Sackets Harbor blends waterfront views and military ties
The town of Hounsfield comprises the coveted Sackets Harbor and surrounding rural areas in upstate New York. Cradled between the Black River Bay and Henderson Bay on Lake Ontario, the small community blends a relaxed lakeside lifestyle with its rich American history as a pivotal landmark during the War of 1812. Today, Sackets Harbor continues to draw both seasonal and evergreen residents for its waterfront and small-town energy. “The village of Sackets Harbor and even off the water is very desirable,” says local Realtor Mark Taylor of Keller Williams Northern New York. “Life is centered around the village, with the waterfront and seven or eight year-round restaurants.” Additionally, the community offers proximity to Watertown and Fort Drum, home to the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division and serving as the state’s largest single-site employer. “Hounsfield is a place where a lot of current higher-ranked military families like to live because it’s so nice and still close to the base,” Taylor says.
Historic homes and new builds line Hounsfield’s waterfront streets
Hounsfield’s two different landscapes result in a varied housing stock. “You have new construction adjacent to historic homes that date back to the Battle of 1812,” Taylor says, adding that this is a common occurrence especially on the waterfront. Established Victorians and stately colonial cottages sit next to more modest midcentury ranch-style homes and contemporary new builds. Due to the range in size and style, prices can range considerably as well. Homes typically start at $125,000. Newer construction and larger historic homes can price between $500,000 and $950,000. The median home listing price hovers around $350,000.
Sackets Harbor Central School serves local students
Hounsfield students may attend Sackets Harbor Central School, which serves about 400 kids in prekindergarten through 12th grade. The school earns a C-plus overall from Niche, with above average scores in sports and clubs & activities. It also boasts a small student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. Home of the Patriots, Sackets Harbor Central offers a variety of athletic teams, including soccer, basketball and ice hockey.
Sackets Harbor blends lakeside recreation with historic landmarks
Sackets Harbor sits where the Black River Bay meets Henderson Bay, opening to Lake Ontario. The waterfront is the major draw to Hounsfield; marinas dot the shoreline, parks offer beach access and lakeside trails and anglers set up their rods along the banks. With its rich past, Hounsfield also features a number of historical attractions and landmarks that go together with its waterfront activities. Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site is a stretch of open space that tells the story of the War of 1812 through signage and plaques strewn along the trails. Locals enjoy strolling on the battlefield and taking in the scenic lake views. Market Square Park is another lakefront greenspace with a bandstand that has events. To the south, Westcott Beach State Park provides sandy beaches for swimming and walking, bass fishing spots and additional trails that offer impressive cliff views.
Lakefront pubs and restaurants line West Main Street
Sackets Harbor anchors Hounsfield, with local establishments and quaint eateries dotting the lakefront. A vibrant array of pubs and casual restaurants clustered along West Main Street offer variety in a block’s radius. Favorites include The Whiskey Coop, Good Fellos Pizza and 1812 on the Lake. Fargo’s Village Market and Deli fulfills necessities and grocery essentials, and additional shopping and dining are about 10 miles away in Watertown. Big-box retailers in Watertown include Target and Walmart, and other familiar retail brands are found at the Salmon Run Mall.
Route 3 connects Hounsfield to Watertown and major highways
Residents primarily rely on cars to get around, with Route 3 serving as the main artery through the village and connecting it to nearby Watertown, just 10 miles east. “Even though you have to drive everywhere, there’s zero traffic,” Taylor says. “Even in the peak of summer when these places are as busy as they get, there’s a great energy, but it’s never like you don’t have a place to park.” Hounsfield is also close to major highways like Interstate 81 and Highway 11. Watertown International Airport provides regional flights via American Airlines, while those seeking broader travel options often head to Syracuse Hancock International Airport, located about 70 miles south.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
