Winfield has several hamlets and a shared sense of community
Winfield moves slowly, and that’s how residents like it. The rural town of around 2,000 people contains 11 smaller hamlets and villages, the largest being West Winfield. Though amenities like the nearest grocery store can be miles away, the region has something it considers even more important: a sense of community. Lifelong resident Kylie Allen opened Kylie’s Diner in West Winfield in 2008 as a tribute to her hometown. “I wanted something community-oriented,” Allen says. “I wanted something for the people, something casual. I think that sums up the area. It’s a small town. It’s quaint. It’s one big family.” Major highways provide access to larger cities like Utica and Rome, and nearby parks and woods give people plenty to do.
Older traditional homes surrounded by hills and forests
Area homes tend to be older and built in a traditional style, often with a front porch. These houses can range from $175,000 to $365,000. Lot sizes vary greatly, with larger lots found outside the hamlets. Hills, trees and vast stretches of farmland surround the roads, which are largely well-paved but can be narrow and lack lane lines. Commercial areas like Main Street in West Winfield can have sidewalks. Yards often feature small or medium bushes and medium or large trees.
A town park, a campground and 18 holes of golf, plus deer hunting
Winfield Memorial Town Park features a baseball field, a basketball court, a playground and a creek filled with crayfish. Scenic View Campground hosts private events on its grounds, which offer hiking trails, swimming, paddle boating and a golf range. Nearby, the private Cedar Lake Club provides access to 18 holes of golf and a summer beach. Hunting is a popular pastime; the regular white-tailed deer hunting season runs from mid-November through early December.
West Winfield is home to casual restaurants like Kylie's Diner
Area restaurants are found in West Winfield. Kylie’s Diner serves classic American breakfast and lunch in a cow-themed space, a tribute to the area’s farming roots. “Breakfast makes up 75% of our orders, and we serve it all day,” Allen says. Joe’s New York Pizzeria bakes fresh pies. The nearby Matteson Hotel, a historic tavern, hosts events like karaoke nights and line dancing classes. West Winfield has a Dollar General. The closest dedicated grocery store is DG Market, around 10 miles from most of the community. There are Aldi and Walmart locations in Ilion, close to 15 miles away. East Winfield’s NY Animal and Farm is a small feed and supply store.
Mount Markham Senior High's fitness facility is open to the public
Students are zoned for Mount Markham Central School District. They can attend Mount Markham Elementary, which holds a B-minus Niche grade. Mount Markham Middle School gets a C-plus score. Mount Markham Senior High School’s fitness facility is open to students and community members; students can use it for free, while community memberships are $20 per month, $60 per four months or $100 per year. The school earns a B-minus rating.
New York does not have a school choice scholarship program. The closest private schools with Niche grades are in Utica, less than 20 miles away. Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School earns an A-minus grade.
Access to U.S. Route 20 and Syracuse Hancock International Airport
U.S. Route 20 runs through East and West Winfield. The community is around 20 miles from Utica and 30 miles from Rome. Utica’s Wynn Hospital has nearly 375 beds. Syracuse Hancock International Airport is about a 65-mile drive. Herkimer County offers transportation to residents age 60 or older. Rides must be booked in advance. Winters can bring plenty of snow. “Sometimes [Kylie’s Diner] doesn’t even open, but people expect that,” Allen says. “We can get 18 inches of snow overnight.”
The Fall Family Festival brings the town together for food and games
Each Friday during the summer and fall, the Veggie Van stops at the West Winfield Village Green to sell produce. The annual Fall Family Festival, held at Winfield Memorial Town Park, combines food trucks and vendors with family games, a magic act and a visit from the Utica ZooMobile and its variety of live animals.
