Vacation homes and full-time living on Indiana’s largest natural lake
Vacationers from Chicago and Indianapolis know Syracuse as a waterfront vacation town in Kosciusko County. But the northern Indiana town is also home to roughly 3,200 year-round residents, a population that can surge to 15,000 during peak summer months. “Lake Wawasee is our crown jewel,” says Syracuse city manager David Wilkinson. “It’s the largest natural lake in the state of Indiana. We have Syracuse Lake connected to Lake Wawasee by a channel, so everybody comes here to enjoy the lakes.” While many buyers are interested in vacation homes on the water, full-time residents choose Syracuse for its laid-back atmosphere and plentiful parks and recreation, plus its proximity to the employment hubs of Goshen and Warsaw, both about 20 minutes away.
Median price of $350,000, but lakefront properties are at a premium
Lakefront properties in Syracuse are a hot commodity. Still, the town offers a variety of housing styles and prices, ranging from small cottages and ranch-style homes to multimillion-dollar mansions. The median price of a single-family home is about $350,000, which is higher than Goshen’s median of roughly $250,000. Condos are another option and can range from $200,000 for a studio to nearly $1 million for a four-bedroom unit. “We’re trying to build more housing and trying to find land to build homes, but we’re a bit landlocked with the lakes.” Wilkinson adds. There has been some progress: The former South Shore Golf Course was purchased in 2021 with the intent of building a mixed-use, master-planned community on the 100-acre property. Developers recently began seeking building proposals.
Wawasee schools offer career training and sailing lessons
Kids can attend Syracuse Elementary School before heading to Wawasee Middle School and Wawasee High School, all of which receive a B-minus from Niche. “We have the Wawasee Yacht Club and they train kids at the high school to sail,” Wilkinson says. Through the Pathways Wawasee Area Career and Technical Cooperative, high schoolers can pursue career fields like culinary arts, building trades and pre-nursing. The cooperative also offers the Polywood Academy, an advanced manufacturing program centered on the namesake furniture manufacturer in Syracuse that employs roughly 1,000 people.
More than 3,500 acres to boat, swim and fish
In the summer, outdoor enthusiasts from across the region flock to Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake for water sports, fishing tournaments and boating. Together, the lakes span more than 3,500 acres. “You can do almost whatever you want on the lake within reason,” Wilkinson says. “There’s no speed limit during the day, but after dark it’s a no-wake zone. There are people who ski and use surfboards to do windsurfing, and we even have seaplanes that land on the water.” Activity slows down in winter, but the lakes still get plenty of action. “Both the lakes will freeze over, and depending on the ice thickness, they allow vehicles on it, so people can drive out there for ice fishing,” Wilkinson says. Off the water, Wawasee Golf Club and Maxwelton Golf Club are both open to the public. Syracuse’s seven parks feature two public beaches and 11 miles of trails.
Waterfront dining at The Channel Marker
“We’ve got about 25 restaurants that range from high-end dining to some more usual fast-food places,” Wilkinson says. “There’s no lack of places to eat.” Downtown Syracuse is centered around the intersection of Main and Huntington streets and has several small businesses and local restaurants. A white gazebo at the intersection serves as the entryway for Down Under Bar and Grill, an underground eatery known for prime rib and cocktails. Boaters can dock and drop anchor at one of three waterfront restaurants. “The Channel Marker has been there for a long time,” Wilkinson says. “We also have The Frog Tavern, and The Pier and Back Porch at Oakwood Resort.” Groceries are available at Neighborhood Fresh.
Fireworks light up the lakes on the Fourth of July
Summer is Syracuse’s busiest time of year, and the main event, Independence Day, features two fireworks shows. “One is on Syracuse Lake, and that’s held on July fourth over the water. There’s another one for Lake Wawasee. It’s one of the largest in the state, and that’s always held on the Saturday after,” Wilkinson says.
Close to jobs and services in Warsaw and Goshen
The community’s somewhat narrow streets are lined with sidewalks and trees. State Route 13 serves as the main thoroughfare. Drivers can reach Goshen and Goshen Hospital within 15 minutes. Warsaw, a major employment hub, is 20 miles away. Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne International Airport are about 50 miles away, while Chicago and Chicago O’Hare International Airport are about 130 miles west.
Summertime worship on the water
Boat-In Worship is a unique summer offering on Lake Wawasee. “Every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, they pull out the SS Lillypad — this double-decker boat owned by the Frog Tavern — and have church services from the boat,” Wilkinson says. “People will pull up on their boats and drop anchor for worship. It’s been going on for a long time, and churches in the Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association take turns hosting.”
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
