Redfield is a rural town with endless outdoor recreation
Redfield is a small town in the heart of New York's Tug Hill region, known for its year-round outdoor recreation. “They have ATV trails and groomed snowmobile trails. There’s recreation on the Salmon River Reservoir, which has some state forest land with a boat launch. So that’s pretty appealing to people,” says Bambi Norman, a Realtor at R. A. Wilkes Real Estate LLC, with over 45 years of experience. “It’s a nice country area, roughly an hour from Syracuse and less than an hour from Watertown .” The town is extremely rural, with a population of under 500, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Large swaths of forest make up the landscape, with the Salmon River flowing through the southern part of town. Thousands of acres of public land make it easy to enjoy the outdoors, no matter which part of the community residents call home.
Quiet country settings surround homeowners with nature
Log cabins, cottages and farmhouses make up most of the inventory in Redfield, often on spacious wooded lots that feel immersed in nature. Homes offer privacy and room for recreation, with a median lot size of 1 acre. A small hamlet along county Route 17, also known as Redfield, is the only part of town where neighbors can see one another from their homes. These houses are closer together and sit closer to the road. Because of the town’s rural setting, most homes have private wells and septic tanks. Prices typically range from $140,000 to $330,000. The town’s CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10 is lower than the national average of 4.
Fishing, hiking and snowmobiling keep life busy in Redfield
Outdoor recreation is abundant year-round in Redfield. The Salmon River Reservoir is a 2,660-acre lake popular for fishing and boating. The lake has four access points, including a boat launch on Route 17 in the hamlet of Redfield. This site has a concrete ramp and parking for 20 cars and trailers. Common fish species in the area include bass, walleye and trout. Salmon Falls Unique Area is a 112-acre site near the lake with a 110-foot waterfall. A short hiking trail leads to the falls, which are a popular spot for ice climbing in the winter. Redfield is in the Tug Hill region of New York, which often receives over 200 inches of snow per year. Because of this, winter activities are popular, including snowmobiling. Several groomed trails throughout the town offer room for riding. Public lands around town, like Hall Island State Forest and Battle Hill State Forest, provide space for hiking, hunting and primitive camping.
A quick drive for shopping and dining
Commercial activity in Redfield is limited to a small general store and a casual bar and grill. Residents can drive south to Williamstown for some groceries. “There is one little store in Williamstown. One of those Family Dollars. But that’s it, a gas station and a Family Dollar,” Norman says. Williamstown is also home to Buck’s Family Restaurant, a casual spot with plenty of outdoor seating known for its wings and fried fish. The village of Camden is about 15 miles away and has a Tops supermarket. Locally owned shops in Camden include a bookstore, a hardware store and a gift shop.
Sandy Creek schools offer career prep
Students might attend schools in the Sandy Creek Central School District, about 17 miles away. Sandy Creek Elementary School gets a C-plus by Niche, while Sandy Creek Middle School receives a B-minus. Sandy Creek High School earns a B-plus and offers career and technical education courses at the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation. Students can study subjects like agriculture, cosmetology and early childhood education. Students may be able to pursue out-of-district transfers to other schools, depending on space and administrative approval.
County roads lead to larger communities nearby
Redfield is a secluded community with county routes serving as the main roads in and out of town. Route 17 leads about 10 miles south to Williamstown. River Road offers a 15-mile drive to Camden. Health care is available at Quick Care in Camden or Rome Health Hospital, about 32 miles away. Nearby Interstate 81 provides a 51-mile drive to Syracuse.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
