Marshall makes rural living convenient
In Marshall, classic homes on expansive lots create an environment that feels far removed from the city. This Oneida County community trades widespread development for broad stretches of farmland. Still, the lengthy country roads here lead residents to mom-and-pop spots to eat in the villages of Deansboro and Waterville, and toward more amenities in the county seat of Utica . It’s a dynamic that draws people to the area. Jared Miller, a local Realtor at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services with about six years of industry experience, says that people choose the area for its small-town atmosphere that's still close to convenience of the Greater Utica area. "It’s not far from Syracuse ," he says. "We’ve got concert venues and sports teams and all sorts of things, within a 45-minute driving distance.”
Homes in Marshall come with age and space
Many of Marshall’s homes date to the mid-1800s through the early 1900s. The community features a variety of colonials, farmhouses and ranch-style homes. Many come with multiacre lots, but area villages, including Waterville and Deansboro, offer sidewalk-lined streets and homes closer to neighbors for those seeking that type of setting. “Things are a little bit more spread out. You’ve got the option to be in more concentrated areas,” Miller says. “But also there are spacious properties, there’s acreage, there’s farmland. It’s a good combination of things.” Houses sell for $110,000 to $460,000.
Running to skiing, school extracurricular activities vary
Marshall is part of the Waterville Central School District, which carries a B-minus grade from Niche. B-minus-rated Memorial Park Elementary serves students from prekindergarten through sixth grade. The school has its own marching band program and MPS Milers, a group that meets once a week after classes for walking and running. Waterville Jr./Sr. High has a C-plus rating and offers student groups ranging from a jazz band to a ski club that meets in the winter.
Locals travel state routes to areas with more amenities
Area drivers can take New York state Routes 12 and 315 to get from the heart of Marshall to Deansboro, 11 miles away. Waterville is about a 6-mile trip on Route 12. Deansboro and Waterville have some of the closest stores and restaurants, and locals looking for more can use Route 12 to reach Utica, 14 miles away. Utica is also home to Wynn Hospital, where there’s a 24-hour emergency department. Syracuse is just under 60 miles away on Interstate 90, where travelers can catch flights at Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
Area restaurants offer breakfast and subs in a familiar setting
Deansboro is a hub of activity in this area, home to the Marshall Town Hall, a post office and assorted restaurants. Options include Kristen's Kountry Kafe, a diner that serves breakfast all day on the weekends. There's also Deansboro Superette, a deli known for its subs. “You’ve got the really cool, local, noncommercialized — the regular spots that people go,” Miller says. “Often, it’s the same crowd, it’s the same people that stop for their coffee and their two eggs over easy with toast, or whatever it is that their regular order is. And places like that are fantastic in that, if you’re the regular guy, you walk in and they already start your order. They’ve started your order knowing that you’re going to be there at 8:15 every morning.” Waterville has the nonprofit Huddle Farms Village Market, a grocery store known in part for its fresh bread. There’s also a Dollar General in Waterville.
People looking for ways to spend some free time can make the drive up to Utica to see a show at the nearly 100-year-old Stanley Theatre. The venue hosts concerts, musicals and more. Or they can catch a game at the Adirondack Bank Center at Utica Memorial Auditorium, home to the Utica Comets, a minor league hockey team, and Utica City FC, a Major Arena Soccer League team.
State forest features hiking, fishing and camping
The 2,664-acre Albert J. Woodford Memorial Forest is less than 10 miles south of Marshall. The space features multiple miles of trails, some of which double as snowmobile paths in the winter. Visitors can hike to the top of Tassel Hill here, the tallest point in Oneida County at 1,945 feet. The forest’s Chittning Pond is open to fishing, and camping is permitted in certain areas. Town Park, behind Marshall Town Hall, features a playground, a ball field and a pavilion.
Runners get dirty for a cause in annual Deansboro event
Deansboro’s MKJ Farm event venue hosts Daniel Barden Mudfest, one of the area’s annual traditions. Held in May, the event is a 5K run through a mud-soaked obstacle course. The event honors Daniel Barden, a child killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012. Proceeds go to Sandy Hook Promise, an organization focused on stopping gun violence.
![Wayne Epps Jr.]()
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
