CORTLAND COUNTY
County Offices
46 Greenbush Street
Cortland 607-753-5021
www.cortland-co.org
Chamber of Commerce
37 Church Street
Cortland 607-756-2814
www.cortlandareachamber.com
Communities in Cortland County
Cincinnatus, Cortland, Cortlandville, Cuyler, Freetown, Harford, Homer, Lapeer, Marathon, Preble, Scott, Solon, Taylor, Truxton, Virgil, Willet
Located in the glaciated Appalachian Plateau area of Central New York, midway between Syracuse and Binghamton, this predominantly rural county is the southeastern gateway to the Finger Lakes Region. The county seat is Cortland. The population of Cortland County is just over 49,000 residents.
Lifestyle
Cortland is the southeastern gateway to the Finger Lakes, one of the most scenic areas in the northeast with rolling hills, glacial lakes and stunning vistas dotted with wineries, farmsteads and charming historic villages. For generations farms and agricultural businesses have been at the center of Cortland County’s economy. Farmers markets, road side stands, u-pick produce, dairy farms, cut-your-own Christmas tree operations and more make up a scenic back drop in the county and add to the overall down home feel and quiet pace of life that residents enjoy. Cortland County is recognized as one of New York State’s most productive agricultural areas. It is home to the namesake Cortland Apple. Wine is a major component of the region, with more than 100 wineries producing 40 million bottles of wine each year, the Finger Lakes region is one of the largest wine producers in the nation.
Recreation is a major part of the lifestyle in this region, including all manner of seasonal activities. In summer boating enthusiasts love the nearby Finger Lakes, which connect to the canal system leading to the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean. The Tioughnioga River, which runs through the county, is popular for canoeing and kayaking. There are 22 miles of warm water rivers and over 25 lakes and ponds in the county. Cortland County’s winter season can be enjoyed by skiing down some of the finest ski slopes in the East at three ski resorts; great hunting and fishing can be found at the County’s many wooded areas and 130 miles of clear trout streams; hiking and biking trails connect the County’s 30,000 acres of state forest land; and a well maintained, 130-mile snowmobile trail offers riders a fantastic way to enjoy the snow. For the avid hiker, the Finger Lakes Trail is easily accessible at a number of places in Cortland County and can provide great starting points for a day hike or a couple of days on the trail. For an easy family outing Lime Hollow Nature Center has miles of trails and a beautiful interpretive center to start from. The county also boasts five public golf courses including the senior course at Willowbrook Golf Club, established in 1934, and the Walden Oaks Country Club. Elm Tree Golf Course, Maple Hill Golf Club and Knickerbocker Country Club offer challenges for even the most seasoned golfer. Cortland County is in close proximity to the Carrier Dome and Cornell University for major college sports, professional sports in nearby Syracuse and Binghamton.
For those looking for less strenuous activities, explore Cortland County’s eclectic collection of artisan shops, quaint stores and interesting boutiques. These shops feature an interesting selection of merchandise not available in most retail stores, including handmade and personalized gifts, one-of-a-kind crafts, unique clothing, fine jewelry, rare books and collectibles. Practically every village and town in the county is home to numerous antique shops filled with treasures from every generation. Several of the communities in the county offer historic downtowns, with main streets preserved and updated, offering a little of everything for residents and visitors. Live music is here year round as local, regional and nationally recognized musicians take the stage at open air performances, downtown concerts, the performing arts center and various clubs and cafes. The area is home to professional summer theater performances at the Cortland Repertory Theatre on Little York Lake as well as year-round theatrical offerings at the Center for the Arts in Homer.
Whether on a bike, boat or just on foot, residents enjoy a host of opportunities for everything they need in their daily life as well as for just plain fun.
Services
Cortland is home to a vibrant economic community featuring sectors in manufacturing, farming and agribusiness, and other diverse clusters in durable and non-durable goods. The county’s location in the geographic center of the state offers unparalleled access to the northeastern and Canadian markets, with proximity to world-class educational institutions and academic research centers. At the same time, Cortland’s direct access to Interstate 81 and quick connections to I-90, I-88 and the future I-86 also make it a gateway to the largest markets in the Western Hemisphere. Cortland County is noted for the production of CNC milling machines; hospitality supplies; medical instruments and components; textiles; electrical components; plastic consumer goods; components for NASA and a variety of other goods and services. International exporting is an integral part of many of the corporations in the area.
Education is very important in the county, represented by institutions of higher education and a strong network of public, private and parochial elementary and secondary schools. These schools offer educational programs to fit the needs of all students in all disciplines, including business, the arts and education. Neighborhood schools stress basic skills in reading, writing and math. Education is strengthened by a public library system and communities committed to supporting quality, affordable education for their young people. Chemung County has five public school districts and parochial and private schools that serve pre-K through 12 students. The districts include the Cortland City School District, Homer Central School District, Cincinnatus Central School, Marathon School District and the McGraw Central Schools. Cortland County is also home to the State University of New York College at Cortland and Tompkins Cortland Community College, two popular colleges in the SUNY system. The county is also situated within the close radius of three world-class university technology centers that represent leading edge collaboration among universities, private industry and state government, and within close driving distance are several major academic institutions.
Health care is a high priority in Cortland County and is well represented by many excellent full-service hospitals, healthcare facilities and human service agencies that offer a continuum of care, resources and support to meet the physical, mental and developmental needs of the community. Cortland Regional Medical Center is an acute care facility licensed for 166 beds, with an attached 80-bed nursing and rehabilitation center. Also, Cayuga Medical Center at the Commons office park is staffed by board-certified physicians, registered nurses, and certified technologists. Cortland Convenient Care provides comprehensive walk-in care for people of all ages.
Supported by a good local economy and because of its location and its outstanding facilities, fun, vibrant, historic downtowns, great schools, top-shelf health care providers, and a quality of life second to none residents of Cortland County have a wonderful place to call home.
