$188,435Average Value$110Average Price per Sq Ft31Homes For Sale
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Greg Dunbar
Video By
Brad Davis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amanda Fiacco,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Potsdam, NY sell after 9 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Potsdam, NY over the last 12 months is $90,000, down 40% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Showcasing years of careful upkeep and improvements, this 6-bedroom home in the Village of Potsdam has recent upgrades, including a new roof, new paved driveway, all updated windows, and more. Inside highlights the incredible versatility of this layout with several bedrooms serving as a home office and a gym. Plus, two of the upstairs bedrooms offer direct, private access to the upper-level deck.
VACANT 3.2 ACRE WATERFRONT LOT IN THE VILLAGE! A rare opportunity to own a large 3.2-acre waterfront parcel right in the village! This beautiful property offers the perfect setting to build your dream home — or potentially subdivide into at least two lots and build multiple residences (subject to local approvals). The land is primarily wooded with a cleared area, offering both privacy and
WELCOME TO THIS HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONTEMPORARY HOME ON 2.2 ACRES ON PERRIN ROAD, POTSDAM ~ WITH NO VILLAGE TAXES! Custom designed and built in 2016 using advanced building science principles, this exceptional all-electric home offers remarkable energy efficiency, modern comfort and expansion potential. The home features a Larsen truss double-wall system with continuous mineral wool and
VERSATILE VACANT LOT IN DOWNTOWN POTSDAM – A rare opportunity to build in the heart of Potsdam’s Market Street Historic District. This corner parcel occupies a prime position at the intersection of Market Street and Garden Street, offering 109 feet of frontage along bustling Market Street and 231 feet along Garden Street. Outstanding visibility and convenient access make this property highly
HANNAWA HOME WITH A WATERVIEW! Welcome to 3 School Street in Hannawa Falls, located in the Potsdam School District. This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home offers flexible living spaces, a lovely yard, and a beautiful waterview—ready for new owners to make it their own. As you enter, you’ll step into the main living room, which opens seamlessly into the dining room. To the left of dining room, you'll
For sale only. This 2 bedroom 1 bathroom ranch property is located just outside the village of Potsdam, but is still in the Highway Development District. The front portion of the lot is cleared and provides a nicely sized yard with parking and a shaded back yard. The back portion of the property is wooded. Inside, the central living room has access to the back yard and is open to the dining area
This late 19th century folk Victorian home blends original character with classic Upstate charm. Thoughtfully maintained with updates, the property offers 2,864 sq ft and an additional 1,000 sq ft in the separate, fully renovated attached apartment. Nestled on a corner lot with a wrap-around paved drive, boasting 217 combined feet of frontage along Elm Street, Lawrence Avenue, and Leroy
This beautifully remodeled four-bedroom, three-bath home in the Village of Potsdam blends timeless charm with thoughtful modern updates. Set on a lovely lot with a wrap-around porch, side deck, patio, and a landscaped yard designed by Willow Tree Landscaping, this traditional three-story residence offers both curb appeal and comfortable living. The detached two-car garage with automatic doors and
Welcome to 12 Clough St. in Potsdam, New York—a fully renovated four-bedroom, two-bathroom home perfect for modern living and not far from downtown, the hospital, colleges & many local hot spots. Enjoy the large, covered side porch as you enter the home into the formal dining area. At the front of the home is a nicely sized living room, accessible from both the front entryway and the formal
WELCOME TO 195 LENNY ROAD, POTSDAM ~ SITUATED ON 3.2 ACRES! This lovely, spacious home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, along with a long list of features designed for comfortable living and entertaining. Inside, you’ll find the open-concept main living area that showcases a spacious kitchen with an island, coffee bar, and ample cabinetry, flowing seamlessly into the cozy living room with a gas
Welcome to 14 Clinton Street in Potsdam, NY! This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the convenience of village amenities, including public water, sewer, and natural gas, along with a spacious backyard. The main floor features wood floors, a large kitchen with an eating area, a living room, and a flexible central room that can be used as a dining room, office, or whatever suits your needs. There’s
WELCOME TO 13 GREEN STREET, POTSDAM! This 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom home features hardwood floors {some are refinished}, an open concept living area with new tongue and groove ceilings, a gas fireplace, a back deck, a shed, a 2 car attached garage, a paved driveway and a lovely yard is located on a dead end street in West Stockholm. Just minutes from Potsdam and in Potsdam School District. Step
Collegiate Village of Potsdam is home to students from SUNY Potsdam, Clarkson University, SUNY Canton, and St Lawrence University. Private Rooms and Bathrooms. We have 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, Studio, and 3 Bedroom Townhouse options available.
Garden Apartments with studios, 1 and 2 bedroom units. All units have a full bathroom and a kitchen along with other amenities depending on unit and rate. All utilities, except for Internet and Cable, are included in the rental amount. Most units have been totally renovated and or upgraded. Lots of off street parking available. We have new laundry facilities on site. We have a full time onsite
Property Id: 2496765Welcome home to an inviting porch with rocking chairs. An inviting spot to relax from the day. It includes a spacious kitchen and a brand new deck. This 4 bedroom 2 bath home boasts hardwood floors and a kitchen island. Two bedrooms downstairs share a bathroom and are largest enough for a king sized bed. The two bedrooms upstairs are light and airy and share a
A spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment unit on the second floor of a duplex. This unit has had a renovation and is ready for you! It is FULLY FURNISHED unit with all the basic essentials to get you going. You are just 5 minutes from the Canton Potsdam Hospital. Minimum 3 month lease. It will be available May 1st.
The Farm1, Farm2, Farm3 are available for short-term to mid-term renting for professionals. The units are fully furnished with all utilities turned on, including high-speed internet. All utilities and internet are included in the rent.Our flexible lease allows for stays from 2 weeks to a few months. The units are newly renovated in 2021 with new flooring, kitchens, larger bed
The Farm1, Farm2, Farm3 are available for short-term to mid-term renting for professionals. The units are fully furnished with all utilities turned on, including high-speed internet. All utilities and internet are included in the rent.Our flexible lease allows for stays from 2 weeks to a few months. The units are newly renovated in 2021 with new flooring, kitchens, larger bed
A spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment unit on the second floor of a duplex. This unit has had a renovation and is ready for you! It is FULLY FURNISHED unit with all the basic essentials to get you going. You are just 5 minutes from the Canton Potsdam Hospital. Minimum 3 month lease. It will be available May 1st.
For Rent: Updated 3BR/1BA Upstairs Apartment – Short Walk to Clarkson UniversityAvailable April 2026Great for Clarkson students (inquire for student pricing) or professionals!3 spacious bedrooms, 1 full bath Updated throughout with beautiful hardwood floors In-unit laundry (washer & dryer included) Partially furnished New high-efficiency gas boiler for reliable heat & hot
The Farm1, Farm2, Farm3 are available for short-term to mid-term renting for professionals. The units are fully furnished with all utilities turned on, including high-speed internet. All utilities and internet are included in the rent.Our flexible lease allows for stays from 2 weeks to a few months. The units are newly renovated in 2021 with new flooring, kitchens, larger bed
Don’t miss your chance to rent this beautiful, sun filled and spacious two bedroom apartment on a quiet tree lined street across from Jake’s on the Water. Located in Hannawa Falls, this professionally managed unit features a bright living room and dining room combo with access to a brand new deck overlooking the yard. Both bedrooms are generously sized with ample closet space. The kitchen comes
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.