Nelson residents enjoy proximity to Cazenovia and nearby lakes
Nelson is a rural town in upstate New York about 25 miles southeast of Syracuse . Forests and farmland surround Tuscarora Lake, the jewel of the community, and the town’s 2,000 residents are about 4 miles from the lakeside village of Cazenovia, known for its boutique shops, breweries and bed-and-breakfasts.“You’re a heartbeat from three different lakes,” says Stacey Kelso-O’Connor, a real estate broker with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services with 10 years of local experience. “You can be on Tuscarora, DeRuyter or Cazenovia Lake in like 10 minutes.”
Wooded properties and lakefront homes with scenic views
Nelson’s narrow roads wind past fields, forests and gently sloping hills. “It’s more of a rural country area, if you want lots of land at a good price but very close to town,” says Kelso-O’Connor, who owns a home in Cazenovia. Many properties measure over 5 acres, with sprawling yards, long paved driveways and attached garages. Some homes have water views and access to Tuscarora Lake. Architectural styles range from 1900s farmhouses to ranch-style homes built within the last 5 years. Recently, small farmhouses, A-frames and ranch-style homes sold for $185,000 to $335,000, while larger Colonial and contemporary houses went for $385,000 to $465,000. Lakefront homes and multiacre horse ranches sell for $560,000 to $730,000. Nelson has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, below the national average of 4, and upstate New Yorkers contend with long winters and significant snowfall.
Tuscarora Lake, forests and preserves attract visitors year-round
Because Tuscarora Lake was built to provide water for the Erie Canal, it’s also known as the Erieville Reservoir. The lake is stocked with walleye, making it a prime fishing destination. No formal public access is available, but locals find a couple of places to cast from the southern shoreline. Nearby, Tinsley Park has a shaded picnic area and an open field with playground equipment. At DeRuyter Lake, anglers stock up on bait and tackle at the general store before setting out from the boat launch. The namesake pond at Stoney Pond State Forest is also popular with anglers and boaters, and the surrounding hiking and snowmobile trails draw visitors all year long. Campsites are available for multiday trips.
Lakeside dining, distilleries and craft beer in Cazenovia
Local hangout the Blue Canoe Grill serves comfort food from a cabin overlooking Tuscarora Lake. More lakeside dining is available in Cazenovia at cozy inns like the Brae Loch and Brewster. “The best place to watch sunsets on Caz Lake is Brewster Inn,” Kelso-O’Connor says. “They’ve got this gorgeous patio right on the water.” Also in Cazenovia, Madison County Distillery and Meier’s Creek Brewing Company serve creative bites alongside their signature pours, and groceries are available at Aldi and Tops.
Students attend Cazenovia or Morrisville-Eaton schools
Many students attend schools in the Cazenovia Central School District, which receives an overall B-plus grade from Niche. The district added a therapy dog program in 2025 to help foster emotional support and communication skills in the community. Depending on their address, some students may attend Morrisville-Eaton Central School District, rated C.
Route 20 paves the way to transit and health care in Syracuse
U.S. Route 20 is the town’s primary traffic artery connecting to Cazenovia. It’s also the best starting point for the 25-mile drive to Syracuse and the closest major airport. Community Memorial Hospital is about 15 miles away in Hamilton , but most residents head to Syracuse for medical emergencies. “It’s a haul,” Kelso-O’Connor says. “That’s one of the bad things about being out here. If you’ve got a broken arm or something, you go to the little [hospitals], but if you’re having a heart attack or a stroke, you go to Syracuse.” Public transportation is also limited; Madison Transit System buses make a few stops in Cazenovia, but none in Nelson.
Ice fishing derby and historic sites highlight local culture
The Tuscarora Lake Ice Fishing Derby, held in February, supports the lake association’s walleye stocking program. Participants often head to the Blue Canoe for breakfast after setting their traps. The Lorenzo State Historic Site in Cazenovia hosts seasonal events, including Christmas tours and a horse-and-buggy driving competition.
Decades of tradition at Nelson Welsh Congregational Church
The Nelson Welsh Congregational Church was built by Welsh immigrants in 1876. Local ministers conduct Sunday evening services from June through September. The final service of the season is part of Old Home Week, when former residents return to greet old neighbors.
