Sennett balances country living and convenience
Sennett, about 5 miles northeast of downtown Auburn blends rustic seclusion with modern convenience in the Finger Lakes. “It’s very nice for anybody who wants to raise kids in the country, but conveniently close to shopping and cities,” says Mandy Saloski, an associate broker at Inquire Realty with more than 21 years of local real estate experience. Residents enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding and birdwatching. Many regularly commute to Auburn or Syracuse, 24 miles away, for work, shopping and entertainment. “People are moving here to get out of city life,” Saloski says. “They want the peacefulness of the country.”
21st-century subdivisions and charming farmhouses with acreage
Housing is diverse in Sennett, with construction spanning from the mid-19th century through today. Many homes on the market are New Traditional with farmhouse-inspired features, like lap siding, exposed wood beams and front porches. “We have newer houses in subdivisions they are building now because farmers sold their land,” Saloski says. These newer subdivisions are traditionally suburban with narrow, residential streets lined by single-family homes and manicured lawns. Older properties are generally a mix of farmhouses and ranch-style homes, set back along country roads with acreage and additions like barns or stables. “It’s farm country — agricultural,” Saloski says. “You’re going to see tractors in the backyards.” Depending on size and features, prices typically range from $50,000 to $650,000, but larger properties can cost between $750,000 and $1.6 million.
Park trips, lake days and horseback riding in Cayuga County
Sennett may be known for its wide-open spaces, but pocket-sized Sennett Park is a cozy spot for picnics under the pavilion, playtime at the playground and off-leash fun at the dog park. Nearby, the public Millstone Golf Course features 18 holes with scenic views of the New York countryside. Auburn also features several green spaces, including Hoopes Park with landscaped gardens and a duck pond.
For a day on the water, Skaneateles Lake is 8 miles away. “The Finger Lakes are beautiful,” Saloski says. Clift Park provides lake access with a swimming area, boat launch and fishing pier. “If you’re into horseback riding, there are places all around you can go,” Saloski says. “A lot of people go camping and trail riding with their horses.” Spring Creek Equestrian Center provides boarding and training services for riders of all skill levels. Thirteen miles away, the 15-mile Cato-Fair Haven Trail is shared by hikers, bikers and horseback riders, leading through lush woodlands and wetlands.
Concurrent enrollment opportunities at Jordan-Elbridge High
Sennett is part of several school districts, including Jordan-Elbridge Central School District, which is rated B overall by Niche. “A lot of people love it,” Saloski says. “They have good programs for the kids.” Pre-kindergarten through third-grade students can start at Elbridge Elementary before moving to Jordan-Elbridge Intermediate for fourth and fifth grade and Jordan-Elbridge Middle for sixth through eighth grade — all schools are rated B-minus. The B-rated Jordan-Elbridge High School offers a concurrent enrollment program through Onondaga Community College. Graduates who meet the program’s academic and community service benchmarks may qualify for a full semester scholarship at Onondaga.
Shopping and dining with farm-to-table options
Sennett is primarily rural, but a handful of businesses and farms are peppered throughout. Along state Route 5, Grant Avenue Plaza is a shopping center with a few dining and entertainment options, including Auburn Movieplex 10. Simple Roast brews morning pick-me-ups with locally roasted beans. For Mexican eats, Costa Grande serves indulgent favorites like birria tacos and jalapeño margaritas.
Elderberry Pond is tucked behind mature trees and sunflower fields. The gourmet restaurant offers a curated, farm-to-table menu with seasonal entrees like crab-stuffed haddock and pan-seared duck breast. Nearby, Owen Orchards grows over 20 apple varieties and operates a farm market with picnic essentials, including cheeses, jellies and apple cider donuts. For a broader grocery selection, Saloski says residents shop in Auburn. “A lot of our grocery stores, like Wegmans and Tops, buy local, too,” she says. “You can go anywhere and get vegetables that are locally grown.”
History, theater and art in Auburn
Auburn is home to a handful of historic sites and performing arts venues. Since 2005, the Auburn Public Theater has brought music, comedy and Broadway to the Finger Lakes. Around the corner, the Seward House Museum is the historic home of William H. Seward, who served as Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of State. Today, the museum showcases 19th-century art, preserves political history and hosts occasional theatrical productions and speaking engagements, like the Lunchtime Lectures series. Nearby, there’s a bronze statue of Harriet Tubman, who lived in Auburn for more than 50 years after escaping slavery.
Commuting via state Route 5
Residents generally drive to get around. State Route 5 provides a direct route to Auburn and Syracuse. “It’s an easy commute,” Saloski says. Auburn Community Hospital is 5 miles away, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport is a 30-mile drive.
