Philadelphia offers country living near Fort Drum
Philadelphia is a rural town nestled in the countryside of Jefferson County. Its close proximity to Fort Drum and the city of Watertown, both of which are within 20 miles, has made it a popular choice for military families and civilians alike. Over the years, these neighboring communities have been contributing significantly to the town’s growth and development. Residents are also drawn to the town for its well-regarded schools, easy access to outdoor recreation and urban amenities. “It’s just a quaint, friendly little town,” says Brenda Brown, town clerk. “The area looks rural, but you can go to the village for essentials. There used to be lots of farms, but now some have turned into solar fields and new housing units.” The area has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Homes range from historic village houses to brand new builds
Houses span from the early 1800s to newly built homes, and housing styles include farmhouses, colonial-inspired properties, cottages and ranch-style homes. In the center of the village, homes tend to sit on smaller parcels, with neighborhood streets lined with sidewalks. Country properties farther out in town are more spread out, with multiple acres of land featuring long driveways, expansive green fields, detached garages or outbuildings. “People build all kinds of funky houses in town,” Brown says. “Homes in the village are usually older and have more history, and the town has newer homes with larger acreage.” Single-family homes typically fall between $120,000 and $400,000, and most properties use private septic systems and well water.
Indian River Central is home to the county's best public high school
The town is served by Indian River Central School District. Students may begin schooling at Philadelphia Primary School and continue to Indian River Intermediate School, each of which has a B and a B-minus grade from Niche, respectively. Indian River Middle School gets a B, and Indian River High School earns an A. Indian River High is rated by Niche as the best public high school in Jefferson County, offering classes in business, agriculture, art and technology.
Town park, nature trails and waterways offer outdoor recreation
A popular spot for families and youth sports, Philadelphia Town Park features expansive green space, sports fields and a playground. “People also reserve the park for private events,” Brown says. Kent Lane Park has a shaded pavilion for summer picnics. Branches of the Indian River and Black Creek flow through town, providing fishing and boating opportunities. “People here do lots of ice fishing and skating,” Brown says. “Many people also have snowmobiles, and there’s lots of trails for that and for four-wheeling. There are also lots of hunters, and they usually go to state land areas.”
Shopping and dining in the village, Evans Mills and Watertown
The village has a gas station, Dollar General and several eateries, including Brenda’s Pizzeria and Cook's Family Diner, which serves classic comfort food. Aldi and Walmart are 10 miles away in Evans Mills, while Watertown offers additional restaurants and shopping options.
Events in the village and the county fair bring festivity
The village of Philadelphia organizes several annual events, including an evening of trick or treat for Halloween and a Christmas party for children. The Jefferson County Fair is one of the region’s biggest celebrations, featuring livestock shows, agricultural exhibits and carnival rides. Usually taking place in the summer, the fair dates back to 1817 and is the longest continuously running fair in the country.
Distance to Fort Drum and Watertown
U.S. Route 11 and New York state Route 26 run through town. Fort Drum is about 10 miles south, and Watertown is 20 miles away. Samaritan Medical Center is in Watertown, and the closest major airport is Watertown International Airport.
