Le Ray offers small-town living near major destinations
Just north of Watertown, Le Ray is a rural community with easy access to outdoor recreation and modern shopping hubs. The largest town in Jefferson County by population, it’s main draw is proximity to Fort Drum, home to the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division. Villages like Evans Mills and Calcium hold most of the town’s homes, while the rural areas of Le Ray are filled with farmland. The town is also close to the Thousand Islands, one of New York’s most well-known vacation destinations, and is just 27 miles away from the Wellesley Island border crossing into Canada.
Rural properties offer more land than village homes
Homebuyers can find older Nationals and Cape Cods, newer ranch-style houses and contemporary properties constructed in the last 25 years. Homes in villages like Evans Mills are usually closer together with modestly sized yards, while more rural properties have lot sizes ranging from a half-acre to 10 acres. Houses typically sell for $150,000 to $550,000, but homes needing some renovations can sell for less.
Well-rated Indian River schools
Kids in Le Ray are served by the Indian River Central School District. Students may start at Evans Mills Primary, which gets a B-minus and teaches kindergarten through third grade, before going to Indian River Intermediate, which teaches fourth and fifth grade and also has a B-minus. Indian River Middle receives a B and teaches sixth through eighth grade, while Indian River High earns an A.
Black River and Willow Creek trails highlight local scenery
In Evans Mills, Jack Williams Community Park is a local gathering hub with sports facilities and a playground. Several trails follow the town’s waterways. The 4.5-mile Black River Trail follows the Black River, and the 4-mile James R. Kanik Nature Trail runs along Willow Creek. Just west, the Highland Meadows Golf Course offers a public 18-hole course. Along Route 3, the Black River Drive-In has been the go-to local spot for movies since 1950. Residents also make the 20-mile trip to Chaumont Bay, part of New York’s side of the Thousand Islands. The St. Lawrence River is also just 25 miles away, right before crossing over the Canadian border.
Easy access to I-81 and Canadian border from Route 11
U.S. Route 11 and State Route 26 get people around in the south end of town, while State Route 37 runs through the north end. Route 11 connects to Interstate 781, which takes residents 5 miles to Interstate 81. I-81 runs alongside town, getting locals 20 miles north to the Canadian border. Samaritan Medical Center is 12 miles away in neighboring Watertown. The closest airport, Watertown International, is 15 miles away.
Route 11 offers shopping and dining
Along Route 11, there’s a Walmart Supercenter and Aldi for essentials. There are also fast-food chains and sit-down options like Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant. In Evans Mills, the John Hoover Inn is a staple for American favorites, residing in a historic hotel that was opened in 1828. Locals can also drive 12 miles south to Watertown for more dining near Public Square.
Events at Evans Mills Raceway Park
From May through September, locals flock to Evans Mills Raceway Park for supermodified and drag races. The raceway also hosts Northern Lights from November to January, decorating the course with holiday light displays.
![Logan Soter-Reardon]()
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
