$415,109Average Value$1,162Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Secluded, rural living and waterfront getaways in Niles
Niles, 12 miles southeast of Auburn, is a small town with rolling farmlands, rustic seclusion and waterfront living in the Finger Lakes. "It's rural," says Gerald Dudek, an associate real estate broker at Riordan Realty with over seven years of experience. "There are very nice public parks in the area." Shopping and dining are limited, but the community's slow pace and quiet atmosphere are part of the appeal. There aren't any fast-food restaurants or grocery chains here, but farmstands around town have fresh produce, dairy and flowers — and there are more businesses in neighboring communities. "You're [close to Auburn], which has ample shopping and everything you need," Dudek says. Many single-family homes are either set with spacious lots or along the waterfront — ideal for lake days. "There's just a lot to do," Dudek says.
Homes in Niles enjoy the scenic benefits of farm living.
Ranch-style homes with wide gravel driveways can be found in Niles.
1/2
Lakefront homes, cabin retreats and historic farmhouses
Most homes on the market were built during the mid-to-late 20th century, but there are a handful of 19th-century and 21st-century homes, too. Farmhouses and Craftsman-influenced cabins are typical, but manufactured and ranch-style homes are also available. "You name it, you can find it around here," Dudek says. Many of these single-family homes are on the waterfront — features like private docks, pools and hot tubs are especially sought-after. Some homes are close together along main roads, like state Route 38A, while others are secluded with acres of farmland and miles between neighbors. Most single-family homes cost between $100,000 and $800,000, but large, lakefront properties can reach up to $3.1 million. Homes on Skaneateles Lake are generally more expensive than those on Owasco Lake. Prices depend on size, features and renovation needs.
Large homes surrounded by trees makes for shady living come summertime in Niles.
Manufactured ranch-style homes are available to those looking to make a move to Niles.
1/2
Concurrent enrollment and championship rings at Moravia High
Niles is part of multiple school districts, including Moravia Central School District, which Niche rates B—minus overall. Kids in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade can start at Millard Fillmore Elementary before moving to Moravia Junior/Senior High for seventh through 12th grade — both are rated C-plus. Through the Cayuga Advantage Program, teens may take concurrent enrollment courses for credit at Cayuga Community College with no additional cost.
Kids love to play on the playground at Millard Fillmore Elementary.
Come see the iconic clock tower at Moravia Junior-Senior High School.
Niles older students can take concurrent enrollment courses at Cayuga Community College.
1/3
Cayuga County parks and access to the Finger Lakes
Niles offers plenty of outdoor recreation, from parks to lakeside activities. In town, green spaces include Frozen Ocean Motocross Park, known for off-road racing, and the Dutch Hollow Fishing Area, stocked with rainbow trout. Three miles away, Dutch Hollow Country Club features a public 18-hole golf course, and nearby, the 160-acre Everest Park provides athletic fields and dirt-packed trails for hiking. The town is conveniently located between Skaneateles Lake and Owasco Lake. "Kayaking, boating, and fishing," Dudek says. "There's a boat launch at both ends of Owasco Lake." Nine miles away, Emerson Park in Owasco offers a boat launch, playground, and disc golf course. Ten miles from town, Clift Park grants access to Skaneateles Lake with a swimming area and fishing pier — a popular spot to reel in rock bass and yellow perch. Nearby rentals make it easy to get on the water, with pontoons at Skaneateles Lake Boat Rental and kayaks at Skaneateles Marina.
Get on your bike and get in gear at the Frozen Ocean Motocross Park.
Enjoy a game of golf on the links at Dutch Hollow in Niles, NY.
Proximity to Skaneateles Lake provides endless swimming and fishing trips for Niles natives.
Fillmore Glen State Park has a reconstructed log cabin home of President Millard Fillmore.
1/4
Farm-fresh fruits and dining in Auburn
Niles has little commercial activity, but a few farms are in the area. Song Meadows Alpacas is an alpaca farm with yarn and clothing for sale. About 10 miles away, family-operated Ripley Farms offers meats and dairy, while Grisamore Farms produces fresh fruits, including strawberries, raspberries and peaches. "There's little country stands for fresh vegetables," Dudek says. "Wherever you go, there's something different around every corner." In Auburn, locally owned restaurants line Genesee Street, like Auburn Bagel Company, with water-kettled bagels baked daily. Roast & Toast is a morning go-to for its locally roasted coffee, and in the evening, the cafe transforms into a cocktail bar. New China Royal Restaurant dishes out takeout staples, including fried pork dumplings and Ma Po tofu. Across the street, Mesa Grande Taqueria serves authentic Mexican cuisine with housemade salsa and hand-pulled meats. Nearby, Osteria Salina is a date-night spot with patio dining and elevated Italian comforts, like wood-fired pizza and strawberry panna cotta. For groceries, Wegmans and Aldi stock the essentials.
The Auburn Bagel Company is a go to spot for a warm breakfast sandwich in Niles.
There are a variety of dining options available in downtown Niles.
1/2
Niles Senior Group and the New York State Fair
The Niles Senior Group meets monthly at Town Hall for a potluck meal. They also organize trips, like sightseeing tours in Ithaca and theater outings. Upstate New York offers festivals year-round, most notably the New York State Fair in Syracuse, 33 miles away. Visitors can sample unique foods like ostrich smashburgers at Chick-N-Que LLC, cheesecake chimichangas at Nancy's Fried Dough and bacon-wrapped, deep-fried Snickers from Fried Specialties. The fair also features art and livestock competitions, traditional Iroquois dancing at the Turtle Mound and an array of live music events. "That goes on for 10 days," Dudek says.
Car-dependent town with commuter access
Niles is a car-dependent community. State Route 38A passes through the town, granting connecting access to Auburn and Syracuse. Auburn Community Hospital is about 12 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 28-mile drive.
Written By
Travis Rocha
Photography Contributed By
Scott Wiggins
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chatarina Etoll,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
If you’ve been searching for space, privacy, and newer construction in a country setting, this home checks every box. Set on 1.9 acres bordered by evergreens, you’ll feel tucked away yet not far from amenities. Built in 2012, this 2,440 sq ft home offers the strength, energy efficiency, and design benefits of modern construction. Inside, the main level welcomes you with an open layout made for
Property for sale is part of tax map listed above. Property needs to be subdivided by buyer at buyer's expense. House and barn not occupied and both need extensive rehab. Please do not attempt to enter. Well and septic on site, condition unknown. New electric to pole. Sold "AS IS"Property for sale will be: Approximately 2 Acres on the East side of Route 41A, to include the barn, not
This exceptional 88-acre property offers endless possibilities with breathtaking Skaneateles Lake views bordering Bear Creek and its stunning waterfall, just a short drive from Skaneateles Village in the renowned Finger Lakes Region. This completely private sanctuary is surrounded by mature hedgerows and woods, creating total seclusion and tranquility. The substantial main lodge features an
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
