Skaneateles

Skaneateles

Located in Onondaga County

$661,642 Average Value
$483 Average Price per Sq Ft
35 Homes For Sale

Cleanest lake in the US

Skaneateles, pronounced "skinny atlas," is a small village of over 6,000 people bordered by one of the cleanest lakes in the United States. "Skaneateles Lake is the primary water source for residents in and around Syracuse, and the village and town is extremely careful about maintaining it," says local Realtor Romy Callahan, who has lived in Skaneateles for over 30 years and works for Howard Hanna Real Estate. The heart of Skaneateles is its downtown area, where homes, parks, shops and eateries are all within walking distance. The lake, which curves for 16 miles along cliffs and pastures, is the backdrop of life here, with many outdoor adventures centering around the water.

Room for tourists

Skaneateles' population doubles from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the height of tourist season. When asked how locals feel about the heavier foot traffic, Callahan says, "Anything has two sides, but I think zoning is intentional about finding the balance between preserving the small-town, community feel and welcoming tourists. For instance, they are strict about short-term rentals. You can't rent for less than 30 days at a time."

This chocolate selection in Skaneateles makes choosing just a few difficult.
This chocolate selection in Skaneateles makes choosing just a few difficult.

Waterside enjoyment

For boating, lakeside residents with personal docs have the easiest access to the water. There is only one public water access point in Skaneateles, located at the Sherwood Inn on West Genesee Street. "Some people join the country club for doc and water access or rent boats from the marina," Callahan says. Austin Park is at the intersection of Jordan Street and is popular for its Pickleball court and playground. Clift Park on West Genesee Street and Thayer Park on East Genesee Street are resting spots with pavilions overlooking the water. Skaneateles Pier, off Route 20, is a favorite place to fish.

Cliff Park has a large gazebo right by the lake and is currently being renovated.
Cliff Park has a large gazebo right by the lake and is currently being renovated.

Established area with classic architecture

Skaneateles is an established area where homes reach back in time. "We have a lot of beautifully renovated historical homes. I just showed a couple from the early 1800s," Callahan says. "To ensure the lake stays clean and clear, they are also cautious about development. You have to jump through a lot of hoops to build here." Homes in the village are on smaller lots than homes on the lake or in the rural inland reaches of Skaneateles. Lakefront residences climb to the millions, but as properties move inland, they trickle down to the $300,000 to $400,000 range. Architectural styles include Colonial Revivals, Italianate, Federal-style homes, custom builds, and cottages, and houses sell within 24 days, faster than the national average of 38.

The median price per square foot is $416 in Skaneateles.
The median price per square foot is $416 in Skaneateles.

Skaneateles Central School District

Village students attend the Skaneateles Central School District, which maintains an overall A rating from Niche. Students take their first steps at Waterman Elementary School before moving on to State Street Intermediate School, Skaneateles Middle School and Skaneateles High School. The elementary school, serving kindergarten through second grade, is rated B by Niche. The intermediate school, serving third through fifth grade, earns an A-minus rating. The high school maintains an A rating and has a thriving drama department. Their most recent play was Into the Woods.

Waterman Elementary School in Skaneateles is located on 55 East Street.
Waterman Elementary School in Skaneateles is located on 55 East Street.
Skaneateles Middle School has about 300 students in grades 6 to 9.
Skaneateles Middle School has about 300 students in grades 6 to 9.
The colors of Skaneateles Senior High School are vegas gold and navy blue.
The colors of Skaneateles Senior High School are vegas gold and navy blue.
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Window shopping

The downtown area comprises many streets filled with shops and residences. On East Genesee Street alone, locals attend Papavero Clay Studio's wheel-throwing and hand-building classes. They also find one-of-a-kind items at Skaneateles Antique Center. Vermont Green Mountain Specialty Co is a great pit stop for a latte. And the Wandering Kind is a popular clothing store. Doug's Fish Fry on Jordan Street is the place to go for fresh seafood. There's also a Wegman's 6 miles away on Loop Road in Auburn New York. For box chains like Ulta and Old Navy, neighbors head to Destiny USA, 20 miles away from home.

There are also great home decoration stores in the village of Skaneateles.
There are also great home decoration stores in the village of Skaneateles.

Christmas parades and boat shows

Dickens Christmas is celebrated downtown from late November to December, with horse-drawn wagon rides parading through the streets and friendly snowman-building contests. The Sherwood Inn also hosts the Antique and Classic Boat Show in July. And every Friday in July, there's free live music at Clift Park.

Cars are important

If someone lives near the shops in the village, they could walk to grab a coffee or visit a store, but as some residents live in more rural reaches, locals also rely on cars. There is also no public bus transportation in this area. Locals are 22 miles from downtown Syracuse. The nearest airport is Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which is 27 miles away via Route 321. Auburn Community Hospital is 7 miles from home along Route 20.

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Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 25
    1am - 3pm

    829 Franklin St, Skaneateles, NY 13152

    $419,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 2,208 Sq Ft
    • 829 Franklin St
    • New 4 days ago

    Charming three bedroom ranch located just beyond the village limits, within easy walking distance to the schools and village center. This home is nestled on an expansive lot of over an acre, with a full walk-out basement that adds additional living space. The property boasts new windows, a new roof, and an updated kitchen and full bath. The cozy living room features a picture window that

    Molly Elliott Howard Hanna Real Estate

  • Sunday, May 25
    1 - 3pm

    2330 Thornton Grove S, Skaneateles, NY 13152

    $1,895,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,134 Sq Ft
    • 2330 Thornton Grove S
    • New 9 days ago

    Live in luxury on the stunning Skaneateles Lake with just the turn of a key in this magnificent year-round waterfront home. Situated on the west side and only a short distance from the village center, every detail of this property, including the boathouse on the shoreline, was carefully crafted with the lake in mind. Start your day with awe-inspiring water views from the main residence, featuring

    Molly Elliott Howard Hanna Real Estate

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Adrian Nugent, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Skaneateles