It’s no surprise that Sodus, NY, is one of the most popular small towns in the Finger Lakes area. Located within easy commuting distance of Rochester, the town offers beautiful homes, plentiful recreational opportunities, a quaint downtown, and impressive views of Lake Ontario and Sodus Bay.
Sodus’ Place in History
Sodus was settled in the late 1700s and quickly became a booming small town by the early 1800s. Some residents earned a living working in the sawmill or grist mill, while others served stagecoach travelers at the local inn or unloaded ships at the port. Unfortunately, most of the town’s original buildings were burned when the British attacked during the War of 1812.
The destruction of their town didn’t deter Sodus residents, who soon began the rebuilding process. Today, some of those buildings still serve as homes, stores, and businesses in the Village of Sodus and Sodus Point.
In 1825, the town built a lighthouse on Sodus Bay after receiving $4,500 from the U.S. Congress. The original lighthouse was rebuilt in 1871 and is now part of the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum.
Sodus became known as the birthplace of Arbor Day in the late 1800s. In fact, the tree-planting holiday exists thanks to the work of Sodus resident Edward Delano, a staunch shade tree advocate.
What to Do in Sodus
Life in Sodus is anything but boring. During the winter months, residents hit the slopes at the Brantling ski resort for a little skiing or snowboarding. Ice fishing, ice boating, ice skating, and cross-country skiing are among the most popular activities in the area during the cooler months of the year.
When spring and summer arrive, residents head to Lake Ontario for boating or swimming at Sodus Point Beach Park. Chimney Bluffs State Park, just a short distance from Sodus, is also worth a visit. In addition to marveling at the distinctive lakeside landforms, Chimney Bluffs visitors enjoy fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Summer concerts, held every Sunday evening from July 4 through Labor Day at the Lighthouse Museum, offer the perfect end to the weekend. Other summer activities include hiking, biking, swimming, birdwatching, and golf. Sodus Bay Heights Golf Club, the area’s premier golf course, provides 18 holes of fun for novice and expert golfers alike.
The area is also known for its antiquing, wineries, and restaurants. In fact, it’s never hard to find a place to get a cup of coffee or a hearty meal in the area. Both the Village of Sodus and Sodus Point are home to a variety of restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants on the waterfront.
Living in Sodus
Your dollars go farther in Sodus. In fact, the cost of living is 19.4% lower than the U.S. average, according to Best Places. Sodus property values remain high thanks in part to the excellent school district. The Sodus Central School District receives a B- overall rating from Niche.com and A- ratings for teachers, clubs, and activities.
Sodus is just 40 minutes from Rochester via Route 104. If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax after spending a hectic day in the city, Sodus may be the perfect spot for you. The town’s proximity to area highways, Lake Ontario, and Sodus Bay make it a particularly desirable place to build a house.
Have you been thinking about building a brand-new house in Sodus? The Fairways, a Gerber Homes golf community, offers views of the Sodus Bay Heights Golf Course and easy access to Lake Ontario. Home prices in the community start at just $290,000. If you already own land in Sodus, we can also help you build a home on your lot.
Does Sodus sound like the ideal place to build your new home? We’re ready to help you through every step of the home building process. Contact us for more information.
.png "NY Custom Home Floorplans (1)")
