Named after the many waterfalls throughout the Black River, Watertown was once an industrial center and remains an important commerce, health care and education hub in New York’s North Country region. This seat of Jefferson County has about 24,000 people and a median household income of $49,692, which is less than half of the state’s median. Many people work for the government, services and wholesale and retail sectors. Top employers include the local government and the Samaritan Medical Group. The city is also close to the Canadian border, as well as Fort Drum, a 100,000-acre U.S. Army base.
Named after the many waterfalls throughout the Black River, Watertown was once an industrial center.
Fort Drum, a 100,000-acre US Army base, is only a short drive from Watertown and is a major employer in the area.
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Affordable real estate attracting homebuyers
Watertown’s median home price is $195,000, well below the state’s median. Depending on size and upkeep, single-family homes can start under $60,000 and go over $700,000. Some of the city’s larger, well-maintained historic residences are on the southwest side. Although few in quantity, newer homes from the 2000s tend to be on the outskirts of the city. Houses here were typically built in the 1900s, with some dating back to the late 1800s. Housing styles range from smaller American Foursquare, Workers Cottage and traditional New Englander to larger Colonial Revival homes. Multifamily properties are usually between $100,000 and $450,000. Houses close to the river may experience flooding issues and can require additional flood insurance. “Watertown offers affordable housing compared to larger metropolitan areas in New York State, making it an attractive option for families, retirees and military personnel,” says Noah Taylor, a real estate professional at The Taylor Brothers Team at Keller Williams. “The cost of living is lower, which can provide more value for homebuyers looking for larger properties at a more affordable price.”
Some historic stone colonial homes in Watertown like this one were imported from Ireland, and re-assembled brick by brick.
American Foursquare homes are plentiful and popular in the city of Watertown.
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Water activities along the Black River
Residents can explore water activities, such as boating, kayaking or fishing, at a number of waterfront parks set along the Black River, or walk along one of the city's many trails. The historic 450-acre Thompson Park is home to the New York Zoo and is the gathering place for many community events and festivals. Additional recreation venues include the Ives Hill Country Club, which has a 27-hole course, and the Watertown Family YMCA in downtown. The city experiences mild to warm summers and heavy snowfalls in winter, and nearly two months of the year, it can have below-freezing temperatures.
The historic 450-acre Thompson Park in Watertown is home to the New York Zoo and is the gathering place for many community events and festivals.
Recreation venues include the Watertown Family YMCA in Downtown, where residents can exercise and swim.
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Shopping malls and plazas in Watertown
Most of Watertown’s shopping destinations are located along the Interstate Route 81 corridor, which is on the city’s west side and at the intersection of Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 9. Salmon Run Mall has about 60 retailers, entertainment venues, restaurants and businesses. Many shopping plazas, such as Towne Center at Watertown, are down the street with big-box and department stores. Restaurants are concentrated in downtown, ranging from American, Italian and Asian cuisine to familiar fast-food chains. Also in downtown, the historic Paddock Arcade is the country’s longest continuously operating indoor mall.
Salmon Run Mall in Watertown has about 60 retailers, entertainment venues, restaurants and businesses.
In Downtown Watertown, the historic Paddock Arcade is the country’s longest continuously operating indoor mall.
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Learning opportunities at local public, private and higher education institutes
Watertown City School District serves about 4,000 students, with an overall C-plus Niche grade. General Brown Central School District also serves a small part of the city and receives a C Niche grade. Immaculate Heart Central School is a prekindergarten through 12th grade private Catholic school in Watertown. Located between the intersection of Interstate 81 and the Black River, Jefferson Community College is the city’s only higher-education institution and offers over 60 programs of study.
Watertown Senior High School's Cyclones practice on the football field in the warmer months.
Jefferson Community College is Watertown's only higher-education institute and offers over 60 programs of study.
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Festivals celebrating diversity and military life
Watertown has many events that celebrate the city’s diversity and military presence, including an Italian festival, an Irish festival named North Country Goes Green, the Armed Forces Day Parade and Mountainfest, a concert in June in appreciation of the soldiers stationed at Fort Drum. The Black River Fall Fest takes place downtown, celebrating the city and artistic talents in the community, and the Jefferson County Fair, a tradition for over 200 years, is the oldest continuously operating fair in the country. For entertainment, residents can head to Watertown Arena, which hosts many sports events, trade shows, concerts and community events.
Throughout the year, many events and festivals such as The Black River Fall Fest takes place in Downtown Watertown on the main streets.
For entertainment, residents can head to Watertown Arena, which hosts many sports events, trade shows, concerts and community events.
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Proximity to highways and easy public transit access
Interstate 81, U.S. Route 11 and several state highways run through the city. CitiBus provides public bus and paratransit services within the city, and Trailways of New York, a privately held bus and transportation company, has connections to other cities such as Albany, Syracuse and New York. Watertown International Airport is less than 10 miles away and has daily nonstop flights to Philadelphia via American Airlines, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport is about 65 miles south. Samaritan Medical Center is right in the city, offering a full range of both inpatient and outpatient care and services.
Crime data in recent years
According to data from Watertown’s police department, in 2023, property and violent crimes slightly decreased compared to 2022.
Written By
Christina Xu
Photography Contributed By
Greg Dunbar
Video By
Ruo Zheng
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Taylor,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Watertown, NY sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Watertown, NY over the last 12 months is $199,900, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into timeless elegance with this historic 1869 Greek Revival gem, nestled on a charming city lot in the heart of Watertown. This beautifully preserved home offers 1,711 square feet of living space, featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 1 full bath, and 1 half bath.From the moment you enter, you’ll be captivated by the original wood floors and stunning French doors that set the stage for the
Welcome to this updated and turnkey Colonial with all the Old World charm! The current owners have done a ton of upgrades, while keeping the original character in tact. Outside, there has been extensive landscaping and tree removal done. Paint has been refreshed, inside and out. As you come into the formal entry, you can see all of the old world charm still intact, with original woodwork, doors,
Welcome to this sprawling mid-century home with beautiful views inside and out. It has had an entire extensive renovation with luxury in mind in recent years. The open concept of the main living areas are made with entertainment in mind. The kitchen is made for gathering, with plenty of seating and cooking space, double islands, and central location. There is plenty of space inside and out. This
Welcome to 1526 State Street in Watertown, NY — a beautifully maintained and charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering 1,652 square feet of living space. This home is clean, cozy, and full of quality features that make it truly stand out.Step into the modern kitchen featuring stunning countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances — a space designed for both beauty and
Cozy 1,134 square foot log cabin on 1.68 acres in the quiet town of Rodman! Built in 2007, this home features an inviting open-concept kitchen and living room with a center island that fits the space perfectly. Warm interior finishes include pine wood and oak details throughout, creating a true cabin feel.The main floor offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, including a primary bedroom
Welcome to this truly remarkable 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offering 2,589 sq. ft. of premium living space. This property blends timeless charm with modern updates and provides an abundance of room to relax and entertain.Step inside to find beautifully restored hardwood floors, a spacious formal dining room, and multiple living areas including a front den, a large back living room, and
Families looking to go big will find all they need at Parkstead Watertown at City Center. Located on 46 acres of picturesque, landscaped grounds and boasting some of the largest apartments in Watertown with floor plans up to 1,764 sq. ft., our residents enjoy the ability to tailor the perfect living experience for their family while enjoying the very best Parkstead has to offer. Our two-, three-
Cost meets Convenience in Watertown! This charming second-floor apartment features 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom with most utilities included in the rent price. Featuring an eat-in kitchen with lots of storage, a spacious living room with large windows, and a roomy double lot, this apartment is ready-to-go. Shared off-street parking also available. Located just minutes to downtown, I-81, and Fort Drum.
Kelsey Creek Apartments offers beautiful and affordable living in extremely spacious one, two and three- bedroom units. Our community is nestled away in a quiet, residential neighborhood but is also conveniently located just blocks away from Route I-81 and public transportation (there is a bus stop just across the street!). Fort Drum is 10-15 minutes from the property. We are even closer to
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