A small riverfront town on the U.S.-Canadian border
The city of Ogdensburg is not typically what comes to mind when prospective homeowners think of New York. “When you say New York, people think New York City, and when you say Upstate New York, people think Albany,” says Realtor Erin Meyer, licensed real estate broker and owner of Meyer Real Estate LLC, who is a lifelong resident with 20 years of experience. “We’re what you’d call up-upstate, closer to Ottawa than either of those two places.” Once a hub of shipping and industry, this town of just over 10,000 has slowed to a more laid-back rural pace since its founding. It is still the only U.S. port on the St. Lawrence Seaway, but today locals tend to view it more as a quiet riverside town than a bustling harbor. Summer tourism brings throngs of visitors eager to jet ski or fish in the St. Lawrence River, but throughout the rest of the year, residents enjoy the slower pace of life that comes with living in this remote part of New York.
While Ogdensburg was once a hub of shipping and industry, this town of just over 10,000 has slowed to a more laid-back rural pace since its founding.
Ogdensburg is still the only U.S. port on the St. Lawrence Seaway, but today locals tend to view it more as a quiet riverside town than a bustling harbor.
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Housing prices in Ogdensburg are below the national average
The median home price in Ogdensburg is around $95,000, significantly lower than the national average. “The cost of living is a big part of the appeal, especially compared to New York City or even to neighboring counties,” Meyer says. “Jefferson County is the next one over, and prices there can literally be double.” Homes in the city were constructed mainly between the late 1800s and mid-20th century, sitting close together on gridlocked, sidewalk-lined streets. While no houses are much farther than a mile from the water, flooding is only a concern with those along the banks of the Oswegatchie River.
Homes in Ogdensburg were constructed mainly between the late 1800s and mid-20th century, sitting close together on gridlocked, sidewalk-lined streets.
While no Ogdensburg houses are much farther than a mile from the water, flooding is only a concern with those along the banks of the Oswegatchie River.
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Three public schools make up the Ogdensburg City School District
The small size of the Ogdensburg City School District, which scores a C-plus from Niche, appeals to prospective buyers with families. “You might laugh, but I graduated from a public high school with 29 people in 1998,” Meyer says. “Especially after the pandemic, people like what smaller school districts like this have to offer.” Students will either attend Madill Elementary or John F. Kennedy School for kindergarten through grade 6, depending on which side of town they hail from. All students then move to Ogdensburg Free Academy for grades 7 through 12.
Students will either attend Madill Elementary or John F. Kennedy School for kindergarten through grade 6, depending on which side of Ogdensburg they hail from.
After finishing elementary school, all students then move to Ogdensburg Free Academy for grades 7 through 12.
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Basking on the banks of the St. Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River informs much of the outdoor recreation in Ogdensburg. “Fishing in the river is excellent,” Meyer says. “During the winter, people come for skiing and snowmobiling. The county recently redid the trail systems, so they’re very well-maintained and safe for snowmobiles and ATVs.” The city has also developed the riverfront into green spaces like Morrisette Park, home to several tennis and volleyball courts that see plenty of use throughout the summer months.
The St. Lawrence River forms much of the outdoor recreation in Ogdensburg, and one of the best places to enjoy it is at the Abbe Picquet Walking Trail.
Morrisette Park is home to Ogdensburg's marina, but the park is also home to several tennis and volleyball courts that see plenty of use throughout the summer months.
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Ogdensburg crime statistics
Crime statistics for Ogdensburg are not readily available.
Riverfront dining and weekend excursions to Ottawa
While residents can get groceries and daily necessities at supermarkets and big-box stores around town, weekend shopping excursions often involve crossing the river and heading to the capital of Canada. “I used to go to Ottawa once a week,” Meyer says. “That’s slowed since the pandemic, but it’s picking up again. And it’s not just a one-way thing. Go into any store in Ogdensburg at any given time, and at least a quarter of the people there will be Canadian.” Hometown stops along Ford Street and along the banks of the Oswegatchie River are also popular for close-by meals.
Ogdensburg residents can get groceries and daily necessities at supermarkets and big-box stores around town.
Hometown stops along Ford Street and along the banks of the Oswegatchie River are also popular for close-by meals, like Phillip's Diner, a local staple.
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Parades and fireworks at the St. Lawrence Seaway
While most events in the city are community-driven, the annual Ogdensburg International Seaway Festival draws large crowds in the throes of summer. “The Seaway Festival takes place for 2 weeks every July,” Meyer says. “It’s a huge deal. If people have moved away, they come back once a year for it.” The festival takes place on Ford Street and features many free activities, including games, live music and a parade that concludes with a fireworks display over the river.
The Seaway Festival takes place for 2 weeks every July, and Ford Street is where the magic happens.
Fesitvals in downtown Ogdensburg are home to many free activities, including games, live music and a parade that concludes with a fireworks display over the river.
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A walkable town where jet skis can be commuter vehicles in summer
New York Routes 37 and 812 are the major thoroughfares for the city, connecting it to the rest of the state. International travelers can head to Canada in several ways. “There are six lanes going over the Ogdensburg Prescott International Bridge, but only one is ever open,” Meyer says. “Sometimes in the summer, people will even just jet ski across the river to get where they need to go. Some doctors even commute from Canada to work at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center here.” Ogdensburg International Airport on the south side of town offers flights to over 140 destinations.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Greg Dunbar
Video By
Daniel Willingham
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