Country living and lake life in Ledyard
Ledyard, 18 miles south of Auburn, is a rural town anchored by the quiet lakeside village of Aurora. "If you're on the lake in Aurora, it's lake life — boating, things like that," says Tyler Parseghian, a Realtor with Howard Hanna. "If you get up to Ledyard, that would be more peaceful farmlands."
Many residents commute to Ithaca, 21 miles away, but live in Ledyard for the lower home prices. "You can easily save $100,000 if you're willing to make the extra 15- to 20-minute commute," Parseghian says. Aurora features charming storefronts and elm-lined streets, while the rest of Ledyard offers rustic seclusion in the Finger Lakes. "It's called the 'Finger Lakes' because from the sky, it almost looks like someone put a handprint down here," Parseghian says. From 1868 to 2024, the town was also home to Wells College. The college closed due to low enrollment, and future plans for its campus are currently being discussed.
Historic farmhouses, ranch-style homes and properties on Lake Cayuga
Most Ledyard homes are historic farmhouses or late 20th-century ranch-style homes, but there are also a handful of lakefront properties in Aurora. "You basically have million-dollar lake houses and then older farmhouses," Parseghian says. "There are very few new builds in the area." Ranch-style homes and farmhouses are set along country roads, often with acreage that allows for privacy and additions, like workshops or detached garages. "They're fairly well-kept," Parseghian says. "Most of the farmhouses have nice barns with them." Lake houses are set closer together along sidewalk-lined village streets. These homes are often American Foursquare or Craftsman-inspired, with details like wide front porches, dormer windows and decorative trim. Most single-family homes range from about $100,000 to $400,000, but larger properties or waterfront homes can cost up to $750,000.
Lake tours, wildlife and golf
Cayuga Lake is Ledyard's biggest draw. Aurora agencies like Bianconi Tours offer guided excursions on the lake with sunset views and winery visits. At Aurora Village Park, residents can launch kayaks onto the water and fish for largemouth bass, lake char and yellow perch. Nearby, the 300-acre Long Point State Park offers playgrounds, campgrounds with cabins and a handful of trails for all skill levels. There's also a grass beach with a designated swim area and a nearby boat launch. Birders at the park may spot American pipits, sanderlings and green-winged teals. Golfers can hit the links at the 9-hole Wells College Golf Course.
Coffee, antiques and elevated comfort food in Aurora
Shopping and dining are limited, but there are a few hotels and locally owned businesses in Aurora, including the farmhouse headquarters of MacKenzie-Childs, a home decor retailer. "Aurora is a cute little village," Parseghian says. "They have a couple of small restaurants — a market, coffee, things like that."
Offering a small selection of groceries, Village Market starts the morning by doubling as a cafe with hot coffee and freshly baked pastries. 1833 Kitchen & Bar serves elevated comfort food for a proper breakfast, like creme brulee French toast and chocolate-whipped mascarpone crepes. Trader Rose is a secondhand store with a bit of everything, and Vintage Lighting specializes in antique lighting fixtures. Nearby, Fargo Bar and Grill has been serving rustic pub fare for over 60 years, including dishes like the Piggy Back burger with pulled pork, cheese curds and fried onions. The bar's also a village hangout, offering a pool table and occasional trivia or karaoke. Across the street, Constantia Wine Co. has an elegant tasting room with fruity wines and charcuterie bites. "The closest [supermarket] would be in Union Springs," Parseghian says. "Bit if you wanted a big one, it would be towards Auburn or Ithaca."
Well-rated school district, with dual enrollment at Union Springs High
Ledyard is part of the Union Springs Central School District, which Niche rates a B-plus overall. Kids may start at Andrew J. Smith Elementary before moving to Union Springs Middle/High — both are rated B-plus. Through the Cayuga Advantage Program, teens may take concurrent enrollment courses for credit at Cayuga Community College with no additional cost. Students in kindergarten through seventh grade may also attend the private Peachtown Elementary, not yet rated by Niche.
Community events at the Inns of Aurora, the library and a local museum
The Aurora Free Library plans family-friendly community events throughout the year. In August, kids bring their favorite stuffed animal to the annual Teddy Bear's Picnic, which features live music and entertainment. The library also hosts weekly clubs, including the Southern Cayuga Book Club and Fiber Friends, a craft group.
The Inns of Aurora is a popular vacation destination. In addition to activities for guests, The Sounds of Summer Music Series is open to the public and brings artists to Fargo Bar and Grill for an evening of music and drinks.
The Howland Farm Museum is dedicated to preserving Cayuga County's agricultural roots. Throughout the year, it hosts events like the Earth Day Clean-Up and the Women's March and Tea Party in May.
Commuter access to Auburn and Ithaca
State Route 34B passes through Ledyard, providing connections to Auburn and Ithaca. Residents are generally car-dependent, but the village streets are walkable. Auburn Community Hospital is 19 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 20-mile drive.
