Military to Civilian Life
Thank you to the men and women who served our country and to those who continue to serve.
The return to civilian life can bring big and exciting changes.
As one of U.S. Army Fort Drum’s neighbors, we can provide you with connections to careers, community and the kind of life you are ready to enjoy in northern New York. Learn more from the info and links below, and reach out whenever you are ready to talk about making your next home, next door in St. Lawrence County.
Resources
With industries such as manufacturing, food processing, renewable energy, education, technology, health care, public administration, construction, mining, retail, agriculture and so much more, you will not only find a job, but you will find a career in St. Lawrence County. American soldiers possess the skills and training that is admired by employers. Soldiers and their spouses will find a wide variety of occupations available to choose from.
- The St. Lawrence County One Stop Career Center’s employment resources offer Priority of Service to veterans and their eligible spouses. If you’ve served in the military, you will be given first priority for jobs and training for which you are eligible and qualified.
- Veterans Job Services through the NYS DOL
As a veteran or eligible person, you receive priority services in all New York State employment and training programs for which you are eligible and qualified. This priority of service is guaranteed by federal law and by the New York State Veterans Bill of Rights for Employment Services.
St. Lawrence County is home to 5 highly regarded colleges and universities, 18 local school districts and many vocational tech programs, offering outstanding education options from K-12 and beyond.
Support for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Our partners at the SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center are available to assist you, whether you are just starting out or you have prior experience operating a business, the SBDC can help create or build your business venture . . . one step at a time.
The SBDC offers free direct counseling and a wide range of management and technical assistance services. They will help start-ups develop a business plan, assist existing businesses prepare to expand, or offer resources for industry-specific topics…for FREE.
The Center for Businesses in Transition partnership provides support free of charge to qualifying individuals interested in taking over a small business in the North Country with:
- Matchmaking services with potential businesses
- Connections with local free and low-cost business planning services
- Support navigating the availability of local capital
Contact us today to inquire about business owners that are ready to transition their business to new ownership.
Perfect place to start and raise a family
St. Lawrence County is located in New York, but not the high stress, high cost, cramped New York that may come to mind. We are one of the safest counties in New York State with many welcoming communities. Many of our residents have grown up here and returned to the area to raise their own families. Neighbors support each other and build life-long friendships.
Housing
Home ownership can become a reality here with 72.5% of our residents owning their home. Our rural location allows you ample green space of your own, plenty of privacy, and homes averaging under $100,000, that’s 56.5% less than the national average of $229,700. The everyday cost of living in St. Lawrence County is 21% less than the US average and 61% less than in New York City allowing the cash that you earn to provide more for your family. The typical commute time is under 20 minutes meaning you can spend more time with those who really matter.
Kids and family resources
Not only do we have exemplary public school systems, it’s home to numerous public and private undergraduate and graduate institutions as well. Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam, SUNY Canton, and SUNY ESF Ranger School are just some of the area’s renowned colleges and universities. It’s no wonder the region boasts above-average educational attainment levels and a larger young adult population than much of upstate New York.
Children enjoy hands-on learning and play. View family fun educational activities in St. Lawrence County: Family Friendly Activities | Visit St. Lawrence County, New York (visitstlc.com).
Community
Community involvement is meaningful, self-fulfilling, and improves upon social wellbeing. Our supportive communities invite you to share your talents, skills and interests. Create friendships. Join a recreational sport team, become a member of your favorite organization, volunteer as a lifeguard, sit on a school or planning board. There are a number of ways to get involved with your community and a great way to get to know your neighbors. St. Lawrence County is a place soldiers and their families will feel proud to call home.
Quality of Life
From the scenic wonder of the St. Lawrence River to the reflective solitude of the Adirondack wilderness, the diverse geography of St. Lawrence County provides recreation enthusiasts and their families a paradise of year-round adventure. With a third of the County located in the Adirondack Park, Lake Placid just 90 minutes away (including Whiteface Mountain, with the steepest vertical drop in Eastern US) and the Thousand Islands on our doorstep, you are at the center of it all!
St. Lawrence County
We honor our military service members and veterans for their sacrifice & service and have several parks and monuments dedicated to our military heroes
Veteran Support
- Return the Favor” Discount Program: “Return the Favor” Veterans Discount Program | St. Lawrence County (stlawco.gov)
- Veterans Benefits: Useful Websites | St. Lawrence County (stlawco.gov)
- Advocacy for Veterans: Veterans | St. Lawrence County (stlawco.gov)
- Local Veteran’s services groups located throughout St. Lawrence County that welcome military service members: AMVETS, VFW, American Legion, Elk’s Lodge, DAV, MCL
Local Veterans Department
Canton Human Service Building
80 State Highway 310, Suite 5
Canton, New York 13617
Ph: 315-386-4754
Fx: 315-386-2948
Michael L. Boprey
Department Head
Welcome to Drum Country!
Located in north-central New York State, Drum Country includes Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Less than an hour’s drive north of Syracuse and bordered by Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Adirondack Mountains, Drum Country is a prosperous region rich in character and opportunity for economic development and growth.
Ready to Grow your Business?
Top Talent, Global Access, Green Energy, Unparalleled R&D Capabilities. Find your competitive edge in St. Lawrence County.
