Rural West Monroe has acreage and access to Syracuse
West Monroe is bordered by Oneida Lake, a rural haven 21 miles from Syracuse, New York. Residents may live on the lake and have access to outdoor recreation while being close to Interstate 81 for commuting. "It’s rural and it's quiet. It’s away from the highway and the hustle and bustle,” says Patricia Hermanowski-Tousant, a real estate agent with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. She has worked in the industry for 10 years. “It’s far enough from the city, but close enough to shopping. And there’s also shopping in Central Square, which is just down the road from West Monroe. There you have a Tractor Supply, gas station, Walmart, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Urgent care; everything you could possibly need.”
Snowmobiling in the winter and boating in the summer
Glennwood Golf Course and Greenview Country Club are public 18-hole golf courses surrounding State Route 49. Nearby, Depot Road Park has a swing set and playground next to a baseball field and a basketball court. Closer to Oneida Lake is the Three Mile Bay Wildlife Management Area, a swamp-like area with maple, dogwood and aspen trees. Hunting and trapping are popular recreational activities. Fishing is also permitted in the management area and on Oneida Lake. Boating on the lake is accessible via the Johnson Bay Marina and 43 North Marina off Interstate 81. In the winter, snowmobile trails run throughout New Monroe and are maintained by The Square Valley Trail Blazers, part of the New York State Snowmobile Association.
Homes on the water and farmsteads
Homes are along winding roads on large lots or farmland, and there are lakeside houses on Oneida Lake with private docks surrounded by greenery and manicured lawns. Homes near the water may experience rising water levels and light flooding during inclement weather. Many houses rely on a private well and a septic tank, while those close to state Route 49 and Brewerton may have public water and sewer.
“Typical homes for sale are 3-bedroom, 2-bath. The ones I’ve sold are Cape, ranch or cottages," says Hermanowski-Tousant. “People look to be close to the water.” Homes range from $125,000 to $470,000. West Monroe’s population may increase soon as Micron begins building its semiconductor manufacturing facility at the end of 2025 in Clay, 14 miles from West Monroe. "West Monroe’s location is going to bring people in, if they are planning to work at Micron,” says Hermanowski-Tousant. “This may be just far enough outside of Clay, which could be enticing as it may be less expensive than, let’s say, Central Square or areas closer. …In my opinion, the home value prices are going to increase as you get closer to Clay.”
Interstates lead to Watertown and Syracuse
“It has wildlife, snowmobile trails, and fishing. You’re close enough to work or play if you happen to work in Watertown or Syracuse; it’s within commuting distance,” says Hermanowski-Tousant. Interstate 81 leads 21 miles to Syracuse and 54 miles to Watertown.
St. Joseph’s Health Primary Care Center in Liverpool and the Syracuse Hancock International Airport are 16 miles away. Life Church is along state Route 49.
Central Square schools get Bs and Cs
Two school districts serve West Monroe. Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Central School District gets a C-minus from Niche, and Central Square School District receives a B-minus and oversees most of the area. Depending on their location, children may attend either Aura A. Cole Elementary, which gets a C-plus or Millard Hawk Elementary, which gets a C. Students continue to Central Square Middle, which receives a B-minus and Paul V. Moore High, which gets a B. The high school has a career center to help students plan their future.
Shopping and dining along Route 49 and Central Square
Sweet Aroma Café, off state Route 49, serves handcrafted espresso drinks and is known for its paninis and bakery items. Farther down the road is Good Golly’s, a diner-style restaurant serving American fare. Barado’s On The Water is a seafood restaurant with outdoor seating on Lake Oneida. Central Square, 4 miles away, has more shopping and dining, such as Walmart, Tractor Co, McDonald’s and Taco Bell. Syracuse has Wegmans and an ALDI for groceries.
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Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
