Upstate Living: Welcome to Upstate New York

Upstate Living: Welcome to Upstate New York

  • Ellen O'Connor
  • 08/13/24

From the lush green landscapes to the serenity of its sprawling lakes, Upstate New York offers an escape unlike any other. For those looking to swap the hectic pace of city life for the tranquil embrace of nature, or for anyone seeking a picturesque backdrop to life’s next chapter, Upstate New York is a place to thrive.

Upstate Living, a Base Magazine publication by Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty, is your premier guide to all that this incredible region has to offer, from its natural spaces to the high-quality lifestyle that awaits new residents. Read on.

Meet Upstate New York

Upstate New York is an area celebrated not only for its scenic wonders but also for its proximity to New York City, offering the perfect blend of tranquility, energy, and accessibility. This region is a treasure trove of natural landscapes, including vast forests, the sparkling Finger Lakes, and rolling hills that change with the seasons, with each view more picturesque than the last.

From skiing on the water to trekking through the Adirondack Mountains, there is no shortage of adventure here. Not only that, but an array of museums and historical sites dot the landscape, telling the stories of the area’s past.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast eager to explore the expansive trails, a history buff, or someone who just wants to relax by a serene lake, Upstate New York has something to enchant everyone. The accessibility of these natural retreats, combined with a short commute to the lively atmosphere of New York City, makes it an ideal location for those who desire an idyllic balance between peace and urban excitement.

Relocating to Upstate New York with Four Seasons SIR

Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty (SIR) aims to provide an exceptional and seamless experience for all of their clients. With an extensive, unrivaled understanding of the local real estate market in Upstate New York and a commitment to your success, Four Seasons SIR ensures that every aspect of your relocation is handled with care, focus, detail, and precision. From finding the perfect home that meets your criteria to settling into your new community, their team of experts is there to guide you every step of the way.

Education in Skaneateles

Education is a cornerstone of community life in Skaneateles, which is a gem among the regions of Upstate New York. This area boasts a range of educational opportunities that cater to many aspirations and needs. Buyers interested in moving to Skaneateles should research the various school options available to them ahead of time, whether public or private K-12 schools or higher education.

Medical Care in Skaneateles

Access to quality medical care is also essential. The region is served by state-of-the-art medical facilities that offer comprehensive services, from routine check-ups to specialized treatments, preventive care, and emergency services. The community benefits from nearby hospitals and clinics, including the Upstate University Hospital System and its branches, that are equipped with the latest in medical technology and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals committed to the well-being of their patients.

Exploring the Regions of Upstate New York

Upstate New York is intriguing and diverse, with each region offering a unique lifestyle. Buyers interested in moving to Skaneateles or other areas of Upstate New York can work with their agent to find the perfect fit.

The Catskills

Known for its artistic setting and outdoor splendor, the Catskills are a haven for those who are seeking a blend of natural beauty and historic charm. Spanning four counties, the area is home to the expansive Catskill Forest Preserve, offering stunning views of mountain ranges. The region is perfect for those who appreciate outdoor pursuits year-round, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and fishing in the warmer months. The small towns scattered throughout the Catskills, each with a historic atmosphere, provide a picturesque backdrop for a tranquil lifestyle amidst nature.

The Adirondacks

The Adirondacks feature vast, untouched landscapes that include snowy mountains and clear, glacial lakes. The region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a multitude of recreational pursuits, including hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Adirondacks are the perfect place to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.

The Albany Region

The Albany region is a dynamic area that combines a historical past with modern innovation. This area has become a magnet for professionals working in the tech industry and offers various amenities, including high-end retail, gourmet restaurants, and the arts. Albany’s real estate market is diverse, featuring everything from historic Victorian mansions along tree-lined streets to modern residences that cater to a more contemporary taste. Its proximity to NYC makes it popular among commuters looking for a quieter home base without losing connectivity to the city.

The Saratoga Region

The Saratoga Region is renowned for its rich equestrian setting, centered around the Saratoga Race Course — the oldest organized sporting venue in the United States. Saratoga Springs also hosts the National Museum of Racing, celebrating the history and art of thoroughbred racing. Beyond horse racing, the region offers a vibrant downtown area with a host of restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots.

The Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley offers a serene landscape that combines rural charm with elegant living. The region features winding country roads, meandering open fields, and stunning views of the Hudson River. The real estate scene is populated with modern farmhouses and antique residences, offering spacious homes that blend historical aesthetics with contemporary comforts.

Champlain Valley of New York

Centered around the glistening waters of Lake Champlain and extending from Vermont and New York into Quebec, this region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is known for its excellent cross-country skiing, meandering roads, farm-to-table restaurants, bird-watching opportunities, and fantastic hiking trails offering panoramic views of the lake and the Adirondack High Peaks.

The Finger Lakes

This region is famous for its 11 glacier-formed lakes, each a pristine wonder of nature. The Finger Lakes area offers abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and boating with an incredible backdrop at every turn. Prospective residents can find quaint villages, alluring country homes, and beautiful lake houses, with stunning upscale homes in the village of Skaneateles — known as the "Jewel” of the Finger Lakes region.

Lake George

Lake George is a shining gem in the crown of Upstate New York with its crystal-clear waters and mountainous surroundings. This region is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, offering a range of unforgettable adventures, from leisurely boat cruises and vigorous mountain hikes to ice skating and ice fishing excursions. The area boasts a mix of quaint cottages and grand estates, providing a charming retreat for those looking to enjoy life by the water.

Western New York

Often defined by its vibrant cities like Buffalo and Rochester, this region combines rich architectural heritage with a renewed focus on arts, recreation, and culinary experiences. The region features a newly redesigned waterfront and plenty of opportunities for boating, biking, and skiing. Here, you’ll find a real estate landscape of elegant lakefront mansions and suburban residences.

Central New York

Central to everything that's quintessentially “New York,” this region offers a mix of urban centers, quiet villages, beautiful parks, and rural landscapes, providing a balanced lifestyle with access to both cultural institutions and the wonders of nature. With gorgeous waters and pristine green spaces, the Central New York region has so much to offer.

Thousand Islands

A true vacation paradise, the Thousand Islands region features more than 1,800 small isles scattered along the St. Lawrence River. It's an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates breathtaking waterscapes, world-class fishing, swimming and scuba diving, and boating adventures.

Each of these areas contributes uniquely to the mosaic that is Upstate New York, offering residents a choice of experiences and lifestyles, from the quiet rural to the lively urban. Whether you are drawn to the untouched wilderness of the Adirondacks or the historic and tech-savvy atmosphere of Albany, Upstate New York has a place that can match your dreams.

Dive Deeper and Reach Out!

For those captivated by the promise of a life well-lived in Upstate New York, Upstate Living is your essential read. Each page is packed with regional highlights, detailed explorations of local lifestyles, and insight into the communities of Upstate New York.

We invite you to not just read but experience what it means to be a part of Upstate New York. Reach out to start your home-buying journey where life unfolds wonderfully, season by season, in Upstate New York. Get started today and explore Skaneateles real estate with Ellen O'Connor with Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty.



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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