Farmland and history in rural Victory
Victory, a rural town 20 miles northwest of Auburn, was established in 1821. The community remains largely unchanged over time — most recently marked by the 200th anniversary of Victory United Methodist Church in 2023. “It’s a quaint area, people are nice,” says Tom Collier, a resident and associate broker at Howard Hanna. "It’s a lot of cornfields — very peaceful." Shopping and dining are limited, but the town's rustic atmosphere provides a quiet space to enjoy the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes. “You can drive a country mile before you see someone in Victory," Collier says.
Early 20th-century farmhouses with acreage along country roads
Housing is diverse in Victory, with construction spanning over a century. Early 20th-century homes are generally farmhouses or Colonial Revivals, while late 20th-century homes are often ranch-style or manufactured; there are a handful of custom-built properties, too. “There are a lot of farmhouses, but there are more new builds coming in,” Collier says. “It’s a combination of everything, really.” Many homes are set back on country roads with acreage, providing privacy and potential for additions like barns and stables. Other homes are set closer together along narrow, tree-lined streets in the village. “Victory has public water, if you move into the village,” Collier says. “Everybody else is on well water and septic.” Depending on size and features, prices range from about $50,000 to $500,000. “It’s a very limited market, so that pushes the prices up,” Collier says.
Science and arts at Red Creek High
Victory is part of several school districts, including the Red Creek Central School District, 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 Middle. At the B-rated Red Creek High, teens explore their passions in extracurriculars like yearbook, art club and Science Olympiad, which challenges students to compete in team-based, STEM competitions.
Lake days and Fair Haven Beach Park
There are small ponds and ravines throughout Victory, but Duck Lake, five miles away, is a catch-all for boating, fishing and camping. The campgrounds offer RV parking and cabins, while the boat launch is fit for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft; fishing here yields largemouth bass and tiger muskie. Six miles away in Cato, pocket-sized Mott Park is a quiet spot to play pick-up basketball or enjoy a picnic.
Fair Haven Beach Park is 12 miles away on Lake Ontario. “Fair Haven’s the nicest state park in New York,” Collier says. “The boating is great. There are beaches, swimming and basketball courts.” The sprawling 1,100-acre green space also includes picnic areas, the scenic Scotts Bluff and a handful of hiking trails. “I love it because of all the wildlife,” Collier says. “I hike and see beavers and deer.” Nearby, the public 18-hole Port Bay Golf Course offers well-maintained fairways with serene, tree-lined views.
Farms, markets and nearby American comfort food
Victory has a few contractors, workshops and small-town grocers dotted throughout. Hillside Market meets most grocery needs with locally sourced produce, deli meats and household essentials, while family-run Hornings Produce offers more basics, plus fresh pastries and flowers. “There are a lot of farmstands,” Collier says. “It’s cheaper and better because it doesn’t have the GMOs and stuff.” Our Lady of Victory Farm sells pork and grass-fed beef, and Victory Road Farm specializes in artisan crafts and essential oils.
In Cato, The Busted Yolk serves coffee and brunch favorites, from Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream to buttermilk biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. New York Pizzeria delivers quick slices, while Colonial Inn offers cold beer and occasional live music. The Happy Days Drive-In serves comfort eats, including Coney Island hot dogs, pickle fries, and banana splits.
Fourth of July in Fair Haven and the Sterling Renaissance Festival
Fair Haven's annual Fourth of July festival is a multi-day celebration that draws residents from all over Cayuga County. The Independence Day Craft Fair kicks off the event with dozens of artisans and vendors at Village Park before a chicken barbecue sponsored by the Victory Fire Department. In addition to live music every night, there are carnival rides, a mile-long parade through town and a cornhole tournament. Twelve miles away, the Sterling Renaissance Festival is another highlight where festivalgoers enjoy turkey legs, tomato throwing and live entertainment, like jousting and theater, from July to August.
Commuting to Auburn and nearby essentials
Victory is car-dependent. State Route 38 passes through the town, providing a direct route to Auburn. “It’s very typical to commute,” Collier says. “A lot of people like to go to Auburn.” Auburn Community Hospital is 20 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 51-mile drive.
