Venice offers rustic seclusion with commuter access in the Finger Lake
Venice is a small town offering rolling green farmland and rustic seclusion in the Finger Lakes. “It’s very much a country setting,” says Tyler Parseghian, a Realtor with Howard Hanna. “[It’s] slower, relaxed living out that way.” Single-family home prices are often below the U.S. national median of $420,000, which makes them popular with Auburn and Ithaca commuters — 18 and 22 miles away, respectively. “[You have] close proximity to lakes and a short drive to a city for shopping and dining, with growth potential for your investment,” Parseghian says.
Limited market with charming farmhouses and ranch-style homes
Venice’s homes are set along tree-lined country roads. Architecture here spans nearly two centuries, but historic farmhouses and mid-to-late 20th-century ranch-style homes are typical. Many single-family homes have rural character with features like lap siding and covered porches; other houses are renovated with modern amenities, like attached garages. “Most would carry several acres,” Parseghian says. “It’s farmland.” Acreage allows for privacy and additions, such as workshops and barns. Homes rarely go on the market, but prices range from about $150,000 to $550,000, depending on size and features.
Exploring wildlife and nature in the Finger Lakes
Outdoor recreation in Venice is modest, but scenic. Most activities center around the Owasco Flats, a wetland area home to dozens of native birds, including cedar waxwings, swamp sparrows and greater yellowlegs. The 50-acre space also offers nature walks and access to the Owasco Inlet, which kayakers can follow into Owasco Lake — a fishing spot for northern pike and rock bass. Parseghian says residents go to Cayuga Lake, 9 miles away, for watersports like jet skiing and wakeboarding. Long Point State Park offers pebble beaches along the lake, a four-lane boat launch and hiking/biking trails. In the winter, the trails are popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Academic and extracurricular opportunities at Southern Cayuga High
Venice is part of the Southern Cayuga Central School District, which is rated C-plus overall by Niche. Kids in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade may start at the B-rated Emily Howland Elementary before moving to the C-plus-rated Southern Cayugau Junior/Senior High for seventh through 12th grade. The latter is part of the Cayuga Advantage Program, which allows teens to take concurrent enrollment courses for credit at Cayuga Community College without additional charge. Teens may also explore extracurriculars like yearbook, ski club and robotics.
Grocery shopping in Union Springs, wider selection in Ithaca
Aside from a few workshops, most of the town’s commercial activity comes from farms like Pine Hollow Dairy and Raymond Donald & Sons. “For [groceries], you really would need to go towards Union Springs,” Parseghian says. About 15 miles away, Union Springs Supermarket carries pantry staples and locally sourced produce, meat and dairy. Pete’s Treats offers chicken sandwiches, footlong hot dogs, and brownie sundaes. Nearby, Wheelhouse is a waterfront bar and grill serving rustic American fare and seafood specialties like deep-fried clams and broiled haddock. “If you want more shopping and dining, you can go toward Ithaca,” Parseghian says.
Downtown Ithaca is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants. Alley Cat Cafe serves treats and artisanal coffee, while also offering cats for adoption through a rescue group. Bar Argos crafts specialty cocktails and hosts live jazz on Wednesdays. Wegmans, Trader Joe’s and Aldi cover grocery needs, and the weekend Ithaca Farmers Market features farm-fresh produce, flowers and treats.
Ithaca festivals with music, food and community
Ithaca hosts some of the Finger Lakes’ most beloved festivals. Each spring, the Ithaca Festival transforms downtown with a new theme — 2024’s was “Let the Sunshine In,” followed by 2025’s “Enchanted Ithaca!” The celebration kicks off with a lively parade down Cayuga Street, where marchers, skaters and costumed performers bring the theme to life. The weekend also features dozens of live music acts and over 100 artisans and food vendors. In the fall, the Apple Harvest Festival draws crowds for its bushels of apples, homemade pies and the ever-popular apple cider doughnuts — a seasonal staple across the region.
Car-dependent town with easy access to Auburn and Ithaca
Venice is considered car-dependent. State Route 34 passes through town, providing a direct route to Auburn and Ithaca. “You have close to a 30-minute drive toward Ithaca,” Parseghian says. Auburn Community Hospital is about 17 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 19-mile drive.
