Oxford offers small-town character and community in central New York
Oxford is a slice of small-town Americana in the central New York countryside, roughly 34 miles from Binghamton. “It has a water fountain in the center of town where they frequently have farmers markets and seasonal festivals,” says Molly Nolan, a sales representative with Century 21 North East Integra who grew up in the area and has sold homes here for 13 years. “The school is right down in the village, so it's walking distance, or kids ride their bikes to school. It’s very quaint like that.” The village surrounds LaFayette Park, characterized by its fountain and bandstand, and is bisected by the Chenango River. Hilly countryside surrounds the village, and the small city of Norwich, which has national retailers, big employers and a hospital, is only 8 miles away.
Turn-of-the-century village homes and ranch-style farm properties
Homes in Oxford’s village center display a range of turn-of-the-century architecture, including Italianate, Colonial Revival and National. Property sizes here vary, but they usually have room for a driveway and a detached garage. The neighborhood has sidewalks shaded by mature trees. Ranch-style and custom country homes, sometimes on several acres, are in the rural areas surrounding the village. “It is pretty affordable, therefore it's competitive because somebody can still buy a decent house to live in for $150,000 in Oxford,” Nolan says. Most homes range from around $80,000 to $280,000, and those on several acres with amenities like pools and garages can cost between $380,000 and $480,000. Properties near the Chenango River are at high risk of flooding, and homeowners here might have to buy flood insurance.
Community events, state parks and a library for recreation
From state parks to village squares, there are plenty of ways to have fun in Oxford. “It's right on the Chenango River, so it’s easy to go kayaking,” Nolan says. “There are a lot of spots you can throw a kayak in.” LaFayette Park in the village center is a small green space that hosts popular annual community events, like Holiday Tree Lighting and the Arbor Day celebration, where residents can get a sapling to plant at their homes. Oxford Memorial Library has regular programs for kids and adults, including craft nights, movie nights and story times. The public Blue Stone Golf Course has 18 holes on the edge of the village. Nearby, the nearly 1,000-acre Bowman Lake State Park is popular for camping, fishing and swimming. In the winter, the park’s 13 miles of trails can be used by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers.
The Oxford Academy and Central School District serves the area
The Oxford Academy and Central School District earns an overall rating of C-plus from Niche. Kids can start school at Oxford Academy Primary and then go to Oxford Academy Middle; both earn a C-plus. At the B-minus-rated Oxford Academy High, art students can compete in the annual District Art Show, which showcases student work at the Six on the Square music venue.
Popular restaurants and a farmers market in the village
Locally owned businesses and restaurants surround LaFayette Park. “Oxford has a couple of really solid anchor restaurants that people will drive from out of the area to go to,” Nolan says. Roma Pizzeria serves Italian comfort food for dine-in and delivery. The Stadium is a sports bar that serves classic pub fare, including chicken wings and the 12-ounce Giant Stadium Burger. On Saturdays, the Oxford Farmers Market sells locally sourced food and produce. “There's really no grocery store. We rely on local farmers markets and the Dollar General,” Nolan says. “To go to a grocery store is about 15 minutes away up to Norwich, and that’s where you’re going to have your Price Chopper, Walmart superstore and Lowe’s.”
Car routes to amenities in Norwich and Binghamton
Sidewalks make Oxford’s village walkable, but residents will need a car to reach nearby amenities. State Route 12 leads 8 miles to Norwich and to United Health Services Chenango Memorial Hospital. Binghamton and the Greater Binghamton Airport are around 34 miles away. “There's virtually no traffic because it’s not that kind of area where you’re waiting in line forever and ever,” Nolan says. “If you do, you're behind a tractor.” Though winter here can be snowy, Nolan says the roads are cleared quickly. Houses of worship in the area include St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
