LaFayette provides country living near Syracuse
LaFayette is a historical town 10 miles south of Syracuse, offering homebuyers easy access to city amenities while preserving its countryside character. Syracuse is the region's main hub for employment, commerce and travel, so LaFayette has become an attractive bedroom community for commuters, and local schools serve as outlets for youth sports and social activities. Despite its proximity to the city, the community is set amid the scenic hills and dense forests of Onondaga County. Outdoor recreation is abundant, from athletic facilities to fishing ponds, and locals enjoy the sense of privacy and seclusion offered by large lots and the surrounding woodlands.
Diverse housing styles with wooded lots are available in LaFayette
The town is set in wooded terrain, with narrow roads winding along rolling hills. Houses are mostly from the 1900s to the early 2000s, though a handful go back to the 1800s. The housing mix is notably diverse, ranging from colonial-inspired homes and traditional farmhouses to ranch-style properties. With open lawns and greenery serving as natural dividers, most lots are about an acre and have outbuildings or detached garages. Single-family homes typically sell from $150,000 to $450,000, though some fixer-uppers go for less than $100,000. Larger custom-built country properties, some set on 10-acre parcels, can go between $650,000 and $1 million. Mobile and manufactured homes typically cost around $60,000 to $160,000. Homes in the more remote areas of town rely on private septic systems and well water. Properties in flood zones may require flood insurance. The town has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Community parks and sports fields offer outdoor opportunities in town
The town has several parks and ball fields for outdoor recreation. Located in the town center, Fred Stafford Memorial Park has comprehensive sports facilities, exercise tracks and a fishing pond. Bailey Park is west of the area, offering a basketball court, playground and open field. Located on the northern corner of town, Jamesville Beach Park sits on the shores of Jamesville Reservoir, providing opportunities for swimming and kayaking. For more water sports options, Otisco, Skaneateles and Cazenovia lakes are also within 20 miles of the area.
Education is provided by LaFayette Central School District
The town is part of LaFayette Central School District. Students may start out at Grimshaw Elementary School, which has a C-plus grade from Niche. LaFayette Junior/Senior High School earns a C, offering athletic programs for baseball, basketball, lacrosse, golf and tennis. The school also provides extracurricular activities like musical drama, outdoor education and Native American clubs.
LaFayette Apple Festival celebrates harvest with food and fun
The LaFayette Apple Festival has been a tradition for over 50 years, celebrating the fall harvest with crafts, food and entertainment. Local schools also organize some events, including the Grimshaw Halloween Parade.
Shopping and dining options in nearby Nedrow and Syracuse
Residents go to neighboring Nedrow and Syracuse for shopping and dining. Local spots in Nedrow include Firekeepers and Sweetgrass Diner; both serve traditional comfort food. Grocery options are nearby, including Aldi, Green Hills Farms and Dollar General. Larger big-box stores like Walmart are farther north in Syracuse.
Distance to nearby hospitals, airport and Syracuse
U.S. routes 20 and 11 intersect in town, providing access to the surrounding areas. Syracuse is about 10 miles north of town, as are Syracuse Hancock International Airport and major medical facilities like Upstate University Hospital. Public transportation is provided by the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority.
