Elbridge offers villages and rural charm near the Finger Lakes
The town of Elbridge is about 20 miles west of Syracuse in central New York, on the edge of the Finger Lakes region. “ Otisco , Skaneateles and Owasco are 15 to 20 minutes from Elbridge — three major Finger Lakes,” says lifelong resident Sharon Hopler, a listing agent for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. The town is believed to be named for Elbridge Gerry, the fifth vice president of the United States and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Today, most of the town's 5,500 residents are concentrated in the villages of Jordan and Elbridge or in the surrounding countryside. Tessy Plastics, headquarted in the area, employs about 750 people.
Options range from 1800s homes to midcentury A-frames
Homes dating to the mid-1800s line the residential streets in the villages. Lot sizes in these areas typically measure one-third to half an acre. Cornfields and creeks run alongside the roads on the outskirts, where midcentury ranch-style homes and A-frames sit on wooded multiacre properties. Driveways are common, and many newer builds have attached garages, ideal for the region’s snowy winters. Manufactured homes cost $75,000 to $95,000, and most National and ranch-style homes sell for $135,000 to $290,000. Colonials, split-levels, New Traditionals and A-frames fetch $300,000 to $485,000. The area has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Fishing and hunting center on Cross Lake and the Erie Canal
Residents are about 10 miles from three Finger Lakes, though they don’t have to travel that far to get outside. Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery stocks its namesake brook and Skaneateles Creek with trout, and the Seneca River flows through Cross Lake, another prime fishing spot. Cross Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area provides ample hunting ground, but it’s only accessible by boat. Sharpshooters can get some practice in at Elbridge Rod and Gun Club. “We’ve got a lot of deer hunters,” Hopler says. The stone arches of an old aqueduct are on display at Jordan Canal Park, and remnants of the canal bed accent walking and cycling paths at the Erie Canal Trailway. Camillus Golf Club and Millstone Golf Course are both open to the public.
Elbridge commerce includes village cafes and pizzerias
Most town commerce centers on the villages. Bailiwick Market and Cafe in Elbridge is in a renovated barn with tall beams, exposed stone walls and pendant lighting. The menu changes daily, and Field of Creams ice cream is made onsite, featuring flavors like maple walnut made with local syrup. “Local artists come in and sell their crafts,” Hopler says. “Really cool place.” The authentic cuisine at Tres Primos Mexican Restaurant and New York-style thin crust at Dimitri's Pizzeria earn high marks from locals. Groceries are available at Tops, and motorists can fill their tanks at the Fastrac convenience store. Jordan has a couple of dining options as well, including Peace Love Coffee cafe and Towpath Pizza.
Jordan-Elbridge schools receive B-minus grades from Niche
Students attend Elbridge Elementary School from prekindergarten through third grade. Then it’s on to Jordan-Elbridge Dynamic Intermediate School (JEDIS) for grades 4 and 5, followed by Jordan-Elbridge Middle and High Schools. All the schools receive B-minus grades from Niche, except for JEDIS, which is currently unrated. The district is known for its strong drama department and has taken home several Syracuse High School Theatre Awards in recent years.
Highways connect to health care and Syracuse amenities
Interstate 90 and New York State Route 5 lead to Syracuse, about 20 miles away. Residents can head to Upstate Community Hospital in Syracuse for health care, but Auburn Community Hospital is a bit closer at 10 miles. Jordan Elbridge Transportation (JET) shuttles residents 60 and older to medical appointments and other essential services. Travelers have a 25-mile drive to Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
The Greased Pole Climb tops off the Jordan Fall Festival
“The biggest event here in Jordan-Elbridge is the Jordan Fall Festival,” Hopler says. “They have a greased-pole contest. Five guys on a team have to climb the greased pole and get to the top. It draws people from all over the state.” The September event also features live music, arts and crafts shows, carnival rides and a car show. Wildwood Event Center hosts live bands and seasonal events like Halloween costume parties, and archery leagues take aim at the indoor range during the winter. Ministries at Jordan United Methodist, Christ Church, St. Patrick’s and Elbridge Community Church support local food pantries, thrift shops and veterans groups.
