ONTARIO COUNTY
County Offices
20 Ontario Street
Canandaigua 585-396-4200
https://ontariocountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
113 S. Main Street
Canandaigua 585-394-4400
https://www.onchamber.com/
Beautiful Ontario County is less than 10 miles from Rochester, yet residents enjoy a rare quality of life in lovely villages or the picturesque countryside. Two cities, 16 towns, and 8 villages have incorporated within the county, anchored by the seat of government and leading city of Canandaigua. The growing economy balances agricultural activity and tourism with a mix of manufacturing from traditional to high-tech enterprises. Major highways serving the region include Interstate 90, US Route 20, and a network of New York State highways. Greater Rochester International Airport is nearby for air travel.
Services
Outstanding educational opportunities are available on every academic level—just one of several quality-of-life indicators that attract new residents. Respected public school districts provide a progressive primary and secondary education in modern facilities. Residents can also choose from a wide range of coursework, certificate, and degree options offered by two- and four-year institutions within the county. Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) maintains its flagship campus in Hopewell just east of Canandaigua with satellite centers in Victor and Geneva. SUNY Empire State College also maintains a center on the FLCC campus. Geneva is home to the beautiful 195-acre campus of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, private liberal arts institutions that boast many students who earn prestigious fellowships and gain admittance to some of the nation’s finest graduate schools. The two colleges were founded as Hobart for men and Smith for women but now operate as a coordinate system. In less than an hour’s drive, residents can access many fine public and private colleges and universities including the University of Rochester, Syracuse University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Cornell University of Ivy League fame. Cornell operates its New York State Agricultural Experiment Station locally in Ontario County.
Outstanding healthcare facilities and services are another hallmark of Ontario County, including FF Thompson Hospital associated with Thompson Health in the University of Rochester (UM) Medicine system. Delivering comprehensive care to a regional population, this 113-bed acute-care community hospital employs some of the finest technology and staff in Upstate New York. Serving as a vital link in the UR Medicine system, Thompson Health is the parent corporation that oversees five affiliate healthcare organizations throughout Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, and Wayne counties. Residents can also access first-rate care at Geneva General Hospital in the Finger Lakes Health system, a 132-bed acute-care facility providing primary care and a full range of secondary level services. Geneva General operates 10-bed intensive care unit and 12-bed telemetry unit as well as six pediatric beds. Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic adds another 262-bed facility that excels in general acute care and specializations. Not far from home, the University of Rochester Medical Center is recognized among America’s leading health organizations.
Lifestyle
Ontario County has won accolades as one of the “Best Places to Live” in America, cited for its great schools, excellent healthcare, and close proximity to expanded Rochester amenities. The region is well-known for its wine and culinary attractions along with outstanding outdoor enjoyment and sports adventures. Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, camping, golfing, tennis, league sports, water sports, and winter sports are all popular pastimes. The landscape is dotted with recreational facilities and entertainment centers along with wonderful parks and natural attractions like Rochester Museum’s Cumming Nature Center that also hosts cross-country skiing. Farmington is home to the popular Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack with thoroughbred racing excitement while Canandaigua hosts a motorsports park. The Finger Lakes Trail meanders over 900 miles of breathtaking beauty from Allegany to the Catskills. The Canandaigua Lady is another regional highlight, a 19th Century paddleboat replica on picturesque Canandaigua Lake.
The arts and cultural enrichment are celebrated and surprisingly well developed, even in rural corners of the county. Thousands of visitors flock to hear the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at its summer home—Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center—a delightful outdoor venue showcasing star-studded national talent on the Finger Lakes Community College campus. The Smith Opera House Historic Theatre presents live performances and art films in Geneva, while Bristol Valley Theatre in Naples draws visitors to professional summer theater, children’s plays, and drama day camps. The George M. Ewing Canandaigua Forum is a unique venue that hosts events to enlighten, entertain, and engage through conversation. Historic preservation abounds in Ontario County, home to New York treasures like Ganandogan State Historic Site and Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. The Finger Lakes Museum in Branchport exhibits and interprets the area’s rich history, while the popular Granger Carriage Homestead & Carriage House Museum showcases 1816 Federal architecture. Other highlights include the New York Wine & Culinary Center, family attractions, fine galleries, artist studios, and unique shopping. Well-maintained, affordable homes are available in the heart of wonderful neighborhoods or throughout the countryside with pristine views of rural landscapes. Little wonder that Ontario County is so widely regarded as the perfect place to call home in Greater Rochester.
COMMUNITIES
Canandaigua City/Town
City Offices
585-396-5000
https://www.canandaiguanewyork.gov/
Town Hall
585-394-1120
http://www.townofcanandaigua.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-394-4400
https://www.onchamber.com/
Serving as the county seat of government and a hub of business, commerce, healthcare, and education, the Canandaigua City is surrounded by the town of the same name. Residents enjoy a strategic location along the northern end of Canandaigua Lake, just 58 miles southeast of Rochester and 58 miles west of Syracuse. Canandaigua is home to Finger Lakes Community College with the Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center and a full-service hospital under Thompson Health associated with University of Rochester (UM) Medicine. Premier attractions include Canandaigua Lady paddleboat tours, Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Site, the New York Wine & Culinary Center, the third-largest Finger Lake, and Bristol Mountain Winter Resort. Canandaigua Town adds options for country living near city amenities and a number of well-maintained parks.
Bloomfield Village, East Bloomfield Town, West Bloomfield Town
Bloomfield Village Hall
585-657-7554
www.bloomfieldny.org
East Bloomfield Town Hall
585-657-6515
http://townofeastbloomfield.org/
West Bloomfield Town Hall
585-624-2914
https://www.townofwestbloomfield.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-394-4400
https://www.onchamber.com/
The rural Bloomfield towns enjoy close proximity to Canandaigua amenities in western Ontario County. In fact, the town of West Bloomfield bills itself as “The Western Gateway to Ontario County,” well-served by Routes 5 and 20 just 20 miles southeast of Rochester. West Bloomfield also borders Livingston and Monroe counties. Attractions include an archery center and a museum operated by an active historical society. East Bloomfield is characterized as a small rural community with deep agricultural heritage and the proud birthplace of the Northern Spy apple. A number of local merchants have thriving businesses in this area, primarily in the picturesque New England-style Village of Bloomfield. Grand historic churches, century-old trees, and a charming village green combine to give Bloomfield Village its undeniable appeal. The village is home to the Antique Wireless Association Museum, where old meets new in communication electronics.
Bristol Town, South Bristol Town, Canadice Town
Bristol Town Hall
585-229-2400
www.townofbristol.org
South Bristol Town Hall
585 374-6341
https://www.southbristolny.org/
Canadice Town Hall
585-367-2050
https://www.canadice.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-394-4400
https://www.onchamber.com/
Situated in southwestern Ontario County, South Bristol provides outstanding recreational opportunities with direct access to Canandaigua Lake along its eastern edge. Four high ridges run north and south rising above 1,000 feet and contrast with intervening valleys to divide the town into agricultural land and residential communities. One of the highlights in this area is Rochester Museum’s Cumming Nature Center with environmental and scientific collections that make learning fun for children of all ages. Other area attractions include Bristol Mountain Winter Resort, the Finger Lakes Trail, golf courses, a large New York State owned recreation area, the Ontario County Park, and a public boat launch. Nestled in the Bristol Hills, Canadice Town features breathtaking views of Honeoye Lake from historic Harriet Hollister Spencer State Park.
Naples Town/Village, Richmond Town
Naples Town Hall
585-374-2111
https://naplesny.us/
Naples Village Hall
585-374-2435
https://naplesny.us/
Richmond Town Hall
585-229-5757
https://townrichmond.digitaltowpath.org:10135/content
Chamber of Commerce
585-394-4400
https://www.onchamber.com/
Just three miles south of Canandaigua Lake, Naples was voted among Budget Travel’s top contest winners for “Coolest Small Towns.” This quaint historic area excels in charm, affordable housing, and a convenient lifestyle. Naples is well-known as the Grape Pie Capital of the World. Embracing its picturesque landscape, fertile soil, and bountiful harvest, the community celebrates its heritage each year in the Grape Festival with talented artisans, winemakers, live entertainment, and delicious cuisine. Naples Village is also home to many artists and notable wineries. The town of Richmond is a small community that draws newcomers to peaceful country living in an area that features abundant wildlife and lakeside homes that command breathtaking sunset views. Equally peerless views of Honeoye Lake can be seen from Honeoye State Park. The charming hamlet of Honeoye is justly proud of its picturesque gazebo graced by seasonal blooms—the centerpiece of community events and activities.
Manchester Town, Clifton Springs Village, Shortsville Village, Victor Town/Village, Farmington Town, Phelps Town/Village
Manchester Town Hall
315-462-6224
585-289-3010
https://manchesterny.org/
Manchester Village Hall
585-289-4340
http://www.villageofmanchester.org/
Clifton Springs Village Hall
315-462-5151
https://www.cliftonspringsny.org/
Shortsville Village Hall
585-289-6104
https://villageofshortsvilleny.us/
Victor Town Hall
585-742-5000
https://www.victorny.org/
Victor Village Hall
585-924-3311
https://www.victorny.org/
Farmington Town Hall
315-986-8100
https://www.townoffarmingtonny.com/
Phelps Town Hall
315-548-5691
https://www.phelpsny.com/town/
Phelps Village Hall
315-548-3861
https://www.phelpsny.com/village/
Chamber of Commerce
585-394-4400
http://www.canandaiguachamber.com
The county’s northern region features rural towns dotted by quaint villages, each one proud of its distinctive history and heritage. Manchester Town is only municipality in the county that touches the Erie Canal, while Manchester Village offers an active down district. The small village of Shortsville offers many fine homes along tree-lined streets, wonderful schools, active civic and social organizations, and historic sites relating to Mormon Church founder Joseph Smith. Clifton Springs Village is a peaceful community long known for its cleansing and healing waters. In fact, modern Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic still devotes an entire wing to this alternative treatment. Other village amenities include excellent schools, a YMCA, a country club and golf course, a public library, and local businesses. Victor Town nestles against the Finger Lakes foothills, offering small-town charm and convenient amenities. Phelps Village, graced by the beauty of Flint Creek and Canandaigua Outlet, is known as the Sauerkraut Capital of the World. Farmington Town enjoys an ideal location along the New York State Thruway, boasting miles of rolling hills and rich farmland along with a commercial hub along Routes 96 and 332.
Geneva City/Town, Seneca Town, Gorham Town, Rushville Village, Hopewell Town
Geneva City Offices
315-789-2603
https://cityofgenevany.com/
Geneva Town Hall
315-789-3922
https://townofgeneva.com/
Seneca Town Hall
585-526-5251
https://www.townofseneca.com/
Gorham Town Hall
585-526-6317
https://gorham-ny.com/
Rushville Village Hall
585-554-3415
https://www.villageofrushville.org/
Hopewell Town Hall
585-394-0036
https://townofhopewell.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-394-4400
https://www.onchamber.com/
Cradled in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, beautiful Geneva is “sensational by nature” with majestic lakefront views. Billing itself as “uniquely urban,” the city combines waterfront living with a bustling urban core. Designated as the Lake Trout Capital of the World, Seneca Lake provides a picturesque backdrop for many community events including a popular triathlon, races, a summer concert series, Crusin’ Night car shows, and Finger Lakes area wine-related events. Seneca Town is a primarily agricultural community with rich rolling farmland. Rushville Village between Canandaigua and Seneca lakes serves as a village center for the surrounding rural community. Hopewell and Gorham towns add to the options for rural living in an area known for spectacular natural beauty. Popular recreational activities include golfing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and swimming along with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating.
