Rural seclusion in North Norwich
North Norwich is a quiet town set 36 miles northwest of Oneonta in peaceful Chenango County. “The North Norwich area is very diverse,” says Josh Buell, a real estate salesperson at Whitetail Properties Real Estate and a lifelong Chenango County local. “It’s got foliage, a mixture of farms — all the stuff that helps rural America.” The community offers single-family homes with prices below the national median and convenient access to open-air recreation. “We have state land, hunting, fishing — any outdoor stuff, but you’re also close enough to amenities in Norwich.” Six miles away, Norwich offers shopping and dining essentials, while North Norwich remains bucolic and uncrowded. “We don’t have the hustle and bustle of traffic,” Buell says. “The most that could annoy somebody is a random four-wheeler.”
Farmhouses and custom homes on secluded, multi-acre lots
Space and savings are part of the appeal in North Norwich — many homes sit on multi-acre lots with pastoral views, and taxes are lower than in other New York communities. “We sell a lot of acreage,” Buell says. “You can own a hundred acres and pay a quarter of the taxes they pay in Long Island.”Most homes were built in the mid-to-late 20th century, although historic 19th-century properties and 21st-century custom builds occasionally come on the market as well. Farmhouses, ranch-style and Colonial-inspired homes are typical, often featuring rustic details like clapboard siding, covered porches and exposed wooden beams. While properties along rural roads provide plenty of privacy, a handful in the hamlet are set closer together along narrow, residential streets. These homes often include manicured lawns dotted by mature trees and mailboxes, which creates a more suburban feel.Depending on size and features, prices range from $150,000 to $450,000. Land is also available, from $25,000 for 5 acres to $60,000 for 17 acres. “It’s not your typical city where everybody’s on a half-acre,” Buell says. “You can buy as little as you want, or as much as you want.”
Concurrent enrollment opportunities at Sherburne-Earlville High
North Norwich is part of multiple school districts, including the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District, rated C-plus overall by Niche. Kids may start at the C-plus-rated Sherburne-Earlville Elementary before moving to the C-rated Sherburne-Earlville Middle. At the B-rated Sherburne-Earlville High, teens may take concurrent enrollment courses for credit at Tompkins Cortland Community College.
Picnics at Galena Park and exploring Whaupaunaucau State Forest
With rolling fields and dense forests, North Norwich makes it easy to slip into the outdoors. Galena Park offers a quiet place to picnic, walk the dog or play sports like baseball and soccer. Nearby, Galena Pond is a popular bass fishing spot. Further out in town, Whaupaunaucau State Forest spans nearly 1,200 acres of hardwoods, wetlands and hunting grounds, with miles of trails shared by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Wildlife is abundant, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and porcupines.Five miles away, the public Canasawacta Country Club features an 18-hole course bordered by lush, tree-lined fairways, and Chenango Lake, 8 miles out, is a serene spot for kayaking. There are several parks in Norwich, as well, including Weiler Park, which features a playground, tennis courts and a seasonal ice rink.
Brunch, the Colonia Theatre and more in downtown Norwich
Most residents head to downtown Norwich for everyday errands — a walkable district featuring mom-and-pop storefronts with 20th-century charm. Charlie’s Diner has been a fixture for over 40 years, serving comfort food with an elevated twist, such as crab cake Benedict and apple walnut French toast. Deja Brew is another popular morning stop, offering trendy coffee drinks such as choco-chinos and dirty chai. Around the corner, Ms. B’s carries antiques, and the historic, early 20th-century Colonia Theatre screens classic and contemporary films. Dinner at The Bohemian Moon features dishes such as chicken katsu and filet mignon in a casual-chic setting, accompanied by occasional live music. Grand Union Supermarkets covers grocery needs, while the Norwich Farmers Market, open on Wednesdays, provides farm-fresh produce and artisan goodies.Six miles away in Sherburne, family-owned Gilligan’s Island is a favorite for its more than 30 homemade ice cream flavors and indulgent specialties, such as the Garbage Burger loaded with macaroni salad, French fries and fried onions. “Everyone raves about Gilligan’s,” Buell says.
Cooking and crafting at the Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival
North Norwich joins in Chenango County traditions throughout the year, including the Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival in September, which attracts over 10,000 visitors. The weekend event invites dozens of artists, from painters to puppeteers, to Norwich for cooking demos, hands-on crafting and live performances. Families can try activities such as tie-dyeing, trivia and a scavenger hunt, while artists compete for awards like Best Taste and Best Booth.
No traffic in North Norwich
Without sidewalks or public transportation, residents drive to get around North Norwich. State Route 12 passes through town, providing connecting access to Oneonta. “[There’s] never the stress of having to leave an hour early to work because of traffic,” Buell says. UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is 6 miles away, and the Syracuse Hancock International Airport is a 63-mile drive.
