Spafford offers an active , waterfront lifestyle near Skaneateles
Spafford is a lakeside town in Onondaga County nestled between Skaneateles and Otisco lakes. Known for scenic settings and shorefront homes, the community offers waterfront living in the peaceful countryside of Central New York. Families also like the area for its strong schools and short commute to Syracuse, making it a popular bedroom community for those seeking proximity to city amenities. The area has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. “The lakes are beautiful,” says Ann Yuhas, broker at Yuhas Real Estate with 20 years of experience. “There’s fishing year-round, and there are pontoon boats leisurely floating on the water. The whole idea for people to come here is to get on the lake.”
Waterfront homes line the shores of Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes
Spafford has mostly hilly terrain, with winding roads that weave through the woodlands. Many homes are perched on elevated ground along the lakeshores, offering scenic views of Skaneateles and Otisco lakes. The housing stock spans from the 1800s to present day, creating a diverse architectural landscape. Homebuyers can find a diverse mix of housing styles, ranging from historical cottages and bungalows, colonial-inspired homes to modern deck houses or New Traditional builds. Inland properties, often tucked behind wooded areas near the lakes, typically sit on multiacre lots and sell for approximately $300,000 to $750,000. Lakefront homes with private docks and direct water access generally start at around $1 million and can top at $4 million, depending on size and condition. “Prices have dramatically gone up in the past 20 years,” Yuhas says, and that even though Otisco Lake is just as beautiful, waterfront homes here are priced lower than those on Skaneateles Lake. Due to housing demand, “many summer cottages are also being leveled and converted into year-round homes,” Yuhas says. Some properties in flood zones may require additional flood insurance.
Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes offer locals year-round recreation
Lined with marinas and fishing piers, Skaneateles and Otisco lakes provide ample opportunities for water sports and lakeside recreation. “The lakes offer activities all seasons,” Yuhas says. “I go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter, and kayaking in summer.” Otisco Lake Park has picnic and fishing areas, as well as water access for kayaking and canoeing. Home along Skaneateles Lake, Skaneateles Sailing Club offers sailing lessons and seasonal events for members. Hiking enthusiasts can explore conservation lands in the area, including Spafford Forest and Hinchcliff Family Preserve. North of town, the private Skaneateles Country Club has an 18-hole golf course, as well as programs for sailing and tennis.
Strong public schools serve Spafford's communities
The town is served by several school systems, including Skaneateles and Marcellus central school districts. Skaneateles is rated by Niche as the No.2 best public school district in the Syracuse area. Students may attend Waterman Primary School and then continue to State Street Intermediate School, each rates a B-plus and an A-minus, respectively. Offering STEM programs, Skaneateles Middle School and Skaneateles High School both have As. Those part of Marcellus may attend K.C. Heffernan Elementary, Driver Middle School and Marcellus Sr. High School. The high school has a B rating, while the other two schools have B-plus grades.
Shopping and dining selections in Skaneateles and Auburn
Spafford remains mostly residential, and locals often go to nearby communities like Skaneateles and Auburn for shopping and dining. One of the few businesses in town, “Lakeside Vista has great views of the lake,” Yuhas says. “If you work all day and then you come home or you hit the restaurant, you’ll see the whole lake down to the south end. You’ll feel like you are living on vacation… and the lake just takes your worries away.” In Skaneateles, the Sherwood Inn serves classic American cuisine in a historical setting that dates to 1807. Down the street, Blue Water Grill sits along the waterfront and offers seafood cuisine, sushi and burgers. Anyela's Vineyards is another popular destination, known for wine tastings and membership-based wine club. Farther west, Auburn provides a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, retail shops and big-box stores like Walmart and Home Depot. The city also has several grocery options such as Aldi and Wegmans.
Summer music and harvest festivals draw large crowds
The annual Skaneateles Festival is a month-long summer music festival held in the Finger Lakes region, drawing thousands of spectators with line-ups from around the world, food and activities for kids. The local farm Tap Root Fields hosts an annual harvest party, celebrating the area’s agricultural roots with live entertainment and food.
Distance to Auburn and Syracuse
New York state Route 41 runs through town, connecting to nearby communities like Skaneateles and Cortland. Auburn Community Hospital is about 20 miles away, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport is approximately 35 miles north of town, offering domestic and international flights. Downtown Syracuse and Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes, are 25 and 50 miles away, respectively.
