Finger Lakes living in rural Sterling
Sterling, 29 miles north of Auburn, is a rural town that encompasses several communities, including the lakeside village of Fair Haven. “We’re all welcoming here,” says Tanya Crowningshield, town clerk of Sterling. “We are kind of a seasonal area. A lot of people travel here for our beaches and festivals during the summer.” The town offers easy access to dozens of outdoor opportunities in the Finger Lakes, including Lake Ontario, Fair Haven Beach State Park and the Sterling Nature Center. “The scenery is gorgeous, especially over near the water,” Crowningshield says. Shopping and dining are concentrated in Fair Haven, with broader options in nearby communities, like Hannibal and Oswego, 9 and 16 miles away.
Sterling offers acreage, Fair Haven brings village charm
Housing in Sterling ranges from the mid-19th century through today. Farmhouses and ranch-style homes are typical, with historic Colonials, manufactured houses, and custom builds mixed in. On the outskirts, single-family properties often sit on large lots along country roads, with room for additions such as detached garages or workshops. “There’s more acreage in Sterling,” Crowningshield says. “Fair Haven is a tighter area with not as much land.” In Fair Haven, homes are typically closer together on narrow, sidewalk-lined streets — many feature Colonial-inspired details, like window shutters and lap siding, painted in whites or pastels. Along the waterfront, homes vary widely in style and size but are sought-after for features like private docks, decks and tranquil views of Lake Ontario. Prices range from about $150,000 to $450,000, with prime waterfront homes reaching $700,000.
Concurrent enrollment opportunities at Red Creek High
Sterling is part of multiple school districts, including the Red Creek Central School District, which is rated B-minus overall by Niche. Kids can start at the C-plus-rated Margaret W. Cuyler Elementary before moving to the B-minus-rated Red Creek High. Through the Cayuga Advantage Program, teens at the latter may take concurrent enrollment courses for credit at Cayuga Community College without additional charge.
Campgrounds, wildlife and Lake Ontario
There are several campgrounds in Sterling, including the family-owned Sterling/Lake Ontario KOA Holiday, set along Sterling Creek — a popular fishing spot for largemouth bass and brook trout. Nearby, the Sterling Nature Center spans 1,400 acres of diverse wildlife and habitats, including meadows, woodlands and pebble beaches. The preserve is known for its beaver wetland, where dams have reshaped the landscape, and for birding opportunities, including sightings of bald eagles. Fair Haven Beach State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas and access to Lake Ontario. “They do boating and jet skiing,” Crowningshield says. “During winter, they do ice fishing and [snowmobiling].” For golfers, the public Springbrook Greens State Golf Course features 18 holes with tree-lined fairways and countryside views.
Coffee, ice cream and pizza on Main Street
Fair Haven’s Main Street is lined with mom-and-pop shops and eateries. Hardware Cafe & General Store is the go-to for morning coffee, brunch bites and artisan gifts, like handmade soaps and jellies. Bayside Grocery stocks pantry staples, butcher cuts and locally sourced produce while also serving pizza pies and chicken wings. For dessert, Big Bo’s is an old-school, cash-only ice cream stand with swirl cones and malted shakes. Sweets By Sarah Bakery offers cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffins and coconut macaroons. Nearby, Colloca Estate Winery pours crisp, fruity wines by Lake Ontario. Crowningshield says residents often head to Hannibal or Oswego for more shopping and dining. “There’s a Tops in Hannibal, and we have a Walmart in Oswego,” she says.
Summer festivals with crowds and traditions
Fair Haven draws visitors countywide for its annual Fourth of July festival, a multi-day celebration with chicken barbecues, a craft fair and several parades. The children’s parade sends flag-waving kids through town, while the electric boat parade lights up Lake Ontario. In August, Porch Fest turns village porches into music venues with live performances throughout the day. Another highlight is the Sterling Renaissance Festival, a nearly 50-year tradition where visitors step back in time with hearty food, jousting and vaudeville-style comedy. “It’s very entertaining,” Crowningshield says. “Everyone is in costume. The food is phenomenal — the turkey legs are big enough for two.”
Access to State Route 104 and the nearest hospital and airport
Fair Haven is generally sidewalk-lined and bike-friendly, but the town of Sterling is otherwise car-dependent. State Route 104 passes through Sterling, providing a direct route to Auburn. Auburn Community Hospital is 29 miles away, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport is a 36-mile drive.
