Oneonta Apartment Renter's Guide
Oneonta Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
No one is exactly sure about the word "Oneonta", but there's a geologic formation near the western end of town called "Tablerocks".
One theory is that Oneonta might be an Iroquois word for "place of open rocks
No one is exactly sure about the word "Oneonta", but there's a geologic formation near the western end of town called "Tablerocks".
One theory is that Oneonta might be an Iroquois word for "place of open rocks." After all, in prehistoric times, the Algonquin and Iroquois Native Americans inhabited the land around today's Oneonta. The Iroquois gained exclusive control up until the arrival of the first European settlers in 1773. When the Delaware and Hudson Railroad arrived, Oneonta became home to the largest locomotive roundhouse in the world.
What to Expect in Oneonta
How Much Will it Cost?
Average rates for housing for rent in Oneonta are 26.6 percent lower than the New York average and 1.6 percent less than the national average. Oneonta offers many different types of rentals, but you'll find mostly rental condos and townhouses and occasionally duplexes for rent. Winters are long and cold here, so be expecting a larger heating bill. If you can negotiate and get the cost of heat included, you'll likely save a bundle.
When Should I Start Looking?
If you want to live here, start your apartment search now. It may take a while because apartments are in demand. Almost 42 percent of residents here rent an apartment and there are several colleges nearby, so there is competition for every one that becomes available. Six weeks or longer out from your proposed move-in date isn't too early to find a place to hang your hat, especially during the change of semester.
What You Need to Move to Oneonta
When you're ready to rent an apartment. you'll likely need your credit score, a letter verifying employment and salary and a copy of your last paycheck stub to secure your dream place in Oneontas rent and security deposit. Bringing your pet? Bring more money for a deposit.
Neighborhoods of Oneonta
With a Liveability score of 76, Oneonta is ranked high as a place to live in New York. A 98 WalkScore for this area means it is a walker's paradise, too. Most of the town's restaurants and services are clustered on or near Historic Main Street, while Wilbur Park has a more open, relaxed feel with lots of mature trees and open spaces.
Main Street: The Oneonta Farmer's Market in the historic downtown area in Kim K. Muller Plaza is a weekly must. Shop for locally harvested honey, fresh flowers and produce weekly all year round. The Autumn Cafe on Main Street in the historic district is a cozy, quaint stop for an early lunch or later dinner
Wilber Park: Fifty-six-acre Wilbur Park is in this area. Bike trails and wooded paths meander through the Park, passing tennis courts, a public pool and open spaces. The student population is high here and rents are generally less expensive.
Life in the City
Culture
It seems like most of Oneonta is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the Municipal Building, Oneonta Armory, Stonehouse Farm, Oneonta Theater, Old Post Office, Oneonta Downtown Historic District, the Walnut Street Historic District and the famous Cooperstown Village are here and all are worth a visit. The Fairchild Mansion, also listed on the Register, was the home of George Winthrop Fairchild. He and his partner Thomas Watson started IBM.
In addition, Oneonta is a center for the performing and fine arts in its many theaters and art galleries.
Shopping
The Historic Downtown offers a variety of quaint shops, dining and entertainment to meander through. Most of it is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Green Toad, despite its name, is a lovely place to pop in during a cold day. Grab a cup of coffee, wander around then snuggle in one of the comfy chairs and grab a book or magazine to peruse.
Dining out
The name, Undercover Eggplant, is enough to make you want to investigate this restaurant's possibilities. It's a cozy little deli with homemade bread to die for used to great effect in their scrumptious sandwiches.
The Red Caboose Restaurant and Bar is in Oneontas historic downtown area. The butternut squash soup is velvety creamy, and fabulous with apples, ricotta and a homemade crouton. Try the chocolate chipotle chili with bacon, too.
Getting Outdoors
Oneonta lies in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains, between Binghamton and Albany in southern Otsego County. The Susquehanna River flows westward past the southern part of town. Outdoor sports in both summer and winter dominate the area. Walking, running, biking, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching are favorite pastimes. Riddell Parkwatch and cross country ski. Schenevus Creek is stocked. There are plenty of open trails to explore, including waterfalls and a connector trail to Mud Lake.
Getting Around
In downtown, the only time you'll need a car is to easily navigate through the surrounding areas. Interstate 88 follows the course of the Susquehanna River past Oneonta. New York State Routes 7, 23 and 28 all pass through the city.
Greater Binghampton Airport is the closest passenger airport at 48 miles away.
The average commute to work is 18 minutes for Oneontans, 37.9 percent less than New York's average and 30.8 percent less than the national average.