Gorham is a rural community just east of Canandaigua Lake
Among the verdant countryside of the western Finger Lakes region lies Gorham, a slow-moving community with high-yielding farms and quick lake access. "You're between Seneca Lake and Canandaigua Lake, so it's all lake country and wine country," says Realtor Tamarah DeWolf of Empire Realty Group. She formerly lived in Ontario County and has sold homes across the region for around 12 years. "They're growing grapes, and the crops in that area, and corn and wheat and beans. It's a lot of farmland." Farm stands and markets pepper the community's country roads, while nearby towns offer big-box stores and diverse dining options. Locals enjoy quick access to Canandaigua Lake, which has several nearby waterfront parks.
Historic colonials and lakefront homes on sizable properties
Most homes sit on several acres of land. Many properties span at least five acres. Roads wind through the community's sizable properties, around silos, red barns and fields of soybean and vegetables. Buyers will find a mix of historic colonials and farmhouses built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and several mid-20th-century ranch-style homes and cottages. Much of the community's recently sold homes border Canandaigua Lake, often featuring small docks or piers. Most of Gorham's newly constructed homes sit on the water. Inland homes sell from around $85,000 to $400,000, while houses along or near the lake can range from $400,000 to $900,000. Some larger lakefront homes can sell from $900,000 to $3.7 million.
Local schools offer many student clubs and extracurriculars
The Gorham-Middlesex Central School District serves around 1,100 students and scores an overall B-minus on Niche. Pre-kindergarten through second-grade students attend Middlesex Valley Primary School, which receives a B-minus, and third through fifth-grade students attend the C-plus-rated Gorham Intermediate School. Marcus Whitman Middle School scores a C-plus, and Marcus Whitman High School has a B-minus. The high school features a robust list of student clubs, including ukulele, horticulture and outdoor adventure clubs.
Boating, swimming and fishing along Canandaigua Lake
Gorham's location along Canandaigua Lake encourages outdoor activities. On the lake's east end, Deep Run Park features a beach with a sectioned-off swimming area, picnic tables and adjacent grills. A bit north of Deep Run Park, Ontario County Beach Park offers additional space for waterfront picnics and has an accessible kayak launch; swimming is prohibited. The nearest boat launches are available in Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park, about 10 miles from Gorham. The park is a popular jumping-off point for local anglers. Kershaw Park, overlooking the lake's northern edge, features paved paths, a playground and plenty of green space. The Canandaigua City Pier juts into the water just west of Kershaw Park, covered with benches and picnic tables. Seneca Lake is about 30 miles east.
Local restaurants and farm stands with Canandaigua within reach
Gorham has some small businesses. "There are a few restaurants," DeWolf says. "They're here and there. We're so rural out here that things are kind of just spread out all over the place." Local dining scene includes family-owned spots like Old Mill House, which serves sandwiches, burgers and breakfast classics. Eastside Grill and Pub offers casual American fare, frequent live music and rotating beer offerings from area breweries. Farm stands and small markets across the community sell locally sourced produce, goods and flowers. Country Breeze Market, Greenhouse and Outdoor Furniture offers shoppers a diverse mix of Adirondack chairs, mums, vegetables and fruits. Shady View Farm Stand sells year-round goods and meats, including pumpkins, cage-free eggs and steaks. Locals head into Canandaigua for additional shopping and dining. "Canandaigua is really cool," DeWolf says. "There's a lot of really cool breweries, eateries and wineries, and in the summertime they're having festivals." The town is home to an Aldi, Walmart and Wegmans.
Navigating Ontario County
Residents rely on cars to get around. U.S. Route 20 runs east and west just north of the community, connecting residents with areas like Canandaigua, 10 miles northwest, and Geneva, around 11 miles east. Commuters also have access to state Routes 247, 245 and 364. Full-service hospitals are available in Canandaigua and Geneva, and the nearest international airport is in Rochester, about 40 miles away.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
