Lake Ontario draws homebuyers to Henderson’s waterfront lifestyle
Henderson Bay and Lake Ontario carve out the eastmost boundary of Henderson, a community in upstate New York that attracts both year-round and seasonal residents. Local Realtor Mark Taylor of Keller Williams Northern New York says the town is popular for its relaxed lakeside lifestyle, waterfront properties and abundance of outdoor recreation. “Henderson has had a boom in the past few years for its higher dollar waterfront homes,” he says, adding that activities on Lake Ontario are the main draw for homebuyers. “The boating and fishing are some of the most sought-after in the region.” As homes come more inland, they drop in price while still providing proximity to lakeside recreation. “Waterfront values are probably four or five times higher than other homes in town,” Taylor says. “It’s two very different worlds living next to each other.” Still, the laid-back vacation atmosphere is what keeps locals returning every summer. “Once you’re here for the summer, you pretty much don’t need to leave Henderson.”
Price gaps reflect the contrast between lakefront and inland living
Stately summer cottages and contemporary lakeside retreats pepper the waterfront, contrasting with more modest ranch-style and colonial cottages located more inland. Henderson’s recent boom has resulted in new construction as homes are being built on land or being torn down and rebuilt entirely. “There’s a lot of newer developments of homes only around 10 years old,” Taylor says. “Now certain stretches will have million-dollar house after million-dollar house. But you’ll still see the sporadic historic waterfront estate that holds its value.” Due to the difference in value of waterfront properties and inland homes, prices vary significantly. Price tags start at around $95,000, and most fall between the $200,000 to $400,000 range—the median list price of homes is about $370,000. Waterfront properties start around $750,000 and fetch up to $1.26 million.
Henderson Harbor is a hub for boating and fishing access
Henderson Bay provides bounteous recreation opportunities for locals. Henderson Harbor is peppered with marinas like Henchen Marina, Lake Ontario Mariners Marina and the Henderson Harbor Yacht Club, and also offers access to a public boat ramp. Westcott Beach State Park is a destination for bass-fishing, swimming and hiking. Scenic wooded trails open to cliffs that drop into the lakeside, and the sandy beach is popular for swimming during the summer months. To the south, Robert G. Wehle State Park provides additional picturesque cliff views. The park also features a playground, disc golf course and trails.
Students attend Belleville Henderson Central School
Belleville Henderson Central School serves about 500 students in the combined Belleville and Henderson area, covering prekindergarten through 12th grade. The school earns a C overall rating from Niche, with above average scores for its teachers and clubs and activities. Students may participate in a variety of extracurriculars, such as Art Club, Chess Club and FFA.
Lakeside restaurants and town center diners offer casual eats
A few local eateries and establishments help foster the relaxing small-town feel of Henderson. Carbone’s Waterside Restaurant is a favorite on the lakeside. Wedged next to marinas and boating charters, the restaurant offers sweeping views of the lake and serves inspired takes on classic seafood dishes. Closer to the town center, Cherry Tree Inn is another local favorite. The family restaurant is known for comfort foods like burgers and pancakes. Residents can rely on the Dollar General Market for groceries, with options like Target, Walmart and Hannaford in nearby Watertown, about 17 miles north. Locals can also access national retailers and familiar brands at Salmon Run Mall in Watertown.
Route 3 connects Henderson to nearby towns and airports
Residents of Henderson primarily depend on cars for transportation, with Route 3 serving as the town’s main thoroughfare. This route follows the eastern edge of Lake Ontario, connecting Henderson to nearby communities such as Sackets Harbor and Watertown, which are approximately 25 miles northeast. Residents can fly regionally from Watertown International Airport, while Syracuse Hancock International Airport, located approximately 60 miles south, offers a broader range of domestic and international connections.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
