Rutland offers quiet, countryside living near Fort Drum
Rutland is a quiet, rural community nestled between Watertown and Fort Drum, a major U.S. Army military reservation in Jefferson County. This proximity makes Rutland a popular choice for both civilian families and military personnel seeking a peaceful home base with easy access to urban amenities and employment opportunities. Families are also drawn to the community for its public schools and abundant outdoor areas that offer year-round recreation. “We are also closer to Canada than we are to Syracuse, and it’s very quiet," says Amanda Kingsbury, broker at Grey Arrow Realty with over 10 years of experience. "There's a lot of countryside here. We have it in spades.” The area’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Homes range from 1800s historic builds to newer ranch-style properties
Rutland’s homes are often set against a backdrop of open fields, wooded areas and gently rolling hills. Properties are typically far apart, with spacious lots that feature long driveways and expansive green space that blends into the surrounding countryside. In addition to homes built in the 20th and 21st centuries, the community has a large collection of historical homes from the 1800s. “Rutland is a mix of everything from 1800 stone homes to new builds,” Kingsbury says. “Rutland has more new builds than most towns near Fort Drum. Newer houses also sell the fastest, so if you’ve got a newer ranch, you are in good shape.” Housing styles vary from cottages, ranch-style homes and traditional farmhouses to Colonial Revivals and New Traditional builds. Single-family homes are usually between $150,000 and $400,000, though fixer-uppers sometimes sell for less. Kingsbury says the majority of homes here rely on private septic systems and well water.
Trails, rivers and forests offer outdoor activities for all seasons
Rutland is surrounded by many outdoor and hiking areas. Sandy Creek and the Black River flow through the region, providing opportunities for fishing and paddling. The Black River Trail follows its namesake river and connects to Watertown, offering a scenic, multiuse path ideal for hiking and biking. The Joseph A. Blake Wildlife Sanctuary and the 2,000-acre Pinckney State Forest provide more trails and areas to spot wildlife. During winter, these trails allow for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Just west of town, Dry Hill Ski Area offers ski programs and lessons.
Public schools that serve the town of Rutland
The majority of the town is served by Copenhagen Central or Carthage Central school districts. Copenhagen Central School covers prekindergarten through 12th grade and earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Offering afterschool academic enrichment and support, the Copenhagen 4-H Afterschool program provides tutoring for students in kindergarten to eighth grade. For students within Carthage Central School District, prospective primary schools include Black River Elementary and West Carthage Elementary, which have a B-plus and C-plus, respectively. Carthage Middle School scores a B-minus, and Carthage High School gets a B-plus.
Shopping and dining in Watertown are 10 miles away
Residents enjoy convenient access to grocery stores and retail options in nearby Watertown, about 10 miles west. Big-box retailers like Target and Walmart provide everyday essentials, while supermarkets such as Piggly Wiggly, Save A Lot and Asian Market offer a diverse grocery selection. Popular pubs include Tully’s Good Time and the 1812 Brewing Company, a waterfront spot that serves classic tavern food and craft beers. First opened in 1933, the Fairground Inn is the first Italian restaurant in Watertown. Today, with original wood booths, it continues to serve the community with hearty Italian-American food and gourmet sandwiches.
The hospital and airport are in Watertown, Fort Drum is close
New York state routes 3 and 12 run through the area, and Interstate 81 is west of the community. Samaritan Medical Center and Watertown International Airport are both in Watertown. Fort Drum is approximately 10 miles north, and Syracuse is 75 miles away.
Events organized by local businesses make for year-round festivity
The local ski resort, Dry Hill Ski Area, hosts an annual Oktoberfest, featuring music, food, a beer tent, a kids’ zone and a costume contest. About 5 miles away, Hopenhagen Farm has several community events throughout the year. The annual Hopenhagen Farm Lavender Festival takes place in July, with over 140 food and craft vendors, live music, lavender drinks and festival activities. Other events at the farm include picnics, lavender cutting and outdoor yoga.
