Built up around the banks of the historic Old Erie Canal, Canastota offers a charming small-town feel located within easy reach of Downtown Syracuse. “We have always been known as a bedroom community for both Syracuse and Utica,” says Liz Metzger, the Canastota Public Library director who has been living in the neighborhood since 1992. “The people are definitely the jewel of this community but we’ve got great businesses and schools too, and a lot of it is walkable.”
From colonials to Greek revivals to duplexes
Homes in Canastota can date back as far as the 1800s and range in style from colonials and Greek revivals to duplexes and Second Empire-style homes. Brightly colored facades are commonly paired with spacious front porches and lush greenery. Prices can be anywhere from $80,000 to $380,000 depending on the age of the home and how recently it was last updated. Homes are between 600 and 3,000 square feet in size and rest on lots between 5,000 square feet and 5 acres. In total, there are roughly 2,100 homes in Canastota and the average number of days on the market for the neighborhood is about the same as the national average.
Many of the original homes in Canastota built in the 1800s have been remodeled over the years.
In Canastota you can also find Second Empire style homes built in the 1870s.
1/2
Follow along the Old Erie Canal by bike or on foot
The Old Erie Canal State Park is actually a trail that follows the old canal for about 36 miles of its 363-mile stretch. “Lots of hikers and bikers use the trail year-round,” Metzger says. “It’s a popular spot.” The Canastota Recreation Park is another option with multiple baseball diamonds as well as tennis courts. The nearby Oneida Lake is just a few minutes north of the neighborhood and a common fishing destination for locals.
You can take a brisk walk on the Empire State Trail in Canastota.
The Canastota Recreation Park offers multiple baseball diamonds for locals to use.
1/2
Retro vibes, authentic Mexican and fresh bagels
Locals enjoy Prevo’s Diner, which has a retro vibe and is famous for its soups, sandwiches and fish fry Fridays. Canastota Bagels and Subs has a full-service breakfast menu, hot and cold subs and handmade cream cheese. La Bamba MTZ has authentic Mexican dishes made fresh daily, including made from scratch salsa. Locals can grab their groceries from Tops, Walmart and ALDI.
Patrons enjoy lunch at Prevo's Diner in Canastota.
A couple enjoys their dinner at La Bamba MTZ Mexican Restaurant in Canastota.
1/2
Visit the town museum and boxing hall of fame
The Canastota Canal Town Museum offers visitors a deeper look into the neighborhood’s history through authentic memorabilia and art that demonstrate Canastota’s industrial and agricultural contributions to the area. The neighborhood is also home to the International Boxing Hall of Fame because the community produced two world-class boxers, Carmen Basilio and Billy Backus. Visitors can even see Basilio’s home. “The Hall of Fame does a parade every year in June and a lot of big boxing names come to participate,” Metzger says.
Impressive architecture and extracurriculars
Students in Canastota can attend Peterboro Street Elementary School, which received a B-minus rating from Niche, first opened in 1927 and resides in an impressive gothic revival-style building. Otto L. Shortell Middle School received a C-plus rating from Niche and serves about 400 students. Oneida High School also has a B-minus rating from Niche along with an impressive collection of extracurricular opportunities from the school literary magazine to the ski club.
The Peterboro Street Elementary School in Canastota opened in 1927.
The Oneida Senior High School is Ranked 750th within New York State.
1/2
Interstate 90 helps make an easy commute
Canastota locals have easy access to Interstate 90, which heads west into Downtown Syracuse, just 25 miles away, making an easy commute for work or for students attending Syracuse University. Additional city amenities like multiple museums, shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities are available downtown as well.
History dating back to the early 1800s
Canastota’s history dates back to 1810 when it was first founded by Captain Reuben Perkins, then later formally established in 1835. The Old Erie Canal runs through the center of town, marked by a mural on a bridge that shows what the town looked like back when it was a busy trading and commercial center. Unlike the canal, many of the old retail buildings left over from this time are still in use. “We’ve got a lovely historic downtown with some lovely historic buildings,” Metzger says. “The wonderful Erie Canal Museum is run by volunteers and we have a 120-year-old library that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s stunning and has beautifully served the community the whole time it’s been standing.”
The famous boxer Carmen Basilio was born in Canastota, NY.
The history of the Old Erie Canal runs deep in Canastota, NY.
1/2
Written By
Jordan Hamner
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Gwilliam
Video By
Mark Tilley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amanda Miller,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Canastota, NY sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Canastota, NY over the last 12 months is $229,900, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled on a quiet dead-end street, this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath waterfront home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and lakeside living on Oneida Lake. Inside, you'll find an open, inviting floor plan featuring a new kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, new flooring, updated windows, and a beautifully remodeled bathroom. Every update has been
Welcome to this well-located split-level home situated in a peaceful neighborhood. Having 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a spacious lower-level recreation/family room this offers endless possibilities for additional living, entertainment, or workspace. The back deck overlooks a deep backyard, with the perfect setting for entertaining, gardening, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Whether you're a
Charming Newly Remodeled Bungalow – Move-In Ready!Discover your perfect retreat in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom bungalow! remodeled with modern finishes including new kitchen while preserving its classic character, this home is a true gem. Please give 24 hour notice there is a temporary tenant Seller relocating motivated
Discover this 1.5 acre parcel in the village of Canastota, offering a versatile opportunity for residential development or investment. The lot features a gentle slope that may accommodate a walkout design and is bordered by wooded land, providing a natural backdrop. Situated among recently constructed homes, the property offers flexibility for a variety of building plans and outdoor uses. With
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom home with potential for a 3rd bedroom, offering a flexible floor plan to fit your needs. Features include a full bath with first floor laundry, separate dining room with a sliding glass door, and a cozy living room with a stone fireplace. A new 150-amp electrical service was installed in March 2026. Conveniently located in the Village of Canastota, close to
This stunning Cape Cod–style home offers an exceptional blend of classic charm and modern comfort, set on 2.07 private acres just one mile from the lake. With 4,350 square feet of beautifully designed living space, this property provides room to relax, entertain, and enjoy peaceful surroundings. Inside, you’ll find soaring high ceilings and expansive windows that flood the home with natural
Welcome to 120 Diamond Street. This charming and rare 4-unit is a perfect value add to any portfolio or an excellent owner-occupied house-hacking contender. 4 units span across just over 4,200 square feet of living space. There are 2, one-bedroom units and 2, two-bedroom units. 3 units are thoughtfully updated and remodeled and actively generating income, while one unit is down to the studs and
Build Your Dream Home in the Heart of Canastota!Rare opportunity to own a spacious .46 acre village lot offering the perfect blend of small-town charm and room to create your ideal home. This parcel provides ample space for a custom residence, walk-out basement, garage, outdoor living areas, or gardens while enjoying the convenience of village amenities. Located on a quiet street with easy
Great home for first time buyers! Cute and simple single family home on deep wooded lot with no neighbors behind on quiet dead end street. Currently rented but fully updated interior within last 10 years and can be delivered vacant! Open concept first floor with newer appliances and resiliant flooring. Newer stainless appliances and 1st floor laundry hookups (Microwave and washer and dryer belong
Investment opportunity in the Village of Canastota! This well maintained side by side duplex has been owned by the same family for nearly 40 years and is ready for its next chapter.Each unit offers the same spacious layout with 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, a comfortable living room, separate dining room, and a large kitchen with laundry hookups. Outside you'll find a covered front porch with
Discover the opportunity to build your dream home on this open lot in the beautiful Village of Canastota. Enjoy the charm of small-town living while remaining close to local shops, restaurants, parks, schools, and major roadways. Whether you're looking to build your forever home or invest in a growing community.
MOTIVATED SELLER!!! Opportunity knocks at this versatile property featuring a fully remodeled commercial space previously used as a state-of-the-art dental office and beautifully remodeled residential space with 5-6 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms— A large addition was added making this building over 3,000 sqft with attached and detached garages, the original home was thoughtfully converted for
Laura L. Loomis-PatrickColdwell Banker Prime Prop. Inc.
This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment at 238 Genesee St offers a total of 500 square feet of living space. The living room provides a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment, while the bedroom is designed for privacy and rest. The bathroom is equipped with essential fixtures for convenience. New Luxury Vinyl to be installed and newly paved parking lot. The property is smoke-free and
3rd Floor 2 bedroom condo in very quiet neighborhood. Easy commute to Syracuse and Utica. Beautiful kitchen with Kraftmade cabinets, granite countertops, upgraded Stainless steel appliances including gas stove, double door refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and breakfast bar. Dining room, living room with sliding doors to balcony. Heat and hot water are included in the rent. Tenant pays
This is a cozy unit with a bonus room attached to laundry room and garage downstairs. It is located in a QUIET ELDERLY community. All freshly painted. No Pets No Smoking
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated second-floor, 2-bedroom apartment offering modern comfort, convenience and lots of natural light. This cozy unit features a brand-new kitchen and appliances, new full bathroom, washer/dryer hook-ups, luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, all-new windows, updated lighting, ceiling fans, fresh interior paint, and a spacious private balcony/deck to enjoy
Enjoy the privacy of a stand-alone home with the convenience of renting. This fully remodeled ranch offers easy one-level living in a peaceful country setting with a Canastota address and Morrisville-Eaton School District. Though modest in size, the home has been thoughtfully renovated throughout with a fresh, clean and modern feel. Offering 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with an open floor plan. New
Charming 2-Bedroom Home on Oneida LakeLakefront living! Wake up to beautiful lake views and enjoy the best of waterfront living in this inviting 2-bedroom home on the shores of Oneida Lake. 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Bright, open living areas with plenty of natural light. Well-appointed kitchen with ample cabinet space.Beautiful views of Oneida Lake. Conveniently located
1 bedroom apartment with loft in the Village of Canastota. Newly updated with hardwood floors, ceramic tile bath, and custom kitchen with solid surface countertops. Walking distance to shops, restaurants, banks, post office and all other village amenities. One block to the Erie Canal Trail for walking, biking, and running. Tenancy subject to application, credit check and background check. No
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.