Ogdensburg, New York, is a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty nestled along the majestic St. Lawrence River. This town is characterized by its scenic waterfront views and vibrant community spirit. Offering a comfortable pace of life, Ogdensburg is perfect for anyone who relishes an atmosphere where community events are vibrant and neighborly connections run deep.
Steeped in rich history, Ogdensburg boasts cultural treasures like the
Frederic Remington Art Museum, which celebrates the life and works of the renowned American artist. For those who are passionate about outdoor recreation, the Marinas and city parks let residents indulge in kayak adventures, leisurely picnics, and tranquil walks amid stunning river vistas.
Education and healthcare thrive here, too, with well-regarded schools and the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center ensuring residents have access to quality services. The city's culinary
Discover the Charm of Ogdensburg, New York
4 | HelloOgdensburg, New York • Fall Issue
Hello Ogdensburg, New York • Fall Issue |5
scene adds an unexpectedly varied flavor to life in Ogdensburg. Local eateries serve everything from hearty American classics to international delights, highlighting the diverse palette of its residents.
Community, culture, and nature converge in Ogdensburg, creating an inviting environment. Whether you’re exploring historic streets or enjoying waterfront sunsets, life in Ogdensburg, New York, offers an...
Discover the Charm of Ogdensburg, New York
Discover the Charm of Ogdensburg, New York: A Hidden Gem Along the St. Lawrence
Ogdensburg, New York, is a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty nestled along the majestic St. Lawrence River. This town is characterized by its scenic waterfront views and vibrant community spirit. Offering a comfortable pace of life, Ogdensburg is perfect for anyone who relishes an atmosphere where community events are vibrant and neighborly connections run deep.
Steeped in rich history, Ogdensburg boasts cultural treasures like the Frederic Remington Art Museum, which celebrates the life and works of the renowned American artist. For those who are passionate about outdoor recreation, the Marinas and city parks let residents indulge in kayak adventures, leisurely picnics, and tranquil walks amid stunning river vistas.
Education and healthcare thrive here, too, with well-regarded schools and the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center ensuring residents have access to quality services. The city's culinary scene adds an unexpectedly varied flavor to life in Ogdensburg. Local eateries serve everything from hearty American classics to international delights, highlighting the diverse palette of its residents.
Community, culture, and nature converge in Ogdensburg, creating an inviting environment. Whether you’re exploring historic streets or enjoying waterfront sunsets, life in Ogdensburg, New York, offers an inspiring blend of simplicity and charm, inviting you to call this riverside town your home.
FEATURED STORY
Finding the Right Spot in St. Lawrence County
by Rhonda Roethel
Moving to a new area is about more than buying a house. It is about choosing a community where daily life feels comfortable and connected. St. Lawrence County is one of the largest counties in New York State, and with that size comes a wide range of towns, villages, and rural settings. Each part of the county has its own identity, and knowing those differences can make all the difference when deciding where to settle.Some people are drawn to the city of Ogdensburg, which sits along the St. Lawrence River. It offers convenience, a historic downtown, and the benefit of
6 | HelloOgdensburg, New York • Fall Issue
Rhonda Roethel
ABOUT THE AUTHOR I co-founded America 1 Realty in 2001 to honor the victims of 9/11 and reflect a commitment to American values. I have built my career on honesty and dedicated service while helping improve Ogdensburg and nearby communities. I have sold hundreds of properties across three counties and remain active in local organizations, including the Frederic Remington Art Museum.
living near the international border with Canada. For those who want easy access to the river for boating or fishing, waterfront neighborhoods in and around Ogdensburg can be a good fit.Canton, on the other hand, has the atmosphere of a college town. Home to both St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton, it blends a youthful energy with small-town charm. For families, Canton provides strong school options and a walkable village center with shops, restaurants, and community events.Potsdam offers a similar college-town feel, anchored by Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam. The presence of students and faculty
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Finding the Right Spot in St. Lawrence County
Moving to a new area is about more than buying a house. It is about choosing a community where daily life feels comfortable and connected. St. Lawrence County is one of the largest counties in New York State, and with that size comes a wide range of towns, villages, and rural settings. Each part of the county has its own identity, and knowing those differences can make all the difference when deciding where to settle. Some people are drawn to the city of Ogdensburg, which sits along the St. Lawrence River. It offers convenience, a historic downtown, and the benefit of living near the international border with Canada. For those who want easy access to the river for boating or fishing, waterfront neighborhoods in and around Ogdensburg can be a good fit. Canton, on the other hand, has the atmosphere of a college town. Home to both St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton, it blends a youthful energy with small-town charm. For families, Canton provides strong school options and a walkable village center with shops, restaurants, and community events. Potsdam offers a similar college-town feel, anchored by Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam. The presence of students and faculty adds diversity to the area, while the village itself maintains a close-knit sense of community. For buyers who value cultural events, concerts, and access to the arts, Potsdam can be a strong choice. For those who prefer a quieter lifestyle, many of the county’s smaller towns and rural hamlets provide wide open spaces and a slower pace of living. Communities like Heuvelton, Gouverneur, or Morristown offer more room to spread out and enjoy a country setting. In these areas, buyers often find larger properties, opportunities for gardening, and a closer connection to nature. When choosing between communities, school districts are often an important consideration. Parents want to know about class sizes, graduation rates, and extracurricular opportunities. Local real estate professionals can explain the distinctions between districts, making it easier for families to choose a location that meets their educational priorities. Commute times are another factor. St. Lawrence County covers more than 2,600 square miles, so travel between home, work, and daily errands can vary widely. Someone working in Massena may want to avoid a long commute from Gouverneur, while a person whose job is in Canton may find that living in Potsdam provides both convenience and a similar sense of community. Healthcare access also plays a role. Larger communities such as Canton, Potsdam, Massena, and Ogdensburg have hospitals and medical centers, while smaller towns may have limited options nearby. For older adults or families with ongoing medical needs, this can be an important consideration. Outdoor amenities are another draw. St. Lawrence County is rich in recreational opportunities, from hiking and snowmobiling trails to riverfront parks and access to the Adirondacks. Those who love boating may gravitate toward river communities like Waddington or Morristown. Others who want mountain access may choose towns on the southern edge of the county, closer to Adirondack trails and lakes. Choosing the right location in St. Lawrence County comes down to lifestyle, priorities, and long-term plans. Some buyers want a walkable village atmosphere, while others prefer privacy and land. By exploring the unique features of each community, newcomers can find the spot that feels most like home.
Choosing theright location in St.Lawrence Countycomes down tolifestyle, priorities, and long-termplans
adds diversity to the area, while the village itself maintains a close-knit sense of community. For buyers who value cultural events, concerts, and access to the arts, Potsdam can be a strong choice.For those who prefer a quieter lifestyle, many of the county’s smaller towns and rural hamlets provide wide open spaces and a slower pace of living. Communities like Heuvelton, Gouverneur, or Morristown offer more room to spread out and enjoy a country setting. In these areas,...
FEATURED STORY
Why Working with a Local Real Estate Agent Matters
by Rhonda Roethel
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will ever make. While online listings and national real estate portals are helpful, they only show part of the picture. A local real estate agent provides insight that no website can fully capture. Their experience with neighborhoods, zoning, schools, and market conditions can make the difference between a smooth process and a stressful one.A local agent understands details about your community that a national website simply cannot show.Real estate is not just about square footage
8 | HelloOgdensburg, New York • Fall Issue
Rhonda Roethel
ABOUT THE AUTHOR I co-founded America 1 Realty in 2001 to honor the victims of 9/11 and reflect a commitment to American values. I have built my career on honesty and dedicated service while helping improve Ogdensburg and nearby communities. I have sold hundreds of properties across three counties and remain active in local organizations, including the Frederic Remington Art Museum.
and asking prices. Each neighborhood has its own unique character, and these qualities can significantly impact both lifestyle and property value. A local agent knows which areas are quiet at night, which neighborhoods are attracting new businesses, and which streets might have ongoing infrastructure projects. For families, school districts are often a top priority. An agent familiar with local schools can share accurate information about boundaries, reputations, and even transportation options. These details usually make a significant difference in a buyer’s decision.Beyond lifestyle factors, real estate
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Why Working with a Local Real Estate Agent Matters
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will ever make. While online listings and national real estate portals are helpful, they only show part of the picture. A local real estate agent provides insight that no website can fully capture. Their experience with neighborhoods, zoning, schools, and market conditions can make the difference between a smooth process and a stressful one. A local agent understands details about your community that a national website simply cannot show. Real estate is not just about square footage and asking prices. Each neighborhood has its own unique character, and these qualities can significantly impact both lifestyle and property value. A local agent knows which areas are quiet at night, which neighborhoods are attracting new businesses, and which streets might have ongoing infrastructure projects. For families, school districts are often a top priority. An agent familiar with local schools can share accurate information about boundaries, reputations, and even transportation options. These details usually make a significant difference in a buyer’s decision. Beyond lifestyle factors, real estate transactions also involve rules that are not always obvious to buyers and sellers. Local zoning laws, building codes, and property restrictions can vary widely from one community to another. A local agent is familiar with properties that have special requirements or limitations. They may alert buyers if a home is located in a floodplain or if particular renovations would require special permits. This knowledge is essential for anyone planning improvements or a unique use of the property. Understanding these rules ahead of time can prevent expensive surprises. Not every home for sale appears online. Some sellers prefer to market their properties privately, relying on word of mouth or local connections instead of national websites. Experienced agents often hear about these opportunities first. Working with a local agent increases the chances of discovering properties before they are officially listed on the market. Likewise, an agent can schedule showings quickly, sometimes before a property attracts wider interest, giving buyers an advantage in a competitive market. Another key advantage is real-time market knowledge. National portals often provide broad averages, but they do not always reflect what is happening on a specific street or within a particular town. A local agent works with data directly from the community. They know how quickly homes are selling, whether prices are rising or holding steady, and what kinds of offers are being accepted. This knowledge is especially valuable during negotiations. Buyers can make strong, competitive offers without overpaying, and sellers can set prices that attract interest without undervaluing their homes. Searching for homes online can also feel overwhelming, with countless listings that blur together. A local agent helps narrow the search, focusing only on properties that fit a buyer’s needs and budget. They can provide context, highlighting both the strengths and potential drawbacks of each property. For sellers, agents do more than create listings. They guide decisions on staging, pricing, and marketing strategies that resonate within the community. They also connect sellers with local professionals, such as photographers and inspectors, who can help prepare a property for the market. Peace of mind is another benefit. Real estate transactions involve inspections, appraisals, financing, and legal requirements, each with the potential for delays or complications. A local agent has experience navigating these challenges. They know which lenders move efficiently, which inspectors are detail-oriented, and which attorneys are well-versed in real estate law. Their network of trusted connections helps keep the process moving forward and reduces stress for both buyers and sellers. Technology has made it easier than ever to browse homes from a computer or phone, but buying or selling property is still a local process. A home is more than an investment; it is the place where people build their lives. Having someone who knows the area, understands the market, and can anticipate local issues makes the experience smoother and more successful. Working with a local real estate agent means having an advocate who not only represents your interests but also understands the complete picture of the community. Their knowledge helps clients avoid costly mistakes and approach the process with confidence.
A localagent understands detailsabout your community thata national websitesimply cannotshow.
transactions also involve rules that are not always obvious to buyers and sellers. Local zoning laws, building codes, and property restrictions can vary widely from one community to another. A local agent is familiar with properties that have special requirements or limitations. They may alert buyers if a home is located in a floodplain or if particular renovations would require special permits. This knowledge is essential for anyone planning improvements or a unique use o...
