Residents enjoy nature and a slower pace of life in Willet
Willet shines as one of upstate New York's bucolic small towns. The community of just over 1,000 residents primarily consists of dairy farms, apple orchards and surrounding forests, immersing residents in nature. "I've lived here for about 13 years," says Realtor Jessie Fowlston with Yaman Real Estate. "I like it because it's quiet, peaceful and just a small town in the country." While Fowlston admits that Willet doesn't offer much business or infrastructure, she says the tranquil lifestyle draws people to the area. State forests surround Willet, so hiking, skiing and hunting are all within a few minutes of home.
Shingle cottages and farmhouses dot the rural landscape
Willet is surrounded by rolling hills, acres of green crop fields and patches of forest that turn vibrant gold and orange hues in Autumn. The rural village has a handful of Colonial, farmhouse-style, Victorian-style and shingle cottages surrounding its main street. There are a few collections of houses around nearby waterways, like Stump Pond. Homes do not often hit the market, but recently sold homes went for between about $190,000 and $280,000. "There isn't much new construction, but there's a lot of land available for farming," Fowlston says. Farms, orchards and homesteads dot the outskirts of Willet, and land for sale usually ranges between two and 10 acres.
All grade levels share one campus in Cincinnatus
Cincinnatus Central School District serves over 525 students in the area and earns an overall C-plus rating from Niche. All grades share the same campus at Cincinnatus Central School. Cincinnatus Elementary serves pre-kindergarten through fourth grade and scores a C. Cincinnatus Junior High gets a C-plus, and Cincinnatus Senior High earns a B-minus. The school has an extensive music program, with band, chorus and drama pathways. Students may access the Smart Music online program, which provides recordings and materials to help them learn.
Willet residents enjoy easy access to nature and water
Willet Town Park is the community's main recreation space. There's a small playground, picnic area and athletic fields. Willet is close to several major waterways, like the Otselic River, a popular fishing and boating location with a small ramp and fishing area off New York State Route 41. Many state forests surround Willet, offering residents ample places to enjoy outdoor activities throughout all four seasons. Long Pond State Forest is a popular location for kayaking along the lily padded pond, and Red Brook State Forest offers snowshoeing, skiing, trapping, birdwatching and primitive camping. Papish Pond Multiple Use Area, considered part of Gee Brook State Forest, also offers hunting and paddling. Willet is also about 8 miles from Maple Hill Golf Club, which offers public tee times.
Town offices and shops anchor Willet’s village center
The community has a modest village hub, primarily consisting of municipal offices and supply shops. Rocky Road Express is a popular spot for sandwiches, salads and ice cream. Willet Town Hall hosts a Holiday Craft Extravaganza and Vendor Show each November. The event showcases local crafters, artisans, farmers and bakers. There's also a community fish fry and a raffle fundraiser. Fowlston mentions that residents usually go to nearby towns for groceries and other amenities. "Cincinnatus and Marathon have dollar stores and things like that, but most people go to Cortland for their shopping," she says.
Interstate 81 and two airports are within driving distance
Willet sits near New York State Routes 26, 41 and 221. From 221, Interstate 81 is about 8 miles west. The interstate connects the town to Cortland, 20 miles away, home to the closest hospital, Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. Ithaca Tompkins International is the nearest airport, about 35 miles away. Another option is Syracuse Hancock International Airport, 60 miles away. Willet has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
