$435,400Average Value$399Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
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.
Life in South Bristol is influenced by its location in Ontario County, where agriculture and tourism both contribute to the local economy.
South Bristol residents frequently visit Naples known for its scenic hills, grape vineyards, and the annual Grape Festival.
1/2
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.
Homes in South Bristol near Bristol Mountain can command premium prices during peak ski season due to demand for seasonal and vacation properties.
Recently sold homes on Canandaigua Lake within South Bristol have listings showing sales of 1.25 million dollars to 1.3 million dollars for multi-bedroom properties.
1/2
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.
Bristol Mountain is a ski resort located in South Bristol in the Finger Lakes region located 30 miles from the center of Rochester, New York.
Ontario County Park features hiking and biking trails, a fishing pond, softball diamonds, playgrounds, and picnic areas with grills and pavilions, offering expansive views of the surrounding region at an elevation of 2,246 feet.
1/2
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.
Wine tasting at Arbor Hill Grapery and Winery require a reservation and are conducted in their restaurant and last an hour.
Brews and Brats partners with Artisan Meats from Canandaigua to offer custom-made sausage to South Bristol residents.
1/2
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.
Naples High School reports a graduation rate that typically exceeds 85 percent, reflecting steady academic outcomes for its student body.
Naples Elementary School has a total enrollment of 306 students with a student-teacher ratio of 8 to1, and 100 percent of its 40 full-time teachers are certified.
1/2
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.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Vick
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Luke Cino,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in South Bristol, NY sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in South Bristol, NY over the last 12 months is $742,500, up 494% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy Canandaigua Lake living with this level lakefront year-round cottage featuring two permanent docks in a prime South Bristol location. Minutes to Naples, Canandaigua, and an easy commute to Rochester. This inviting home offers an open concept floor plan with enclosed porch showcasing panoramic lake views. Enjoy the spacious versatile second-floor bedroom with sitting area. The basement
Enjoy lake living with no maintenance and low taxes. Updated 2 bedroom condo - just a short walk to beach and marina. Granite kitchen with stainless appliances, tile backsplash and lots of storage. Open living area with woodburning fireplace. Primary bedroom suite with private balcony overlooking the lake and hills. Level access to kitchen and living area from designated covered parking. Bristol
Build your dream home in the Bristol Harbour Village community. On of the last few building lots without floor plan restrictions. Enjoy low maintenance living on this scenic lot, plus Bristol Harbour Village Amenities: community center, tennis, pickleball, basketball courts, fitness center, library, playground, 250' of sandy private beach with kayaks, loungers, picnic tables and fire pit. In the
Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home or recreational property with this exceptional 21.6 acre parcel nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Ideally situated in South Bristol, Longview Drive is next to the scenic overlook, with some clearing of trees this property offers breathtaking panoramic views of Canandaigua Lake! Road frontage on both Longview Drive and Route 21 in Woodville
Enjoy Canandaigua Lake living with this level lakefront year-round cottage featuring two permanent docks in a prime South Bristol location. Minutes to Naples, Canandaigua, and an easy commute to Rochester. This inviting home offers an open concept floor plan with enclosed porch showcasing panoramic lake views. Enjoy the spacious versatile second-floor bedroom with sitting area. The basement
Enjoy maintenance free lakeview living with low taxes plus Bristol Harbour Village amenities. One level, 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo with spectacular lakeviews from private balcony. End unit with extra windows. Open floor plan with spacious waterfront living and dining areas. Private sandy beach with kayaks and paddleboards, community center, gym, library, firepits, picnic areas, basketball,
SPECTACULAR Canandaigua Lake top level condo with million dollar lakeviews. Completely updated from top to bottom with upscale finishes. Move right in and enjoy luxury lake living in this beautifully remodeled condo. New, open kitchen with brand new appliances, granite countertops, tile backspash and high end finishes. Expansive living and dining area with built- ins, electric fireplace, full
There are properties you see... and then there are properties you feel—and this is one that stays with you. Set on over 14 acres in the rolling hills of South Bristol, this former sheep and crop farm offers rare, unobstructed 180-degree views of Canandaigua Lake that unfold in every season. At the heart of the property stands a late 1800s, two-story barn spanning 2,880 square feet, widely
Lynn DatesKeller Williams Realty Greater Rochester
Nestled on 5.5 private acres, this incredible 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. A stunning cathedral family room with amazing sunlight, skylights and two-story brick wood burning fireplace fills the space with warmth and light. Enjoy peaceful views from the deck overlooking rolling hills and mature hardwood trees. The full walkout basement provides
Wow! Take in breathtaking views of Canandaigua Lake from this newly built, modern home. Designed with an open floor plan and a grand foyer, this home features high-end appliances and a spacious walk-in pantry. Offering 4 bedrooms and 3 and a half bathrooms, with walk-in closets, this property combines luxury and functionality. Enjoy low utility costs thanks to energy-efficient geothermal heating
Lakefront resort living with maintenance freedom and low taxes. Breathtaking views from oversized, private balcony. Spacious studio condo (or easily convert to one bedroom). Large, open living area facing lake and hills. Easy walk to beach and marina. HOA fee includes: beach with chaise lounges, fire pit and grill; tennis and pickleball courts, community center with fitness room, gathering room,
Why build when you can buy? They dont make them like this anymore! Expansive 1987 single owner custom home. Built with 2x10's and 3/4 inch plywood. Walls are 2x6's making 8" walls. Exceptionally efficient. Heat can be with Pellet Stove, Propane furnace and fireplace or electric baseboard. Seller is also leaving wood stove if you decide to harvest your own firewood from your land. Propane furnace
Enjoy Panoramic Views from the spacious & private balcony overlooking beautiful Canandaigua Lake & surrounding hillsides. A 1 bedroom/1 bath that feels roomy & comfortable. With hardwood floors and tiled bath, the space is modern & immaculate. Granite countertops & breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, LED recessed lighting, 70" built in TV, LED electric fireplace, LG washer & dryer, HVAC &
Enjoy lake living with no maintenance and low taxes. Updated 2 bedroom condo - just a short walk to beach and marina. Granite kitchen with stainless appliances, tile backsplash and lots of storage. Open living area with woodburning fireplace. Primary bedroom suite with private balcony overlooking the lake and hills. Level access to kitchen and living area from designated covered parking. Bristol
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.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
