Lincklaen is dairyland with country homes
Lincklaen is a rural Northwestern Chenango County community known for its extensive dairy farms and forests. It appeals to those craving privacy, escape from city life and soil they can make their own. "Whether they want to have a little mini farmette, or a big farm, or if someone wants to use [their home] for recreation, hunting or a family retreat, those are the types of customers we see moving to that area," says Allen Olmsted, owner and broker of Canaan Realty, with more than 30 years of experience. While the community is more connected by rural back roads than central gathering places, it's not isolated. The town of DeRuyter is just north, offering a spot to dine and socialize, and the bigger cities of Cortland, Syracuse and Norwich are all within 40 miles.
Peaceful rural privacy and a sparse housing market
Expanses of open land unfold across the countryside, with tractors routinely passing through broad fields bordered by rolling forested hills. Homes are scattered throughout the rural landscape, separated by acres or miles, offering rare seclusion. The housing inventory remains limited, with properties infrequently hitting the market. Recently, just a few homes have sold, including a fixer-upper for $20,000 and an updated ranch-style home for about $480,000. The median sale price is $70,000, compared to Deyruters' figure of $425,000.
Two small school districts serve the community
Lincklaen is served by the DeRuyter Central School District and Otselic Valley Central School District. Each district operates a single campus where pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are taught under one roof. Both districts and their schools earn C ratings from Niche. For higher education, SUNY Cortland is nearby with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Thousands of acres of state forest to hunt, fish and hike within
The town is surrounded by several state forests, with Lincklaen State Forest alone spanning over 4,600 acres. Hikers walk through primitive, trailless woods interlaced with streams under a canopy of maples, ash and aspen with deep autumnal colors peaking in October. Deer and turkey hunters frequent the forest during their respective seasons, drawn by abundant game. Camping is also allowed. Nearby, Apple Creek Golf Course is also part of the local landscape, offering a public 9-hole course. Cuyler Hill State Forest's trails link to the 950-mile Finger Lakes Trail, and its trout streams draw anglers. Bucks Brook State Forest is a popular snowshoeing and cross-country skiing destination during the winter. The closest traditional parks with playgrounds are located in surrounding communities such as Cortland, around 20 miles away.
DeRuyter offers restaurants, a grocery store and a social scene
Apple Creek Golf Course is in Lincklaen with an on-site restaurant, providing locals with a convenient spot to eat; otherwise, most head to DeRuyter, 6 miles north. Since the 1970s, Coalyard Tavern has been a gathering place, known for its burgers, wings and welcoming community atmosphere. "Just this past weekend, we had a wedding party and reception come here," says co-owner Ruthanne Stone. The tavern also occasionally hosts live music. Shelly's is a casual diner-style comfort food spot, and Drift-In sells its ice cream and shakes seasonally. DeRuyter also has a pizzeria, hardware store, farm and garden co-op selling everything from animal feed to hanging plants, and the Big M Supermarket. "The Amish will set up a stand at the grocery store that's open all summer," Stone says. For more dining, services and attractions, including a Victorian-era museum and medical center, residents can make the trip to Cortland.
Country roads and nearby state routes lead commuters onward
Lincklaen's rural homes and farms are accessed by scenic country roads. Routes 26, 13, 41, and 80 are nearby, providing links to Cortland, Syracuse and Norwich. Syracuse Hancock International Airport is about 40 miles away.
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Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
