Yates is a scenic, rural community on the shores of Lake Ontario
Yates is a rural township on the shores of Lake Ontario and centered around the village of Lyndonville. The area was first settled in the early 19th century as a farming community, and agriculture remains a central part of the local economy. There are also several small manufacturing firms scattered around the area, and the nearby Albion Correctional Facility employs a number of area residents. “It’s a nice little community. Crime is low, the cost of living is low, houses are a lot cheaper than most of New York,” says Lyndonville native Debi Woodroe, owner of Woodroe Realty. “There’s also a lot to do around here, especially if you like the outdoors.”
The community has a mix of waterfront cottages and historical homes
There are three major housing types in Yates: Lyndonville homes on smaller lots that are mostly early-20th century Craftsman builds, rural properties scattered around the surrounding farmlands and lakefront cottages. While most residents live in the area year-round, many waterfront homes are only occupied during warmer months. Most single-family homes in the area sell for between $115,000 and $280,000, though some nicer waterfront properties can go for as high as $400,000. There is also a limited selection of manufactured homes around Yates, although these rarely come on the market. As of late 2025, only two had sold in the past year, each for around $80,000.
Lakeside state parks and top-notch fishing
Yates Town Park, located on the shores of Lake Ontario, features playing fields, a playground, a lookout pier and a small boat launch. The park often hosts community gatherings and is a popular spot for summer barbecues. The community is also bracketed by Golden Hill State Park to the west and Lakeside State Park to the east, both of which offer lake views, campgrounds and hiking trails. Several small hiking trails can be found throughout Yates, including at Robin Hill Nature Preserve in Lyndonville. Lake Ontario plays a large role in the local outdoor recreation scene, as do the forests that cover much of the community and the waterways that run through them. “For fishing you’ve got Oak Orchard and the lake,” says Woodroe. “Sportfishing is definitely popular. And people are begging to buy hunting land around here; they come from all over the state.”
A few shops and restaurants in Lyndonville
Lyndonville’s historical downtown area is home to a few small shops, as well as the local branch of M&T Bank and a couple of restaurants. For most shopping needs, though, residents head about 10 miles south to Medina, which has the closest supermarkets and shopping centers. Locals often choose to pick up produce at the farm stalls that pop up around the community during the summer and fall.
Lyndonville public schools
Public schools in the area are served by the Lyndonville Central School District. Lyndonville Elementary School has a B-minus rating on Niche, the same rating as Lyndonville Jr./Sr. High School. The high school offers dual enrollment courses for college credit through a partnership with Genesee Community College.
It's about an hour's drive to Rochester and Buffalo
State routes 63 and 18 are the main roads in Yates, connecting the township to the rest of the region. There’s no public transportation in the area, so residents generally rely on cars to get around. The community is roughly equidistant from Buffalo and Rochester — it’s a little over 50 miles to the former and a little less than 50 miles to the latter. This means locals have their choice of both cities’ airports when they’re looking to catch flights.
