Remsen offers year-round recreation near the Adirondacks
Established in 1798, Remsen is a small town in central New York that sits at the western foothills of the scenic Adirondacks. In the late 20th and early 21st century, Remsen became increasingly popular with tourists seeking seasonal outdoor activities, from boating on Kayuta Lake in summer to snowmobiling in winter. Year-round, though, this laid-back community is home to a permanent population of roughly 430 residents who have quick access to the area's diverse recreation. While State Route 12 connects Remsen to nearby cities like Utica and Rome, which provide an extensive shopping and dining scene, the community is loyal to its few long-standing local businesses.
Wide variety of architectural styles at various price points
In the heart of the town are the community's oldest homes, with farmhouses, Craftsman properties and classic saltbox frames still standing from the late 19th and early 20th century. In the midcentury, construction of ranch-style houses and cabins began more on the outskirts of town, especially on Kayuka Lake and near the Hinckley Reservoir. Construction has continued slowly but steadily into the 21st century, especially with the rise of people buying second homes in Remsen to use during peak summer and winter months. Older vintage properties can sell anywhere between $45,000 and $200,000, depending on the renovations needed. Larger, renovated midcentury homes and contemporary houses sell for $205,000 to $575,000, and some outliers can sell for even more if they have dozens of acres or sit lakeside. The town's CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4.
Lakes and forests offer diverse outdoor recreational activities
Remsen's location at the western foothills of the Adirondack Mountains ensures that residents have plenty of diverse recreation opportunities no matter the season. Lakes, thick woodland and winding creeks surround the community. Lake Julia Preserve is a local favorite for easy-going trail walking, and both Hinckley Reservoir and Kayuta Lake are popular for boating and fishing. Like many areas in central New York, snowmobiling is a huge pastime in Remsen. Black River Wild Forest has several seasonal access roads that are part of a huge snowmobiling system that weaves through the Adirondacks. Black River encompasses nearly 130,000 acres, and in the summer, residents head there for hiking, mountain biking and kayaking.
Local essentials and shopping in nearby Rome
Shopping and dining in Remsen is a low-key affair, providing a few essential errand stops and local businesses. It has the basics for everyday life, from a central gas station to Dollar General, and a sports store that fixes and sells snowmobiles and boats. Remsen Country Bakery has been serving fresh-baked goods to the community for years, while the family that runs Momma's Comfort Foods sells traditional dishes by order for take-out. Remsen is 19 miles from Rome, which is filled with big-box stores, national retailers and grocers.
Remsen schools provide core academics and clubs
Remsen has its own small, localized school district, and most kids living in the area start at Remsen Elementary School before heading to Remsen Jr./Sr. High School. Both schools receive a B-minus from Niche. The Remsen Central School Student Newspaper is open to any students from the junior and senior grades and is just one of several extracurricular activities the school provides.
Easy drives to nearby cities for services and travel
The community is intersected by state Route 12, a major north-south highway running through central New York. This route is essential for getting to nearby cities such as Utica, 18 miles south, and connecting to other highways, such as Interstate 90. Both Utica and Rome are equal distances away, typically a 20 to 25-minute drive, and offer several medical centers. Syracuse Hancock International Airport services several commercial airlines and is 62 miles west of Remsen via I-90.
