Williamstown is a rural community with lots to explore
On the eastern edge of Oswego County, Williamstown is a small New York community that draws buyers with its outdoor activities. “It has the appeal of the four-wheeler trails and the snowmobile trail goes through there,” says Bambi Norman, a Realtor at R.A. Wilkes Real Estate LLC, with over 45 years of experience. “Half of Kasoag Lake is in Williamstown, and half is in Orwell. Kasoag is known for its fishing.” In addition to the lake and the trails through town, Williamstown has multiple state forests that offer hunting and camping. State Route 13 passes through the area, connecting to nearby communities. Locally owned restaurants allow residents to stop for a drink or a meal after a long day spent enjoying the outdoors.
Country homes offer easy access to nature
Log cabins and farmhouses are common in town, often on spacious wooded lots. Winding country roads lead through dense forests. With a median lot size of 1 acre, buyers can find secluded homes. The center of town features homes closer together, including Colonial Revivals and cottages from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. Homes on Kasoag Lake have scenic views and often come with small docks offering access to the water. Wells and septic tanks are common due to the town’s rural setting. Prices typically range from $60,000 to $330,000. The town’s CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10 is lower than the national average of 4.
State forests, lakes and trails provide plenty of room to roam
Multiple ATV and snowmobile trails wind through the fields and forests of Williamstown. With over 200 inches of annual snowfall in the Tug Hill region, snowmobiling is a popular activity in the winter. Motocross riders can practice or compete at Thornwood MX, a course on Stone Hill Road that hosts weekend races. Kasoag Lake offers room for fishing, swimming and kayaking, with a boat ramp off county Route 30 near Kasoag Lake Tavern and Grill. The Salmon River Fish Hatchery in nearby Altmar supplies salmon for over 100 public waters, and visitors can witness the salmon run in mid-to-late October. “They hatch the eggs there, so the salmon know where to come back to. They know by the taste of the water where to come back to spawn,” Norman says. Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area has nearly 9,000 acres for hunting, hiking and viewing wildlife. The town also has a large playground next to the public library and baseball fields on state Route 183.
Casual restaurants in town, with groceries a few miles away
Route 13 has a few shops and restaurants, including Buck’s Family Restaurant. This spot is known for its outdoor patio and casual American fare. It’s located on the snowmobile trails and is a popular spot for riders to stop and eat. This part of town also has a convenience store and a Family Dollar. Kasoag Lake Tavern and Grill is also popular with the snowmobile and ATV crowd. Burgers and wings are the menu highlights in this red barn overlooking the lake. Residents can head to Camden to shop for groceries at Tops or browse the locally owned bookstore and hardware shop.
Career and college prep at Altmar-Parish-Williamstown schools
Students might attend Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Elementary School before moving on to Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Junior/Senior High School. Each receives a C-minus from Niche. High schoolers can take dual credit courses through Cayuga Community College and Onondaga Community College. They can also study career programs at the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation, including computer coding, construction technology and nursing. The district does not operate magnet programs or open enrollment, but out-of-district transfers may be possible through the state.
State highways connect to nearby villages
Route 13 is the main highway through town, leading about 10 miles southeast to Camden or 16 miles northwest to Pulaski. Camden has an urgent care center, and the closest hospital is Rome Health, about 30 miles away. Nearby Interstate 81 offers a 40-mile drive to Syracuse .
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
