Waterloo Township has proximity to the Finger Lakes and wineries
Waterloo Township, 6 miles from Geneva, New York, borders Seneca Lake, part of the scenic Finger Lakes. Waterloo has mainly full-time residents, but some own Airbnbs for tourists who visit during the fall to see the lakes and surrounding wineries. “It is very rural, and very close to a lot of wineries and an outlet mall,” says Teresa Van Tassel, a Realtor with Century 21 Steve Davoli Real Estate. Van Tassel has been working in the industry for 20 years. “If you're looking for a slow-paced environment as opposed to city living, it would be a good, rural place to live.” Waterloo Township is made up of rolling farmland and untamed greenery surrounding Waterloo Village. Its natural scenery and location draw visitors and permanent residents alike. “When you're in school, you can't wait to leave your hometown. I just find it fascinating that when people do leave, they always find their way back into the Finger Lakes because it's just so beautiful,” says Van Tassel.
State parks and marinas border Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake and the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, which both border the area, are surrounded by outdoor recreation and state parks. The canal has several marinas along its shores, such as Inland Harbor Marina, Blue Heron Bay Marina and Barrett Marine Inc. Seneca Lake State Park has a beach area along the lake with a sprayground and a playground. There are boat launches and shoreline fishing for visitors. In the winter, ice fishing is permitted. The Seneca-Cayuga Canal Trail cuts through the area and concludes in Geneva.
Sampson State Park is 14 miles from Waterloo and offers lakeside amenities such as a beach, boat launches and fishing. There are also hiking trails and campsites available. Within the Seneca Lake Resort, a campsite within the park, is an 18-hole mini golf course.
Simple homes along winding roadways
Homes in Waterloo Township are spread out along long, winding roadways. Many houses are built along roadways off U.S. Route 20 and state Route 96, while others sit on acres of rolling farmland. Residences near Waterloo Village have public water and sewer access, whereas homes further out have wells and septic systems. “Houses do go quickly in Waterloo because they're priced right,” says Van Tassel.
National, split-level and ranch-style homes are common. “It depends on the area; the further south you go, the more farmland you'll see,” says Van Tassel. “Waterloo is not a rental area; it’s a residential area, you see the single-family homes.” The median sale price is $161,090.
Shopping and dining around Seneca Lake
Most restaurants in the township are near Seneca Lake, such as the upscale Bella’s Seneca Lake Steakhouse, which offers surf and turf with hand-crafted cocktails. The casual Tucci’s Family Diner is down the road and serves classic American dishes. There’s a Lowe’s near Tucci’s and Sauders Store, 6 miles away, that sells farm-fresh groceries.
The Finger Lakes Premium Outlets are 4 miles from the township and boast name brands such as Coach, Nike and Old Navy. Along the lake is the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, featuring 28 wineries. Ventosa Vineyards is 5 miles from Waterloo and serves award-winning wine. The winery also has a café and hosts weddings.
Community events
Waterloo Rotary Farm Market is held every Thursday in Waterloo Village, in the parking lot behind the Village offices. It is open from June through October.
The federal government declared Waterloo the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966, and it holds a weekend-long celebration for the holiday in Waterloo Village. The town has a parade along Main Street and a fireworks display in the evening.
Waterloo Central schools get Bs and Cs
The Waterloo Central School District, which receives a C-plus from Niche, serves the area. Skoi Yase Primary gets a B-minus for Kindergarten through second grade, and LaFayette Intermediate receives a C-plus for third through fifth grade. Waterloo Middle receives a C, and Waterloo High gets a B. High school students may participate in after-school clubs such as ski club, health and wellness club and marching band.
Commuters use U.S. Route 20 and Interstate 90
U.S. Route 20 leads 6 miles to Geneva. Interstate 90 leads 47 miles to Syracuse and 44 miles to Rochester in the opposite direction.
The Geneva General Hospital is 5 miles away, and the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is 50 miles away. First Love Church of God’s Revealed Truth is near Seneca Lake.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
