It's a privilege to live in the northern tip of one of the most scenic lakes in the Finger Lakes region. Canandaigua, NY offers a rare blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and big-city accessibility. Whether you're drawn to lakeside serenity, top-tier schools, or quick access to Rochester’s thriving job market, Canandaigua delivers a lifestyle few places in Upstate New York can match.
Gerber Homes has been building custom residences across Ontario County for decades. We know that choosing where to build is just as important as choosing what to build and with whom. Canandaigua stands out as an ideal location for your next home. From affordable lake living to a booming tourism economy, discover why more families, retirees, and remote professionals are turning to Canandaigua.
Imagine ending your workday with a kayak paddle, sunset cruise, or a stroll along the pier, all just steps from your front door. That’s the daily reality for Canandaigua Lake homeowners. Known for its crystal-clear waters and walkable downtown, Canandaigua offers the perks of waterfront living without the sky-high price tags you'd find in places like the Hamptons or Lake Tahoe.
Home prices here remain significantly more accessible than in comparable lakefront markets. Plus, the area supports full lake access, public docks, and recreational facilities maintained by Ontario County, enhancing long-term home value and lifestyle appeal. And with Gerber’s deep experience in local shoreline building regulations, setbacks, and permitting, your custom home journey can easily include lakeside bliss.
Compared to the broader New York State housing market, Canandaigua offers remarkable value for homebuyers, especially those looking to build new. The median sold price for homes in Canandaigua hovers around $381,000, which is approximately 20% lower than the state average. When you factor in property taxes, the savings become even more compelling. Ontario County maintains a property tax rate that consistently ranks below many surrounding counties, giving you more house—and more land—for your investment, while also allowing room to plan ahead for statewide policy shifts like New York’s upcoming changes to natural gas hookups
For families planning to stay long-term or retirees watching their fixed-income budgets, these lower costs mean greater flexibility for upgrades, outdoor features, or even lake access.
Canandaigua offers excellent opportunities for education. The Canandaigua City School District consistently earns high marks across state and national rankings. According to Niche.com, the district holds an overall “A–” rating, with strong showings in college prep, STEM readiness, and teacher quality. The student-to-teacher ratio stands at 11:1, giving students more personalized attention and support.
Living in Canandaigua means you can enjoy the quiet charm of a lakeside town without giving up career access to one of New York's fastest-growing job hubs. Located just 29 miles southeast of Rochester, Canandaigua offers an easy 30-minute commute via I-490 and NY-332, connecting you to top employers in health care, biotech, higher education, and tech.
Rochester is home to major institutions like the University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester Institute of Technology, and industry leaders like Paychex and L3Harris Technologies. For professionals who want space to breathe without sacrificing professional opportunities, Canandaigua strikes a rare balance.
Unlike towns that go quiet after Labor Day, Canandaigua buzzes year-round thanks to its robust tourism engine. In 2023, Ontario County's tourism sector generated over $341 million in economic impact, marking an 11.7% increase from the previous year. This growth supports nearly 4,700 local jobs and contributes significantly to the area's vitality.
The area's seasonal diversity is a draw all its own. Summer brings boaters, wine lovers, and festivalgoers; winter attracts skiers and ice fishers. For homebuyers, that means your investment is planted in a community with energy and upward momentum, no matter the season.
Canandaigua offers unparalleled access to outdoor activities throughout the year. Just 13 miles south lies Bristol Mountain, boasting 1,200 feet of vertical drop and a reputation as one of Western New York's premier ski destinations. In warmer months, the Ontario Pathways Trail and Canandaigua Lake provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports.
Canandaigua is at the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region, home to the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail. This trail features a collection of esteemed wineries offering a diverse range of wines to suit every palate. To enhance the experience, the trail offers a mobile-exclusive Wine Tasting Passport, providing access to exclusive deals and discounted tastings at participating wineries.
Quality of life starts with peace of mind, and that includes access to top-tier medical care. Canandaigua residents benefit from proximity to UR Medicine Thompson Health, a full-service regional hospital consistently recognized for excellence. In 2024, it was named one of Becker’s “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare,” highlighting its commitment to both patient care and employee well-being. With a full-service emergency room, specialized care centers, and affiliations with the University of Rochester Medical Center, Thompson ensures world-class care is always within reach.
Canandaigua continues to grow, but it’s doing so with vision. New developments are being built with walkability, open space, and local infrastructure in mind, ideal for homeowners who want the benefits of a growing market without the congestion of overbuilt suburbs. Gerber Homes works closely with local planning boards to stay ahead of zoning and land-use trends, giving you access to emerging neighborhoods at the right time and place.
Living in Canandaigua means you don’t have to choose between small-town peace and big-time culture. The town offers a surprisingly rich calendar of events and experiences that punch well above its population size.
Anchoring the scene is CMAC, one of the region’s premier outdoor amphitheaters. With past headliners like James Taylor, The Killers, and Hozier, CMAC provides access to world-class live music just minutes from home. But entertainment here extends far beyond the summer concert season.
Downtown Canandaigua hosts year-round festivals, from the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival to seasonal events like Christmas on Main Street and the Downtown Holiday Market. For art lovers, Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery offers curated exhibitions and community workshops. Culinary and wine events, often hosted by the New York Kitchen, celebrate the region’s farm-to-table movement and winemaking heritage.
When it comes to building in Canandaigua, national builders often lack the context and the relationships that make a smooth build possible. Gerber Homes has been building in Ontario County for decades, and that experience translates directly into better outcomes for our clients. From lot acquisition to final walkthrough, we bring unmatched familiarity with:
Shoreline zoning and slope restrictions near Canandaigua Lake
HOA requirements in planned communities like Fox Ridge
Setback regulations and stormwater compliance for rural and lake-adjacent lots
This local knowledge means faster approvals, fewer surprises, and smart, site-specific solutions from day one.
Gerber's integrated design-build approach simplifies everything.
Lot Selection Support – We help you evaluate slope, orientation, and access to utilities.
Plan Customization – Start with one of our proven floor plans or bring your own vision—we’ll tailor it to your needs.
Fixed-Timeline Construction – Our well-established trade teams keep your project on schedule and on budget.
Final Walkthrough & Warranty – We stand behind our work with a commitment to post-move-in care.
It depends on your lot’s specific elevation and location relative to FEMA flood zones. Our team performs early site assessments and will let you know if flood certification or additional permitting is necessary. In most cases, our clients building near, but not directly on, the lake avoid flood insurance requirements altogether.
Yes. Our plans are semi-custom, meaning you can modify layouts, adjust dimensions, or change finishes. Want to convert a formal dining room into a home office? Prefer a larger mudroom or upstairs laundry? We’ll make it happen.
Gerber happily builds both. A spec home is built without a specific buyer in mind and typically offers limited personalization. A custom home is designed around your preferences from the ground up. Gerber offers both, so you can choose between move-in-ready homes and full custom design.
Yes. If you’ve already purchased land in the Canandaigua area, we’re happy to build on it. We’ll conduct a feasibility review, assist with permitting, and tailor your design to the topography and views of your property.
Yes. Our in-house design center is staffed with experienced consultants who will guide you through every selection, flooring, tile, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and more. You’ll be able to touch materials, view samples, and make informed decisions that fit your style and budget.
That depends on your lot’s elevation and position relative to the shoreline. Some hillside lots, even a mile or more away, offer stunning panoramic lake views. We’ll help you assess view potential before you commit.
If you’re dreaming of a custom home in Canandaigua may be lakeside, near the trails, or tucked into one of the area's growing neighborhoods. Gerber Homes is your builder. With deep roots in Ontario County, we bring unmatched local knowledge, streamlined construction processes, and a commitment to craftsmanship that’s trusted by families across the Finger Lakes.
Whether you already own land or are still exploring available lots, we’ll help you take the next step with confidence. From your first consultation to your final walkthrough, you’ll have a builder who listens, plans carefully, and delivers on what matters most. Let's connect here to start the conversation.