Ultimate Guide to St. Lawrence River Waterfront Real Estate in Northern New York

Living along the banks of St. Lawrence River offers an exceptional quality of life for anyone looking forward to a relaxed yet dynamic North Country lifestyle.

Nestled in the heart of upstate New York, waterfront communities along the St. Lawrence River are characterized by picturesque landscapes and abundant natural resources, making them prime year-round destinations for a variety of recreational activities.

A waterfront home on the St. Lawrence River puts you in a prime location that provides convenient access to a diverse array of professional, educational, and social opportunities. Many of the finest waterfront properties in Upstate New York are found right here, offering a wide range of enticing real estate options for buyers.

If you’re in the market for St. Lawrence River waterfront real estate, this page serves as an in-depth guide to the market. We’ll take a closer look at the type of properties available, the lifestyle, and the communities, while offering several helpful tips for you to keep in mind as you navigate this exciting market.

Quick facts about St. Lawrence River

• One of the longest rivers in North America, St. Lawrence River is approximately 744 miles long, flowing from Lake Ontario to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• The river is divided into three distinct sections: the freshwater river extending from Lake Ontario to the outskirts of Quebec, St. Lawrence estuary, which flows from Quebec towards Anticosti Island, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which leads directly to the Atlantic Ocean.
• St. Lawrence River traverses the state of New York and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Canada. It forms a section of the international boundary separating the US and Canada.
• The St. Lawrence River was the primary route for the European exploration of North America’s interiors. The exploration was pioneered by Samuel de Champlain, a navigator, colonist, and explorer from France.
• St. Lawrence River plays a significant role in the geography and economy of the Great Lakes system. It connects the lakes to the North Atlantic Ocean and provides access to deep-draft ocean vessels.
• St. Lawrence River is home to an abundance of species including 87 freshwater and 18 migrating fish species, and over 100 shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptor species.
• The St. Lawrence supplies drinking water for over four million residents in the US and Canada. The river provides a wide variety of services as well including generating electricity, access for deep water vessels to the Great Lakes, receiving human and industrial wastewater discharges, and water supply for industry.
• The banks of St. Lawrence River are lined with several parks and historical sites honoring First Nation tribal communities.

St. Lawrence River waterfront real estate options

A diverse selection of stunning and well-constructed homes are available for those looking forward to a relaxing waterfront lifestyle along the St. Lawrence River.

St. Lawrence River waterfront real estate options feature a variety of elegant architectural styles including Cape Cod, Craftsman, Queen Anne Victorian, Ranch, and Contemporary. Many waterfront homes are designed to offer a perfect combination of privacy, style, and comfort, allowing for an enjoyable and laid-back lifestyle by the water.

Whether you’re in the market for St. Lawrence River waterfront real estate to use as a permanent residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, the selection of homes available is guaranteed to satisfy.

Some examples of features you can find in St. Lawrence River waterfront homes for sale include:

• Lush, meticulously manicured grounds
• Well-designed open floor plans
• Spacious living areas equipped with fireplace
• Hardwood floors and exquisite woodwork throughout
• Stylish gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and chef-grade stainless steel appliances
• Elegant bathrooms with top-quality fixtures
• Gorgeous primary bedrooms with large walk-in closets

Waterfront homes on St. Lawrence River are designed to take full advantage of the stunning river vistas, allowing owners to enjoy their morning coffee while watching ships pass by or treat guests to relaxing al fresco dinners under the stars.

For those seeking a truly luxurious lifestyle in their own private haven, some St. Lawrence River homes are nestled on islands, providing breathtaking views from nearly every room.

Some St. Lawrence River homes are equipped with exterior features such as:

• Boathouses with protected deep-water dockage and storage lifts
• Sprawling wraparound porches and decks overlooking magnificent views of the river
• Screened gazebos with oversized windows framing picturesque water views

Boating and fishing enthusiasts will also find many waterfront homes ideally situated to provide easy access to public boat launches and parks.

Attractions and destinations along St. Lawrence River

The St. Lawrence River features a wide array of attractions for all ages. Whether you’re looking forward to spending time outdoors, visiting museums, or indulging in a hearty meal at a riverfront restaurant, the variety of top-rated venues is sure to delight.

Below are just some of the many excellent activities and destinations on St. Lawrence River:

• Fishing Charters
• Waterfront Restaurants
• Hiking Trails
• Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
• Antique Boat Museum
• 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel
• 1000 Islands Seaway Wine Trail
• The River course at Louisville Landing Recreation

Alexandria Bay: One of St. Lawrence’s best waterfront towns and destinations

One of the most popular destinations for visitors and home seekers in St. Lawrence is Alexandria Bay, NY, a picturesque and charming village in the heart of the 1000 Islands region. The village encompasses around 1.5 square miles and is currently home to over 1,000 residents.

Located in Jefferson County, Alexandria Bay is known for its stunning natural environment and plethora of recreational destinations attracting countless vacationers, outdoor lovers, and boaters year-round.

Residents of Alexandria Bay get to enjoy an exceptional quality of life enhanced by the village’s state parks, inland lakes, islands, and riverfront venues. Among the village’s most popular attractions include:

• Boldt Castle and Boldt Yacht House
• 1000 Islands
• Thousand Islands Winery
• Scenic View Park
• Grass Point State Park
• Otter Creek Preserve
• Cornwall Brothers Store Museum
• Wellesley Island

Living in Alexandria Bay

Beyond Alexandria Bay’s identity as a year-round tourist destination is an incredible place to call home. The village is highlighted by a very close-knit family-friendly community and easy access to quality schools, medical facilities, and local stores and restaurants.

There’s always something to look forward to when you’re living in Alexandria Bay! Alexandria Bay comes alive especially during the summer, drawing countless visitors through its stellar lineup of exciting competitions and events including the 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run, Antique & Classic Boat Show, and the Annual Thousand Islands River Run Motorcycle Rally. One of the village’s most anticipated summer events is Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days, a festival filled with pirates, block parties, performances, and fun activities for all ages. For music lovers, the village hosts several concerts and festivities like Rockin’ the Bay and Blues in the Bay.

Other annual village-wide events in Alexandria Bay include the Easter Egg Hunt, Pond Hockey Tournament, Polar Bear Dip, Halloween Festival, River Santa Festival, and Christmas Tree Lighting.

Looking forward to indulging in some retail therapy? Alexandria Bay’s vibrant downtown village is home to a dazzling collection of boutiques and specialty stores selling jewelry, art, handcrafted merchandise, and gift items. And if you work up an appetite from all that shopping, the downtown village has more than 30 terrific dining venues that include everything from casual restaurants and pubs to elegant fine dining bistros.

Be sure to visit Alexandria Bay’s official tourism website for more information.

Types of homes in Alexandria Bay

Many of the finest St. Lawrence River waterfront real estate options are found in the village of Alexandria Bay, giving prospective buyers a wide array of impressive homes to choose from.

Homes for sale in Alexandria Bay include everything from charming waterfront cottages to luxurious estates, to elegant village homes to properties surrounded by sprawling acreage.

Helpful tips for buying St. Lawrence River waterfront real estate

Purchasing a waterfront home is as much about the lifestyle it can offer as it is an investment.

Compared to conventional properties, the process involved when buying a waterfront home can be complex, which is why it’s important to gather relevant information before you start your search. Ideally, you want to look for an experienced real estate agent who specializes in waterfront properties to be able to make well-informed decisions as you navigate the various steps throughout your search.

Below are several helpful tips to keep in mind during your search for St. Lawrence waterfront real estate.

Why purchase a waterfront home?

Before you browse properties, it’s important that you have a good understanding of why you want to purchase this type of property in the first place.

Will it serve as your primary residence? Are you planning on entertaining guests often? Are you buying it as an investment property to generate income? These are just some key questions to ask yourself before you proceed.

Having a clear vision of your intended purpose for your waterfront home will make it easier for you to fine-tune your search and find a property that fulfills your requirements and preferences. This helps you avoid wasting time looking at homes that aren’t a good fit, so you have more time to look at potential properties.

Talk to current residents in the neighborhood

A conversation with locals in a particular neighborhood might give you an unbiased view of what it’s really like living in that area. You can find out about the local culture and see whether it fits your needs. You could also ask about any problems they’ve encountered while living there, and what they did to resolve them.

Exploring the community, checking out its amenities, and visiting at different times of the day is also a good idea, as it will help you get a feel of its environment.

Review insurance rates

Compared to traditional homes, the insurance rates tend to be significantly higher for waterfront real estate. Proximity to the water means more exposure to the elements and increased risk due to natural disasters.

When looking into various options for homeowner’s insurance, make sure you consult your agent. Depending on the property, you may have to consider buying separate insurance to cover different sections of the home, like a boat house or dock. Flood insurance is typically an additional policy you’ll need as well.

Know the limitations of the property

In case you’re planning to alter parts of the waterfront home after purchase, such as constructing a new seawall or dock, it’s important to perform due diligence to make sure any changes you plan are actually possible.

Some local government agencies and HOAs have very strict rules and regulations, so you want to be certain the plans you have for your waterfront home are possible before you finalize a deal.

If part of your reason for buying a waterfront home is to enjoy water-based recreational activities, it’s best to gather information on the type of activities allowed, as some areas have restrictions on the type of watercraft used.

Be decisive

Be prepared to act quickly as soon as you find a waterfront home you want, especially in highly competitive markets like upstate New York. After all, there are only so many homes located on the water, so it’s likely for other buyers to swoop in case you take your sweet time before making a decision.

Considering the limited selection of homes, getting everything ready before you begin your house hunt will be key. This means finding a knowledgeable waterfront real estate expert, researching the neighborhood, setting a realistic budget, and getting preapproved for a mortgage.

Be ready for the maintenance involved

It goes without saying that waterfront homes require regular additional maintenance and upkeep compared to landlocked homes.

Before you buy a waterfront home, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the complete scale of maintenance involved. You want to collect the information of trusted maintenance professionals who can service the home, so be sure to ask your realtor or neighbors for reliable recommendations.

Work with the top St. Lawrence River waterfront real estate experts today!

If you’re ready to start your search for the finest St. Lawrence River waterfront real estate options, our team of experts at Marzano Real Estate LLC is ready to go above and beyond to help you find the perfect property that matches your goals.

At Marzano Real Estate LLC, our main goal is to provide an unparalleled level of integrity and commitment to every real estate transaction. We are a locally owned and operated real estate company that has built a stellar track record of success through our efficient and ethical approach and first-class service designed to provide a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish.

When you work with Marzano Real Estate LLC, you work with a team who listens first to what your unique needs are and ensure each of those needs is fulfilled with integrity and professionalism.

Get in touch with us at Marzano Real Estate LLC today by calling 315.788.7777 / 315.778.9164, or sending an email here.