Perry is a lively community on the banks of Silver Lake
Centered on a colorful Main Street district and bordered by Silver Lake, Perry is a small community in western New York, offering a quieter, rural lifestyle compared to larger cities. “We’re in New York, but it’s nothing like New York City,” says Charles Flynn, an associate real estate broker with more than 10 years of experience. “It’s more like South Dakota or Iowa.” Despite the community’s small size, nearby state parks and family-oriented entertainment venues like Charcoal Corral still provide plenty to do. Seasonal farmers markets and farm stands ensure plenty of fresh local produce.
Historic and midcentury homes with some waterfront properties
Cottages, farmhouses and foursquare homes built between 1860 and 1930 make up most of the local inventory, though many ranch-style properties were added in the mid-20th century. In the village center, homes are set close together on uniform lots, often with attached garages and tree-lined sidewalks. Farther out in the surrounding area, there are more opportunities for half-acre or full-acre lots with more seclusion. Home prices largely depend on the condition of the home, typically ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. Waterfront homes with private access to Silver Lake are in higher demand and rarely go on the market. In 2025, two lakefront homes sold for between $500,000 and $700,000. There is a small townhouse development near Silver Lake, which has three-bedroom units for between $300,000 and $350,000.
Infrastructure may be less developed farther out from village centers, though development has advanced quickly in recent years. “The biggest question we get is about internet access, and there’s always an answer for that,” Flynn says, explaining that there are many available services, including cell phone-enabled Wi-Fi. “That’s probably the biggest concern for buyers today, especially with the younger generation and remote work.”
Silver Lake, state parks and other entertainment venues
Silver Lake is on the southern edge of the town, accessible via Perry Public Beach, a scenic picnic area, and Silver Lake State Park, which has boat launches and fishing areas. The Club at Silver Lake has an 18-hole golf course that’s open to the public. Perry Village Park is the largest of three public green spaces in the town center, home to playgrounds, tennis courts and a summer splash pad. Silver Lake Trail runs for about 2 miles, with a trailhead near downtown. Other attractions in the area include Prehistoric World, a small reptile zoo, and Wyoming County International Speedway, a car-racing venue. Letchworth State Park, a major recreation hub, is less than 10 miles away with scenic waterfalls on the Genesee River, several campgrounds and dozens of miles of trails that are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Local grassroots arts program with summer tours
Shake on the Lake, a local theater company, puts on an abridged Shakespeare production every summer. Though it began as a local arts program in Perry, the troupe now tours the production across various rural communities in western New York throughout the summer, still staging several shows at Perry Public Beach in August. The organization also puts together educational programming and smaller events throughout the year, including puppet and improv performances.
Public schools offer agriculture and college-level classes
Perry Elementary/Junior High serves prekindergarten through eighth grade and gets a C-plus from Niche. Starting in ninth grade, students attend Perry Central High, which earns a B-minus. The school has a robust agriculture department with classes in horticulture and animal science, as well as many dual enrollment programs that enable students to earn college credit through Genesee Community College. Friday football games are a large part of school culture, along with other sports teams like basketball, volleyball and riflery.
Main Street shops, restaurants and a drive-in theatre
Perry’s small downtown district centers around Main Street, with cafes and shops like the Country Belle Farm Market, one of many spots for locals to shop for fresh produce. There’s also a weekly farmers market held downtown every Saturday from July until September. The Lumber Yard Restaurant has rustic wooden interiors and serves steak and seafood. Charcoal Corral offers a variety of family-friendly entertainment, including the Silver Lake Twin Drive-In theater, a mini-golf complex and a restaurant serving American fare. Chain grocery stores such as Walmart and Save A Lot are a short drive away in Warsaw.
Larger towns are within 10 miles
Perry sits along state Route 39, about 10 miles from Warsaw and Geneseo. Rochester, the nearest major city, is about 45 miles away. The Regional Transit Service operates intercity bus routes connecting Perry to nearby towns like Leicester and Dansville. Wyoming County Community Health System is the nearest hospital, less than 10 miles away. Fredrick Douglass Greater Rochester Airport is about 45 miles away.
