Farming culture and open land define Ellisburg
Swaths of farmlands blanket the rural landscape of Ellisburg, a tranquil upstate New York town outside of Watertown. The checkerboard of fields is a window to the community’s lifestyle: “Ellisburg is very agriculturally oriented, with lots of large parcels of land and rolling hills and farm fields,” says local Realtor Mark Taylor of Keller Williams Northern New York, adding that the town still thrives off its active farming culture. “There are lots of farm stores where you can buy fresh milk and beef and local produce. Ellisburg is a good fit for people looking for a rural lifestyle.” An area of conservation land straddles the town’s eastern boundary and the vast Lake Ontario; both the parks and waterfront serve as recreational draws to Ellisburg. Above all, the slower pace and open space keep residents rooted in the area, while lower prices attract new homebuyers. “In Ellisburg, you can get a much better bang for your buck as far as acre per dollar compared to the rest of the country,” Taylor says.
Homes range from historic farmhouses to new construction
The pastoral, open landscape and spread-out properties provide plenty of space from neighbors. Homes dot the terrain, set closer together in the town’s center and becoming sparser as main streets turn into dirt roads. Cottages and ranch-style homes are common, while new construction contrasts with the historic homes and farmhouses that make up a majority of the housing inventory here. More recent builds often feature contemporary, Neo-Colonial architecture styles. Prices typically range between $136,000 and $385,000, and working farms on established properties can cost around $680,000 or more. Parcels of land are also available for purchase, ranging from a few acres to upwards of 80.
Belleville Henderson serves pre-K through 12th grade
Students in Ellisburg are zoned to attend the Belleville Henderson Central School, a C-rated school that covers prekindergarten through 12th grade. The school serves about 500 students across the combined Belleville and Henderson area. Home of the Panthers, Henderson Central receives above average scores for both its teachers and its extracurricular activities, which include Art Club, Chess Club and FFA.
Conservation land and beaches provide scenic escapes
Ellisburg’s many pockets of lakes and conservation areas expand across the town’s eastern side, which hugs Lake Ontario. The open green space and lake provide abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Lakeview Wildlife Management Area is a popular destination for its fishing ponds and scenic trails. The Lake View Pond Trail surrounds Lakeview Pond, where locals can launch their boats and catch a glimpse of wildlife. Just north, Southwick Beach State Park offers a sandy stretch for tanning, relaxing and swimming in the cool freshwater of Lake Ontario. “There’s also plenty of hunting, snowmobiling and ATV-oriented activities,” Taylor adds.
Most shopping and dining options are in nearby Watertown
Ellisburg’s town center consists of a post office, town hall, a Dollar General and The Old Creamery Fabrics & Quilting, a cozy fabric store. Due to the town’s rural nature and small commercial sector, residents head to neighboring municipalities for shopping and dining. Watertown is home to a handful of unique small-town establishments like Mix 21 Traditional Restaurant and Crystal Restaurant, which serves a menu of American classic in a vintage-inspired space. Ellisburg residents are about 22 miles from Watertown’s Salmon Run Mall, which features various big-box retailers like Best Buy and familiar brands such as American Eagle. Grocery options in Watertown include Aldi and Hannaford.
Interstate and highways connect Ellisburg to nearby towns
Residents rely on cars as their main means of transportation, and access to Interstate 81 allows for convenient connections to neighboring communities. Highway 11 runs parallel to the interstate, while Route 3 snakes along Ellisburg’s eastern side. The interstate and highways all connect to Watertown, about 20 miles north. Watertown International Airport offers limited flight routes through American Airlines. Frequent flyers may also depart from Syracuse Hancock International Airport, less than 50 miles south. Oswego Hospital is the nearest 24-hour medical facility, about 35 miles south.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
