Cider mill and outdoor recreation define Virgil’s local vibe
Tucked into wooded mountains and scenic farmland, Virgil is a respite from surrounding cities. "It's really just four corners and a little more," says Realtor Loueen Rosenbush with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. "But it's a great location for commuters because it's only 15 to 20 minutes from Cortland, Ithaca or Syracuse." The community is home to about 2,500 people across its acres of dairy farms and apple orchards. Virgil is best known for access to abundant skiing and hiking, and the Hollenbeck Cider Mill, a community staple. This local hub represents Virgil's tight-knit, local vibe, where people are fully immersed in the land. "It's a family farm that makes cider and donuts, and they have the best pies," Rosenbush says. "My grandson is about to start his first job pressing apples; he's so excited."
Colonial and Victorian-style homes surrounded by forested hills
Virgil sits in a pastoral valley, surrounded by maple and evergreen forests, mountains and farmland. Most homes are centered around the heart of Virgil and are usually classic Colonial Revival, Victorian-style, farmhouse-style and Four Square. As homes venture outwards from the town center, there are more ranch-style and split-level homes. Midcentury modern and A-frame mountain hideaways are tucked away throughout Virgil's rolling hills. "There are a lot of farms here," Rosenbush says. "And there isn't much new construction, but our homes are usually 50 to 150 years old, and we're okay with that." Most homes are priced between $200,000 and $365,000, but some larger mountain chalet homes are often priced between $500,000 and $675,000. "It's getting harder to buy a home for under $100,000 here, but you can still buy a nice place for $200,000 and over," Rosenbush says.
Cortland High earns the district’s highest score and offers clubs
Cortland Enlarged City School District serves over 1,900 students and earns a C-plus rating from Niche. Franklin S. Barry School serves pre-kindergarten through second grade and has a C-plus. F.E. Smith Intermediate serves third and fourth and scores a C, and Randall Middle serves fifth and sixth and has a C-plus. Cortland Junior High gets a C-plus, and Cortland High earns a B. High schoolers can participate in extracurriculars like art club, tech club and the Dynamic Paws, a vocal ensemble group.
Trails and lakes support year-round recreation near Virgil
Virgil is close to several state forests and hiking areas, allowing residents to enjoy all four seasons outdoors. Tuller Hill State Forest is a popular option, part of the Finger Lakes Trail, and multi-use trails for horseback riding and biking. Visitors may also go fishing, trapping, hunting, snowshoeing and camping. Dryden Lake Park is another option, offering a launch for boating, kayaking and paddling. "There are a few resorts around the area that offer downhill and cross-country skiing," Rosenbush says. "Greek Peak is one that also has a water park and a lot of outdoor activities."
Churches and cider mill anchor Virgil’s modest town center
The heart of Virgil offers churches, a town hall and a community center, Rosenbush says. "The former Virgil Elementary School is now home to a senior housing center and a great community center," she says. Hollenbeck's Cider Mill is a local attraction, offering fresh-pressed cider, pies, donuts, jams and other seasonal goods. The town is close to Cortland and Ithaca, which have grocery stores and more dining, retail and events.
Syracuse and Ithaca airports are within reach of Virgil
New York State Routes 392 and 215 intersect in Virgil. The town is nearly equidistant between New York State Route 13 and Interstate 81. These major thoroughfares connect Virgil to Cortland, less than 10 miles away. Cortland is home to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, the nearest hospital. SR 13 also brings residents to Ithaca, which is about 15 miles away and home to Ithaca Tompkins International Airport. Syracuse Hancock International Airport is another option, just 50 miles from Virgil. Virgil has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
