong presence along the Erie Canal
The village of Ilion sits on the Erie Canal in upstate New York, between the smaller communities of Frankfort and Mohawk . In its 1970s heyday, the Remington Arms manufacturing plant employed approximately 3,000 people, though that number slipped until 2024, when the facility closed its doors for good. “We’re a year and a half into a 208-year-old company not being here anymore,” says John P. Stephens, village mayor and public safety commissioner. A development company recently purchased the 34-acre property, with the next steps to be determined. In the meantime, Interstate 90 keeps residents connected to larger towns like Utica , and the village is still self-sufficient in many ways. “We have a fire department and an ambulance department,” Mayor Stephens says. “If I pick up the phone because my house is on fire, they’re there in 2 or 3 minutes.”
National and Foursquare homes dominate the central area
National and Foursquare homes from the early 1900s line the streets in Ilion’s central area, where level sidewalks help keep the streets pedestrian-friendly. Some homes are multiunit properties, and about 40 percent of residents are renters. Centrally located lots typically measure under a quarter of an acre, with paved driveways and wooded backyards. Some homes, especially newer builds, include attached or detached garages. Investment properties cost $50,000 to $135,000, while midcentury ranch-style and well-maintained National homes sell for $140,000 to $275,000. Two-story Cape Cods on up to a half-acre can go for $300,000 to $400,000. According to Stephens, municipal electric and water systems are efficient and reliable. “We pay about a quarter of what you would pay to be on the National Grid,” he says.
Flood risk is high for homes near the Mohawk River and Steele Creek, but the village and the Upstate New York Flood Mitigation Task Force have implemented dam removal and flood plain restoration. “Knock on wood, we haven’t had any flooding since 2013,” Stephens says. Snowy winters are common in the region, and snow shovels and roof rakes are standard household tools.
Elementary and high schools span two villages
Students attend Harry M. Fisher Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche, from prekindergarten through first grade. They’ll move on to B-minus-rated Barringer Road Elementary and Gregory B. Jarvis Middle School, rated C-plus. The high school, Central Valley Academy, is rated B. Fisher Elementary and Jarvis Middle are both about 2 miles away in Mohawk, but Barringer Road and Central Valley are right in Ilion. The district’s performance arts program includes vocal and instrumental music. New York’s statewide policy allows families to apply for open enrollment within the district and request out-of-district transfers. Spots are granted based on availability, with no magnet programs currently offered.
Multiuse trails and canal access draw residents outside
The Erie Canalway Trail follows the Mohawk River and appeals to hikers, runners and cyclists. Boaters launch from the village marina, which includes an RV park, and canal cruises run in Mohawk from May through October. Mountain biking trails carve through the dense forest that surrounds the soccer field at Russell Park. The Montgomery Street Playground is tucked into a residential area within walking distance of many homes.
Shopping centers offer dining options and other essentials
Ilion’s downtown offers lumber and hardware stores, pharmacies, gas stations and several chain eateries. Restaurants like Franco’s Pizza, Main Moon Chinese Kitchen and SHOOK., a salad and acai bar, can be found at the Central Plaza shopping center. Cacciatore’s Italian Steakhouse earns high marks for its vibrant flavors and laid-back atmosphere. Aldi is on hand for groceries, but more dining and retail options, including Walmart and Hannaford supermarket, are about 3 miles away in Herkimer .
Route 51 connects Ilion to Herkimer, health care and transit hubs
Ilion’s main traffic artery is New York State Route 51, which crosses the river to connect to Herkimer and I-90. The closest major medical center is Wynn Hospital in Utica, about 13 miles away. Utica also has an Amtrak station, where travelers can hop on trains to destinations like Syracuse and Niagara Falls. Trailways buses stop about 2 miles away in Mohawk to shuttle passengers to New York . For air travel, Syracuse is about 70 miles away, and Albany is about 80. Herkimer County provides on-demand transit to residents 60 or older.
Community events and outreach at Ilion churches
Congregants gather at First Presbyterian Church for free community dinners on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month. On Memorial Day weekend, they host the Blessing of the Bikers for local motorcyclists. The Cornerstone Shop at First United Methodist Church sells donated items, including clothing, kitchen items, toys and medical supplies.
Fireworks, food trucks and family fun at Ilion Days
The annual Ilion Days celebration runs for about a week in July. Financed through local businesses and fundraisers, the free community event features kids activities, races, crafts, food trucks, fireworks and a parade. “It’s really busy,” Stephens says. “A lot of people come into the village, and we love that.”
