Along the eastern banks of Chautauqua Lake, Ellery is a town of approximately 4,000 year-round residents, a number that grows significantly during the summer when second-home owners and visitors return. Spanning nearly 50 square miles, Ellery is home to over 20 small hamlets and communities such as Bemus Point. "Bemus Point is the second-most popular summer town after the Chautauqua Institution,” says Heather Chase, a real estate salesperson with ERA Real Estate, who has nearly 10 years of experience in the industry and who once lived on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution. “It can cost $700 a week in gate fees just to be able to get to my own home during the Institution’s summer sessions,” which makes Bemus Point the more affordable summer retreat. In addition to small seasonal communities, Ellery’s landscapes range from lakefront cottages to swaths of farmland and woodland with secluded homes, enticing those seeking a vacation home or year-round rural tranquility near the lake.
Many larger properties are found within the outskirts of Ellery.
Various types of homes are unique to Ellery and many of which are walking distance from Chautauqua Lake.
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State forests and lakeside green spaces
Along Lakeside Drive, the Bemus Playground also features sports courts and an open field for young kids, picnic-goers and sunset chasers. Swimming is permitted near a public dock, which caters to anglers and divers, while a small ramp attracts kayakers and boaters. Several other boat launches are scattered along the shoreline. Down the road, Bemus Point Golf Club and Tap House features a public 9-hole golf course and restaurant.
Six miles south of Bemus Point, the Town of Ellery Park features a large playground, two covered pavilions and sports fields. Visitors can practice their jump shot on the basketball courts, play a round of tennis or feel the sand between their toes at the beach volleyball court.
A lifeguarded beach with roped-off swimming areas awaits at Long Point State Park, about 2 miles north of Bemus Point. Anglers can hunt for muskellunge, while others can canoe or kayak along the water. Other amenities include a marina, a playground and wooded hiking trails that offer year-round recreation. Ellery and surrounding towns are home to nature preserves and state forests that are open to the public for hunting, trapping and hiking. Winter pastimes include snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other nearby recreation areas include Charlie's BMX Track Inc. and Midway State Park, a small amusement park with a carousel and go-karts.
Ellery residents can enjoy a walk along Chautauqua Lake at Long Point State Park.
Locals can walk their dogs around the Town of Ellery Park and enjoy some fresh air.
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Bemus Point's shopping, dining and entertainment
A handful of establishments, including Dollar General, are scattered along Route 430. However, most businesses are clustered along Bemus Point's tiny Main Street. Residents can grab essentials at Bemus Point Market, and Tops Friendly Markets offers a more extensive selection of groceries about 11 miles north in Mayville. Additional chain grocers, big-box retailers and Chautauqua Mall are about 11 miles southwest near Lakewood. Bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, and gift shops are scattered between locally owned restaurants. Ellicottville Brewing Co.'s lively atmosphere and shaded outdoor patio make it the go-to spot for a cold beer and burger after a long day on the water. Across the street, Splash is one of Bemus Point's newest restaurants known for its handcrafted cocktails, extensive wine selection and tapas. Down the road, The Village Casino is one of the first sights ferry-goers see as they step onto the shore. This casual waterfront restaurant has been serving up classic American fare dockside for over 25 years. The Landing at Bemus Point is a members-only boat club with a private dock, an outdoor projector, community events and lakefront sunsets. "Bemus Point also has a floating stage for concerts," Chase says, but as of 2025, the Chautauqua Lake Pops Floating Stage Program is temporarily discontinued. However, live bands are a summer night ritual, and residents and visitors alike can enjoy Fourth of July fireworks displays. When the summer season comes to a close, so do the majority of establishments. For year-round residents, other notable events include Fall Fest's street markets, petting zoo and live music, and Light Up The Point's holiday festivities and visits from Santa.Directly across the lake from Ellery is the famed Chautauqua Institution, which was was born out of a social movement in the late 19th and early 20th century. The Chautauqua Movement emphasized adult education and today the Institution attracts thousands of intellectuals and creatives during nine weeks of summer programming.
Known for their delicious baked goods, Bemus Point's Lake Life Café is a local favorite spot of all the residents of Ellery.
Locals of Ellery stop by Southern Tier Brewing for the best vibes and beer.
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Lakefront and country homes
Small lakefront communities stem off New York State Route 430. Residential streets offer a mix of suburban-rural living, with lakefront properties sitting close to each other while spacious lots surrounded by farmland are down the road. Architectural styles include small cottages and colonial- and ranch-style homes priced from the mid-$100,000s to the mid-$300,000s. Other streets give way to 21st-century Colonial Revivals, New Traditionals and an eclectic mix of properties ranging from A-frames and bungalows to Dutch Colonials. These properties can range from the mid-$300,000s to the upper-$600,000s. Custom-built designs can also range from the $900,000s to $2 million.
Farther inland, manufactured dwellings and fixer-uppers can range from the $20,000s to the mid-$100,000s. Residents can also build their dream home on plots of land ranging from 1 acre to 130 acres. Ellery earns a CAP Index of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Built over one of Ellery's many hills, the manufactured homes line up side by side and have a great view of the town.
With close proximity to Chautauqua Lake, many local residences are found lakeside, offering amazing waterfront views.
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Ferries, buses and cars
The Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System offers bus service around town. Buses stop in Ellery's most populous communities, Bemus Point and Greenhurst. The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry is the county's only seasonal ferry service connecting residents across the lake since 1811. "Before Interstate 86 was built, the ferry was the fastest way to get across the lake," Chase says. However, today, Ellery is primarily a car-dependent community. I-86 or the Southern Tier Expressway, runs east-to-west. The City of Jamestown's UPMC Chautauqua is the nearest hospital, about 11 miles away. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is about 75 miles northeast via Interstate 90. Other nearby thoroughfares include New York State Route 430.
Commuters can take the famous Chautauqua County Veterans Memorial Bridge to travel in and out of Ellery.
Busses run up to Ellery assisting residents to commute into downtown Jamestown.
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Ellery's three school districts
Three school districts serve the Town of Ellery: Chautauqua Lake Central, Cassadaga Valley Central and Bemus Point Central School District. Bemus Point Central scores a B on Niche and serves Ellery's most densely populated areas. B-rated schools include Bemus Point Elementary School and Maple Grove Junior/Senior High School. On the northwest corner of town, students may attend Chautauqua Lake Elementary, which scores B-plus, and the B-rated Chautauqua Lake Secondary. Farther east, students may attend Sinclairville Elementary, which earns a C, and Cassadaga Valley Middle/High School, which garners a B-minus.
Bemus Point Elementary School provides a well-rounded education and promotes academic excellence.
Maple Grove Junior/Senior High School provides a well-rounded education and promotes academic excellence.
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Written By
Lillie Duston
Photography Contributed By
Gabriel Ovelar
Video By
Drew Webster
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ellery, NY sell after 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Ellery, NY over the last 12 months is $58,000, down 41% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on a secluded lot with incredible views of Chautauqua Lake, this one-of-a-kind home offers over 4,300 square feet of living space designed to take full advantage of its surroundings. Large windows and open, airy spaces bring in tons of natural light while framing the lake from multiple vantage points throughout the home. The outdoor space is just as impressive, featuring a generous deck
Welcome to 4420 Lakeside Drive, a beautifully designed home that perfectly blends comfort, space, and lakeside charm. Enjoy views of Chautauqua Lake along with deeded lake rights. The property also offers a 4-car garage, providing ample storage and parking for vehicles, lake gear, or recreational equipment. A covered front porch overlooks the beautiful lake, providing a peaceful place to relax
You really must see the inside of this restored Victorian Farmhouse which has over 3,800 square feet of living space and is located on 10+ acres in the Bemus Point/Maple Grove school district. The home has 5+ bedrooms, 3 full baths, with all the Victorian charm yet the conveniences of today. The updates include; new vinyl windows, updated wiring, newer plumbing, and vinyl siding. Heating and
Well-maintained and affordable, this 2 bedroom, 1 bath mobile home in Greenhurst Village offers easy one-level living. Inside you’ll find a spacious living room, eat-in kitchen, and all appliances included. Recent improvements include updated windows and doors, a metal roof in 2020, and a newer shed in 2024. All electric utilities. A great option for anyone looking for low-maintenance living at
Located in the all ages manufactured home community of High Acres MHP, this previously owned 1985 Skyline home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms at approximately 980 square feet. This fixer upper home comes with a stove, oven, dishwasher, carpet and linoleum flooring, and a driveway. Plus, it has a spacious layout, great location and much more! High Acres offers a friendly atmosphere, generously
Welcome to 3949/3951 South Nesmith in Bemus Point! This property has 2 parcels containing a 3 bedroom, 1 bath, 1280 square foot fully funished home with a detached 2 car garage. As you enter the driveway, there is a cozy concrete covered patio that welcomes you, perfect for morning coffee or afternoon reading. Inside the rear door, there is an open foyer with brick flooring. This leads to a large
Located in the all ages manufactured home community of High Acres MHP, this previously owned 1983 Victorian home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms at approximately 980 square feet. This fixer upper home comes with carpet and linoleum flooring, and a driveway. Plus, it has a spacious layout, great location and much more! High Acres offers a friendly atmosphere, generously sized home sites, and
Set on a secluded lot with incredible views of Chautauqua Lake, this one-of-a-kind home offers over 4,300 square feet of living space designed to take full advantage of its surroundings. Large windows and open, airy spaces bring in tons of natural light while framing the lake from multiple vantage points throughout the home. The outdoor space is just as impressive, featuring a generous deck
A retreat unlike any other—where everyday life fades and nature takes center stage. This is more than a home; it’s a private escape for you, your family, and your closest friends. Tucked deep off the road on approximately 44 acres of unspoiled beauty, this property offers complete seclusion and a rare sense of freedom. Step outside and immerse yourself in the ultimate outdoor lifestyle. With
Extra large and cleared 160' x 120' lot suitable for 4 building lots very close the village of Bemus Point. Sidewalks make it a perfect setting for walks to enjoy the center of Bemus Point activities. Close to I-86 for travels east and west. Perfect for residential home construction. A must see ready to build property!!
Located on a dead end street in Greenhurst Village, this home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The living room and kitchen have vaulted ceilings. A large garden shed is included in the sale.
Don’t miss this beautifully maintained 2015 mobile home in the quiet Greenhurst Village Park—one of the newer and more desirable homes in the park! Featuring tan vinyl siding, vinyl windows, and stylish fixtures throughout, this home is move-in ready with stainless steel kitchen appliances included.Enjoy two decks (including a covered deck), a double parking pad, and a large side yard—perfect
Carolyn LawsonProperty Sisters of Chautauqua, Inc.
It's all about the lake here at Overlook Terrace! This charming lakefront home located in highly desirable Bemus Pt is a true must-see! With its 75 feet of lake frontage and a surprisingly spacious interior it's perfect for both relaxing & entertaining. Step inside the entry room which is large and inviting to discover an open-air concept layout featuring 5 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, thoughtfully
WELCOME TO THE ENCLAVE RESIDENCE!!!Now available in a well-maintained 55+ community, this brand-new, fully renovated 1-bedroom apartment offers comfortable, low-maintenance living in a secure and convenient setting. This first-floor unit features modern finishes and the ease of one-level living, along with the added convenience of in-unit personal laundry. Residents enjoy a clean, quiet
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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