Peace and quiet in rural Central New York
In the rolling hills of New York's Chenango County, the town of McDonough spans nearly 40 square miles of mostly state forest, farms and undeveloped private land. The actual town area has little more than a post office and a fire station. "It's so tiny. If you blink, you're going to miss it," says Teresa Howell, local real estate broker at Yaman Real Estate. Still, this rural quality adds to the appeal for buyers in this area, many of whom are looking for a scenic, quiet place with year-round opportunities for recreation, including snowmobiling, hunting and hiking.
Secluded hunting retreats and homes on several acres
McDonough has little in the way of development: instead, most properties are tucked away on several acres of land. Country roads lead to the occasional hidden driveway, and many buyers here are looking for hunting land bordering state forests. Houses in McDonough include mobile homes, hunting cabins and traditional-style properties. Houses sell for between $175,000 and $250,000, while mobile homes go for between $65,000 and $120,000. Land usually costs between $1,300 and $3,300 per acre, but can vary greatly. McDonough's CAP Index Crime Score of 1 is much lower than the national average of 4.
Expanses of state land for hiking, hunting and snowmobiling
McDonough's state land offers many recreation opportunities. One option is the 6,840-acre McDonough State Forest, which has ponds, woods and trails ideal for fishing, hunting and horseback riding. "They have a lot of state land where hunters go. People hunt around here for deer and turkey season," Howell says. Snowmobiling is another popular activity here, and the New York State Corridor Snowmobile Trail cuts through the state forest. The Finger Lakes Trail also goes through, giving hikers the opportunity to traverse part of this 580-mile-long path. At Bowman Lake State Park, visitors can take a dip in the lake, fish, hike and camp. McDonough Town Park also has a playground, ballfield and picnic shelter. About 25 miles west, Greek Peak Mountain resort has dozens of ski trails and an indoor waterpark.
Oxford schools have arts education
Public school students typically begin at Oxford Academy Primary School and Oxford Academy Middle School. Both of these facilities earn C-plus ratings from Niche. Older students continue to Oxford Academy High School, which earns a B-minus. District students have many opportunities to get involved in the arts. Elementary, middle and high schoolers can participate in theater productions, visual arts and music programs, including middle and high school bands.
The community gathers for an annual Christmas tree lighting
Each December, locals gather at the corner of state Routes 220 and 7 for the town's tree lighting. The lighting has been a tradition since 1927, and McDonough's 115-foot-tall, living Norway spruce is one of the largest Christmas trees in the country. With help from the fire department and community members, the tree has been lovingly cared for, and the town's children flip the switch to illuminate the spruce annually.
Groceries in Norwich and more services throughout the region
Small-town institutions serve the community: McDonough Library is housed in a little white chapel that was once Calvary Church, and the McDonough Fire Department and post office sit along state Route 220. Locally owned restaurants are sprinkled throughout the region. The Outpost has American fare just east in Oxford, and Magro's has pizza 10 miles away in Cincinnatus. Major retailers like Walmart, Aldi and Price Chopper are about 15 miles east in Norwich. Norwich is also home to UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Driving throughout Central New York
McDonough is between several larger towns and cities in Central New York: Binghamton is 30 miles south, Syracuse is 50 miles north and Ithaca is 45 miles west. Drivers can get to Interstate 81, a major north-south artery in the state, from state highways that go through McDonough. Travelers can fly out of the Greater Binghamton Airport or Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.
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Written By
Faith Wakefield
