A college town on the Susquehanna River with a vibrant summer season
Oneonta is very much a small college town, but its proximity to nature and even the state capital of Albany keep it connected to the wider world. There’s a bustling small business community downtown, too. As the town’s motto goes, “We’re onta something.” A little over 15,000 people live here and many of those are students. SUNY Oneonta enrolls nearly 6,000 scholars and Hartwick College enrolls about 1,500. Manufacturing and social services are leading industries besides academia. Seasonal fluctuations also affect the economy. “Oneonta changes in the summer once the universities let out. You’ll see a lot of tourists and people attending youth baseball camps, plus Cooperstown is 40 minutes away. It has the Baseball Hall of Fame,” says Kate Bolton, a Realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate. Efforts have been made to solidify the identity of this modest city in Otsego County : June 2024 brought unique banners to various neighborhoods, marking the compass points of Oneonta.
Oneonta, New York, known as the "City of the Hills," is a charming city located in Otsego County, nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains along the banks of the Susquehanna River. Positioned centrally between Albany and Binghamton, it offers easy access via Interstate 88.
SUNY Oneonta is a major part of the area and is a staple in its community and economy.
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Historic homes in the city center, but more modern homes on the outskirts
While the small-town atmosphere can lend a static quality to Oneonta, there is development happening. This sometimes creates an architectural mix, where more historic styles are contrasted by modern housing. “They’ve just put in a mixed-income development on Dietz Street, but in the city you’re likely to see century-old Victorians,” says Bolton. “Then if you move away from the center, you’ll see contemporary homes from the '80s up. Go even further and it starts to become more rural with manufactured homes.” However, it does offer a housing market open to a wide range of budgets. The median housing price is $200,000, less than the national median and less than the median of Albany, a little over an hour east.
A great example of a contemporary home built in the farmhouse style just outside downtown Oneonta.
Surrounding the downtown Oneonta area you can find many 19th century homes in the foursquare style and more.
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Two universities bring a strong academic angle to the city
Oneonta City School District earns a B from Niche and serves over 1,600 students. SUNY Oneonta is known for its education, psychology and business programs while Hartwick College specializes in health professions.
Hartwick College is a private liberal arts institution located in Oneonta, New York. Founded in 1797 as Hartwick Seminary, it transitioned to a four-year college in 1927.
SUNY Oneonta offers over 60 undergraduate programs and has roughly 5,500 students enrolled annually.
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Neahwa Park offers riverside fun
Neahwa Park is located on the Susquehanna River, making it a natural choice for those who want to enjoy outdoor recreation. There are fields to lounge in, athletic facilities, a playground and a skate park. “You can kayak on the river,” says Bolton. Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, about 25 minutes north of the city, is a frequent weekend destination. “The park is a great example of the state land that’s all around Oneonta,” says Bolton. “You can get there in about half an hour. There’s also a lot of state forest in the northeastern part of Otsego County where people go hunting.”
Neahwa Park is a vibrant community hub offering a wide array of recreational facilities and activities within walking distance of downtown.
The Susquehanna River runs next to Oneonta and can quickly be accessed from Neahwa Park and beyond.
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Main Street offers up classic eateries but Southside Plaza has big box stores
Oneonta’s Downtown Historic District is a walkable strip that feels classic, as the name Main Street implies. This is the center of retail, comprised of over 60 buildings with brick sidewalks and street lamps. “There are lots of little artisan shops,” says Bolton. “But if you want a chain store like Walmart, you can go to Southside Mall.”
The dining scene focuses on comfort food and American cuisine. Barbecue joints, coffee shops and pizza places pop up, as do sandwich shops and sit-down restaurants. Autumn Café stays a favorite year-round with its extensive menu and cocktail list. Health food fanatics and flavor chasers are equally catered to, thanks to salads and concoctions like the French Toast Sandwich, stuffed with pepper jelly and candied bacon. The Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center on Market Street brings tribute bands, standup comedy events and musicals to a monthly calendar that’s usually jam packed.
The Autumn Cafe is a great spot to grab some American fare or a drink in a establishment that has been apart of the community since 1980.
Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center is a new event space in downtown Oneonta that features two theaters.
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Drivers frequently make use of Interstate 88
There’s no rail station in Oneonta, but Interstate 88 does pass along the south side, creating a convenient way to reach Albany in about an hour. Buses are a viable mode of public transportation, though. “You’ll likely want a car here, but we do have countywide bus lines, they’re just not the most direct routes,” says Bolton.
Flood risks and crime data
Being close to the Susquehanna River can bring risks. In June 2006, a massive flood hit Otsego County, and smaller floods periodically affect Oneonta, including one in 2023.
Crime data is unavailable.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Schulman
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kate Bolton,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Oneonta, NY sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Oneonta, NY over the last 12 months is $200,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This scenic hideaway sits on a parcel just shy of 25 acres, minutes from downtown Oneonta. Majestic views encompass the 3 bedrooms and 2 bath home. Nicely maintained this one level home is easy enough to move in and update at your own pace. The ability to double your footprint is available with the full walkout basement made cozy by a wood stove. The property also offers ample space for gardening
What Would You Do With 51+ Acres? Building, Recreation, Possibly a Commercial Venture? Endless possibilities for this large, Town of Oneonta parcel. Property slopes gently up from the road with a good amount of road frontage. If it's a building site you are looking for the views from this parcel would be amazing. Or just bring your ATV and hiking boots and enjoy for recreational purposes. With
What Would You Do With 51+ Acres? Building, Recreation, Possibly a Commercial Venture? Endless possibilities for this large, Town of Oneonta parcel. Property slopes gently up from the road with a good amount of road frontage. If it’s a building site you are looking for the views from this parcel would be amazing. Or just bring your ATV and hiking boots and enjoy for recreational purposes. With
Hillside Commons offers student apartments for rent in Oneonta, New York. We have amenities that are great for studying or socializing, perfect for today's busy student... Life here is anything BUT common. Our study lounges overlook the SUNY Oneonta campus and feature PC and Mac computers with large screens and are great for getting school assignments done. Our fireplace lounge and movie theater
A three bedroom upstairs apartment is available for rent starting July 1. The apartment features spacious bedrooms, walk-in closets, off-street parking, and a copy back porch ideal for warm summer evenings. Pets are not permitted. Landlord will require current credit score and rental application. The apartments is available for immediate move-in.
Dietz Street Lofts is an innovative infill mixed-use, mixed-income, and artist housing project currently leasing in downtown Oneonta, NY. Dietz Street Lofts features 64 apartments, 50 of which will have a preference for those involved in artistic or literary activities. In addition, Dietz Street Lofts will be home to the Hartwick College Grain Innovation Center, which will be a regional source
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