Westmoreland has a country-living feel, just outside the city
In Westmoreland, seemingly endless stretches of farmland and open prairies hug a wide assortment of homes. This rustic Oneida County locale is an escape in the rural Adirondack region countryside, but Rome and Utica are close, and it's just about 20 miles from lakeside fun at Sylvan Beach. “There’s nice rolling hills, you’re not too close to neighbors,” says local Realtor Spencer Ingmire, who’s with Coldwell Banker Faith Properties and is a resident of the nearby city of Oneida . “You kind of have your own sense of a retreat, almost. I just listed a house there, and it’s got a nice piece of property, but it also is 10 minutes away from a bigger city. It’s kind of got a nice balance.”
Properties vary greatly in age and lot size
Westmoreland was formally settled in the 1700s, and still has some farmhouses dating to that era. Many more were built around the mid-20th century, including bungalows, colonials and ranch-style options. There’s the occasional home built over the past 25 years too. Age aside, most properties around Westmoreland come with at least a half-acre, and sometimes much more. “There’s a lot of hunters in the area, too, so sometimes a family will list a property that maybe has 40 or 50 acres,” Ingmire says. Traditional single-family houses tend to sell for $150,000 to $480,000. Manufactured homes in the area typically range from $50,000 to $160,000.
School district offers early enrichment and hands-on mentoring
The Westmoreland Central School District has a B overall grade on Niche. A-minus-rated Primary Elementary School serves students in prekindergarten through second grade and hosts Westmoreland PTO activities, such as a trunk or treat and breakfast with Santa. Westmoreland’s Upper Elementary gets a B-plus and includes grades 3 through 6. Westmoreland Jr./Sr. High carries a C-plus grade and offers a Senior College & Career Enrichment Program in which students are paired with mentors for hands-on learning in fields like architecture, law and manufacturing.
State route and interstate help residents reach key services
New York state Route 233 runs through the middle of Westmoreland and is a direct connection to Rome and amenities like the Rome Health Hospital, 9 miles away. The 210-bed medical center has a 24-hour emergency room. Utica is about 15 miles away, with plenty of amenities as well. Drivers in Westmoreland also have quick access to Interstate 90, which takes them toward the Syracuse International Airport, 43 miles away.
Local stalwarts and big-box staples are a quick reach
Westmoreland’s rural landscape still leaves room for locally owned restaurants like Knucklehead’s Brew House, where the wings are a hit. Station 233 is a firehouse-themed bar with all sorts of firefighter-related decor, including axes and a mannequin clad in a full fire suit. Locals can knock out some grocery shopping at The Olde Kountry Market, a Mennonite store with baked goods, fresh produce and more. “And they do their own building, too, so you can get a quote for a shed from them, or outdoor furniture,” Ingmire says. “But they’ve got a bakery, they have fresh meat, a deli, and a bunch of good food.” Surrounding communities offer more options. Rome has national chains including Walmart, Lowe’s and Marshalls. The city of New Hartford is home to the Sangertown Square shopping mall and restaurants like Georgio’s Village Café. “It’s got the best greens in the town, as they say, and some of the best food that you can find in the area,” Ingmire says.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hit the hills or the beach
Residents looking to get some fresh air have places like Westmoreland Town Park, where there are multiple athletic fields, a playground and a sizable pavilion. The Skenandoa Club offers an 18-hole golf course that’s open to the public on designated days. Sylvan Beach is a village with a sandy shoreline where visitors can swim in the 51,000-acre Oneida Lake. The lake also draws boaters and anglers, after species including bass and walleye. Adventurers can tackle the Adirondack Mountains on nearby trails. “There’s tons of hiking trails,” Ingmire says of Old Forge. “You can bike. There’s a water park. There’s a lot of outdoor stuff to do there. If you go up there for a weekend, you won’t find yourself being bored.”
Annual festival rings in summer
Westmoreland Days, hosted in Westmoreland Town Park, is an annual staple. The two-day festival features fireworks, food trucks, music and a parade. The Westmoreland Central School District also hosts an annual tree lighting in December at the Westmoreland Primary Elementary School, complete with doughnuts and hot chocolate.
![Wayne Epps Jr.]()
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
