Drum Country NY:

Affordable,
Connected,
Life-Enriching.

Discover outdoor beauty, access to jobs and great quality of life in Northern New York.

Perfectly Positioned in Northern New York

Located in north-central New York, Drum Country offers easy access to major markets, cross-border trade, and regional transportation corridors. Anchored by Fort Drum and surrounded by vibrant communities, the region combines strategic location with a high quality of life.

2.5 hours from Montreal
4 hours from Buffalo
5 hours from New York City
6 hours from Boston

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Seasonal Life

Seasonal Life

With four distinct seasons, the region swings between outdoor summer adventures (lake tours, fishing, boating) and winter activities (skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling), plus fall foliage and spring renewal, all supported by a strong tourism sector that helps carry local businesses through off-peak periods.

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation

Drum Country offers abundant year-round outdoor recreation—from hiking in the Adirondacks and skiing or snowmobiling in the Tug Hill region, to boating, fishing, and exploring historic islands in the Thousand Islands and along the St. Lawrence River.

Commute & Access

Commute & Access

Drum Country is strategically located less than an hour north of Syracuse, with access to major highways, rail lines, waterways, and international markets, plus regional airports like Watertown and Ogdensburg that connect to larger hubs.

Community Life

Community Life

 Communities in Drum Country host an active social calendar that includes seasonal festivals like the French Festival in Cape Vincent, Pirate Days in Clayton, Pumpkin Chunkin, plus local cultural venues, museums, and events centered around military, arts, and heritage throughout the year.

Fort Drum’s Economic Pull

Fort Drum is the largest single-site employer in Northern New York, contributing nearly $1.93 billion annually to the regional economy and supporting more than 23,000 jobs across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Its impact extends through direct spending, payroll, and the ripple effects that strengthen local businesses and communities.

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$1.93 billion

Total economic impact (FY 2024)

$1.9 billion

Direct spending in FY24 by Fort Drum in local tri-county area

~23,000

Total jobs supported (on-post + off-post)

$1.59 billion

Pay (military, civilian & contractors) in FY24

RESOURCES

Workforce Development

Business Consulting & Assistance

Relocation & Expansion Help

The Latest News

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Next Move NY’s Job Portal Connects Transitioning Soldiers, Military Spouses, and Veterans with Real-Time Jobs in North Country

Watertown, NY – Next Move NY has launched a job-matching portal designed to bridge the gap between employers and Fort […]

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