Carlton offers rural living and recreation on Lake Ontario
The rural town of Carlton runs from the shores of Lake Ontario to the rich farmland of Orleans County. “Carlton is pretty low-key. It’s almost a recreational community on the lake,” says Dennis Levandowski, a broker with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. The town of about 3,000 people contains several hamlets, including Kent and Waterport, with a slower pace of life about 40 miles from Rochester. “The prices are pretty reasonable, plus the waterfront is over there," Levandowski says, pointing to a mix of longtime locals and transplants looking for a second home. Acreage is a major draw for homebuyers, many of whom want room to hunt or hobby farm. The community also receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Top-tier fishing along Point Breeze and Lake Ontario
Anglers flock to Lake Ontario to catch trout and chinook salmon, the biggest salmon species in the Great Lakes. Fishing charters, marinas and boat clubs dot Point Breeze, the hub of boating and fishing in Orleans County. After a day on the water, boaters can dock at Orleans County Marine Park and walk the trails or enjoy a picnic. Kayakers and canoers enjoy the easy waters of Waterport Pond and Oak Orchard Creek, which transforms into a prime ice fishing spot in the winter. Campers at Lakeside State Park can wake up to views of the water and swim at the beach.
Homes with acreage and lakefront properties
Buyers can find farmhouses on multiple acres, waterfront homes on Lake Ontario and Lake Alice, and swaths of land for personal use. “They’ll probably buy land to hunt on,” Levandowski says. “It’s definitely just existing homes. You might have a spot build every now and then, but it’s rare,” he says. Most National, bungalow and ranch-style homes were built throughout the 20th century, though some of the area’s oldest farmhouses date back to the mid-1800s. Rural properties may have gravel driveways, and neighbors can be separated by miles of fields or woodlands. Most homes range from $150,000 to $300,000, but prime waterfront properties on Lake Ontario can cost up to $370,000. Fixer-uppers range from $50,000 to $120,000.
Three school districts serve the area
Carlton is served by three school districts: Albion Central, Kendall Central and Lyndonville Central. Kendall earns a B-plus grade from Niche, while Albion scores a B and Lyndonville receives a B-minus. Each district offers Advanced Placement courses and opportunities to earn college credit.
Residents leave town for groceries and restaurants
Many residents drive about 5miles to Albion for groceries at Tops Friendly Markets. Local farmers offer a variety of goods, from grass-raised beef at Beam Farm to fresh veggies at Rush Vegetables. Circle R Farms is known for its seasonal produce and ice cream. Restaurants are limited, but there are a few options. Roadies Pizzeria and Sports Bar is a laid-back locale for pizza and wings, while Tavern on the Ridge offers elevated American fare in upscale digs. Wine flights are on the menu at Schwenk Wine Cellars, a vineyard and winery in Kent.
Less than an hour from Rochester
Rochester and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport are about 40 miles away. Medical care is available in Medina and Brockport, both within a 20-mile drive. Carlton has several houses of worship, including Carlton United Methodist Church, Carlton Gaines Community Church and the World Sufi Foundation mosque.
![Leslie Klosterman]()
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
