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
Rick Cutway,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Watertown, NY sell after 92 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Watertown, NY over the last 12 months is $230,900, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 403 Moffett Street! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-full-bath home is ideally located just steps from Watertown’s popular Thompson Park. Offering a great combination of modern updates, functionality, and affordability, this home is priced to sell with many of the major upgrades already completed for you!Inside, you’ll find a refreshed full bathroom, Kitchen with white
Danielle StoverNorth Star Real Estate & Property Management
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained ranch, built in 2021 and hardly lived in! Offering 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, this home combines modern finishes, thoughtful design, and an incredible amount of space. The heart of the home is the huge open concept living area, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features a large center island, quartz countertops, a spacious
Welcome to 936 Emmett Street, a warm and inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a flexible layout and thoughtful updates throughout. Step inside to an open living and dining area that flows into the eat-in kitchen, creating a comfortable space for everyday living and entertaining. The first floor also offers a bedroom and full bathroom, while upstairs you’ll find two additional bedrooms and a
Cozy City home in a great location close to Drum and all areas of Watertown! This 3 Bedroom 1 Bath has a nice corner lot, good parking, shed and has been updated! Spacious Kitchen with side deck, large living room, bedroom on the first floor, overall, in great shape! Exterior well maintained, vinyl sided so no maintenance! Call today for a showing and more info!
A rare chance to own a well-located fully functional 3-plex in the heart of Watertown, offering strong rental income, flexible occupancy options, and unbeatable proximity to everything the city has to offer. Whether you’re an investor expanding your portfolio or a buyer looking to live in one unit while tenants help pay the mortgage, this property delivers exceptional value.This solid
Discover your own North Country retreat on nearly 17 acres of peaceful countryside — a rare opportunity to own a beautifully maintained home with a full horse barn and four stables, perfect for equestrians, hobby farmers, or anyone seeking space, privacy, and a true rural lifestyle.This Cape Cod-style home welcomes you with a warm, open layout featuring a quartz-countertop kitchen,
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home conveniently located close to the heart of Watertown, offering easy access to shopping, dining, schools, parks, and everyday amenities. Step inside to a bright and airy interior filled with natural light that creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the home. The thoughtful layout provides comfortable living spaces perfect for both
Welcome to a beautifully renewed two-story home on a rare double corner lot with a year-round river view — the perfect blend of modern comfort, thoughtful upgrades, and unbeatable convenience. Located just steps from downtown amenities, shopping, the hospital, and only a short ride to Fort Drum, this home offers the lifestyle you want with the peace of mind you need. Over the years, this property
Welcome to this extremely well-kept, newly constructed 973 sq ft single-wide mobile home, built in 2022, and still resembles brand new, located in Northland Estates, conveniently situated between Watertown and Adams Center. Upon recent review of school boundary lines, this property is located within the highly sought-after South Jefferson School District, offering a great opportunity to own a
Exceptional investment opportunity in one of Watertown’s most desirable neighborhoods! This well-maintained triplex on Gotham Street offers three spacious units; two 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartments and one 3-bedroom, 1-bath unit, each with comfortable layouts and abundant natural light.Set on an impressive one-acre lot within the city limits, the property offers ample outdoor space rarely
Prime Development & Agricultural Opportunity Near Fort Drum!Discover the incredible potential of this expansive 64.03+/- acre parcel strategically located on NYS Route 342 in the town of Le Ray (Evans Mills), NY. Boasting an impressive 1,756 feet of prominent road frontage and a level, highly accessible topography, this property offers a clean canvas for your next venture.Key
Spanning over 125 expansive acres, this remarkable recreational property represents a rare opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and savvy investors alike. Strategically located with direct access along State Route 81, the site offers a unique blend of accessibility and profound seclusion. The property is a true sanctuary for wildlife, having experienced very limited human
Prime development opportunity located near the scenic Black River in Watertown, NY. 19 parcels have been bundled together, including 6 on Water St. that already feature approved curb cuts and sewer/water hookups, streamlining site work and timelines. Conveniently located near downtown amenities, bars, restaurants, and riverfront recreation along with Fort Drum proximity. Tiny home neighborhood,
Discover the perfect blend of rural tranquility and convenient access at 28120 NYS Route 126 in beautiful Black River, New York! Nestled in the heart of Jefferson County, this inviting property offers the ideal setting for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle just minutes from Fort Drum, Watertown, Carthage, and the stunning Thousand Islands region.Enjoy easy commuting along Route 126 with
Welcome home to this meticulously maintained three bedroom, one bath residence nestled on a neighborhood street close to all amenities. The property features a HUGE lawn, perfect for outdoor entertaining, recreation or simply enjoying the spacious surroundings. Inside, the open living and dining areas create a welcoming comfortable flow for every day living and gatherings. A three season detached
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-
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
Returning from Deployment? Need to get settled before you arrive? Start your lease prior to moving in! Call to See how we can Accommodate your needs!The Apartments at Madison Barracks consists of 127 apartment homes. This is a historical property that was established in 1816. President Ulysses S. Grant served two tours of duty at Madison Barracks as a junior army officer. First from 1848
Location, Community, Quality Living. It Starts Here!Ontario Village is a well maintained twenty six acre apartment community offering the perfect blend of convenience, affordability and quality. Nestled in the heart of Watertown, Ontario Village offers the right balance of city living while still having the allure of privacy and tranquility. For additional information please go to our
Come home to convenient living at Beaver Meadow Apartments. This 7 building community is located near I-81 and offers easy access to shopping, entertainment, transportation and Fort Drum. Choose from one, two and three bedroom units that range from 760 to 1,300 square feet. Amenities: •Private community clubhouse with fitness center & lounge•Playgrounds •Convenient to shopping •Open plan
Charming one & two bedroom apartments close to everything!! Boasts an eat in kitchen in the heart of the city center. City View Apartments. Amazing location close to Ft. Drum. The brand new YMCA fitness and aquatic center is across the street. Your home would be steps from Riverwalk Park along the Black River. Walk to bars, restaurants and shopping. Leave the car at home. Large parking lot.
(www.heritageapartmentsllc.com) Heritage offers one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent right in the heart of Watertown, NY. With our comfortable, spacious rooms; reliable management; ample amenities; and central location a short walk from Samaritan Medical Center, Convergys and Public Square, we are the proud home to many a satisfied tenant. Heritage is protected 24/7 by a S.T.A.T.
Watertown-Thompson Park Apartments are located in the city of Watertown (Jefferson County), NY. We offer one and two-bedroom apartments with one and a half baths, and townhouses with modern amenities, hardwood floors, as well as kitchens complete with range, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Each apartment is cable-ready, with washer/dryer in each building. Heat is included. Watertown-Thompson Park
Need to get settled before you arrive? Start your lease prior to your arrival! Call to see how we can accommodate your needs!Riverview Urban & Industrial Lofts offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. These apartments feature updated appliances, cabinetry, flooring, exposed brick, and high ceilings. This property is right on the water and features views of Black River. Water/Sewer, trash,
Need to get settled before you arrive? Start your lease prior to your arrival! Call to See how we can Accommodate your needs!The College Heights Apartments are located in a quiet neighborhood on a dead end road with minimal traffic. The apartments are close to I-81, restaurants, shopping, and only 15 minutes from Fort Drum! With several storage options, an on-site laundry facility, 24
Need to get settled before you arrive? Start your lease prior to your arrival! Call to See how we can Accommodate your needs!Affordable apartments conveniently located in Downtown Watertown with ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED! The building features a secured entrance, off street parking, an elevator, and a laundry facility on the 5th floor! Short term leases available!
Need to get settled before you arrive? Start your lease prior to your arrival! Call to See how we can Accommodate your needs!The building features small studio, large studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments! Heat, air conditioning, electric, water, sewer, landscaping, trash removal include for a $40 Utility Fee! The building entrance has a secured key fob system and the laundry
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