Click your heels three times, and you might arrive fifteen miles east of Syracuse, where towering sycamores and a web of creeks and rivers form the landscape around Chittenango, a small village of just under 5,000 people.
Founded in the mid-1800s, Chittenango grew alongside the development of the famous Erie Canal. Chittenango is also famed as the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. So, if you choose to live here, you might find that there’s no place like home. “We have the Oz Museum in the village and host the longest-running Wizard of Oz festival in the world each year. We also have an Erie Canal museum. We draw people from all over the country, all over the world,” says Bob Freunscht, a Hunt Real Estate associate broker who previously served as village mayor and administrator for over 25 years. “Other than that, we’re a close-knit community that’s unique and has a lot of activities for kids and the community.”
A high-demand bedroom community east of Syracuse
Chittenango exudes an old-fashioned character. Along Genesee Street, the community’s main thoroughfare, sidewalks inlaid with yellow bricks front historical shops, businesses and homes in the heart of the village. Around this highly walkable section of the community, historical Colonial-style homes and other older properties sell for between $100,000 to $200,000. In the more residential sections of the village west of downtown, a mix of Cape Cods, contemporary split levels and prairie-style homes have sold in recent years for between $300,000 and $400,000. Freunscht says inventory in the community is at an all-time low, driving prices up. He attributes the increasing demand to several reasons, including the ever-growing presence of Syracuse University, development plans for a massive Micron chip manufacturing plant and the region’s tourism and entertainment industries. “There’s a lot of convenience where we are,” he says. “I can be in downtown Syracuse in 15 minutes and the Turning Stone Resort Casino in 20 minutes. We have a very active park system and Oneida Lake is also just a few minutes away. A lot of these factors make Chittenango a great place to live.”
Split level homes are also available in Chittenango.
Chittenango features a few Victorian style homes built in the late 1800s.
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High-ranking schools in the Chittenango Central school division
Kids can attend Bolivar Road Elementary for kindergarten through fourth grade and Chittenango Middle School for fifth through eighth grade. Both are ranked a B-plus and No. 1 in Madison County by Niche. From there, students go to Chittenango High School, notable for an average SAT score of 1240 and a 34% AP enrollment rate. Across the board, highly rated teachers and class sizes of about 20 students allow every child to receive equitable, quality education. Highlighting the school system’s support of the arts, The National Association of Music Merchants named Chittenango Central Schools one of the best school divisions for music education.
Just over 500 students attend Bolivar Road Elementary School.
The Chittenango High School is ranked 246th within New York State.
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Local eats and finding luck at the Yellow Brick Road
Near downtown, Nina’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant imports its ingredients directly from Italy for an authentic dining experience at a reasonable price. La Cocina receives glowing reviews for its extensive Tex-Mex menu and above-and-beyond service. Darlene’s Kitchen is where longtime locals go for classic diner food, while the Olive Branch Flower and Gift Shoppe is renowned for its unique bits and bobs. On the west side of town, TOPS Friendly Market sources its groceries from 300 local growers and companies. As you might expect for the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, Oz is everywhere in Chittenango. The Yellow Brick Road Casino invites adults to games and entertainment, including a virtual golfing suite and six bowling lanes. At the All Things Oz Museum downtown, passionate volunteers have curated over 15,000 pieces of rare memorabilia from the iconic book and classic Hollywood film it inspired.
Nina's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant is the most popular Italian Eatery in Chittenango.
Fresh coffee is always served with a smile at Serendipity Cafe in Chittenango.
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Playgrounds at Sullivan Town Park and hiking trails all around
Living in Chittenango, residents are only moments away from outdoor recreation. Sullivan Town Park, near the center of the village, is a sports hub with hard-surface courts, fields and courses for everything from tennis and soccer to disc golf. Old Erie Canal State Park contains miles of trails for walking, biking, horseback riding and more. About five miles down Route 13 from the village, hikers adventure through a gorge to snap photos of water cascading nearly 150 feet at Chittenango Falls.
Walk the trail around the lake at Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville.
At the bottom of Chittenango falls, a bridge crosses Chittenango creek.
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Meeting storybook characters at the Oz-Stravaganza
The community’s pride in its most famous son culminates every year with the Oz-Stravaganza. The three-day fair regularly draws over 20,000 participants and boasts everything from rides and games to costume contests and fireworks. On Tuesdays during the summer months, locals flock to Dr. West Memorial Park near the center of the village for a weekly farmers market, car show and concert that brings neighbors together for music, food and fun.
Quick access to Syracuse on Route 5 and Interstate 90
State Route 5 directly links Chittenango to Syracuse, about 15 miles away, making the village a bedroom community for many commuters. With Interstate 90 about four miles north of the village, residents can drive into the big city even faster, whether for work at the university or one of the four medical centers downtown (St. Joseph's Health Hospital, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Crouse Hospital and the Syracuse VA Medical Center.) The interstate also leads to the Syracuse Hanock International Airport north of downtown Syracuse, making domestic and international air travel less of a challenge.
The population of Chittenango in 2020 was 4,896 people.
You can travel 15 miles from Chittenango to Downtown Syracuse.
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Written By
Sian Syring
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Gwilliam
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryan Millard,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Chittenango, NY sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Chittenango, NY over the last 12 months is $300,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to the newest section of Sebastian Cove Luxury Waterfront Townhomes in a gated community with Exclusive marina access and dock with electric included. 40-year architectural shingles, Stamp Crete patios, and balcony off the 2nd floor office. 2350 square feet includes a 1 Car garage, 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths and office. 1st floor Master suite with Coffered Ceilings standard. Heated floors
Lovely ranch that is in excellent condition in the village of Chittenango. New, metal roof, new siding.Eat-in kitchen with refrigerator and stove. Large living room, 2 bedrooms, full, updated bath, 1st floor laundry. Newer deck to backyard. Newer windows. Double driveway. Only 2 blocks to Chittenango downtown. **Cheaper than renting ** Come See !!
Built with pride by Cascade Homes! Custom home builders at an affordable price! Servicing CNY for over 40 years with integrity, experience, and reputable craftsmanship! Listing information is based on one of the many homes we have available and can be built to your specifications. This is a vacant lot, with many floor plans to choose from, or, bring your own! We have a total of only 5 lots
Charming 2 bedroom located in Chittenango. This updated property features a new roof, HVAC, water heater, flooring and bathroom. Updated kitchen with new appliances and granite countertops. Move in ready and perfect for first time buyers or as an investment opportunity!
Built with pride by Cascade Homes! Custom home builders at an affordable price! Servicing CNY for over 40 years with integrity, experience, and reputable craftsmanship! Listing information is based on one of the many homes we have available and can be built to your specifications. This is a vacant lot, with many floor plans to choose from, or, bring your own! We have a total of only 5 lots
THIS LOT IS LISTED IN ADDITION TO SEVERAL LAND LISTINGS, THE OWNER HAS IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. LOCATED MINUTES FROM CENTRAL NEW YORKS FINEST FISHERY.....ONEIDA LAKE!! LAKESIDE OUTFITTERS AND SEVERAL MARINA'S ARE NEARBY, ALONG WITH RESTAURANTS AT SYLVAN BEACH AND CANASTOTA. TURNING STONE CASINO, UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY AND VERNON DOWNS ARE A SHORT DRIVE AWAY! The lots are being sold as “raw land” and
Get ready for this beautiful 3-bedroom ranch nestled in a serene country setting! • 3 spacious bedrooms• 3 full bathrooms• Bright open floor plan perfect for entertaining• Inviting family room for relaxing or gathering• Quiet surroundings with plenty of space to unwindThis home blends comfort, space, and tranquility—ideal for anyone looking for easy one-level living in a
Welcome to the newest section of Sebastian Cove Luxury Waterfront Townhomes in a gated community with Exclusive marina access and dock with electric included. 40-year architectural shingles, Stamp Crete patios, and balcony off the 2nd floor office. 2350 square feet includes a 1 Car garage, 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths and office. 1st floor Master suite with Coffered Ceilings standard. Heated floors
Welcome to a thoughtfully designed two-story home that blends everyday functionality with modern comfort and style. The main level offers an open-concept layout perfect for both entertaining and daily living. The spacious great room features a cozy gas fireplace and flows seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen. You’ll love the quartz countertops, generous island workspace, quality cabinetry,
Why settle when you can design it exactly the way you want it? This thoughtfully designed floor plan offers the perfect blend of open-concept living, private retreats, and functional everyday spaces — and the best part? You get to make every design selection to match your style. The main level is designed for modern living and effortless entertaining. A spacious Great Room flows seamlessly into
Welcome to the convenience of waterfront living and panoramic views in the desirable Harbor Lights community on the south shore of beautiful Oneida lake! This stunning residence offers spectacular views, an open floor plan to maximize light & comfort, private boat slip, attached 2 car garage, and so much more! The spacious kitchen anchoring the main living area with expansive windows and gas
THIS LOT IS LISTED IN ADDITION TO SEVERAL LAND LISTINGS, BY THE SAME OWNER, IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. LOCATED MINUTES FROM CENTRAL NEW YORKS FINEST FISHERY.....ONEIDA LAKE!! LAKESIDE OUTFITTERS AND SEVERAL MARINA'S ARE NEARBY, ALONG WITH RESTAURANTS AT SYLVAN BEACH AND CANASTOTA. TURNING STONE CASINO, UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY AND VERNON DOWNS ARE A SHORT DRIVE AWAY! The lots are being sold as “raw land”
Welcome home! This home is move in ready! Everything has been updated while still maintaining some of the original charm. The home features three bedrooms plus a space for an office. The first-floor open floor plan features a bedroom, a beautifully updated full bathroom, first floor laundry, and office space. The updated kitchen features new soft close cabinets, a pantry, and quartz counter tops.
Hickory Hills Apartments is located in a beautiful country setting just outside the village of Chittenango.Includes Hot Water, Water, Trash Removal and SewerSurveillance Security Cameras across propertyEnergy Star Rated Apartments (appliances, lighting, etc!!!)Local, Responsive Property Management Free Storage UnitOn Site Laundry in each building Fully Applianced
Exciting News for Active Adults 55 and Over in Chittenango, NY! Alliance Apartments and M.E.I.D Properties proudly present the Lake Street Apartments, a haven for those seeking upscale living in the heart of New York State. Nestled in the charming setting of the old Chittenango Elementary School, adjacent to the high school, our community offers a lifestyle of luxury and convenience
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