Farmlands, waterfront views and a tight-knit community in Fleming
Fleming, 5 miles south of Auburn, is a Cayuga County town offering peaceful farmlands and single-family homes with rustic seclusion and waterfront views of Owasco Lake. Compared to Auburn, Fleming is slower-paced, has less commercial activity and focuses more on leisure. "We're smack in the middle of the Finger Lakes," says Anita Clasper, clerk of Fleming. "There's a lot of camping, beaches, parks, picnic areas — a lot to do." Auburn covers the town's shopping and dining needs. "A lot of people who work in Auburn live in Fleming," Casper says. In the summer, the town is busier with a calendar of community events and seasonal residents visiting for the area's lakes and wineries. "It's pretty tight-knit," Casper says. "Everyone knows certain names in Fleming because their family has been here for generations."
Ranch-style retreats and lakeside living
Fleming's single-family homes are either dotted along country roads or set close together around Owasco Lake. Ranch-style homes, farmhouses and Colonial Revivals from the mid to late 20th century are typical, but there are a handful of 21st-century Minimal Traditional and custom homes, too. "As you're further away from the lake, it's mostly older homes," Casper says. Many of these older homes are tucked away on spacious, wooded lots, allowing for privacy; some have additions like barns, workshops and detached garages. "There are some newer subdivisions and constant building/renovating on the lake itself," Casper says. Near the lake, single-family homes are packed along suburban streets with traditional lawns and attached garages. Lakefront homes have desirable features like private docks and decks. Prices range from about $200,000 to $700,000, depending on size, features and renovation needs.
Concurrent enrollment opportunities at Southern Cayuga Senior High
Fleming is part of several school districts, including Southern Cayuga Central School District, which is rated C-plus overall by Niche. Kids may start at the B-rated Emily Howland Elementary before moving to the C-plus-rated Southern Cayuga Junior/Senior High. Through the Cayuga Advantage Program, teens at Southern Cayuga may take concurrent enrollment courses for credit at Cayuga Community College at no additional charge.
Swimming, fishing and boating at Owasco Lake
Less than a mile away, several parks are clustered around the northern tip of Owasco Lake. Emerson Park features a disc golf course, a playground and a small beach with a supervised swimming area. The lake's open for fishing, too, with plenty of rock bass and yellow perch to catch. Lakeside Dog Park is popular with four-legged friends for its small and big dog enclosures, while Deauville Island Park offers picnic shelters, and the entire island can be reserved for private parties on the lake. Nearby, Owasco Marine rents pontoons and fishing boats, and Owasco Paddles has kayaks and paddleboards. Other highlights include the Owasco Golf Club's private 9-hole course and The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, where Broadway comes to the Finger Lakes.
Shopping trips to Auburn and lakeside dining
Residents generally shop and dine in Auburn. Wegman's and Aldi cover basic groceries, while the Auburn Farmers Co-op Market stocks locally sourced produce and homemade treats. Simple Roast Coffee offers locally roasted brews to start the morning, while the old-school Auburn Diner serves all-day breakfast in an early 20th-century rail car. Next to Emerson Park, Seb's Green Shutters serves gluten-free comfort food, including double cheeseburgers, Coney Island hot dogs and root beer floats. There are a handful of wineries within 10 miles of Fleming, too, including family-operated Quarry Ridge Winery by Cayuga Lake with dry wines, charcuterie boards and waterfront views. "There's music and different events at wineries all the time in the summer," Casper says.
Volunteering and celebrating with the Friends of Emerson Park
The Friends of Emerson Park plan community events by the lake. "They have music every Thursday night during the summer," Casper says. In addition to the summer concert series, there are disc golf tournaments, July 4th fireworks and vintage car shows. Residents can join the Friends of Emerson Park to participate in the planning processes and volunteer at clean-up and construction events. Currently, the non-profit organization is raising money for Project Playground, which aims to build an accessible playground with a splash pad, mini-amphitheater and designated play areas for children of all ages.
State Route 35 and the nearest hospital and airport
Residents drive to get around. State Route 34 passes through Fleming, providing a direct route to Auburn. "We're right on a major route, so there's not a walkable area," Casper says. Auburn Community Hospital is 6 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 28-mile drive.
