South Bristol is a welcoming community in New York's Finger Lakes
Full- and part-time residents enjoy the scenic hills and peaceful Canandaigua Lake views in South Bristol, part of upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region. Just 35 miles south of Rochester, this sprawling town has retained its rural character over the years, making it a getaway for vacationers and a welcoming community for newcomers. “It’s beautiful. It’s a secret we want to keep safe, but I think after COVID, the cat was out of the bag,” says Judy Voss, South Bristol’s town clerk who has lived in the town for over 50 years. She emphasizes the community’s mix of new and longtime residents. “It’s a tight-knit community. In my group of friends, we’ve had some people that have moved into the area that are just enveloped so easily,” she says.
Properties in the hills and along Canandaigua Lake’s west side
Homes are tucked away in the hills of Bristol: Some properties are in the woods off long driveways, while others overlook Canandaigua Lake. Popular home styles include log cabins, New Traditionals and custom-designed builds. Houses typically sell for between $350,000 and $975,000, though waterfront estates can reach several million dollars. Some of the area’s most expensive homes are along Seneca Point Road and West Lake Road in South Bristol. “The west side of the lake is more coveted than the east side,” Voss says, noting that the east side gets more direct sunlight in the summer and is windier in the winter. The town does not have city water or sewer. “We have wells and septic. We’re well-versed in that over here, but it’s a big learning curve for people,” Voss says. South Bristol has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1, lower than the national average of 4.
Outdoor fun and scenery along the lake and on Bristol Mountain
Locals have many ways to get outside in South Bristol. “We’re really known for our vistas and views because we’re so hilly. The gullies are huge. They’re gorgeous,” Voss says. Most of the shoreline along Canandaigua Lake in South Bristol is private, but there is a public boat launch on the southern end of the lake. From here, visitors can take out their powerboats or kayaks. Fishing is also permitted. Bristol Mountain has 39 skiing and snowboarding trails and slopes, as well as ziplining in the warmer months. There’s plenty more to do nearby: a branch of the Finger Lakes Trail, part of an over-1,000-mile trail system, goes through South Bristol, and the public Reservoir Creek Golf Course is a few miles south. Ontario County Park has a playground, softball fields, picnic shelters and miles of hiking and biking trails. Set at nearly 2,250 feet above sea level, the park has panoramic views of the hilly countryside.
Sample wine and beer at South Bristol’s businesses
South Bristol has historically been an agricultural community, and there are still farms and vineyards throughout the area. Locals can sample wines overlooking the grapevines and glimmering lake at the Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery. Next door, Brew & Brats at Arbor Hill has a laid-back vibe, serving German sausages and drinks on red-checkered tablecloths. The Sawmill serves comfort foods and sandwiches in its indoor-outdoor venue with sweeping views of the lake and rolling hills. Just south in the village of Naples, Hometown Wine Company has more tastings of wine from around the region and country. The village also hosts Joseph’s Wayside Market, a farmers market on Main Street that's open during the area's busy season, from April to October. “[When it closes] for the season, you can hear the door slam shut in the village. Everybody’s holed up for the winter, hibernating or they’re gone,” Voss says. Major retailers like Wegmans and Aldi are about 15 miles north in Canandaigua.
Well-regarded schools with extracurriculars in Naples
Area students typically attend the Naples Central School District, which has an overall B rating from Niche. Naples Elementary School earns a B rating, while Naples Jr./Sr. High School has a B-minus. Seventh through 12th graders can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. The school offers nine music and performing arts groups, including Marching Band, Jazz Band and Steel Pan Band. Clubs include Robotics, Model UN, Fitness Club and Girls Who Code.
Driving around the region from South Bristol
Rochester is about 35 miles north and is home to the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. State Route 64 goes through South Bristol, connecting drivers to other major roads into the city. Medical care is nearby in Canandaigua, with facilities including F.F. Thompson Hospital. Buffalo and Syracuse are also within 85 miles of town.
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Written By
Faith Wakefield
