Groton has a quaint downtown and quiet outskirts
When people think of the Finger Lakes, they might think of cities like Ithaca, home to Cornell University. However, notable places like Ithaca often come with higher home prices. That’s when people turn to areas like Groton. Residents are less than 30 minutes from Cayuga Lake, but they can find cheaper housing in the cozy village or the more rural town. Brian DeYoung is a licensed associate real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Heritage Realty, who owned a home in Groton for seven years and still visits the area. “There’s a downtown area that some people are drawn to, and then some people like to live out in the country area and go downtown when they need it,” DeYoung says. “It’s got an old-fashioned Main Street that’s a couple of blocks long and has a really great bakery and coffee shop. If we’re in Groton, we’ll stop there still.”
The town of Groton was established in 1817, while the village was established in 1860. While both areas still have small-town charm, things are moving toward change. There are plenty of historic buildings in the village, but officials plan to use a $4.5 million grant awarded in 2025 to turn old vacant buildings into apartments, create more public green spaces and expand the already popular Good Neighbor Grocery store into an even bigger community hub.
Older properties with character and lower prices than Ithaca
Homes clustered in the village of Groton often have Queen Anne-inspired, Colonial Revival or ranch-style designs and sell for about $140,000 to $300,000. “There are a couple of streets that are full of really beautiful older homes, turn-of-the-century homes from the late 1800s to early 1900s,” DeYoung says. “They have beautiful trim and ornate designs. The house we had was half the cost of a home in Ithaca. It had a large lot and a long driveway.” Outside the village, ranch-style homes on expansive lots have sold for $300,000 to $560,000, though some homes on farmland have reached almost $1 million. “There are people I know who lived in Ithaca, and when they retired, they didn’t want to leave the region,” DeYoung says. “They moved to Groton because their money goes further, and they don’t have to commute anymore.” The village offers municipal electric, water and sewer services, but the town does not, so homes outside the village run on well water and septic tank systems.
Working in Ithaca and shopping in Cortland
The 17-mile drive to Ithaca takes about 25 minutes, while Cortland is closer to 11 miles away, or a 15-minute drive. “People might go to Ithaca for their job, but then they might do a lot of their shopping in Cortland because it's cheaper,” DeYoung says. Anyone who needs routine medical services can visit the Groton Family Practice office, but the nearest hospitals are in Ithaca and Cortland. Groton sees 49 inches of snow on average every year, so drivers must stay alert while commuting in the winter. The Groton Community Church is a landmark close to Main Street that was built in 1902. There are a few smaller churches and the Groton Community Cupboard soup kitchen in the village as well.
Attending Groton's own public schools
The Groton Central School District receives a B-minus from Niche. Kids can attend prekindergarten through fifth grade at the B-rated Groton Elementary School. The Groton Junior/Senior High School earns a C-plus. In 2025, the school’s production of “Seussical the Musical” earned nominations and awards from the Pavilion Awards held at the Cortland Repertory Theatre.
Main Street restaurants that double as community hubs
Locals can visit Cortland to shop at Walmart or Ithaca for boutiques and busy restaurants, but Groton has popular businesses along Main Street where neighbors can catch up. Bun Appetit Bakery & Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, baked goods and fresh coffee. Ice Cream Caboose is always busy when summer rolls around. Anyone can walk up to the train car building and order a frozen treat from the window. Main Street Pizzeria. “When we would work on the house, we would go there all the time," DeYoung says. "Sometimes when I’m in the area, my wife will ask if I can bring home a pizza.” The Good Neighbor Grocery is a small but busy business, where anyone can order a sandwich, grab a coffee or pick up locally sourced groceries. The shop also hosts events, like group hikes at Groton Memorial Park and a monthly craft workshop for adults and kids.
Groton Memorial Park has space to hike, play and swim
Groton Memorial Park is the main spot to get outside and explore the playground, throw a ball with dogs in the open field or access the 3-mile Groton Trail. The park also features an outdoor pool; anyone can register to access the pool or sign up for swimming lessons. Stonehedges Golf Course has an 18-hole layout and is open to the public. Some people sign up for a membership to participate in tournaments and have access to other courses throughout the Finger Lakes area, like Dutch Hollow Country Club in Auburn.
Celebrating community and history during Groton Olde Home Days
Residents, local businesses and the Groton Historical Association get involved in the annual Groton Olde Home Days, held every August. This multiday event is a time to explore the old streets of downtown Groton. The Groton Public Library hosts games and movies, wagon rides move people through the streets and a car show near Main Street Pizzeria.
