Lee is a quiet community near Rome’s jobs and amenities
Lee is centered around country living less than 10 miles from downtown Rome . In the heart of town is a modest hamlet where the post office, church and fire house are all located. Life is slower, with less commercial options than bigger cities, but Lee has some local restaurants and shops. The community encompasses state forest and a part of Delta Lake making everything from snowmobiling to beach lounging popular pastimes. Agriculture is a staple here, but many find work in nearby communities, like Rome. "We have a business and technology park that is booming," says Lori Frieden, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Faith Properties who lives in Rome and has been an agent since 2006. Chobani also broke ground on a manufacturing plant in Rome in 2025.
Homes overlooking farmland and woodlands
Country roads are dotted by traditional properties, including ranch-style homes, Colonial Revivals and small cottages. “Ranch-styles are the most desired primarily because almost any buyer can live on one level but not every buyer can live on two,” Frieden says. She notes they tend to get higher prices per square foot. Lots range from less than 9,000 square feet to acres. Most homes are in a rural setting, but some are closer to amenities, such as the post office, the local golf course or Delta Lake. Location and lot size also figures into pricing, and whether or not a home is connected to a snowmobile trail. “The sellers make it a point to note that in the listing because that's quite a draw,” Frieden says. The median sales price is around $166,000, less than Rome's figure of $206,000.
The CAP Index Crime Score in Lee is 1 out of 10; compared to the national average of 4.
Heavy snowfall in 2024 led to roof damage and repairs
Lee and Rome experienced extreme snowfall in 2024. “We all took a hit,” Frieden says. “There was a lot of roof damage. But it's all on the mend. Contractors were as busy as can be this summer."
Seasonal fun includes summer camps, snowmobiling and beach days
Locals walk their dogs and bring their kids to the playground at Lee Town Park. The park is a site for Little League games and friendly competition on the tennis and basketball courts. Kids' summer camps run for six weeks a year at Kamp Kiwanis. Sleepy Hollow Golf Course has a public championship course. Surrounding state parks allow for primitive camping, hunting and trapping. Canada Creek State Forest's snowmobile trail connects to a vast network of similar trails traversing the state. West Branch State Forest is a popular trout fishing area. A portion of Delta Lake State Park, where people boat and fish, is in Lee. “The beach can be pretty crowded in the summertime, but they have lifeguards between Memorial Day and Labor Day,” Frieden says. She says cyclists are often seen out on the rolling, country roads in Lee. Woods Valley Ski Area is around 12 miles away for more wintertime fun.
Public schooling starts in Lee, but is through Rome
Students attend the Rome City School District. Stokes Elementary School is in Lee and earns a C-plus from Niche. Lyndon H. Strough Middle School scores a C. For high school, students filter into Rome Free Academy, rated B minus. In 2025, the middle school hosted the Rome Science Fair. One of the winning participants explored ways to distinguish genuine photographs from those created by artificial intelligence.
Places to get tacos and farm-to-table food, major chains in Rome
The town has a handful of restaurants and shops. Gone Coastal serves weekly specials, including a fish fry on Fridays. Tacos Don Fernando serves authentic Mexican. Most options are to the southeast, near Delta Lake, including Back Nine Restaurant and Sports Bar. Hobby Hill Farm Sales sells farm equipment, and Turin Road Treasures is a local antiques store. Rome has box stores like Marshalls and Aldi, and a collection of local and chain eateries. Vine and Fig, between Lee and downtown Rome, emphasizes fresh local ingredients. "The owner is Carly. She will literally go foraging for ramps that are locally grown and serve them for a limited period of time," Frieden says. “And they'll use edible flowers in some of their cocktails that they grow on their property," Frieden says. She notes that Chmielewskis Sweet Corn, in Rome, is one of the most popular spots for sourcing local produce.
State Route 26 connects the area to Rome and beyond
Deer crossing signs mark roads, reminding drivers to stay alert. The main arterial road here is New York state Route 26, which passes along the town's eastern side. Rome Health is the closest hospital, less than 10 miles away. The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is within 40 miles.
![Kathryn Ashworth]()
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
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Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Coon
