Living in Skaneateles, NY

Living in Skaneateles, NY

  • Ellen O'Connor
  • 08/1/24

Welcome to Skaneateles, NY, a picturesque destination that has lakefront and country homes with breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. The area has quiet parks and plenty of hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities. The lake is a focal point of life here, allowing residents to enjoy water-based activities year-round. Whether paddling in the summer or ice fishing in the winter, there's always something to do in Skaneateles.

Skaneateles has a vibrant community atmosphere with a creative scene. From local art galleries and boutique shops to gourmet dining and wineries, there are plenty of things to do and explore. The area also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, ensuring that there's always something exciting happening just around the corner. Skaneateles real estate embodies the best of both worlds: a peaceful, nature-filled environment with all the amenities and activities you could desire.

Celebrating life in Skaneateles

Fun-filled community events are just a few examples of the vibrant and welcoming spirit that makes Skaneateles such a wonderful place to live. One of the highlights of the fall season is the annual Fall Fest. This charming event features music in the gazebo, filling the air with melodies that complement the crisp autumn weather.

As Halloween approaches, the Witches Walk takes over downtown Skaneateles. This spirited event encourages everyone to wear their best costumes and enjoy the fun. Local businesses offer special deals for those in costume, making it an excellent opportunity to explore the charming shops and boutiques that line the streets. Restaurants also get into the Halloween spirit, offering meal and drink specials that add to the festive atmosphere. The Witches Walk is a perfect blend of spooky fun and community camaraderie.

Another marquee event in Skaneateles is the Antique and Classic Boat Show. This spectacular show draws exhibitors from New York, the East Coast, the Midwest, and Canada. About 10,000 visitors flock to Skaneateles yearly to admire the beautifully restored boats. The show's highlight is the boat parade, where these classic vessels glide across the lake in a display of craftsmanship and elegance.

Unique shopping

When it comes to shopping, Skaneateles, NY, offers a delightful array of unique boutiques and specialty stores that cater to a variety of tastes and styles. One of the must-visit spots is Emma + James, a chic women's boutique that features a carefully curated selection of stylish clothing and accessories. With its trendy yet timeless pieces, Emma + James is the perfect place to update your wardrobe with elegance and sophistication.

The Local Branch offers handcrafted leather bags and accessories for those who appreciate quality craftsmanship. Each item is designed and sewn in Upstate New York using a 100% genuine leather cowhide that is broken down by hand. The result is a collection of beautiful, durable pieces that combine functionality and artistry.

DROOZ and Company brings a modern twist to the general store concept. This eclectic shop features art, gifts, home décor, and vintage furniture, making it a one-stop destination for unique finds. Nest 58 rounds out the shopping experience with its one-of-a-kind home décor offerings. From candles to furniture, this store has unique and beautiful items that can transform any space into a cozy, stylish haven.

Explore and enjoy

Life in Skaneateles allows residents and visitors to fully embrace the area's natural beauty and vibrant community spirit. The Bahar Preserve is a dramatic forest area featuring a natural gorge with stunning waterfalls. The Charlie Major Nature Trail runs along the old Skaneateles railway line and features remains of the railway and other historic buildings dating back to the early 19th century.

Skaneateles Lake is a gem known as one of the cleanest lakes in the United States and one of only six unfiltered water sources in the country. The pristine waters provide excellent opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Whether enjoying a quiet day on the lake or participating in water sports, the lake is a central part of life in Skaneateles.

Anyela's Vineyards is another area highlight, producing world-class wines from the heart of the Finger Lakes Region. The vineyard offers tastings and tours, allowing visitors to sample exceptional wines. On weekends, Anyela's features live music, creating a delightful atmosphere for enjoying fine wine and beautiful views.

Dining delights

Whether you're in the mood for Italian cuisine, farm-to-table dining, or a cozy spot to enjoy a meal with friends, the local restaurants in Skaneateles provide a delightful culinary experience. Moro's is a cozy gem that blends Italian classics with a touch of sushi, offering a unique dining experience in a relaxed setting.

Established in 1899, the Krebs serves farm-to-fork American cuisine emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. The Krebs provides a refined and inviting atmosphere. Rosalie's Cucina brings the warmth and richness of Tuscan-style dining to Skaneateles. This beloved restaurant is known for its hearty Italian fare, served in a beautifully designed space that evokes the charm of the Italian countryside.

Elderberry Pond Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its certified organic farm and country food store. The restaurant is in a wooded lot overlooking picturesque orchards. The menu highlights fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from the farm.

Your new home awaits

With its picturesque landscapes, engaging activities, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder that many are drawn to this charming lakeside town. When finding the perfect home in Skaneateles, look no further than Ellen O'Connor and her team. Ellen's expertise in waterfront and luxury properties ensures you find the ideal vacation home, investment property, or primary residence.

With a deep understanding of the Skaneateles real estate market, Ellen O'Connor provides personalized service and invaluable insights, making your move to Skaneateles a seamless and enjoyable experience. Embrace the tranquility and elegance of lakeside living with the guidance of a trusted local expert — reach out today.



Skaneateles real estate agent

Ellen O'Connor

Associate Real Estate Broker

About The Author

Ellen O'Connor ABR, CLHMS, GRI, SRES, 
Licensed Associate Broker
Uniting Extraordinary People with Exceptional Places
 

Impeccable service, top-tier area expertise, and a keen eye for potential. These are just some of the many qualities you can expect when working with Ellen O’Connor, realtor and real estate broker. Primarily serving the greater Syracuse area, Ellen has 18+ years of industry experience, and prides herself on matching her clients to their dream homes. 

Born and raised in Central New York, Ellen is a lifelong resident of the area and is one of Skaneateles’ leading industry experts. Her real estate career began in 2004 when she decided to combine her love of historic properties and helping others. Through many years of hard work and dedication to her clients, Ellen has become one of the area’s most renowned real estate experts. She has also painstakingly renovated over 19 properties, some dating back to the 19th Century, giving her unique insight on real estate investment in the area. Ellen is a licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, a Member of the National Association of Realtors, and holds numerous industry designations, including Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). In addition to her industry awards and accolades, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Lawrence University. 

Ellen is well-versed in many different facets of a real estate transaction. From her first-hand experience of property restoration to her many years of brokering deals, she has built an exemplary reputation as a top-tier agent. Ellen understands the nuances of lakefront properties and the hidden potential of under-appreciated assets, which give her a distinctive edge over the competition. She guides her clients through every aspect of a real estate transaction, from the first meeting to the closing table. Ellen works with buyers, sellers, and investors throughout the Central New York Region, specializing in lakefront homes, historic houses, investment properties, and vacation homes.

Along with building a successful real estate career, Ellen has made a wonderful life for herself beyond her work. She is the proud mother of two grown sons. She currently lives in Manlius and on Skaneateles Lake with her rescue dog, Beauregard, a Jack Russell/ Australian Cattle Dog mix who definitely runs the show. Her passions include historic property restoration, gardening, cooking, decorating, and design, as well as perusing vintage shops and estate sales for antiques.

Work With Ellen

Ellen O'Connor offers impeccable service to real estate clients in the Central New York region, with a specialized focus on waterfront and distinctive properties.

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