Oneida embraces the past and present
Embracing its name as the home of the Oneida Indian Nation, is the city of Oneida, which translates to "People of the Standing Stone." Located in Madison County, Oneida saw growth in the 19th century, fueled by trade opportunities brought by the Erie Canal. Oneida draws travelers far and wide to Oneida Lake and Turning Stone Resort Casino. Beyond its role in tourism, Oneida residents engage in boating, hiking, skiing and fishing, fostering a close-knit atmosphere through shared spaces like community gardens and annual events. "It's a bedroom community between Syracuse and Utica, so if you work at the college or downtown, it's centralized," says Janet Mautner, a Realtor with Kay Real Estate, selling houses for the last 40 years.
Oneida Lakes' surface area is 79.8 square miles
The sun reflects atop Oneida Lake, the largest lake within the state. Referred to as Tsioqui by the Oneida Nation, it translates to "white water," where visitors come for boating and Walleye fishing. Several marinas, yacht clubs and parks satellite the lake, accompanied by meandering trails and boat launches. The Oneida Rail Trail, spanning 11 miles, traces the old Westshore Railroad and Oneida Railway Company tracks. Neighborhood greenspaces like Higinbotham Park and Allen Park keep locals entertained close to home. The Oneida Public Library hosts movie nights, craft sessions and game tournaments. Next to the baseball diamonds at Maxwell Field is Duross Conservancy, a forested enclave popular for mountain biking. Local soccer little leagues use Harmon Field, and residents tee it up at Old Erie Golf Club or Kanon Valley Country Club, 6 miles north of the Oneida Family YMCA.
20th century homes close to neighbors
Hanging plants sway among the Victorian, American Four Square and Queen-Anne style homes lining sidewalks and overgrown front gardens. The city was designed as a grid for walkable access to parks, businesses and schools. Ornate woodworking and decorative shingles adorn homes, along with covered front porches, with many residences having detached garages or driveways. Prices typically range from $85,000 for homes needing a bit of TLC to $220,000. "Many people move back and retire in Oneida, and it attracts young people who are commuters," Mautner says.
Fresh blooms at the community garden
The vintage marquee of the Arto Deco Modern architecture of Oneida Kallet Civic Center greets visitors. Once a theater in the 1930s and 40s, it is now a multi-use venue for community events. The Oneida City Community Garden is where residents get their hands dirty planting in the spring. The award-winning Turning Stone Resort Casino is about 4 miles from the city, drawing visitors for golfing, the spa and bustling nightlife. "The Oneida Indian Nation opened the resort—they do so much to build up the area," Mautner says. Other events include the Summer Oneida Concerts in the Park series and the Madison County Hop Fest, celebrating the area's agricultural heritage for two centuries.
Heading to the Farmers' Market
When the summer swelter arrives, the Cottage Lawn Farmers' Market sets up at the Madison County Historical Society with fresh bread, homemade soaps and food trucks. Lowes and Walmart are on Genesee Street for everyday essentials—further east is Price Chopper, across the street from Glenwood Plaza, Planet Fitness and Movieplex Cinema. On Main Street, antique shops, florists and game stores keep foot traffic peddling. Pop-A-Top on Elm Street is a casual spot where locals come for friendly service and homestyle offerings. The sweet season starts in Spring at Coneheads Ice Cream and Ocean Sushi is the place for fresh catches.
Walking to school in the morning
Students are served by the Oneida City School District. The district boasts career and technical education programs, foreign exchange and dual enrollment. Schools include Seneca Street School, which serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade and earns a B-minus from Niche, C-plus-rated Shortell Middle and Oneida High School, which earns a B-minus. Many residents opt to commute to post-secondary institutions, such as Syracuse University and Utica College, both within 30 miles of Oneida.
31 miles from Syracuse
Interstate 90 is found to the north, while New York 5 runs along the city's southern end, connecting to New York State Route 365. Oneida is 32 miles east of Syracuse Hancock International Airport and home to the Oneida Health Hospital. "They just opened the new cancer center, so people don't have to go to Buffalo anymore for treatment," Mautner says. The Madison Transit System runs the Birnie Bus Service and has a scheduled bus line to surrounding communities and the resort.
![Ryan Gwilliam]()
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Gwilliam
