$186,945Average Value$121Average Price per Sq Ft56Homes For Sale
Discover lakeside life in the historic city “where the water never ends”
Life on Lake Ontario defines the Oswego experience. This waterfront town’s attachment to the Great Lake is present even in its name, which comes from an Iroquois term meaning “pouring-out place.” With a history dating back to 1722 and a prime location for enjoying fishing, boating and extreme sports on the river, Oswego makes it easy to enjoy contemporary living against the backdrop of a historic 18th-century town.
A couple plays fetch with their dog in the water at Sandy Island Beach State Park.
Linear Park offers stunning views of the Oswego River and downtown Oswego.
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Revitalized colonial revival homes along the Oswego River
Fans of colonial revival homes and historic residences will find lots to love with Oswego’s traditional stylings. Most of the area’s homes date back to the early 1900s, with a mix of American foursquare, Cape Cod and ranch-style homes. Finding homes with remodels and restorations is straightforward, and buyers can expect to pay about $120,000 for a three to four-bedroom home with two full bathrooms. The median price for a single-family home hovers around $156,250. “Housing exploded at the end of 2020, and though it’s slowed down since then, the market is still moderate with good rates,” Fayette says.
Oswego's real estate market features a mix of housing options
Oswego's housing market is influenced by its proximity to Lake Ontario.
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Walks along the lakeside at Breitbeck Park
Breitbeck Park is a gateway between Oswego’s historic setting and the breadth of Lake Ontario. Locals take advantage of the park’s fitness court, walking trails and basketball court to stay active, explore the bell tower along the water, and relax at the picnic tables. Residents observe the lake’s activity from the dryness of the William S. Cahill Pier and boating enthusiasts launch from the adjacent Wright’s Landing Marina. Close to the downtown center, Franklin Square Park has a playground and sprinklers for the kids to enjoy during the warm season.
A couple sit and take in the views of Lake Ontario at Breitbeck Park.
Various piers and wharfs on Lake Ontario can be seen from Breitbeck Park.
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Local vendors on both sides of the river
Clustered mostly in Downtown Oswego along East 1st Street and West 1st Street, the city’s diverse collection of restaurants and shops reflects the area’s small-town meets city feel. “We have a city environment that’s ideally located,” Fayette says. “We have a lot of very niche and fabulous restaurants and shops, with nice stores and boutiques downtown.” On East 1st Street, Tatlim Bakery serves up macarons, baklava and other seasonal Turkish sweets, while the Press Box has been a local sports bar staple for almost 40 years. Across the river, Port City Co-Op sells handmade goods and antiques, while the Rooftop Lounge offers scenic views and sophisticated dining. Most of Oswego’s big box retail offerings are located on the east side of town along the NY-104 highway. Residents can find reliable shopping options such as Price Chopper, TJ Maxx, Big Lots and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet nearby, alongside straightforward fast-food picks that include Popeyes, Wendy’s and McDonald’s.
A man gets a trim at The Good Guys Barber Shop in Oswego NY.
It's a short wait for patrons at The Mix in Oswego NY as they wait for their healthy shakes.
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A local economy driven by nuclear power, health and SUNY Oswego
The Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Plant and Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station are situated 7 miles northeast of Oswego. The facilities provide some of the city’s primary industrial output, making them a major source of jobs alongside the Oswego Health system and the local university, State University of New York at Oswego. “The university is a big draw not only for students but for employment, and Oswego Health has grown tremendously in the last 10 years,” Fayette says. “Good health care is important for our community growth, and they’ve expanded into Fulton.” Novelis, an aluminum mill also located within a few miles from the city, is another large employer for Oswego residents.
Ji-Woo's Korean Seoul Food is a popular food truck in Oswego.
People come to Selkirk Shores State Park to fish along the shores of Lake Ontario.
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Block parties and Harborfest in downtown Oswego
Oswego residents close to downtown can enjoy the city’s local block parties. “They’ll cut off a block or two from traffic and have bands playing, other entertainers and vendors, and fireworks on the water. We have a great location by the river to send off fireworks,” says Edward Elsner, the librarian at the Oswego Public Library. Movie nights in town happen at the Oswego Cinema 7, a theater in the heart of the city on West 2nd Street. Originally built in 1941, this Art Deco-styled cinema has a nostalgic atmosphere with modern moviegoing comforts added in a 2021 renovation. To the east on Albany Street, Oswego Speedway draws in visitors as the local home of supermodified car races in the summertime. Residents can also enjoy browsing the weekly farmer’s market during the summer and early fall, and late July brings the annual Harborfest festival with vendors, music and carnival games into town. “It’s got some of the best shows in the country,” Elsner says.
An early evening view of Oswego Cinema 7.
An off-season view of Oswego Speedway.
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Upstate education at Oswego’s public schools
Grade schoolers in the Oswego area attend schools in the Oswego City School District. Kids attend Riley Elementary School from kindergarten through the sixth grade. The school earned a B-minus rating with users on Niche. Seventh and eighth-grade students attend the C-ranked Oswego Middle School. Oswego High School’s music and band department offers seven ensembles for students of multiple skill levels to join, as well as associated choral and drama programs with shows throughout the year. The school holds a B-minus grade on Niche. Looking over the waterfront on the west side of town, SUNY Oswego students can choose from more than 70 undergraduate majors, and the university holds a B ranking with Niche users.
Oswego High School on Lake Ontario.
Kingsford Park Elementary in Oswego can be seen with Nine Mile Nuclear plant in the background.
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Follow the river to Syracuse
Commuters can expect a drive of about 40 miles between Oswego and Syracuse via NY-481 South or NY-48 South. Syracuse International Airport is 35 miles away from the city. For local medical concerns, Oswego Hospital is on West 6th Street, less than a mile away from the city center. The Centro bus system operates service throughout the Oswego area, with stops available on both sides of the river. Transit services between Oswego and the Syracuse area is provided. Specialized bus services for the SUNY Oswego campus are also available, and students can ride for free within the city with a valid ID.
Crime in Oswego Crime rates in Oswego have declined steadily over the last few years. The city has lower violent and property crime rates compared to the national average. According to FBI data, violent crime incidents have decreased by almost 20% since 2022. “Something will happen once every few years,” Fayette says, “but generally residents feel safe in the area and crime rarely happens in the city.”
A Centro Transit Service bus enters SUNY Oswego.
A Centro Transit Service bus stop in Oswego.
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Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Vick
Video By
Jarrod Bock
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Susan Li,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Oswego, NY sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Oswego, NY over the last 12 months is $169,500, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Real Estate Auction on Nov. 13, 2025 @ 10 AM! No Minimum Bid. List price reflects assessed value! Bidding Starts at $1! Delayed Showing. Showings on 11/9 & 1 hour prior to the Auction only. This is a Live Onsite Unreserved Real Estate & Contents Auction! Real Estate Features:1,430 Sq. Ft., 4 Bedroom, 2 Story home w/1 Full Bath & Att 1 car Garage on 100' x 675' (1.55 Ac.) +/- Lot! Front Porch w/2
Real Estate Auction on Nov. 13, 2025 @ 10 AM! No Minimum Bid. List price reflects assessed value! Bidding Starts at $1! Delayed Showing. Showings on 11/9 & 1 hour prior to the Auction only. This is a Live Onsite Unreserved Real Estate & Contents Auction! Real Estate Features: 901 Sq. Ft., 2 Bedroom Ranch style home w/1 Full Bath & Detached 1,702 Sq. Ft. 3 Car Garage on 120' x 675' (3.29 Ac.) +/-
Welcome to 389 Klocks Corners Rd! Situated on nearly an acre in the town of Scriba, this home is just minutes from the city of Oswego! A 2bedroom single wide trailer with many updates throughout! Upgrades include a NEW roof, plumbing, engineered pad & light fixtures! NEW 200 AMP service! There's a MASSIVE pole barn for all your toys as an added bonus! The home is ready to move in & make it your
This property has five 1 bedroom and one 2 bedroom units. Tenants pay their own utilities. All 6 units have been remodeled with new kitchen, new bathroom, new floorings throughout. Tenants are keeping up in good condition, nice & tidy. Roof is approximately 7 years old. Property is in good shape and generates a great return over 12%. Within walking distance to all the waterfront restaurants,
An absolutely amazing opportunity awaits here at 8139 State Route 104 in the Town of Oswego! This immaculate, loved and cared for home is ready for its next owners! Sitting on over 7 acres in Hannibal School District, you'll find this grand, two-story home. When you enter at the back of the home, you come into a beautiful, large sunroom that overlooks your very own secret garden! Then you'll
Situated in the heart of downtown Oswego, NY, Riverwalk Apartments is a four-story community for luxury living on the Oswego riverfront.The community features 32 one and two bedroom apartments. Riverwalk offers luxury, modern interiors fused with all the comforts of home and breathtaking views of the city, Oswego River or Lake Ontario.The historic city of Oswego offers a bustling
Historic charm meets modern comfort for this 3 Bedroom 1 bath rental located in Oswego, NY! Experience the best of Oswego living in this beautifully maintained historic home, available to rent. This spacious residence offers a perfect blend of classic charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal place make your home. Step inside and discover a large double living room providing ample space
Designed to satisfy both academic and social needs of all students – Lakeside Commons is the newest luxury student apartment complex in Central New York. Conveniently located next to the SUNY Oswego campus, Lakeside Commons offers the most comfortable and modern amenities, such as our Genius Lab™ study lounge, a 24 hour fitness center, community building events, and more!
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