Plainfield is a rural haven of farmland and forests
In Central New York, Plainfield offers a glimpse of rural life where farmland stretches across rolling hills, and homes are spread far from each other along winding country roads. “There’s not much in Plainfield but a collection of rural roads with working farms between larger cities,” says Jared Miller, a licensed real estate salesperson and Team Lead with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. “It’s attractive for people who want to be off the beaten path, but it’s just south of Route 20, which goes in both directions to Syracuse and Albany.” In addition to being 60 miles east of Syracuse and 80 miles west of Albany , the quiet community is defined by recreational opportunities in the expansive Plainfield State Forest. However, essential services like shopping, schooling and healthcare are only available in neighboring towns.
Wooded trails and vine sculptures define recreation
Plainfield State Forest, located on the town’s south side, offers walking trails through dense woodland and hunting opportunities. “It’s a cool spot for not just hiking, hunting and being in nature, but it’s also big for ATVing and snowmobiling,” Miller says. To the east side, a narrow country road passes green pastures before approaching a field-side attraction of animal sculptures crafted by local artist Elizabeth Schoonmaker. “For me, the vine sculptures are the coolest and most notable thing about Plainfield,” Miller says. “You’re just driving through the middle of nowhere and you pull up to these life-size structures made with vines, twigs or wires.” Plainfield’s natural landscape also lends itself to camping, with Mountain View Campground and Scenic View Campground contributing to the area’s outdoor accessibility.
Farm properties offer acreage and privacy
Plainfield’s housing market features homes dispersed along back roads, tracing the hills and valleys, that are marked by four-way stops rather than sidewalks or stoplights. The mostly residential community has a strong sense of permanence, underscored by the fact that around 83% of residents own their homes. Inventory is typically low, a direct result of the area’s rural landscape and limited development. Common properties often include farms and farmettes with ranch-style or colonial-inspired designs spanning 10 to 50 acres, typically priced between $300,000 and $500,000. Land is also prevalent, ranging from smaller parcels of 10 acres for around $40,000 to larger tracts of up to 130 acres priced at about $250,000.
Plainfield residents depend on nearby towns for essentials
Dining and retail are limited in Plainfield, and most residents rely on nearby West Winfield for basic amenities. The quaint Main Street area, about 2 miles north, features Kylie’s Diner for classic American breakfasts and Joe’s New York Pizzeria. About 2 miles east of there, Boss’ General Store offers a selection of produce and grocery items, as well as gas. For healthcare needs, the nearest general hospital is Bassett Medical Center, about 10 miles south of town in Edmeston .
Miller mentions that locals likely head roughly 20 miles north to Utica for a broader range of shops, restaurants and entertainment. “Utica has an American Hockey League team, which gets anywhere between a 2,800- and 3,800-person crowd for the games,” he says. “And the Utica City Football Club, an indoor soccer team, plays at the same arena.” Miller also notes that the Adirondack Bank Center hosted the Women’s World Hockey Championship in 2024.
Mount Markham schools emphasize an agricultural focus
Local students are part of the Mount Markham Central School District. Learners can begin at Mount Markham Elementary School, which receives a B-minus from Niche, before advancing to Mount Markham Middle School, which has a C-plus. Mount Markham High School, which holds a B-minus, holds true to the area’s outdoorsy character. The Shooting Clays Club won first place in skeet shooting in the 2025 state competition. The high school also offers an Agricultural Education program, preparing students for careers in the agrarian workplace.
U.S. Route 20 keeps the community connected
Plainfield is car-dependent, with no public bus or train service available. State Route 51 serves as the main north-south artery through town, while U.S. Route 20 runs east-west. The highway connects commuters to Syracuse and Albany, both of which offer international airports.
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Written By
Mary Beth Greene
