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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
