Steuben offers a peaceful rural lifestyle 20 miles from Utica
Steuben is a small rural town about 20 miles north of Utica in upstate New York. A historic monument honors Baron von Steuben, the town's namesake, a Revolutionary War general who lived in the area until his death in 1794. Many early settlers in the area were dairy farmers, and the town’s 1,000 current residents still enjoy a country lifestyle surrounded by rolling fields, now with a number of state forests. The town is not to be confused with Steuben County, about 150 miles away in the Finger Lakes region.
Ranch-style homes and A-frames on spacious country lots
Steuben's broad fields and dense woods help keep homes spaced widely apart. Land parcels typically measure 1 to 2 acres, with larger lots also in the mix. Some properties feature farm ponds and countryside views. Long gravel driveways offer plenty of space for parking but require snow removal during the region’s long, cold winters. Housing styles vary, but manufactured homes, A-frames and ranch-style houses are common. Inventory is low, and sales are infrequent. Recently, small ranch-style and manufactured homes sold for $50,000 to $60,000, and larger ranch-style builds went for $160,000 to $230,000. Steuben’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4.
State forests and ski areas ensure year-round outdoor fun
Penn Mountain State Forest and Clark Hill State Forest stretch over 6,500 acres in Steuben’s northern reaches. Campsites allow multiday hiking, fishing, hunting and canoeing trips. Snowmobilers hit the trails in winter, and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are permitted. More winter fun awaits at Woods Valley Ski Area, about 6 miles away. Golfers can choose between the private course at Teugega Country Club or the public Camroden Golf Course in nearby Rome .
Students move through two schools in Remsen Central School District
Most students attend schools in the Remsen Central School District. Remsen Elementary School serves prekindergarten through sixth grade and receives a B-minus from Niche. The school participates in the Positivity Project to help students build and recognize character strengths. For grades 7 through 12, kids attend Remsen Junior/Senior High School, rated C-plus. New York allows interdistrict open enrollment, so families can request transfers, but space may be limited, and the district doesn’t offer magnet schools or lottery-based programs.
Pubs, groceries and casual eats in nearby towns
With no commerce to speak of in Steuben, locals head out of town to do their shopping. Aldi, Ace Hardware and chain restaurants are about 15 miles away in Rome, and it’s a 20-mile drive to the shopping centers in Utica. The village of Holland Patent is roughly 6 miles away for a casual night out. Craft beer and pub grub are the stars at 16 Stone Brewpub, and Grande’s Pizzeria is across the street for pasta, subs and brick-oven pies.
Transit options and health care are available in Utica
In Utica, Amtrak trains connect to destinations like Syracuse , Albany and Niagara Falls, plus the 5-hour trip to New York . Medical care is available at Wynn Hospital, also in Utica. Travelers are about 55 miles from Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which provides service to several major hubs.
Quilting and baking at Remsen Barn Festival of the Arts
In September, locals head to the Remsen Barn Festival of the Arts. Held about 5 miles away, the event features quilting exhibits, baking contests, live music, dancing and a corn maze.
