lake sailing new york
There are many, many reasons why a person would want to purchase a home on Chautauqua Lake. As a life-long resident of Chautauqua County and former Chautauqua Lake vacation cottage owner, I am definitely an authority on this topic. I would like to share my opinions and some facts about lake living and our area to entice you, the potential buyer, to give Chautauqua a chance!
Chautauqua Lake is located near the center of Chautauqua County, New York, and is considered by the locals as the gem of the county. The lake is roughly divided into two separate basins at Bemus Point, which some refer to as the middle of the lake. The northern basin is typically deeper averaging 25 feet in depth with a maximum depth of approximately 75 feet. The southern end of the lake is considerably more shallow averaging 11 feet in depth and having a maximum depth of approximately 19 feet.
There is one bridge that connects both sides of the lake making it much more convenient to travel from side to side. Before the bridge was constructed, the only way a car could cross the lake was by ferry, which is still in operation. Chautauqua Lake is approximately 17.5 miles long, and has a surface area of approximately 13,156 acres. The lake is especially known for its fish including Bass, Bullhead, Crappie, Muskellunge, Walleye, and Perch and hosts many fishing competitions. Other lake activities include ice fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, rowing, swimming, and beaches. There are also two state parks located directly on the lake; Midway State Park and Long Point State Park.
Besides the lake itself, Chautauqua County also offers great lakefront communities. Take a stroll through the quaint Village of Bemus Point where you will find shopping, restaurants, night life, a public beach, and a simpler way of life all within walking distance. Across the lake from Bemus you will find the world renowned, gated community of Chautauqua Institution. Enter the gates and step back in time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Soak in the unique real estate, including Gingerbread houses, and visit many of the attractions that Chautauqua has to offer. Just north of the Institution is the Village of Mayville, which again offers shopping and restaurants, many of which sit directly on the lake. Enjoy your lunch with the summer sun and breezes while watching the boats go by.
Another very unique aspect of Chautauqua Lake is the affordability factor. If your budget does not allow for prime, lakefront living, you are in luck. There are numerous properties that have deeded lake rights, and some even have dock access. Plus, there are many public access roads and boat launches all around the lake for easy access with putting your boat in and out of the water. The area also offers several marinas for boat storage/maintenance when the season ends.
You should expect to pay on average for a lakefront cottage with private lake, dock, and access anywhere from $250,000 and up. When we take a look back at the closed sales from 2009, we can note that the average lakefront home (outside the gates of Chautauqua Institution) was approximately $330,000 with approximately 75 feet of frontage. This, of course, is an average of 18 closed sales and should not be considered the “norm”. There were four closings within the gates of the Institution in 2009 that were between $1,500,000 and $3,000,000.
If lake rights property is the way you wish to go, then you should expect to pay on average from $40,000 to $50,000 and up. The average lake related home from 2009 closed at approximately $145,000, had three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and about 1,500 square feet. The most expensive closed sale from last year was $232,500 with four bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,520 square feet. The least expensive was a cottage that closed at $41,900 and had one bed and one bath with 648 square feet.
Chautauqua Lake also offers properties located on canals with canal frontage located just feet from the lake, condominiums with common lakefront and boating amenities, and vacant land both directly on the lake and with access to the lake. You can see that there really is something for everyone and every budget here on beautiful Chautauqua Lake.
Sailing on Lake George New York, Ticonderoga HS 30th Reunion
