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
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.
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.
- Veterans Job Services through the NYS DOL
- 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.
We’ve earned a reputation for helping businesses of all sizes and types to grow here – including Veteran-owned enterprises. The skills you’ve sharpened in the military are ideally suited to establishing your own business, and we are here to connect you to the resources that will make it possible.
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.
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! Wherever you are in St. Lawrence County, great fishing, kayaking, paddling and boating are just minutes away. Hundreds of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and streams offer peaceful surroundings, strong fish populations, excellent public access and tournaments bring anglers from across the U.S. and the world year-round. There is something for everyone, including Hunting, Swimming, Hiking, Camping, Cycling, Boating, Skiing, Snowmobiling, Ice Skating, Scuba Diving, Horseback Riding, Golfing, Bird Watching, Museums, Mineral Collecting, Landmarks, Beaches & Parks, Farmers Markets, Exploring Waterfalls, Festivals and Events for every season, and so much more! #1 Bass Fishery in the Nation! Bassmaster Magazine named St. Lawrence River the number one fishery in the U.S. The County’s over 200 ponds and rivers are home to small-mouth bass, large-mouth bass, walleye, pike, musky, perch, carp and more.
- Veteran Discount Program
- Clinics
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- Massena VA Outpatient Clinic
- Potsdam VA Medical Center
- For information regarding eligibility for VA health care Veterans can visit the VA website at http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/ or call 888-823-9656
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’s Memorial Park Gazebo in Massena
Frequently hosts weddings and other ceremonial events.
Gately Memorial located at American Legion Post 925, Norfolk NY
Active Duty Plaque
A large 5′ x 5′ plaque was recently found in the Town of Norfolk that lists all the residents of the town who were on active duty with the armed forces during WWII. If you wish to view the plaque in person, visit the Norfolk American Legion Post on Rt 56. It is permanently remounted there
Veteran Support
- St. Lawrence County Government: Veteran’s Department: Veterans | St. Lawrence County (stlawco.org)
- Veterans Job Services through the NYS DOL: Services for Veterans | Department of Labor (ny.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
- New York State Division of Veteran’s Services: Local offices in St. Lawrence County in Ogdensburg at 826B Proctor Avenue (phone: 315-393-0580) and Massena’s Town Hall at 60 Main Street (phone: 315-705-2120).
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.
