About New York

Chenango County, New York lies centrally located in the state's Southern Tier Region. It covers almost 900 square miles of beautiful rolling hills and fertile river valleys. Four rivers wind their way through the County: the Susquehanna, the Chenango, the Unadilla and the Ostelic. Waterfowl and wildlife still thrive along the banks and visitors are drawn to the rural beauty of the area.

The hills and the waters divide Chenango County into distinct regions. The word Chenango means “pleasant river flowing through the land of the bull thistle.” Residents remember the tenacity and endurance of those who first settled here, much like the county’s namesake, the hearty and persistent bull thistle. The County preserves ten National Historic Districts throughout its area, and lovely 19th century architecture graces the tree-lined streets of the quiet towns and villages.

The Olde Jericho Tavern remains a landmark established in 1805 in the town of Bainbridge, which also boasts a Victorian gazebo and fountain. The county seat of Norwich proudly displays its elegant domed courthouse, built in 1838. The town of Otselic retains its fishing heritage. Residents still crowd the banks of the river on the first day of trout fishing, recalling the days when it held the title of ‘Tackle Town, USA.’ Nine museums await history buffs, to tell the rich history of Chenango County.

This predominantly rural County remains a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking to get away from the bustle of urban life. Over 60% of Chenango County lies covered in forest, while 30% is put to agricultural use. A mere 5% has been developed for residential, commercial or industrial usage. With four rivers, lush old-growth forests, rolling hills and over 80 thousand acres of state lands, Chenango County offers a variety of water sports as well as horseback riding, hiking and camping, along with miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The lovely Finger Lakes Trail, which runs 562 miles connecting the Catskills and the Allegheny Mountains, wanders 72 miles through the County, including a trek through the stunning North Pharsalia Gorge.

Chenango County draws sportsmen from all over to visit the many acres of wilderness. Deer, bear, wild turkey and other game birds abound here. The populations of coyote, raccoon, and fox remains higher here than anywhere else in the state. Fishermen, too, have long known the value of Chenango County’s many lakes and streams, especially those who enjoy trout fishing.

Chenango County consists of twenty-one towns, eight villages, and the city of Norwich. The county population was near 52,000 in the 2,000 Census, while Norwich itself was over 7,000. The town of Greene holds close to 6,000, and the tiniest village would be Lincklaen with less than 500 residents. Some of the major employers through the county are Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Elmer’s Products, Amphenol and Anderson Laboratories. With its extremely low crime rate and high quality of life, Chenango County will attract more and more firms and corporations into the area. The CCIDA,Chenango County Industrial Development Association, is available to aid new industries in relocating. Norwich is one of New York’s designated Empire Zones, complete with local and state tax incentives to encourage future growth.

Chenango County, New York is a pristine wilderness containing many long-standing and committed communities. It is a wonderful place to escape from the urban sprawl and an excellent choice to settle in and build a new future.