$439,681Average 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Deborah Renna-Hynes,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in South Bristol, NY sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 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 maintenance-free lake living in this top level, penthouse style, fully updated, luxury-finished condo. Ready for you to move right in. Arrive Friday night, park once, and spend the weekend on Canandaigua Lake with NO MAINTENANCE, NO UPKEEP AND RESORT STYLE AMENITIES including private sandy beach. Wake up to sunrises from your primary bedroom suite with private balcony. Perfect vacation
Our new listing on Lakewood Trail is a stunning 2,826sqft, 3-bed, 3-bath contemporary home nestled within the highly sought-after Bristol Harbour community. Step through the front door and you are immediately captivated by an expansive open layout highlighted by high vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, and gorgeous gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Tons of natural light pours into the main
Tucked into the scenic hillsides above Canandaigua Lake, 5882 Bristol Harbour Blvd offers the perfect blend of contemporary comfort and resort-style living in Bristol Harbour Village — one of the Finger Lakes’ most sought-after waterfront communities with beach access. Built by Graywood in 2013, this thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features 1,665 square feet plus a partially
Welcome to 5 Andrews Way, located in the sought-after Bristol Harbour community in Canandaigua! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath Adirondack-style ranch offers an open, light-filled layout with soaring cathedral ceilings and warm wood accents throughout. The fully updated 2024 kitchen features modern finishes, tile flooring that flows seamlessly into the mudroom and laundry area,
Welcome to this custom-built, quality 2015 residence perfectly blending stunning Canandaigua Lake views with 5 private acres of professionally designed grounds. 4,400 square feet of exquisite living space boasts seamless single-level convenience with spectacular entertainment zones crafted for making memories with family & friends. Step through the gracious center entrance foyer and be wowed by
Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home or recreational property with this exceptional 20.8 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 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,
Enjoy maintenance-free lake living in this top level, penthouse style, fully updated, luxury-finished condo. Ready for you to move right in. Arrive Friday night, park once, and spend the weekend on Canandaigua Lake with NO MAINTENANCE, NO UPKEEP AND RESORT STYLE AMENITIES including private sandy beach. Wake up to sunrises from your primary bedroom suite with private balcony. Perfect vacation
Welcome to 20 Andrews Way, located in Bristol Harbour Village, on the west side of beautiful Canandaigua Lake! Nicely updated and maintained contemporary style home that is ready to be moved into! Main level offers an eat-in kitchen with granite counter-tops, and all appliances included. The living room features a two-story ceiling, a gas fireplace, and a sliding glass door leading out to a
Robert Piazza-PalottoHigh Falls Sotheby's International Realty
Welcome to 11 Andrews Way in Bristol Harbour Village, nestled on the scenic west side of Canandaigua Lake. This beautifully renovated home offers a peaceful, Adirondack-inspired retreat w/ modern luxury and comfort throughout—just move in and enjoy! [Key Features:] • Open Floor Plan w/stunning cathedral ceiling & loft area • 2 Bedrooms & 21⁄2 Bathrooms w/ open loft area • First Floor owner’s
**Brand NEW to Market and 1st Open House this Saturday 5/9 12pm-2pm!** With the mesmerizing views this Seneca Point location on Canandaigua Lake offers, you’ll find yourself anchored at home soaking in the sun, sites and incredible amenities of Bristol Harbor. From Sunrise to Sunset your ”Vacation at Home” lifestyle here provides access to a sandy beach, tennis and pickleball, full gym, community
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
Enjoy the best of Canandaigua Lake living from this amazing top level, 4 bedroom condo. Updated with a new open, solid wood kitchen with quartz countertops, tile floor and beautiful finishes. Upgraded windows and doors throughout. Freshly painted, updated baths and extra large covered balcony to enjoy the beautiful sunrises. Spacious living room with woodburning fireplace and lots of room to
Experience the beauty of the Finger Lakes from this exceptional hilltop retreat situated on more than 3 private wooded acres in the scenic Bristol Hills. Offering seasonal views of Canandaigua Lake, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home combines privacy, comfort, and year-round recreation in one of the region's most desirable locations. The open-concept main living area is
7 ACRES IN THE NAPLES SCHOOL DISTRICT. CLEARED. BUILDABLE. READY WHEN YOU ARE.Private, wooded setting with space, flexibility, and real potential. No preset plans... just a confirmed buildable lot and a cleared area already in place—positioned for an easy, level approach when you’re ready to build. Over 300 ft of road frontage gives you space and flexibility right from the start. Electric
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