The Salmon River draws people to Richland
Richland is a rural town anchored by the Village of Pulaski, located on the shores of Lake Ontario, known for its outdoor activities. "I get calls from out-of-towners because the Salmon River, which runs through Pulaski, is huge right now. You get fishermen from Jersey, Pennsylvania, all over," says Michele A. Dischiave, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Prime Properties who has 35 years of experience. Buyers find a market balancing privacy and community. "Houses vary from village homes to country properties with a couple of acres of land." The village is the town's beating heart, offering residents and visitors a hub for shopping, dining and cultural attractions. Thanks to a $10 million state-funded award in 2025, it's also poised to grow. The local planning commission is deciding which business and municipal projects to fund. "Come spring, they will announce the grand awards," says the village's mayor, Jan Tighe. "Projects won't start until spring of 2026."
Colonial Revivals in the village and custom-built country homes
Housing options stretch from Lake Ontario's banks through Richland's outskirts and village center. "Through the town of Richland, there are larger parcels of [land], country homes, some double-wides, custom houses, log cabins, that kind of thing," Dischiave says. "In the village core, it's mostly older, two-story style [homes]." She notes that Colonial Revivals are common. Outside of age, condition and home size, pricing is largely determined by land size and proximity to the river and lake. Single-family homes range from around $150,000 to $460,000. Manufactured homes are a minority, ranging from about $150,000 to $190,000.
A small school district that prepares students for college
The Pulaski Academy & Central School District covers public education. Learners begin at Lura M. Sharp Elementary School, formerly Pulaski Elementary School. Pulaski Middle-High School is the next step, educating sixth through 12th grade on one campus. The school offers dual enrollment options and upholds community service requirements for its students. Schools within the district earn a C-rating from Niche.
Park upgrades, fishing spots and wintertime fun
Pine Grove Boat Launch is a gateway into the Salmon River, and Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina is just one local marina for boat storage. The river is stocked annually with trout and several salmon species, including Chinook salmon, which is the largest one. The pier at Selkirk Shores State Park is another popular place to fish and take in the sunset over Lake Ontario. Spanning nearly 1,000 acres along the banks of the lake, the park has been a longtime favorite for woodland camping, hiking and beach days. It underwent a partial closure in 2024–2025 for a $9 million upgrade, renovating camp sites and adding a new playground. The village of Pulaski has its own recreational scene. The Haldane Sports Complex offers an ice-skating rink, skate park, walking trail and soccer fields. Tighe says South Park and North Park are other popular parks. "South Park has a gazebo and is the site of the farmers market, so it's the most used of the two." She also notes that part of the state's $10 million investment will fund improvements at Dunbar Park, adding features like a riverside promenade. Snowmobiling is popular in winter, and the Pulaski-Boylston Snowmobile Club keeps local trails groomed.
Independent businesses in the village, some chains, and more in Oswego
The village has everyday staples, such as a salon and bank, and serves as a community touchpoint. At LD's on the River, guests can watch fishermen reel in catches while eating handcrafted burgers. Artie's Hometown Diner is a go-to for comfort-food dishes, including pancakes and mac and cheese. Taylor Marie's Ice Cream is open seasonally, serving homemade treats from April to Labor Day. Retail options include locally owned places like Ted's Gift & Jewelry and a vintage home decor store. While Pulaski favors independent businesses, it also has chains, including Aldi, McDonald's, Dunkin' and Tractor Supply Store. More options dot the area, including along State Route 3. For a wider selection of national stores, such as Hobby Lobby and Walmart Supercenter, the city of Oswego is about 20 miles away.
Taking are classes and catching a show in Pulaski
Local cultural attractions in the village include the Salmon River Fine Arts Center and the historic Kallet Theater. The center hosts exhibits featuring local creatives and offers art classes for all ages, including free classes for seniors and Young Artist Experience programs during the summer and fall that integrate mindfulness techniques. The theater hosts corporate events, weddings and tribute bands for a fun night out.
Connection to the broader county and beyond
Oswego County Public Transit provides rural bus service in Richland and connects with Centro buses, linking commuters to nearby cities such as Oswego. State route 3, U.S. Route 11 and Interstate 81 are main arterial roads. Northern Oswego County Ambulance is based in the village of Pulaski, providing emergency medical care and transport. Oswego Hospital is within 25 miles, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport is within 30 miles.
![Kathryn Ashworth]()
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
