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.
Written By
Julia Szymanski
Photography Contributed By
Greg Dunbar
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
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On average, homes in Massena, NY sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Massena, NY over the last 12 months is $64,500, down 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
GREAT INCOME POTENTIAL! Don’t miss this opportunity to own a well-maintained two-unit home with great rental potential! Each apartment has been freshly painted and features new flooring and updated bathrooms. The downstairs apartment offers a kitchen, dining room, living room, two bedrooms, one full bathroom, and a mudroom. The laundry area is located in the basement for convenient access. The
Welcome to this stunningly remodeled home on the St Lawrence River. Step inside where everything is new and modern, bright and fresh. The first thing you will notice is the wall of windows allowing the St Lawrence River into your home. The living room is flooded with light and the open floor plan with the kitchen makes this such an inviting space. The kitchen has quartz counter tops, soft close
This 3 bedroom/1.5 bathroom home is looking for new owners with a vision to make it their own. It features main floor laundry hookups, hardwood floors in some rooms and a large backyard housing an above ground pool. The home is priced to sell and located near the Canadian border, 4 major universities, the Adirondacks, and 3 rivers...including the mighty St. Lawrence River! Don’t wait to schedule
Charming village home! This home is located on a nice, quiet street in the village and is priced to sell. The main floor offers a nice size living room, formal dining room, kitchen with nice wood cabinets and included appliances. Off the kitchen there is a back room that has been fully insulated and just needs a few finishing touches to make it a cute sitting room or maybe an office. There is
Contemporary Home with 6 bedrooms, Indoor heated pool located on a cul-de-sac in Massena, New York. This home is extraordinary and offers 5,200 square feet of living space and a 5-car attached heated garage. The owner has just made an extensive list of improvements including a brand-new roof, brand new master bathroom, new natural gas furnace, central air-conditioning, brand-new pool heater and
Charming Village Home with Income Potential – Prime Upstate New York Location Newly listed village home on a quiet street in the heart of Massena, NY—offering the perfect blend of comfort, affordability, and convenience. This spacious property sits on an oversized yard and features a large living room, formal dining room with built-in hutch, and a fully equipped kitchen, ideal for entertaining or
Charming home in Massena situated on a corner lot with a detached two-car garage. The first floor features updated tile and wood flooring along with a full bathroom. The second floor includes four bedrooms and an additional full bathroom, offering plenty of space. Laundry is located in the basement. This home has natural gas heating. Conveniently located in the heart of Massena, this home is
WELCOME TO YOUR MOVE-IN READY DUPLEX. This very attractive piece of property was converted into 2 really nice apartments. The property is vacant and the owner has taken great pride in making the property ready to show. Downstairs apartment consists of 2 entrances, one in front and one in back. There is a mudroom in the back entrance and a large closet. Here you will also find what could be used
Victorian style commercial building with living quarters above and a cottage style building in the back that is presently rented. Tenant has been there 12 years. This is located right in downtown Massena across from the library and walking distance to just about everything. The Grasse River is just down the street along with restaurants and shops. Ideal spot to open your business or studio. Many
Income-Generating Multi-Family Opportunity in Massena, NY – Prime Location, Strong Rental Potential! Discover this exceptional multi-family property at 74–80 Woodlawn Avenue in Massena, NY, perfect for investors seeking reliable rental income and long-term growth in upstate New York. This collection of four connected apartments in one building features classic wood siding and a newer metal roof,
Income-producing 2-bedroom, 2-story home. Perfect for investors seeking to invest in a reasonably priced home. Located close to all amenities. Perfect for a rental or add some features and use it as an Air B and B. There is a fairly large back yard with a single car garage for the owner's convenience. Call to amke an appointment to see it today. the home is vacant and very easy to see.
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