Maine Township offers rustic seclusion in the New York countryside
About 15 miles northwest of Binghamton, Maine Township is a quiet community where single-family home prices sit below the national median. “It’s pretty rural farmland,” says Joyce Grover, town clerk. “No big industry or anything like that.” The hamlet of Maine is the heart of the town, with a handful of small businesses. Beyond that, much of the landscape is a patchwork of rolling fields, meadows and wooded hillsides. “Basically, everyone minds their own business,” Grover says. "You've got your own little part of the world."
Homes with rustic charm and prices below the national median
Architectural styles are diverse in Maine Township, with construction spanning from the early 20th century through today. Most homes for sale are ranch-style or farmhouses dating to the mid- to late 20th century. These single-family homes are set along pastoral country roads. “They’re all pretty much on ... maybe an acre of land,” Grover says. Spacious lots allow for privacy and additions like detached garages, barns or workshops. Hamlet homes are generally smaller and closer together along narrow streets. “Some of the homes in the hamlet are older on smaller parcels — early 1900s,” Grover says. These older homes often have covered porches and charming architectural details, like shiplap siding, wooden accents and gabled roofs. Prices range from $90,000 to $490,000, depending on size and features. The median sale price is $130,000, compared to the national median of $420,000.
Relax, swim and explore in Broome County
Maine Township is known for its secluded, countryside serenity, but Maine Town Park is where the community comes together to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. “There’s playground equipment, and some pavilions with picnic tables,” Grover says. The park includes over 30 acres of forest for hikers to explore while trying to spot native birds, like tree swallows and white-winged scoters. There’s also Zimmer Field, a youth baseball field, and Nanticoke Creek, popular for trout fishing. Four miles away, Binghamton Jellystone Park is a glamping getaway with a sandy lakeside beach, pickleball and family attractions like mini-golf, an adventure rope park and gem mining. Greenwood Park, 10 miles away, offers a public lake with paddle boats and kayaks available to rent. The park also includes horseshoe, sand volleyball and tree-shaded trails popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Small-town dining and farm-fresh grocery shopping
Maine Township has some small businesses along Main Street. Friend’s Diner is a popular spot to start the morning, serving hot coffee, brunch staples and its specialty — cherry-rolled pancakes with whipped cream. Across the street, Frank’s Italian Restaurant offers an elegant date-night setting with upscale fare such as lobster ravioli, veal parmigiana and stuffed haddock. For something more casual, Kelli’s Too serves draft beer alongside comfort favorites like country-fried steak, pepperoni pizza and sweet potato fries. While Dollar General covers basic grocery needs, Country Wagon Produce provides a broader selection of locally sourced goods. The family-owned market sells fresh-cut flowers, pantry staples and seasonal produce such as sugar snap peas, summer squash and zucchini. It also bakes breads and desserts daily, including saloio — a Portuguese bread with a thick, crunchy crust and airy interior — plus fresh doughnuts on weekends. Grover says residents often head to Union, 8 miles away, for more shopping and dining.
Maine-Endwell Central School District receives high marks from Niche
Maine is part of the Maine-Endwell Central School District, which Niche rates an A-minus. Kids may start at the B-rated Maine Memorial Elementary before moving to the B-plus-rated Maine-Endwell Middle and A-minus-rated Maine-Endwell High. At the latter, teens explore extracurriculars like Future Teachers of America, esports and the bee club, where members get hands-on with beekeeping.
State Route 26 and the nearest hospital and airports
Maine Township is considered car-dependent, but the hamlet is sidewalk-lined and bike-friendly. “There’s only a small [walkable] area,” Grover says. “Otherwise, you’re driving.” State Route 26 passes through the town, providing connecting access to Binghamton and Ithaca, 35 miles away. Greater Binghamton Airport, a municipal airport, is the town and offers limited service on Delta Airlines. UHS Wilson Medical Center is 12 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 38-mile drive.
Spiedies and the LUMA Projection Arts Festival
Residents take part in Broome County celebrations throughout the year. In Union, the Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally is an August tradition celebrating the spiedie — a deceptively simple sandwich and a regional staple. Served on an Italian roll, a spiedie consists of cubed meat (traditionally lamb) marinated for 24 hours in a special blend of oil, lemon and herbs. The festivities include hot air balloon rides, live music and traditions like the volleyball tournament. In September, the LUMA Projection Arts Festival lights up Binghamton with dazzling projection art and immersive installations that turn the city into an open-air gallery.
