Outdoor adventures and rural seclusion in Sempronius
Sempronius, 22 miles southeast of Auburn, is a quiet town in Cayuga County offering single-family homes with spacious lots and scenic views. “Sempronius is very rural,” says Anita Bryan, an associate broker with Howard Hanna with over 8 years of local experience. “It’s beautiful — a lot of agricultural land, and it’s not far from the Finger Lakes.” Commercial activity is limited, so shopping and dining trips to Auburn or Moravia, nine miles away, are part of the routine. The main draw here is the access to outdoor recreation, including Skaneateles Lake and Bear Swamp State Forest with fishing, hiking and birdwatching opportunities. “It’s great for relaxing,” Bryan says. “It’s serene — lots of nature.”
Farmhouse charm and lakefront living
Homes rarely come on the market, but those that do typically date from the early to late 20th century. “[There are a] few new constructions recently, but primarily, the majority of them are older homes,” Bryan said. Many are farmhouses with lap siding, wooden beams and window shutters; ranch-style homes are also typical. Properties are often spread along country roads, offering privacy and space for additions, like barns or stables. “You have acreage in between [homes],” Bryan said. “It’s beautiful views." Waterfront homes sit along Skaneateles Lake, some have private docks. Depending on size and features, prices range from about $200,000 to $600,000.
Explore state parks and the Finger Lakes
Sempronius offers easy access to forests, trails and lakeside activities. The Bear Swamp State Forest spans over 3,500 acres of woodlands and wetlands with diverse wildlife. During hunting season, white-tailed deer and wild turkey are sought-after game, while raccoons and foxes are commonly trapped for their pelts. The preserve also features 14 miles of dirt-packed trails open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders; in winter, the routes are popular for snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Nearby, Andrew R. Fuller Park provides a public boat launch on Skaneateles Lake, a fishing destination for smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
About 10 miles away, Fillmore Glen State Park draws visitors from all over Cayuga County for its scenic waterfalls, tree-shaded trails and swimming spots. In the summer, Moravia Central School District kids may sign up for the Moravia Summer Recreation Program to enjoy watersports, teambuilding exercises and arts and crafts activities at the park.
Athletic and academic opportunities at Moravia Junior/Senior High
Sempronius is part of multiple school districts, including the Moravia Central School District, which is rated B-minus overall by Niche. Kids in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade can start at Millard Fillmore Elementary before moving to Moravia Junior/Senior High for sixth through 12th grade — both schools are rated C-plus. The latter is part of the Cayuga Advantage Program, which allows teens to take concurrent enrollment courses for credit at Cayuga Community College without additional cost. Home of the Blue Devils, Moravia Junior/Senior High also has a successful athletics department. In 2024, the boys’ basketball team won the 2024 New York State Championship.
Groceries in Moravia and American comfort eats
The Colonial Lodge, the only restaurant in town, serves fried finger foods, all-American burgers and fresh, locally caught fish. Just beyond town, The Glen Haven is a waterfront restaurant on Skaneateles Lake that has been operating for over 80 years. The eatery serves hearty comfort foods like triple-decker grilled cheese, pickleback burgers and pulled pork pizza. On Thursdays, there are game nights with darts and ping pong. A few farms are in the area, too, including Kelloggsville Farm Cidery and Winery, which is known for its pear cider.
For additional shopping and dining, residents can head to Moravia. Dunkin’ is the go-to for morning coffee, while Rowan’s Bar and Grill serves pancakes and French toast topped with bourbon maple syrup and fresh berries. Other options include 10-10 BBQ and Catering, a laid-back rustic eatery with slow-cooked meats and walls decorated with firefighters’ gear. Modern Market provides grocery basics, while Owasco Meats and Hillcrest Dairy specialize in organic, farm-sourced products. There’s also a Dollar General and Kinney Drugs in town.
Community events with barrel riding and bathtub racing
Southern Tier Stables hosts rodeo events year-round, featuring everything from bull riding to barrel racing. “It’s a beautiful stable that offers training, boarding and riding lessons,” Bryan says.
In August, the Fillmore Auto Show & Flea Market in Moravia showcases hot rods and classic cars while festivalgoers browse for vintage finds. That same month, Fillmore Days at Fillmore Glen State Park honors the 13th president with family-friendly traditions such as bathtub races, a pie-eating contest and a rubber duckie scavenger hunt.
State Route 41A and the nearest hospital and airport
Sempronius is considered car-dependent. State Route 41A passes through the town, providing connecting access to Auburn. Auburn Community Hospital is 23 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 25-mile drive.
