Apple Orchards overlook Lake Ontario in Sodus
Overlooking Sodus Bay and Lake Ontario, the town of Sodus got its name from the Cayuga word for "Silvery Water." First founded in 1789, the town has a long history. Sodus saw combat during the War of 1812, and the area was a major coal port from the 1850s until 1967. Sodus was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people across the nearby Canadian border. Today, the village of Sodus Point is a summertime destination for fishing and sailing on the lake's deep blue waters, and the town as a whole is known for its apple orchards and other agriculture. "There are generational farms all over here. A lot of it's along the lake, because the lake keeps [the climate] temperate ... and it protects the apple blossoms from the frost in the spring," says Luke Cino, owner/broker at Cornerstone Realty Associates.
Homes set along the water, in the village or on farmland
Many homes in Sodus date back to the 1800s. These older styles include Colonial and National homes, some with cobblestone exteriors, and are typically concentrated in the villages of Sodus and Sodus Point. Ranch styles, manufactured homes, bilevels and New Traditionals built from the mid-to-late 20th century are equally common. According to Cino, Sodus Point today leans heavily toward vacation homes and short-term rental properties, while full-time residents tend to live in the village and more rural outskirts. Homes usually sell for between $70,000 and $500,000, with houses on the water ranging from $225,000 to about $750,000. Manufactured homes or homes in need of significant repairs can sell for less, while spacious and updated properties can sell for higher.
Seasonal activities in Sodus Bay
Between the Sodus Marina, Katlynn Marine, Sodus Bay Yacht Club and other boating facilities, Sodus Point has many opportunities for getting out on the water. At Sodus Point Beach Park, visitors can swim or walk along the sandy shores while the sun sets and sailboats drift by. "Sodus Point is a destination spot for the summers," says Cino, who notes that winter activities are also popular. "It's good duck hunting. Ducks come in because of the current that comes in from the lake. And people do ice fishing," he says. Brantling Ski Slopes, also in Sodus, have nine trails for snowboarding and skiing. For more year-round activities, nearby Beechwood State Park has camping and hiking along the water and through wooded areas.
Dining along the water and perusing local produce in Sodus
Captain Jack's Goodtime Tavern, one of several restaurants in Sodus Point, overlooks the bay and serves fried seafood, burgers and beers. The village of Sodus also has several places to eat and hang out, such as Imprint Coffee Roasting. Community staples include the Sodus Community Library, post office, CVS Pharmacy and Paton's Market Place. Burnap's Farm Market & Garden Cafe is one of several farm stands selling locally grown produce in town, and the Sodus Farmers Market is held on Wednesday afternoons along Main Street through the warmer months.
Community events like the Sodus Harvest Festival
The town has events throughout the year, like the Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival in the summer and the Sodus Harvest Festival in the fall. The harvest festival, held along Main Street, features food and craft vendors, a vintage car show, and family-friendly activities like pumpkin painting and pony rides to celebrate the season.
Students attend the Sodus Central School District
The Sodus Central School District earns a B-minus from Niche. Students typically begin at Sodus Elementary School, which has a C-plus, and continue to C-plus-rated Sodus Intermediate School and B-minus-rated Sodus Jr./Sr. High School. High schoolers have the opportunity to earn an Advanced Regents diploma by taking higher-level classes in subjects such as foreign language, technology, business, art and music.
Getting to Rochester from Sodus
Commuters from Sodus can drive into Rochester, home of the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, on state Route 104 in about 40 minutes. Syracuse is also about an hour southeast. The Rochester Regional Health Newark-Wayne Community Hospital is about 15 miles south of the village.
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Written By
Faith Wakefield
