Fenner is an agricultural community 25 miles from Syracuse
Agricultural roots run deep in Fenner, a rural New York community 25 miles southeast of Syracuse . The town was established in 1823 on land near the lakeside village of Cazenovia , and it's currently home to 1,600 residents, many of whom live on multigenerational farms. “It’s in Madison County, which is a great area if you like the outdoors and open spaces,” says Jeff Roney, a licensed associate broker with Keller Williams Realty who’s been selling in the area for 34 years. “And it's near the village of Cazenovia, which is historic and very charming.” Local historians say Mutton Hill Road was named for the herds of livestock that once roamed the hills, but horses have taken over these days. “There’s a huge equestrian community out in that whole area,” Roney says.
Cornfields and dairy farms surround multiacre properties
Fenner’s pastoral landscape is a patchwork of cornfields, dairy farms, forests and rolling hills. Most parcels span several acres, with sweeping lawns and wooded areas. Some homes date to the late 1800s, while others were built a century later. The region is prone to snowy winters, and attached and detached garages are common. Small ranch-style houses sell for $125,000 to $250,000, and larger ranch-style homes and split-levels go for $290,000 to $350,000. Capes, A-frames and homes with views of Cazenovia Lake cost $280,000 to $400,000. Fenner has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1, below the national average of 4.
Solid Niche scores for Cazenovia and Chittenango schools
Most students attend schools in the Cazenovia Central School District, which receives a B-plus from Niche, or the Chittenango School District, rated A-minus. The Cazenovia Athletic Association supports the district’s youth sports teams through fundraising and community partnerships.
Hiking and horseback riding are popular outdoor activities
Equestrians can board their horses at Bylund Hill Stables, which offers riding lessons and miles of trail access. One Fine Equine’s surrender-to-lease program allows riders to bond with rehabilitated horses without the hassle of ownership. Scenic hiking paths at Chittenango Falls State Park wind through a rocky gorge and past a cascading waterfall, and the North County Trail Association maintains trails around the hamlet of Perryville. Sledding and tobogganing are popular winter activities when the snow piles up. Nichols Pond Park, the site of a historic Oneida village, is also nearby, with an observation deck overlooking a beaver pond. The swimming area at Cazenovia’s Lakeland Park is a popular summertime hangout, and boaters can set off on the lake from the nearby pier.
Nearby towns provide lakeview dining, groceries and retailers
A giant Adirondack chair marks the entrance to Troyer’s Country Store, where residents stock up on local meats, produce and maple products. Cazenovia is about 5 miles away and known for bed-and-breakfasts like The Brae Loch Inn, which has a Scottish-themed dining room, and The Brewster Inn, which offers legendary lakeview sunsets. The eclectic cuisine and elegant bar area are top draws for The Lincklaen House. Shoppers can pick up groceries at Tops, also in Cazenovia. More restaurants and retailers like Price Chopper, Walmart and Lowe’s can be found 12 miles away in Oneida.
Route 13 connects Fenner to Cazenovia and Syracuse
New York State Route 13 leads to Cazenovia, about 5 miles away, and travelers have a 30-mile drive to Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Medical services are available at Oneida Health Hospital, but some people go to Upstate Community Hospital, about 25 miles away in Syracuse.
Farmstead 1868 hosts the Cazenovia Lavender Festival
Farmstead 1868, also known as Cody Farms, hosts the Cazenovia Lavender Festival every July. Visitors learn how to cut and arrange flowers or create handmade body scrubs during the height of lavender season. Artisans showcase their unique creations, and chair massages are available at the barn. Other highlights include horse-drawn wagon rides, live music and blacksmith demonstrations.
Locals have differing views on wind turbines and solar energy projects
Fenner recently emerged as a hub for renewable energy. The turbines at Fenner Wind Farm are visible in the northwest section of town, and development company Liberty Renewables has proposed adding 24 larger turbines to residential areas. The state also approved a 140-megawatt solar array project for the town. Some residents dislike the sight of the turbines and solar panels, while others appreciate the economic benefits and the transition to clean energy.
