Kirkland is a small town with plenty to explore
Located on the southwestern edge of New Hartford and Utica, Kirkland blends rural living with suburban convenience. “It’s a wonderful place to live, and with Hamilton College here, it makes the area pretty diverse,” says Barbara Frank, a Realtor with Hunt Real Estate ERA, who moved to the area in 1985. Though daily comforts in nearby cities are a short drive away, Kirkland offers a robust identity of its own. The town offers abundant year-round recreation and encompasses the Village of Clinton, which is home to a lively downtown restaurant scene. “The schools and community are great, and it has a lot to offer despite its size,” Frank says.
Recreation includes Kirkland Town Park, ice hockey and the Adirondacks
Kirkland Town Park offers a playground, walking trails, athletic courts and open green space for pick-up games. Hamilton College’s Root Glen has several wooded walkways and benches for visitors to experience a diverse range of local flora. Accelerate Sports Complex has several athletic facilities, from batting cages to an indoor soccer field and an outdoor volleyball court. Clinton Arena hosts youth ice skating and the local hockey team, the Clinton Comets. “Hockey is a big winter event here,” Frank says. “There are also cross-country skiing routes up by the college.” She notes the Adirondacks as another popular outdoor destination. The park’s nearest preserves are roughly 40 miles northeast, offering abundant year-round recreation.
Most homes sit back from rural roads
The median lot size in Kirkland is about 2 acres, but properties vary throughout the community. Some homes sit close together on suburban streets, while the majority dot rural roads and back up to pockets of forest or expansive crop fields. These homes range from mid-19th-century Italianate and National Folk styles to ranch and split-level styles built from the mid-20th and into the 21st century. Though Hamilton College is located in the area, Frank says students must live on campus, which preserves the area’s residential character. Most homes sell between $100,000 and $400,000. However, larger homes on more significant acreage can sell just under $600,000. The community’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Residents dine in downtown Clinton and shop big-box stores nearby
Downtown Clinton is a hub for independently owned shops and eateries. Nola’s serves New American fare, and Alteri’s Restaurant dishes out classic Italian recipes. “Alteri’s is a family-owned spot that’s been around forever and is very popular,” Frank says. A visit to Clinton Cider Mill is a fall staple for many. Alongside selling fresh juiced cider, apple cider donuts and other baked goods, the mill sells cheese, soups and more. Less than 5 miles east, New Hartford has big-box stores like Walmart Supercenter and is home to Sangertown Square, which has dozens of well-known retailers.
Clinton High School offers career and technical education courses
Students may begin their education at Clinton Elementary School before attending Clinton Middle School and Clinton High School. The three schools are located on one campus and receive an A-minus rating from Niche. The high school offers career and technical education courses, including Animal Science and Auto Body Repair. Students can continue their education close to home at Hamilton College. In 2025, the private college ranked No. 14 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of top liberal arts schools nationwide.
A weekly farmers market and winter festivities anchor community life
Neighbors get together throughout the year for a variety of different events. “There’s always some sort of event going on,” Frank says. “We have the Clinton Farmers Market, which is unbelievable and happens every Thursday.” Held at Clinton Village Green, the market runs from June through early October. She also notes the Shoppers’ Stroll and Holiday Parade as another annual staple. The weekend-long event occurs in downtown Clinton in late November. It runs in tandem with the area’s Small Business Saturday. Festivities include horse and wagon rides, a grand parade and a visit from Santa.
Commuting around and out of Kirkland
Interstate 90 passes 4 miles north, offering a 45-mile trip west into Syracuse, also home to Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
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Written By
Matthew Simmons
