Bath’s scenic valley setting draws longtime and returning residents
The village of Bath offers picturesque views and convenient access to shopping hubs. Situated in the town of Bath, and part of Steuben County, the village sits in a valley surrounded by hilly terrain created by the Appalachian Plateau. The region is also just south of the Finger Lakes, an area with 11 lakes that's known for its recreation, tourism and wineries. The village’s combination of natural beauty and modern amenities makes Bath a hard place to move away from, according to Realtor Daniela Polidor. “People are very hometown proud there,” says Polidor, a Real Estate Salesperson with Empire Realty Group, who’s been selling homes in the area for over 12 years. “People tend to stay there, and they tend to return too.”
Locally owned shops along Liberty Street
Polidor says Bath serves as a shopping hub for the county, thanks to its access to popular chains. There’s TOPS Friendly Market and Save a Lot for groceries, as well as other chains like Tractor Supply Co. and Valu Home Centers in shopping centers. Liberty Street has locally owned shops and restaurants. The Chat-A-Whyle Restaurant offers American comfort food and has been popular for its famous sticky buns since the 1930s. There are also breweries like Liberty Street Pub and Tub Town Brewing.
Village homes typically sell between $95,000 and $325,000
The village is dotted with Nationals from as early as the late-1800s, pre-war Cape Cods and more modern ranch-style and split-level homes. Most houses sit closer to the road but have larger backyards as a result. While only some homes come with detached garages, they all have driveways. There are houses needing renovations that can sell for under $75,000, but most properties typically range from $95,000 to $325,000.
Steuben County Fair draws thousands
The village draws in over 50,000 people each summer for the Steuben County Fair, which is the oldest continuously running fair in the country. First held back in 1819, the week-long celebration in August takes place at the Steuben County Fairgrounds off East Washington Street. The fair features amusement rides, grandstand events, fair food, carnival games and livestock exhibits. Locals can also drive 24 miles east to Watkins Glen International, a 2.45-mile road course that hosts automobile events like monster truck rallies and professional NASCAR races.
Commuting to Corning and Rochester
Interstate 86 borders the village, which commuters can use to travel 21 miles south to Corning. “Bath is also right by 390, which is a major thoroughfare to get to Rochester,” says Polidor. “Some people even use it as a bedroom community, being just over an hour to get there.” Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital is just 3 miles north of the village. The closest airport, Elmira Corning Regional, is located 32 miles away.
Kids can attend Bath Central School District
Bath Central School District earns a B-minus. Students may start at Vernon E. Wightman Primary, which teaches kindergarten through third grade and gets a B-minus from Niche. Dana L. Lyon Middle receives a C-plus and teaches fourth to eighth grade. Haverling Senior High earns a B. The school's softball team made it to the state championship in 2025.
Hiking at Mossy Bank, recreation on Keuka Lake
Pulteney Park sits in the center of Bath and is usually dotted with locals relaxing on the grass. South of the village across I-86, Mossy Bank Park’s 2.5 miles of trails lead to a scenic view overlooking Bath and the surrounding area. Residents can also drive 7 miles north to Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. Also called Crooked Lake because of its Y shape, the shore spans 20 miles has a beach, swimming, boat launches and fishing spots.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
