Walton has historic charm, outdoor recreation and a county fair
In the mountainous landscape of the Western Catskills, Walton offers small-town charm and an abundant natural setting. “Walton is a historic village with a bunch of newer restaurants,” says Rich Santos, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Upstate NY Properties. “But it’s kind of a recreational mecca for the hunting and fishing crowd.” The modest downtown reveals community parks, local eats and the flow of the West Branch Delaware River, all framed by a rolling countryside with farmstands and protected lands. Walton sits about 100 miles from both Syracuse and Albany and 50 miles east of Binghamton , connecting the quiet village to larger cities.
Each summer at the beginning of August, the Delaware County Fair draws tens of thousands of visitors to Walton. “It’s no joke; it’s really big, really vibrant. I’ve been to other county fairs, and this one is pretty baller,” Santos says. “There are tons of things going on, from tractor pulls and demolition derbies to carnival rides, food vendors and live performances.” The agricultural fair will be celebrating its 135th birthday in 2026.
Bear Spring Mountain trails and Sheffield Pond bring adventure
Walton residents have access to both local parks and nearby wildlife preserves. The Walton Pool welcomes swimmers when the weather is warm, and the adjacent Austin Lincoln Park offers basketball and tennis courts, athletic fields, a small playground and walking loop. On the town’s south side, Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area sprawls across more than 7,000 acres, inviting hikers, anglers, hunters and trappers. “There are tons of snowmobiling and ATV trails. Walton is in the process of approving ATV use within village limits; they’re working on connecting the trails from the rural areas to the village,” Santos says. “Walton is also very close to the Cannonsville Reservoir, which is more for fishing.”
While the development is still in progress, the 50 acres surrounding Sheffield Pond was recently purchased and approved for a rural resort. “There will be short-term rental cabins and rentable pavilion spaces,” Santos adds. “It’ll be an alluring tourist-type resort right in the village.”
Home types include farmhouse, ranch-style and colonial-inspired
Walton’s housing mix features farmhouse-style homes with wide front porches, classic colonial styles with garages, ranch-style and Craftsman properties. Restored Italianate and Victorian houses add vintage appeal to many residential blocks, sitting among tree-lined streets with a backdrop of forested hills. Move-in ready properties typically start around $110,000 and can reach up to $315,000, with sizes ranging from about 1,500 to nearly 3,000 square feet. Occasionally, buyers may find larger homes on a few acres priced above $650,000. “Walton is relatively affordable,” Santos says; Walton’s median home price of $207,000 is less than that of the greater Oneonta area, which has a median price of $235,000. Homes located near the West Branch of the Delaware River and its tributaries are subject to flooding, according to First Street.
Diners and other local establishments surround Delaware Street
Delaware Street serves as the heart of Walton’s retail and dining scene, reflecting the village’s blend of history and local flavor. Classic diners like T.A.’s Place and Walton Diner offer breakfast platters and burgers, while Danny’s is a casual spot with steaks, pastas and homemade soups. Just off Delaware Street, Packin Heat Bar & Grill specializes in spicy foods like brisket, and the historic Castle of the Delaware stands out as an event venue with a diverse menu. For groceries, there’s Big M Supermarket, and for healthcare needs, UHS Delaware Valley Hospital serves the community.
Walton Theatre and public library showcase village history
Walton’s history is reflected in its notable establishments, including the Walton Theatre. The prominent fixture was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style after a fire in 1914, featuring white columns and red brick. The theater operates as a cultural venue, hosting not only movie screenings, but also plays and musical performances. The town’s post office separates the theater from William B. Ogden Free Library, another historic institution built in 1897 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style using native bluestone.
Walton Central School District serves the small community
Local students are served by Walton Central School District, which receives a C rating from Niche and educates about 850 students in three schools. “Our schools are small and becoming even smaller in student count,” Santos says. “In order for athletic teams to compete, they combine with other schools. Walton and Downsville are combined for athletics.” Within the Walton district, learners can attend the C-minus-rated Townsend Elementary School, and then continue on to Mack Middle and O'Neill High School. Niche does not yet rate either the middle or high schools.
Routes 10 and 206 link residents to Albany and Binghamton
Walton is car-dependent with no public bus or train services, so residents primarily get around via the two-lane state Route 10 and state Route 206, which provide essential connections to surrounding communities. For further travel, Tri-Cities Airport in Binghamton is about 50 miles west. Both Syracuse and Albany provide larger-scale airports with more flight options.
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Written By
Mary Beth Greene
