Rural charm and lake access in Aurelius
Aurelius, 8 miles west of Auburn, is a Cayuga County town with rural seclusion and lakeside charm. “It’s a smaller community, and it’s really nice,” says Tamela Hoffman, an associate real estate broker at Hunt Real Estate ERA with over 28 years of experience. The town is split between secluded countryside homes with acreage and lakefront living in the village of Cayuga. “Cayuga Lake is one of the Finger Lakes,” Hoffman says. “People come from all over [to visit.]” Businesses are scarce, so residents typically shop and dine in Auburn, and attend school in Union Springs, 7 miles away. “It’s a fabulous place to raise a family, and we’re quite economical in regards to pricing,” Hoffman says.
Countryside or lakeside retreats
Aurelius offers farmhouses, Colonials and ranch-style homes tucked away on spacious countryside lots peppered with mature trees, allowing for additions like barns and detached garages. Lakeside homes in Cayuga are set close together and often have decks, private docks and multi-car garages. “There are some beautiful homes on the lake,” Hoffman says. Many homes are from the mid-to-late 20th century, but 19th-century historic homes are also typical. Prices typically range from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on a home’s size, features and renovation needs. “It’s expensive to buy on Cayuga, but it’s not quite as expensive as Skaneateles Lake,” Hoffman says.
Union Springs Central School District earns a B-plus
Aurelius is part of the Union Springs Central School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche. Kids may start at Andrew J. Smith Elementary before moving to Union Springs Middle/High — both are rated B-plus. At the latter, teens can take dual-enrollment courses for credit at Cayuga Community College. Union Springs High also has a successful athletics department, with its softball and baseball teams winning the 2025 IAC Small School championships. Kids in kindergarten through 12th grade may alternatively attend Cayuga’s St. John Paul II Academy, a private school not rated by Niche.
Swim, fish and boat in Cayuga Lake
In Cayuga, Harris Park is a popular picnic spot offering tables and a picturesque gazebo overlooking Cayuga Lake. Anglers can cast lines here for largemouth bass, lake char and yellow perch. Depending on the season, birders may spot gray catbirds, blue jays and ring-billed gulls. There’s also a boat launch for kayaks and canoes, and paddlers can follow the 5-mile Cayuga Blueway Lake Trail to get to Cayuga Lake State Park. The 150-acre green space is popular for its campgrounds, swimming beach and hiking trails. “There’s hiking all over,” Hoffman says. “We have tons of state parks that are absolutely fabulous.” Nearby, golfers hit the links at the nine-hole Indian Head Golf Course.
Aurelius wineries and nearby dining in Auburn
Aside from a few wineries that double as event venues, Aurelius doesn’t have much commercial activity. Izzo’s White Barn Winery is a rustic barnhouse with pastoral views and a curated menu of wine and cheese pairings. Nearby, there’s Red Rooster Antiques with vintage furniture and secondhand treasures. Just outside of Aurelius, Apple Station Winery offers fruity delights like apple raspberry growlers and jellies, and in the fall, apple cider donuts.
Residents head to Auburn for most shopping and dining. Chains like Wegman’s and Aldi sell groceries, but there are also family-run options, like Vitale Farm Market, for organic produce and flowers straight from the farm. Cafe 108 is a morning go-to for brunch bites, including cinnamon maple-buttered biscuits, BYO omelettes and blueberry parfait with homemade granola. For date night, Osteria Salina offers serves Italian cuisine with seafood specialties like calamari and grilled salmon with honey mustard sauce. After dinner, Prison City Pub and Brewery is a casual, social spot to enjoy locally brewed beer with occasional live music.
Sports and fireworks at the Cayuga Waterfront Festival
In August, the Cayuga Waterfront Festival is an annual celebration of the community at Harris Park. The festivities include live rock music, food vendors and softball. There’s also a youth fishing derby with prizes for the largest bass, perch, panfish and lunker caught. At dusk, a striking fireworks display caps off the evening.
U.S. Route 20 and the nearest hospital, airport and marina
Residents drive to get around. U.S. Route 20 passes through Aurelius, providing a direct route to Auburn. Boat owners can store their vessels at the Beacon Bay Marina. Auburn Community Hospital is 9 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 39-mile drive.
