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Skaneateles, New York

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What It Is Like to Retire in Skaneateles

Located in upstate New York in the Finger Lake region, Skaneateles (SKAN-ee-AT-las) is a small town on the north end of Skaneateles Lake, with a population of about 2,500 residents, and a median age of 53.The name comes from the Iroquois word for "long lake, and has been regarded as one of the prettiest villages within the Finger Lakes area. Its quaint downtown offers a toy shop, a chocolate shop, unique stores, bakeries, art galleries, pubs and a wine bar. The clear blue lake provides recreation activities as well as the backdrop for the many events that take place in the waterfront park. Many retirees live here during the summer months and snowbird to Florida during the winter. Skaneateles has been referred to as "the new Hamptons" as there has been an influx of people from Long Island, as written about in Travel and Leisure magazine. Sightings of famous celebrities include Tom Cruise (his birthplace), and former President Bill Clinton with former NY Senator Hilary Clinton were also frequent visitors. William Henry Seward, President Lincoln

Where to Retire in Skaneateles and Home Prices

Zillow reports the median home value to be $330,300, in late 2020, with Realtor.com showing the median list price to be about $500,000. The large beautiful homes along the lakefront can be priced in the $millions.

What Is Special about Skaneateles

Skaneateles is a small, walkable and bikeable town with many events and festivals throughout the year, while enjoying four distinct seasons; The lake provides boating, a marina and dock, scenic lake cruises, and a swimming area in the downtown park; Skaneateles is host to many sailing events including two national regattas and one international regatta; there are many restaurants, shops, a country club for golf, a winery, nature trails, and a YMCA with pickleball, ice skating, an indoor pool, and a health and wellness director.

What Is Not Special about Skaneateles

Winters are cold and snowy, high real estate prices and property taxes

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Who Will Like Retirement in Skaneateles

Those who want a charming, lakefront town with a relaxing atmosphere would enjoy living here, but may want to winter in a warmer climate.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism is important to Skaneateles and the town has a well-developed infrastructure of inns, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants. The largest employer is Welch Ally, a manufacturer of medical equipment, and is also an important contributor to the town's economy.

Climate and Physical Environment

The average January temperature is 25 degrees, July's average is 73 degrees. Skaneateles gets about 90 inches of snow annually.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are several nice restaurants here including pubs and bakeries, with some offering outdoor dining. The cultural scene consist of the historical society's Museum at the Creamery and the John D. Barrow Art Gallery. Boat cruises are offered on Skaneateles Lake, and Anyela's Vineyards is also a big attraction. The many events hosted by the village include summer band concerts by the lake, the Antique and Classic Boat Show which brings thousands of visitors, as does the annual Skaneateles Festival. The very popular Dickens Christmas is celebrated from Thanksgiving until Christmas, and Winterfest is held in January. The nearby town of Auburn is home to a public theater along with historical sites, and Syracuse University is about 20 miles away and offers many college sporting events to attend.

Crime

The crime rate here is very low.

Medical facilities

Auburn Community Hospital is about 7 miles away.

Transportation

The nearest airport is in Syracuse, about 30 miles away, and there is an airstrip here for private planes.

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