A riverside town in northern New York that sits between two universities
Potsdam, a small hamlet tucked away north of the Adirondack Mountains, is not a name that comes readily to mind when one thinks of New York. "We’re a very small community. We have two colleges and a hospital that support our small village," says Tracy Bernard, associate broker for Nikki Coates and Associates, who has lived in Potsdam for 14 years. "We take pride in being a small town. Everyone knows each other in some way.” Usually, the town boasts a population of just under 15,000; however, when the State University of New York at Potsdam and Clarkson University are both in session, an influx of students drives this number up by nearly 8,000. It is surrounded by the natural splendor of St. Lawrence County, which attracts outdoorsy visitors looking to fish in the St. Lawrence River or snowmobile on the wild trails outside of town. For locals, it provides a unique mix of a thriving college town and a quiet rural retreat, inspiring loyalty with its neighborly atmosphere.
Potsdam, a small hamlet tucked away north of the Adirondack Mountains, is not a name that comes readily to mind when one thinks of New York.
Potsdam usually boasts a population of just under 15,000; however, when the State University of New York at Potsdam and Clarkson University are both in session, an influx of students drives this number up by nearly 8,000.
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From Victorian-era sandstone homes to spacious hobby farms
There is a variety of homes in the city, ranging from historic Victorian-era properties lining shady sidewalk-lined streets to midcentury Colonial Revivals on spacious green lots. “We have a wide range of home styles, some built in the 1800's of Potsdam's own sandstone,” Bernard says. “You will also find newer homes, some waterfront, and we definitely have a lot of land.” The city’s median price is around $190,000, which is below the national average. Flooding can be a concern with properties near the Potsdam Flow, a stretch of the Raquette River that flows through the center of town. The area sees an annual average of nearly 70 inches of snow, lending to the town’s wintertime charm. As Bernard puts it, “We get a lot of snow, but the village does a great job with snow removal, so it's typically easy to get around in the winter. It’s more recreational than encumbrance.”
There is a variety of homes in Potsdam, ranging from historic Victorian-era properties lining shady sidewalk-lined streets to midcentury Colonial Revivals on spacious green lots.
Flooding can be a concern with properties near the Potsdam Flow, even for spacious farmhouses that sit further from the river.
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Well-regarded public schools and two prestigious universities
Three schools make up the Potsdam Central School District, which earns an overall B-plus from Niche and is ranked as the best district in St. Lawrence County. Potsdam Senior High, also rates a B-plus and ranks as the top public high school in the county. The town is also home to the State University of New York at Potsdam and Clarkson University, two highly regarded 4-year institutions.
Potsdam Senior High ranks as the top public high school in the county and also boasts an impressive lacrosse team.
Potsdam is home to the State University of New York at Potsdam, a highly regarded 4-year institution.
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Championship hockey at Clarkson University and the Potsdam Summer Festival
Clarkson University’s Division I hockey programs are wildly popular, drawing crowds of hockey fans throughout the season. The women’s team has won the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament three times in 2014, 2017 and 2018. Community-driven events are also important to Potsdam, with the annual Summer Festival taking over downtown every July.
Clarkson University’s Division I hockey programs are wildly popular, drawing crowds of hockey fans throughout the season to the Cheel Campus Center in Potsdam.
Community-driven events are also important to Potsdam, with the annual Summer Festival taking over downtown every July.
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Outdoor recreation at riverside parks and nearby ski resorts
Riverside green spaces like Ives and Sandstoner Parks offer playgrounds, paved pathways and public boat launches. Families can also enjoy picnics on sandbars while looking out over the water. The St. Lawrence River, a popular fishing spot, lies to the north. “The area is big for bass fishing,” Bernard says. “The Bassmaster Elite, which happens up in Waddington, has drawn tourists and set records on the nearby St. Lawrence River.” In the winter, snowmobiling and downhill skiing at Titus Mountain Family Ski Center or Lake Placid are common pastimes.
Riverside green spaces like Ives Park in Potsdam offers riverfront views of the Raquette River.
In the winter, snowmobiling and downhill skiing at Titus Mountain Family Ski Center or Lake Placid are common pastimes for Potsdam residents.
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Although Canada is nearby, Potsdam locals can get everything they need in town
Supermarkets, hardware stores and big-box retailers are located on the outskirts of town, providing residents access to all daily household necessities. Weekend trips across the St. Lawrence River are not uncommon. “Occasionally, I’ll make trips to Canada for nice restaurants and shopping, but you would absolutely not have to cross the border,” Bernard says. “Potsdam really has one of everything – many different styles of restaurants, and charming boutiques – so you can get everything you need.” Restaurants are mostly concentrated around the center of town, although upscale eatery 1844 House is a short trip away on U.S. Route 11.
Supermarkets, hardware stores and big-box retailers are located on the outskirts of town, providing Potsdam residents access to all daily household necessities.
The upscale eatery 1844 House is a short trip away from Potsdam on U.S. Route 11.
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Potsdam crime rates and statistics
Crime statistics for Potsdam are not readily available.
Adirondack Trailways bus lines offer trips around New York
Two-lane highways like U.S. Route 11 and New York Route 56 are the main thoroughfares, converging in the downtown district and connecting Potsdam west to Watertown and north to Massena, respectively. While the city is mostly car-dependent, Adirondack Trailways provides transportation to destinations like Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo.
Born and raised in Canton, New York, Nicole graduated from Clarkson University in 2007. Prior to starting her own consultancy, she worked in Corporate Supply Chain Management, Marketing and Sales, Business Development and Contract Procurement. She currently works with the local community writing grants, fundraising, and assisting in various business development activities. This has allowed her to understand the community and local area better.
Nicole started in the real estate industry as an additional way to help the community, meet new people and help share the beautiful North Country with others. She loves helping buyers and sellers get through the emotional roller coaster of real estate. She knows the area well and enjoys helping people achieve their dreams!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
