Masonville (Binghamton, Oneonta, Woodstock: transplants, for sale, houses)

[Mom2Five]

Hi -

My husband & I own a few acres of land in Masonville (6 miles from Sidney) and are kinda sorta considering putting up a house - maybe a modular or a log cabin type. There was a double wide on the property at one time, so utilities are in place. Anyway, we haven't been up there in about 20 years and I'm sure that it hasn't changed much (although they do have a website and WiFi at the "cafe" ). We just want peace, quiet and some land within a reasonable distance from my family (this will be about 2 1/2 hours - not great but doable) and this seems to fit the bill. I did want to move up there before about 15 years or so ago, and DH didn't want to because he was afraid of "isolation" although he spent alot of time up there as a kid. Any thoughts? Are we nutz?

TIA

[honeychrome]

We're a few miles from Masonville and love the area. You won't see too much change between 20 years ago and now- a few more houses, a mcmansion on a hill here and there, though not many. There are a few kit-system log house companies in the area, so something along those lines wouldn't be difficult. Plenty of tradespeople in the area without a ton of work currenly. Industrial wind development is an issue in the general area, though I don't think Masonville is a target at the moment (search the threads and you'll find plenty of info about it all). The area is very slowly beginning to attract people from downstate, though more of the sort that want to relocate than the weekend/vacation house types. The general store was really nicely redone (on the inside at least- guess they haven't got to the exterior yet!), and I really, really hope it survives as a business but have to say I kind of doubt it will- its mostly overpriced health-food/organic/natural products and crafts that I don't think there is much of a market for in the area (yet...). Maybe they have the capital to operate at a loss for a while and learn what will work. Can't say for certain, but it definitely seems like it is run by someone from NYC. It would be nice to see the cafe become a sort of center of the community though. You can find most of what you need for daily life in Sidney, and Oneonta and Binghamton aren't far for what you can't get in the immediate locale. If you're going to build yourself, Jess F. Howe's is a really good building supply place not far away in Sidney Center (independent and cheaper than the big boxes on almost everything). Except for hunting season you'll have plenty of peace and quiet! Summer and fall are truly fantastic.

[Mom2Five]

honeychrome,

Thanks so much - that's exactly the kind of answer I was hoping for!

"The general store was really nicely redone (on the inside at least- guess they haven't got to the exterior yet!), and I really, really hope it survives as a business but have to say I kind of doubt it will- its mostly overpriced health-food/organic/natural products and crafts"

I hope it does too, esp. since the easy availability of organic products is something I was wondering about.

So far, I've found a builder actually located in Masonville and some of the prefab log home dealers and I've sent for info. Hopefully, the cost of putting up a home one way or another won't be prohibitive and we'll be able to swing this. Thanks again

[honeychrome]

Just to clarify as far as the general store and organics- it is mainly packaged and processed organic/natural stuff that they have, not fresh. There is a small organics section at the Price Chopper in Sidney, a micro-section at the Ar-De's in Sidney... but there are some CSAs, farmstands and farmer's markets in the greater area. Not to mention if you have a few acres you can grow your own! Oneonta has two natural markets and there's a Wegman's in Binghamton (but its pricey).

[Mom2Five]

Originally Posted by honeychrome

Just to clarify as far as the general store and organics- it is mainly packaged and processed organic/natural stuff that they have, not fresh. There is a small organics section at the Price Chopper in Sidney, a micro-section at the Ar-De's in Sidney... but there are some CSAs, farmstands and farmer's markets in the greater area. Not to mention if you have a few acres you can grow your own! Oneonta has two natural markets and there's a Wegman's in Binghamton (but its pricey).

I've been thinking about home grown veggies all day

[graveldriveway]

I know this is an old posting, but I'm a newbie here.

I live in MV (Masonville) now since '02; moved over here from Unadilla. I'm originally an eastern Suffolk County transplant over 12 years ago.
Please, just leave your old attitudes from wherever you come from and relax and treat the natives nice; they are wonderful people and you may need them in any emergency. The '06 flood down in Sidney was an eye-opener as to how good, kind and gentle people are here. MV was nice and high and dry during those days; in fact a small island. We all pulled together to get through a few tough days when no one could get in or out.
As to the General Store; no, the owner's are not from NYC. Long Island. They are a nice young hard working couple and haven't done the outside yet because all their $$ went into supplying their first inventory. We here support that store FIERCELY. They are very willing to order any kind of organic stuff you want, and are holding their own and they DO have fresh local organic produce for sale there. They are very active in supporting this community too; more so than most transplants I've met.
Most of the big "move-in" transition is happening now in the Eastern side of Delaware County, near the Northway (I87-"Thruway" to flatlanders.) That part of this County is changing faster than most people think; before long that section will be like another commercial little Woodstock. Yes it's revitalized some of those towns but they are going too fast with too little control.
MV is currently working on a Master Plan to address all of those issues. We've got a great Town Supervisor who works very hard for us. It's a shame that so many out-of- town residents never go to the Town Mtgs. unless they want to complain - but that's what is so great about our Town website with it's on-line bulletin board. (Ahem..SIDNEY doesn't have one to my knowledge...there is a rivalry between the two towns; Sidney's administration, etc. has much to be desired; nuff said there before I get in trouble here!

By all means, come and join us but at the same time, don't tell too many people too many good things about our little piece of heaven here. It's a small town and we like it that way just fine thank you very much!