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Watertown, NY

Frequently asked questions

Watertown, NY

Watertown is a city in, and the county seat of, Jefferson County, New York, United States. It is approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of the Thousand Islands, along the Black River, about 5 miles (8 km) east of where it flows into Lake Ontario. The city is bordered by the town of Watertown to the south, east, and west, and is served by the Watertown International Airport and the Watertown Daily Times newspaper. In the middle of Watertown lies the Public Square Historic District, built in 1805 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1984. Watertown is located 13 miles (21 kilometers) southwest of the U.S. Army base at Fort Drum; it is the service and shopping destination for personnel there and their families. As of the 2020 United States Census, the city has 24,685 residents, making it the largest in North Country.

The area was first surveyed in 1795 and was settled in March 1800 due to the abundant hydropower the Black River provided. The city was designated as the county seat of Jefferson County when it was split off from Oneida County in 1805. Watertown was incorporated as a village in 1816 and became a city in 1869. By then, it was booming as an industrial center for Upstate New York. By the early 20th century the city was said to have more millionaires per capita than any other city in the nation. During the mid-1960s, Chicago attracted many of the younger residents from the area and their businesses, leading to the demolition of many historic buildings and a steady population decline. By 2000, the city had lost over 7,000 residents.

The city serves as the commercial and financial center for the North Country. Located 30 miles (48 km) from the Canadian border, shopping by Canadian visitors is important to Watertown's economy. The city also receives numerous tourists and summer residents. Watertown, South Dakota, was named in the city's honor.

Watertown is around 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Syracuse, 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of the Thousand Islands, and 328 miles (530 kilometers) northwest of New York City. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.3 square miles (24 km2), of which 9.0 square miles (23 km2) are land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2) (3.45 percent) is water. Before the area was settled, all the land was rough and forested. Elevation was also a problem. The Black River, flowing westward through the city toward Lake Ontario, is a world-renowned kayaking destination. Competition-level kayaking events, such as the Blackwater Challenge, have been held on the river.

In 1791, New York City resident Alexander Macomb purchased the land of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Oswego counties. He sent out multiple surveyors to sell the land to passing settlers. The area of Watertown was first surveyed in 1796 by Benjamin Wright, who was employed by Macomb to survey the northern and central portions of New York State.

Watertown places a strong emphasis on health and wellness. Aire Ancient Baths is known for its historic ambiance and thermal baths inspired by ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman traditions. Great Jones Spa offers a relaxing atmosphere with water lounges, saunas, and a variety of treatments. Bliss Spa is known for its playful and modern approach to spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. Shibui Spa is located in the Greenwich Hotel, it offers a serene setting with Japanese-inspired treatments. The Mandarin Oriental Spa offers a holistic approach to wellness with stunning views of Central Park. The Peninsula Spa is known for its Asian-inspired treatments and luxurious spa facilities.

Top sites in Watertown, NY are Jefferson County Historical Society, Dry Hill Ski Area, and Sci-Tech Museum.

Population: 24,157 (2023). ZIP code: 13601. Area code: 315. Elevation: 427 feet (130 meters). Area: 9.39 sq mi (24.31 sq km).

FAQs

What is Watertown, NY famous for?

Watertown is a major center of retail, healthcare, education, tourism, and recreation for the North Country. Nearly 20,000 people work in the City, which is home to many of Jefferson County's largest employers, as well as several state, county, and federal agencies. Watertown is also located near Fort Drum, a 107,000+ acre US Army Military Installation that provides administrative and logistical support to tenant units, support to active and reserve units from all services in training at Fort Drum, and planning and support for the mobilization and training of almost 80,000 troops annually.

What is the median household income in Watertown, NY?

In 2021, Watertown, NY had a population of 25.2k people with a median age of 34.4 and a median household income of $46,051. Understanding demographic and economic data like population size, age distribution, and income levels is crucial for policymakers, community leaders, and organizations to address the needs and priorities of Watertown's residents effectively. These statistics provide valuable insights into the social and economic landscape of Watertown, guiding efforts to promote prosperity, equity, and well-being for all who call the city home.

What is the crime rate in Watertown, NY?

With a crime rate of 53 per one thousand residents, Watertown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 19. Within New York, more than 100% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Watertown.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Watertown

Data USA

Neighborhood Scout

Aire Ancient Baths

Great Jones Spa 

Bliss Spa

Shibui Spa

The Mandarin Oriental Spa

The Peninsula Spa

Jefferson County Historical Society

Dry Hill Ski Area

Sci-Tech Museum

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.