Sunset Bay offers waterfront living by Lake Erie
Tucked along the southern shore of Lake Erie, Sunset Bay is a beachside community just east of Silver Creek in Chautauqua County. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and expansive lake views, Sunset Bay draws both seasonal visitors and year-round residents who appreciate its blend of natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle. The community’s main draws include its sandy beach, marina and proximity to other outdoor destinations like Evangola State Park. Residents also enjoy easy access to a handful of local amenities that make everyday life comfortable. “The beach club is big there, and the community has several entrances to the beaches along Lake Erie,” says Louis Dispenza, Realtor at Midtown Realty with over 20 years of experience. “There’s more vacation homes and smaller cottages here than in Silver Creek, and it has a very chill setting.” The community’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Housing ranges from small beach cottages to larger inland lots
Neighborhood streets often follow the natural curves of the shoreline. The community has a mix of beach cottages, Minimal Traditional houses and ranch-style homes, many of which date back to the mid-1800s. Houses along the waterfront sit close together on modest parcels with grassy yards, while properties farther inland can have larger lots. Prices generally fall between $100,000 and $650,000, with recently updated lakefront homes at the higher end of the price range. “There are lots of small beach cottages that people rent out for the summer,” Dispenza says. “Many people have built their houses on raised foundations, some as high as four or five feet off the ground, because of the risk of flooding.” The area is prone to severe weather conditions, and some properties may require flood insurance.
Sunset Bay’s shoreline is a hub for outdoor activities
Sunset Bay offers a wealth of outdoor recreation. The community’s public beach is considered the central spot for water sports and sunbathing. The Sunset Bay State Marine Park provides marina facilities and launch access, making it a hub for fishing and boating. The 18-hole Rose Brook Golf Course is open to the public. Just a short drive east, Evangola State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, a disc golf course and scenic overlooks from its lakefront bluffs.
Shopping and dining options around the Route 5 corridor
Cabana Sam’s Beach Bar & Grill offers lakeside fare and beach-themed drinks with outdoor seating and sunset views. Located along state Route 5, Aunt Millie's Family Restaurant & Bakery is considered a local staple for homestyle baked goods and comfort food. Hanford Country Market and Dollar General cover groceries and essentials, and Walmart is about 15 miles west of the village.
Concerts and festivals in Chautauqua County
One of the area’s most popular attractions, the waterfront Sunset Bay Beach Club offers a range of events and activities throughout the summer, including concerts and dance parties like the Independence Day Beach Bash. Evangola State Park has recreational programs and activities, such as nature walks, scavenger hunts, craft and art workshops. Residents can enjoy wine tastings at one of the many local wineries in the Concord Grape Belt region, or celebrate the area’s wine history with grape stomping and other fun activities at the Festival of Grapes event in Silver Creek.
Students attend Silver Creek schools
Students may attend Silver Creek Central School District. Primary education is covered by Silver Creek Elementary School, which earns a C-plus grade from Niche. For secondary education, Silver Creek Middle School and Silver Creek High School earn a B-minus and a B, respectively. Silver Creek High provides courses in creative writing, journalism and business.
Distance to Buffalo and Dunkirk
U.S. Route 20 runs through the village, and Interstate 90 is south of the community. Both highways connect to Buffalo, which is about 30 miles northeast. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is approximately 40 miles away. Brooks Memorial Hospital is in Dunkirk, about 15 miles west.
