Ontario County

Ontario County Housing Resources:

Geneva Housing Authority-
https://genevahousingauthority.com/

Ontario County Housing Authority-https://ontariocountyny.gov/1241/Housing

Consisting of two cities, eight villages, and sixteen towns across approximately 660 square miles, is Ontario County. Officially becoming a county in 1789, ownership of the land the county encompasses was transferred from the Native Americans to new European Settlers due to the Phelps and Gorham Purchase of 1788. In this agreement, much of the land that was once occupied by the Native Americans was purchased with a clear title by Nathaniel Phelps and Oliver Gorham and then sold to the European Settlers of the area. This frontier area was considered a hot-spot for evangelistic activities during the Second Great Awakening in the early 19th Century. Baptist, Methodist and Congregational peachers traveled and organized religious revivals. This period of time also saw the formation and development of independent sects such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Shakers.

Together, the county’s cities, towns and villages all equally contribute to the high quality of life and many different types of lifestyles offered within the county. History, arts and culture are displayed in plain view throughout the region. The many museums, art galleries and historic sites sketch a beautiful picture of the role the county plays in American history, and of the community and people as a whole. Strolling through each village and town allows you to take a closer look at the way in which the region grew and developed, as there are many historical districts with preserved architectural treasures. Taste the agricultural splendors of the Finger Lakes by visiting one of several craft breweries, touring the Canandaigua Wine Trail, or by stopping at one of the many local roadside farm stands. Ontario County was even voted as the “Best Place to Live” in the United States by Progressive Farmer in 2006. The county earned this title due to it’s great schools, low crime rate, excellent healthcare, and it’s proximity to Rochester, NY.