Kirkwood Township offers small-town comfort near Binghamton
Kirkwood Township is a rural community near Binghamton, New York. Compared to neighboring Binghamton, the town offers a slower pace of life with quiet neighborhoods, fewer businesses and homes priced below the national median. "We have several beautiful parks in the area," says Kelley Diffendorf, town clerk. "There are walking tracks, wonderful playgrounds." The town also features a handful of small businesses, including a grocery store, so essentials are within easy reach.
Farmhouse- and ranch-style homes with rural charm and acreage
No two homes in Kirkwood Township look quite the same. Construction spans from the mid-19th century to the 2010s, but most homes are from the mid- to late 20th century. "It's a mix," Diffendorf says. "There are some communities close together, and then there are a lot of homes spread out [with] rural acreage." In the hamlets, farmhouse-inspired homes feature details such as covered porches, detached garages and shiplap siding. These single-family homes sit close together with manicured lawns shaded by mature trees. Farther out, ranch-style homes sit on spacious lots along country roads. Most were built within the past 50 years and include modern touches such as attached garages and granite countertops. Prices typically range from $100,000 to $400,000, with custom estates reaching up to $700,000.
Susquehanna Valley Central School District earns a B
Kirkwood is part of the Susquehanna Valley Central School District, rated B overall by Niche. Kids may start at the B-minus-rated Francis P. Donnelly Elementary before moving to the B-rated Richard T. Stank Middle. At the B-plus-rated Susquehanna Valley High, teens may take dual-enrollment courses for credit at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Juniors and seniors may also study career and technical education subjects, like hospitality, carpentry and criminal justice.
Softball in the park, fishing in the Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River borders Kirkwood Township, setting the scene for the town's picturesque parks. Veterans River Park features a boat launch on the river, popular for kayaking and bass fishing. The park is also a sports hub, offering Little League fields and courts for basketball and tennis. Nearby, Valley Park draws families to its playground, picnic pavilions and paved walking path, which wraps around another ball field. In spring and summer, both parks fill with fans cheering on the town's youth baseball and softball leagues. For a scenic escape, Skyline Drive State Forest offers unmarked hiking trails and opportunities to spot blue jays and red-eyed vireos. A mile away, the Conklin Players Club provides an 18-hole public golf course with sweeping countryside views.
Locally sourced groceries and restaurants with authentic flavors
Most of the town's small businesses are clustered on the north side of town near Five Mile Point. Schneider's Market stocks all the essentials while offering a deli with fresh butcher cuts, locally sourced cheeses and hot lunches. A few doors down, The Rusty Mug is a laid-back spot to shoot some pool and enjoy a pickleback burger. Thai Thai Cuisine is another dinner option, preparing traditional dishes packed with authentic flavor, like chicken pad phed with string beans, bamboo shoots and bell pepper. For something quick, Hong Kong delivers Chinese takeout, while Wendy's and Dunkin' cover fast-food and coffee cravings. Nearby, Frosty Joe's has been a community staple for nearly 20 years, scooping dozens of ice cream flavors and creating indulgent specialties like the Apple Cider Slush and the Ultimate S'mores Sundae. For additional shopping and dining, downtown Binghamton is 3 miles away.
Concerts and competitions at Veterans River Park
Community events are often held at Veterans River Park. "They have concerts in the park all summer long," Diffendorf says. The Pack the Park Concert Series features a variety of genres, from rock and blues to pop and country. In August, the Kirkwood Community Day is the town's signature event. A car show kicks off the celebration before the park is converted into an open-air marketplace with dozens of craft and food vendors. Fairgoers also compete in competitions, like the Little Miss Kirkwood Pageant, a cornhole tournament and a dog show.
Walk, bike and drive in Kirkwood Township
Kirkwood Township is considered car-dependent, but some areas, like Five Mile Point, are sidewalk-lined. U.S. Route 11 and Interstate 81 grant easy access to Binghamton. UHS Binghamton General Hospital is 9 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 61-mile drive.
