A small North Country village near the Canadian border
North of Upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains but just south of the Canadian border, Massena is a little village formed by the mighty forces of hydropower and multi-national industry. The village and surrounding town sprung up largely in the 20th century, a reaction to the hydropower, locks and dams and aluminum industries developing on the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries. More recent industry downsizing shows in the thinning of Main Street’s businesses and declining population, but the village and greater town remain rich with the natural beauty of nearby waterways and state parks. “Massena is a great four-season area to live, in terms of proximity to the river and the Adirondacks,” says Greg Paquin, Massena’s mayor and a resident of more than 50 years. “If you don’t mind a little cold, there’s a great deal to do.” Like many industry towns, Massena is taking on diversified redevelopment, activating its scenic waterfronts and working to attract tourists heeding the call to the wild forests and rivers of the North Country.
Massena remains rich with the natural beauty of nearby waterways and state parks.
Massena is a little village formed by the mighty forces of hydropower, as evidenced by the Massena Intake.
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Below-national prices for Massena’s 20th century single-family homes
Massena is largely laid out in closely plotted, sidewalk-lined blocks of single-family homes, a relatively urban core at the center of St. Lawrence County’s country roads and forests. Simple homes built in the early 20th century, especially National style, Foursquares and bungalows, are common throughout the village. The midcentury, and the village’s increase in industrial power at that time, brought with it the building of ranch-style homes, colonials, Cape Cods and split-levels. Massena’s median home price is $125,000, much lower than the national median of $406,100 reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Ranch-style homes are common in the city of Massena.
Colonial style and Colonial influenced homes are another architecture style commonly found in Massena.
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New York State Parks on the St. Lawrence River and in the Adirondacks
Along the Canadian border, boaters and anglers navigate the St. Lawrence River at Robert Moses State Park – Thousand Islands. Hiking trails like those at the Adirondack Park are within an hour of home. The Massena Arena and the village’s community center are more weatherproof through the winter months, often the venue for youth hockey games and senior social dances.
Pavilions are available for private events at Robert Moses State Park.
Massena's community center is weatherproof through the winter months, often the venue for senior social dances.
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MLF Bass Pro Tours and lock observation decks on the St. Lawrence River
Anglers cast for different freshwater species on Massena’s three rivers throughout the year but watching the best of Major League Fishing catch bass on the St. Lawrence during the annual Bass Pro Tour is a favorite annual tradition. The St. Lawrence Seaway Visitor Center was updated in 2024, offering exhibits about the St. Lawrence as a vital Lake Ontario-to-Atlantic Ocean shipping route and observation decks for watching massive cruise and cargo ships pass through the Eisenhower Lock.
The St. Lawrence Seaway Visitor Center near Massena offers exhibits about the St. Lawrence.
In Massena in the warmer months, you can watch massive cargo ships pass through the Eisenhower Lock.
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Shopping and dining along Main Street and Route 37
Local businesses and restaurants mix with gas stations and national chains along Main Street in the village’s downtown. Millions of dollars are set to be invested in projects like streetscape updates and the development of a river walk along the Grasse River in the coming years. State Route 37 brings strip malls and big-box stores through the village. Small churches of multiple denominations hold services throughout the area. Cornwall, a Canadian city with a quaint downtown, is a destination for those willing to cross the border.
Local businesses and restaurants mix with gas stations and national chains along Main Street in Massena.
State Route 37 brings strip malls and big-box stores like Price Chopper through Massena.
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Driving across the North Country and across the Canadian border
Massena is much closer to major Canadian cities than U.S. ones. “Our border crossing is one of the busiest. At the right time, it’s easy to get over and through. At the wrong time, you’ll wait 20 minutes,” Paquin says. From the village, Ottawa is about 75 miles away and Montreal is around 90 miles away. Small towns centered around State University of New York campuses, like Potsdam and Canton, are within 30 miles along U.S. Route 11. St. Lawrence County Public Transit buses operate in the village, though most people rely on personal vehicles to get around. Healthcare is available at Massena Hospital. Massena International Airport offers daily flights to Boston Logan International Airport.
IB classes at Massena Senior High
Massena Central School District earns a B from Niche. B-rated Massena Senior High School offers students the opportunity to enroll in an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme once they reach 11th grade.
B-rated Massena Senior High School offers students the opportunity to enroll in an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme once they reach 11th grade.
Nightengale Elementary School is also B rated and located next to Massena high.
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Crime data, four seasons and flood zones in Massena
According to data reported by the Massena Village Police Department to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, violent crime decreased by about 19% from 2022 to 2023. During the same time, property crime increased by about 62%.
Massena experiences all four seasons, including hot summers and snowy, below-freezing winters.
Low-lying areas along the Raquette and Grass rivers fall into higher risk flood zones. Those living closest to the waterfront may need flood insurance.
Born and raised in Canton, New York, Nicole graduated from Clarkson University in 2007. Prior to starting her own consultancy, she worked in Corporate Supply Chain Management, Marketing and Sales, Business Development and Contract Procurement. She currently works with the local community writing grants, fundraising, and assisting in various business development activities. This has allowed her to understand the community and local area better.
Nicole started in the real estate industry as an additional way to help the community, meet new people and help share the beautiful North Country with others. She loves helping buyers and sellers get through the emotional roller coaster of real estate. She knows the area well and enjoys helping people achieve their dreams!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
