Small-town comfort and rural serenity in Owego
Owego is a mostly rural town in Tioga County, about 25 miles west of Binghamton and 34 miles southeast of Ithaca. "It's a very friendly community," says town clerk Pamela Brown, a resident of 63 years. While much of the town is rolling farmland and forests, the village of Owego is bustling with popular parks and small businesses along the Susquehanna River. "It has grocery stores and nice little shops," Brown says. "We're kind of at a standstill in time. It's modern, yet feels old-timey."
Rural retreats, village farmhouses and a lower median sale price
Most homes on the market are from the mid- to late 20th century, but construction ranges from the early 19th century to the present. In the village, homes are set close together along narrow, residential streets lined with sidewalks and mature trees. Many are farmhouses or Colonial-inspired with features like covered porches, painted lap siding and exposed white wood beams. Cars are typically parked along the street or in detached garages. "When you get out into the town, there are homes with acreage," Brown says. Ranch-style and custom-built homes with spacious lots are dotted along country roads. Some properties have additions like barns or workshops, while newer homes may include attached garages, decks and pools.
Prices range from $50,000 to $550,000, depending on a home's size and features. The median sale price is about $210,000, compared to the U.S. median of $420,000.
Dual-enrollment opportunities at Owego Free Academy
Owego is part of multiple school districts, including the Owego-Apalachin Central School District, rated B overall by Niche. Kids can start at the B-rated Owego Elementary before moving to the B-minus-rated Owego-Apalachin Middle and the B-plus-rated Owego Free Academy. At the latter, teens can take dual-enrollment courses for credit at Tompkins Cortland Community College.
Outdoor fun along the Susquehanna River
Owego has a vibrant parks and recreation scene. Hickories Park is the town's largest outdoor space, featuring paved trails, campgrounds and the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park with an agility course. There's a boat launch for easy access to the Susquehanna River, which is popular for bass fishing. "It's a great river for kayaking," Brown says. Marvin Park includes fairgrounds, where events like the Tioga County Fair are held. It also offers a running track and a community pool. "It even has a skateboard park," Brown says. In the County Forest, hikers can explore trails and see birds like song sparrows and white-winged crossbills.
Artisanal dining and secondhand shopping in Owego's historic downtown
Owego's historic downtown is lined with dozens of charming red-brick storefronts. "You can walk to restaurants, shops and breweries," Brown says. Roasted Coffee Bar is the morning spot to indulge in artisanal coffee, like the banana bread macchiato. For a hearty breakfast, Harris Diner serves comfort classics like buttermilk pancakes, BYO omelets and warm apple pie. Nearby, there's secondhand shopping at locally owned stores like Riverow Books, Up The Creek Boutique and the two-story Early Owego Antique Center. The Cellar is a cozy, riverfront restaurant serving a variety of international seafood dishes, from Cajun calamari and lobster thermidor to grilled ahi tuna and pan-seared scallops with jalapeño cream. Nearby, Fuddy Duddy's Confectionery offers fudge truffles and caramel apples for dessert. For a drink, Lucky Hare Brewing Company pours craft ales and hosts live music. John's Fine Foods, Price Chopper and Aldi cover grocery needs, but there's also the Owego Farmers Market from June through October with locally sourced produce, flowers and treats. "People try to support the small businesses," Brown says.
Packed community calendar with festivals and holiday fun
Owego's event calendar reflects the town's tight-knit community spirit. In June, the Strawberry Festival includes a costumed parade down Main Street, live music all evening and dozens of local vendors with strawberry treats. "It's everything — strawberry daquiris, shortcake, ice cream," Brown says. "There might be somebody juggling or doing magic on the street." In August, the Tioga County Fair features carnival rides, rodeo shows and fun traditions like the Tallest Corn Contest. The town also hosts seasonal celebrations, like Lights on the River in December, which illuminates the village with festive displays.
A walkable village and a direct route to Binghamton
Outside of the village, the town is considered car-dependent. Interstate 86 passes through town, providing a direct route to Binghamton. UHS Binghamton General Hospital is 23 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 34-mile drive.
