Paris offers a rural lifestyle, residential privacy and city proximity
Situated only 10 miles south of Utica, Paris is a rural community in central New York that's home to about 4,300 residents. Life here is quiet, landmarked by rolling green fields, winding roads and space between neighbors. "We've sort of hidden away, we haven't really blown up like some of the towns around Utica and New Hartford. I think our residents appreciate that we're still very much a rural town," says Michael Williamson, Paris' town clerk. "We have small hamlets within the town that have their own fire districts and boards, which people get confused about, but they're all encompassed within Paris." Williamson notes that, even though these hamlets are technically independent, residents all share the same amenities, from the central town park to local restaurants.
Ranging from vintage homes to contemporary properties on large lots
Housing in Paris covers a wide range of construction dates and architectural styles, from late 19th-century farmhouses to contemporary New Traditional properties built in the 21st century. One thing that most single-family homes have in common is generous acreage. Williamson points out that the rural nature of the community helps residents spread out, giving a sense of privacy along winding country roads. Smaller, renovated midcentury homes sell between $50,000 and $250,000, while larger midcentury and modern homes sell for $280,000 to $670,000. Price easily fluctuates depending on the amount of acreage. The town's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
The beauty of the Town of Paris Recreational Park
The Town of Paris Recreational Park, situated in the heart of the area, is the community’s main green space. "You have to get down a decently long driveway to get there, it's behind our town hall," Williamson says. "People who go for the first time are always surprised by how beautiful it is because it's so out of the way." Anchored by a large pond, the park features a small playground, pickleball and basketball courts, and two public pools. The woodland around the park has well-maintained trails that are popular for biking and jogging. The Sauquoit Knolls Golf Club, open to the public and in operation since 1960, features a 9-hole golf course designed by Walt Scancillo.
Local school district educates from kindergarten to 12th grade
Paris has a small, localized school district, and most kids living in the community attend Sauquoit Valley Elementary, which receives a B-plus from Niche. Students move on to Sauquoit Valley Middle School, which also gets a B-plus, before heading to B-rated Sauquoit Valley High. Each year, Sauquoit Valley High updates its Plan for Excellence, a strategic guide for improved teaching instruction, student engagement and grading equity. Many goals are set from information gathered in formal district assessments and student surveys.
Nearby essentials, historic restaurants and shopping in New Hartford
Sauquoit and Clayville, two smaller communities in the town of Paris, are where residents head for local essentials and restaurants. Between the two areas are a couple of convenience stores, a few independent businesses and long-standing eateries such as the Orchard Hall Restaurant, which serves traditional American food in a historic building from 1843. "We just got a new Dollar General, and we have bits and ends, but most people drive 10 minutes to New Hartford for big shopping trips, groceries and Walmart and whatnot," Williamson says.
Highways connect Paris to city amenities, health care and airports
The community is intersected by State Route 12 and State Route 8, two major north-south highways running through central New York. These routes are essential for getting to nearby cities such as Utica, 10 miles north, and connecting to other thoroughfares such as Interstate 90. Paris' proximity to Utica means residents are roughly 15 minutes from several large medical centers, such as Wynn Hospital. The Syracuse Hancock International Airport services several commercial airlines and is 53 miles west of Paris via I-90.
