Who has a recommendation for specific places to rent/not to rent in Watertown, NY?

I currently live here (until January) and the best place to stay is in Carthage, NY (very nice, safe, small town). You can also check Evans Mills, Felts Mills, Calcium and any where north-east of Watertown.

I can't believe I am saying this, but try to get on post. The last thing you want are $600 monthly utility bills when the temp gets -50* and you drive 3 hours to get to work thru 18" of fresh 'lake effect' snow. I had soldiers that wrecked one car a year trying to drive in from Govenour every year. (This intel is 20 years old).

SGT (Join to see) have not been there in years, but here is a POC for you.
https://www.housing.army.mil/Default.aspx#!pg=post&sp=welcome

Cheaply but safely. If you don't mind the 30 minute commute (think snow), check out Alexandria Bay.

I would look into getting a place on post, they have deals where you can a portion of your BAH back and still have all utilities covered. If you do decide to get a place off post, stay away from the Woodcliff apartments. I went to look at their units and the display model had dead roaches that they didn't even bother picking up.

I own a home in Theresa NY and renting it for $1650 a month. It is a 4br and 2.5 ba it is not the cheapest but is safe and available now for rental. Feel free to take a look at my home at this link http://www.militarybyowner.com/search.aspx?Keyword=MBO272887

I'm from the area, just south from Watertown in sandy creek. I moved closer to Watertown since I was working out there & lived in Sackets Harbor. I know you said inexpensive, but it's probably one of the safest areas in the vicinity. My bf at the time, now husband was in the army then & would make the drive. The winters there suck, regardless of where you live. It's just something you have to embrace being at Drum. I lived both at Madison Barracks & Fort Pike Commons. If I remember correctly Fort Pike started at $750. I think Madison Barracks starts around the same but the one I rented was $1000 but it was 2 stories & 3 bedrooms.

I live in Lowville it's about 30-35 mins away but I only pay around 900 but that's cause I have pets and renting the washer and dryer

I am no longer stationed at Fort Drum but spent 8 yrs there. I would suggest you get onpost do to the heating bills you will be paying. If you get a cheap appartment trust me you will pay for it in the winter. If you get an expensive appartment the heat bills will not be so bad but still can put a hurt on you. If you have joint custody you should still be able to get onpost housing. If you do decide to live off post I would sugguest Carthage NOT WATERTOWN. They do have some old governement housing right outuside post at least they did when I left there in 2012.

SGT (Join to see) when considering a place number 1 is location or distance from post. As most have stated. If you are interested in an apartment Woodcreek and The Ledges are close to post.