Lakeside living in quiet, picturesque Owasco
Owasco, 3 miles south of Downtown Auburn, is a quiet, lakeside town with rolling farmlands and winding country roads. “We’re centrally located within the Finger Lakes,” says Edward Wagner, town supervisor of Owasco. “There are a lot of walking trails and state parks in the area for hiking and recreational camping opportunities.” The community is more rural compared to Skaneateles, 10 miles away. “The cost of living is so much less here than in Skaneateles,” Wagner says. “You get a better value for your dollar.”
Boating, beaching and parks by Owasco Lake
Owasco Lake is the community’s biggest draw, with over 10 miles of scenic shoreline for boating, swimming and fishing. Owasco Paddles rents kayaks and paddleboards, while Owasco Marine offers fishing boats and pontoons. Fishing yields rock bass, yellow perch and lake trout, among other species. Emerson Park is the primary public access point, with a designated swimming area, disc golf course and playground. There's also the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, where theatrical performances and concerts are held.
Nearby, Lakeside Dog Park welcomes pets, and Deauville Island Park can be rented for private events. The private Owasco Golf Club features a nine-hole course and tennis courts, while the public Dutch Hollow Country Club has 18 holes. About 10 miles away, Fillmore Glen State Park offers waterfalls, campgrounds and hiking trails.
Waterfront homes, suburban streets and rural retreats
Single-family homes in Owasco are diverse, with construction spanning from the late 19th century through today. Many homes are historic farmhouses or late 20th-century ranch-style, but Colonial Revivals and custom-built properties are also common. “There’s plenty of housing in the area,” Wagner says. “We have opportunities for both non-lake living and lakeview living.” Waterfront homes come in all shapes and sizes; some have sought-after features like private docks and pools. The Melrose Park area is more traditionally suburban, with single-family homes and manicured lawns set close together. Homes on the outskirts of town are typically tucked away with acreage.
Most single-family homes range from $100,000 to $600,000, but larger properties can cost between $700,000 and $1.1 million. “As soon as a house goes for sale, it’s sold within days,” Wagner says. The median sale price here is about $230,000, compared to $1.1 million in Skaneateles.
Academic opportunities at Auburn High
Owasco is part of several school districts, including the Auburn Enlarged City School District, which is rated B-minus overall by Niche. Kids may start at the C-plus-rated Owasco Elementary before moving to the C-rated Auburn Junior High and the B-minus-rated Auburn High. High schoolers can explore their interests in extracurriculars like esports, robotics and chess. Auburn High is also part of the Cayuga Advantage Program, which allows students to take concurrent enrollment classes for credit from Cayuga Community College at no additional cost.
Locally owned restaurants with authentic flavors in Auburn
Owsaco Market has grocery basics and deli items, but the town is primarily residential and recreational. “Most people in the area go to Auburn for major shopping/groceries,” Wagner says.
Auburn’s lively streets are lined with brick-paved sidewalks and dozens of small businesses, including bars, cafes and restaurants. For a morning pick-me-up, Auburn Bagel Company bakes New York-style water-kettled bagels, and next door, Roast & Toast brews hot coffee with locally roasted beans. Wegmans stocks a broad range of groceries, and the Auburn Farmers Co-op Market—open on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays—features farm-fresh produce, artisanal treats and fresh-cut flowers. Mesa Grande Taqueria loads its authentic Mexican burritos with hand-pulled, slow-smoked meats, while Bambino’s Pizza serves quick slices and other Italian favorites, like cheese manicotti and cannolis. Nearby, Shep’s Brewing has a wide selection of lagers and ales with occasional live music.
Town spirit at the Great Race and Tomatofest
Owasco shares many of its annual traditions with neighboring Auburn, like the Great Race in August. “It’s a family event that competitive athletes participate in,” Wagner says. The race is a relay triathlon with running, biking and canoeing or kayaking, depending on the division. “At its peak, it drew over 650 teams,” Wagner says. “They have a band and food afterwards." There’s also the Tomatofest in September, which started in 1985 at Emerson Park, but is now held at different Cayuga County locations, including Downtown Auburn. “Everybody’s got to have a festival. Well, we have a tomato festival,” Wagner says. “Tomatofest is mostly a fundraiser for local charities. You can get crafts, food and beverages.”
Owasco Road, commuting and nearby essentials
The town is generally car dependent. Owasco Road provides a direct route to Auburn and connects to Syracuse, 30 miles away, and Rochester, 71 miles away. “We’re considered a commuter area for Syracuse and Rochester,” Wagner says. Auburn Community Hospital is about 9 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 29-mile drive.
