Natural beauty and small-town living in Windsor Township
About 17 miles east of Binghamton, Windsor Township offers a charming village, rustic woodlands and single-family homes below the national median price. “It’s a rural town in beautiful Upstate New York with scenic views,” says Elizabeth Pfister, town clerk. “Plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.” Klumpp Park is the community hub for sports and events, but the Hawkins Pond State Forest and the Susquehanna River cater to those looking for a bit more adventure. A handful of locally owned shops and restaurants are in the village, too. “It’s a quiet, friendly neighborhood,” Pfister says.
Charming single-family homes with historic style
Windsor Township’s single-family homes are set along tree-lined country roads that wind past rolling hills and pastoral meadows. Farmhouses, ranch-style and split-level homes are typical, with construction from the mid-19th century through the early 2000s. Homes reflect the town's rural character, often featuring rustic details like shiplap siding, plantation shutters and exposed wood beams; screened patios and wide front porches are also common. These properties include acreage, providing privacy and space for outbuildings, like barns or workshops. In the village, homes are set along narrow, sidewalk-lined streets. “The village is a little more tightly put together,” Pfister says. “But the homes are kept to the historic standard of the time.” Many of the village’s homes have Victorian-influenced features, like ornate porticos, dormer windows and decorative gables. Depending on size and features, prices range from $100,000 to $450,000. The median sale price is $175,000, compared to the national median of $420,000.
Parks, water and wildlife in Windsor Township
Windsor Township's parks cater to a wide range of outdoor activities. “In the village of Windsor, there’s Klumpp Park,” Pfister says. “That’s got basketball courts, baseball fields, a playground.” Nearby, there's a boat launch along the Susquehanna River. Hawkins Pond State Forest offers over 500 acres of dense woodland and wetland, home to native birds like blue jays and red crossbills. “That’s on the Pennsylvania border — beautiful state land,” Pfister says. Miles of tree-shaded, dirt-packed trails weave through the park, popular for cross-country skiing in the winter. Fishing is permitted in Hawkins Pond, which is stocked with largemouth bass and pumpkinseed. The public Golden Oak Golf Course offers 18 holes, an indoor golf simulator and occasional events, like the Halloween Tournament, where entrants show up in costume. “It is very scenic — a hidden gem in Broome County,” Pfister says. Several camping sites are around town, too, including Forest Lake Campground with a dog park, lake access and boat rentals.
Quaint shopping and dining in the village
The village offers a handful of locally owned shops and restaurants. The Windsor Diner is a cozy start to the morning, serving hot coffee, brunch classics and seasonal specials, like strawberry shortcake waffles. “They make a Reuben and hamburger combination,” Pfister says. “It’s more than you can eat for lunch, but it’s so good.” Nearby, China Star offers takeout favorites, and Petunia’s is a quaint cafe with cold brew and quick bites. At Chip’s Bar, residents unwind with a cold one and occasional live music.
Big M covers day-to-day groceries and doubles as a deli. During the summer and winter, the Windsor Farmers Market is open on Saturdays and sells locally sourced produce and homemade treats. There are also a few more businesses in West Windsor, including Schoolhouse Creamery. “It’s a nice little ice cream place in an old one-room schoolhouse,” Pfister says. “There’s always a line out the door.”
The annual Corn Festival & Tractor Show
The Windsor Partnership, a nonprofit organization, sponsors community events throughout the year, like the Corn Festival & Tractor Show in August. “It’s all things corn,” Pfister says. Festivalgoers head to Klumpp Park to enjoy corn-based dishes, including cornbread, corndogs and caramel popcorn. “We do roasted corn-on-the-cob — that’s the big to-do,” Pfister says. “I’ve eaten corn all my life, but when they grill it in the husk over charcoal, it is so much sweeter.” The festivities also include craft vendors, a petting zoo and fun traditions like the Corn Huskin’ Competition and Tractor Parade.
Windsor Township schools receive high marks from Niche
Windsor Township is part of the Windsor Central School District, which Niche rates A-minus overall. Kids can start at A. F. Palmer Elementary before moving to Windsor Central Middle — both are rated A-minus. Teens attend the B-plus-rated Windsor Central High, which offers a robust arts department, including classes in sculptural welding and sound recording.
Commuting to Binghamton on I-86
Residents drive to get around town. Interstate 86 provides a direct route to Binghamton. “The village is walkable — the town is not,” Pfister says. The 750-mile Empire State Trail passes through town, popular with cyclists. UHS Binghamton General Hospital is 17 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 67-mile drive.
