New York Mills has high community spirit in the Utica suburbs
New York Mills is a small town west of Utica known for its friendly neighbors. "The community is the number one reason people move here. In our village, you're never alone. When life gets hard, everyone holds together," says Kate Despins, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Sexton Real Estate, and New York Mills resident. "We've had some pretty bad storms, and some areas experience flooding. Immediately after the storms, people are out helping each other. They're bringing their chainsaws, picking up debris and offering food." The village of about 3,000 people regularly hosts events at local parks. The school district's parent-teacher-student organization is very active, with events and fundraisers throughout the year benefiting the schools. Residents are likely to encounter friendliness wherever they go. "When you're dealing with a small town, everybody knows everybody. You could sneeze on the other side of town and somebody's going to yell 'God bless you,'" Despins says.
Housing ranges from early 1900s cottages to 21st-century builds
Ranch-style homes make up most of the inventory, often on spacious suburban lots with green lawns and leafy trees. Other common housing styles include Colonial Revivals, two-story National-style homes and cottages. Many homes along Main Street and the western side of the community are from the early 1900s, while the village's east side features more midcentury and 21st-century properties. The median lot size is less than a quarter-acre, and the average home is around 1,500 square feet, lower than the national average. Prices typically range from $190,000 to $430,000.
Active PTSO builds community connections at local schools
Students may attend New York Mills Elementary School, rated B-minus by Niche, and New York Mills Junior/Senior High School, which gets a C-plus. High school students may take dual enrollment courses through Mohawk Valley Community College and Utica College. Students, parents and teachers come together for several PTSO events, including the annual Craft Fair fundraiser in December. PTSO efforts support all grade levels. Despins says teachers make genuine connections with their students and continue supporting them after graduation by attending college sporting events and talking with them when they're out and about.
Neighborhood businesses are places to eat, shop and connect
Locally owned businesses line the busy streets in New York Mills. Hapanowicz Brothers Meat Market is a butcher selling Polish foods like pierogies and kielbasa alongside other grocery items. "They have the very best cold cut roast beef that you'll ever have in your life," Despins says. At Trio's, a casual spot on Main Street, residents can get upside-down pizza, where the cheese is underneath the sauce. Karam's Middle East Bakery serves traditional Lebanese food on Campbell Avenue. The businesses serve as more than just a spot to shop or eat. "When you walk into our local shops, you don't just buy something, you catch up with your neighbors," Despins says. "You can't go into the store and not see somebody that you know." More groceries are available at Aldi, and a Walmart is nearby on Commercial Drive.
Summer and winter festivals offer music, food and fun
Village events include Party in the Park, an annual festival held in July at Pulaski Park. The one-day event includes food, live music and kids' activities before wrapping up with a fireworks display. In December, the town rings in the holiday spirit with Christmas on Main. A bonfire kicks off the event at 6 p.m. before a parade goes down the street. The celebration also includes the lighting of the village Christmas tree, pictures with Santa and free hot cocoa.
Green spaces and trails support active lifestyles year-round
Pulaski Park on Main Street is one of two parks in the village. It has playgrounds, basketball courts and a picnic shelter. On Tuesdays during the summer, the park hosts a free concert series. Pietryka Park is the other green space, featuring Little League baseball fields and tennis courts on Henderson Street. The Rayhill Memorial Trail is a paved path connecting to Whitestown and New Hartford , open for biking, walking and running. Golfers can tee off at Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole, par-70 course open to the public.
Highways and bus lines offer easy access to Utica and beyond
Major roads and highways surround New York Mills. Oriskany Boulevard offers a 4-mile drive east into downtown Utica. Multiple state highways are nearby, and Interstate 90 provides an east-west route across Upstate New York. Multiple lines of the Centro bus system serve the area, connecting to Utica and nearby communities. Health care is available at Wynn Hospital, about 3 miles away.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
