Frederic Remington, famous artist known for drawings of the Wild West, was born in Canton.
When heading towards Canton, make sure to check out the Adirondack Mountains
Frederic Remington, famous artist known for drawings of the Wild West, was born in Canton.
When heading towards Canton, make sure to check out the Adirondack Mountains. But keep in mind this is not just a typical mountain range, it is a dome-shaped mountain range that makes them unlike any other! Nestled in the foothills is Canton, a great little town of approximately 10,000 people. The town is made up of two smaller villages, one of which is named Canton and the other one is named Rensselaer Falls. Canton was first settled as far back as 1800, although it was not formally organized into a town until 1805. Because it was interested in the trades of China, it was supposedly named after the Chinese trade port of Canton. It has a relatively large land area of 105.9 square miles, and is intersected by two major rivers, the Grasse River and the Oswegatchie River. Located in the Adirondacks, just 18 miles from the Canadian border, Canton is known for quiet environment and outdoor living.
Why live in Canton? Because it has gorgeous scenery, of course! And great people. The population in Canton has grown slowly but steadily in the last decade. The household income and median home value are both below the state average, making living in Canton a great value. The housing market offers plenty of options from apartment homes to rental apartments to single family homes. Sizes start on the small side with studio apartments for rent, and go up to larger 4 and 5 bedroom units.
Canton rental property is in high demand, with both purchase and rental real estate, including some that include all bills paid. Being a college town, units go quickly so be ready to move fast once the right home is found.
Getting started
Don't even think about renting a place without making a wish list! And of course, consider professional help. When considering either apartment rentals or home purchases, a qualified real estate agent makes house hunting a lot easier. There is a lot of paperwork and other small details that make the housing search challenging, and an agent can help take pressure off all of these little details. And this is true for all types of housing, from a studio apartment to a large home, and all rental apt sizes in between.
Yeah, bringing along a wish list sounds embarrassing. Who wants to be seen carrying a notebook while house hunting? But honestly, a wish list make searching much, much easier. Knowing exactly what you want, and putting it in writing, can save lots of time and prevent lots of wasted energy looking at places that don't meet your needs. Take a drive around Canton and stop in one of the local stores to learn about the best places to live and pick up a list of real estate listings. It can take time to find the right place, and more can often must be spent signing all the paperwork. For rentals, you should have money saved up for first and last months rent, and a security deposit. For purchases, be ready to put up money for a down payment, and discuss options with a mortgage professional.
Signing on the dotted line
When the big day finally arrives, don't panic! And don't forget to read the fine print, too! These written agreements may seem like legal mumbo-jumbo, but they help to protect all parties, and while they can be tedious, it is best to know each side's rights and responsibilities. Some landlords will require background checks and credit checks, so be prepared. All of this takes time and patience. But when all the papers are signed, and all checks are complete, it is time to move.
Given that much of the town is built around its universities, living is quite affordable and enjoyable, and infused with tons of youthful energy and community spirit. With miles of trails and two rivers, there are plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year. There are many little shops and great local restaurants for different styles.
Maple Hill: A great development along the south end, featuring 1 to 2 acre lots, municipal water and sewer services, and best of all, just one mile to the Village Green. Take note of the street names, since most of them are named after historical figures.
Canterbury Woods: A small residential community with attractive townhouse units, perfect for working professionals. How often do you find this type of quiet convenient living at the end of a cul-de-sac! Situated in a park-like setting, definitely a place to call home.
Apartment Complexes
Partridge Knoll: For retirees, Partridge Knoll is a great option. Built in the style of a grand Adirondack lodge, it offers great views of the countryside and is right next to a municipal golf course, plus picturesque biking and walking.
Howe Apartments: Actually two separates complexes, Harrison House Apartments and Canton Townhouses. All units are non-smoking with no pets allowed to make for a peaceful living environment.
While living in Canton, keep an eye out for kangaroos. No, not the animal, those are mainly found on other parts of the world. The Kangaroo is the official mascot of SUNY Canton Athletics! It's a small residential college that is part of the State University of New York network. The general public is welcome to take in a comedy or music show, or attend a lecture from various motivational and educational speakers. Being a college town, of course there are a number of great local restaurants, everything from delis to pizza places and small restaurants - The Blackbird Cafe is the bomb! And Sergi's Pizza is a great place to hang out and grab a slice. For the outdoorsy types, take a stroll along the Grasse River Heritage Trail.
For those who love the outdoors, Canton has it all. There are major ski areas in New York, Vermont, and Canada that are all within driving distance. Gore Mountain New York is a terrific ski area, with downhill and cross country skiing, and other activities such as snowshoeing. All make for a great long weekend away.
Both Lake Placid and Saranac Lake sit in the heart of the Adirondacks. Lake Placid was the site of 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, and offers a rich history of winter sports. Lake Saranac also has a rich history, and has more than 180 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous people such as Mark Twain to Albert Einstein once had summer homes there, as the area was a popular vacation destination in the late 19th century.
From quiet outdoors to bustling city life, Canton makes for a great location to settle down, enjoy life, and do it all in an affordable manner.
