Alabama offers quiet country living near city conveniences
About halfway between Rochester and Buffalo, just south of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, is the small New York town of Alabama. Here, farmland stretches for miles. The Tonawanda Indian Reservation and thousands of acres of conservation land border the rural Genesee County community of about 2,000 residents. Haybales and mature pine trees dot two-lane roadsides, and single-family homes sit on large plots of land. Because it’s so remote, Alabama has little commercial presence; however, residents are near city centers that offer grocery stores, big-box shopping and restaurants. “Alabama is pretty sparsely populated,” says broker Chuck Flynn with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, who lives in Genesee County. “It’s a small community out in the country where people know their neighbors.”
Thousands of acres of nature surround the Alabama community
Alabama is surrounded by sprawling outdoor spaces. To the north, the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 10,000 acres, with hiking trails that offer views of wetlands, pools and forests. The refuge hosts events throughout the year, from Family Fishing Day to environmental education programs for kids. Pennsylvania state Route 77 separates it from the 5,600-acre Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, which serves as a springtime refuge for migrating waterfowl when it floods. In the rough center of the community, John White Wildlife Management Area spans about 330 acres, offering hunting, trapping, hiking and fishing opportunities.
Homes sit on large parcels surrounded by farmland and fields
Homes in Alabama sit amid open fields and farmland. “Generally, parcels are larger,” Flynn says. “They’re properties with lots of land attached.” Ranch-style homes, Colonial Revivals, farmhouses and split-levels occupy multiple acres. Prices can range from $120,000 to $320,000, lower than the national average.
In-town staples with more shopping and dining nearby
There are a few local businesses in town. Since 1955, The Alabama Hotel has served classic American fare like prime rib, burgers and chicken and biscuits. “It’s locally famous,” Flynn says. “They have an amazing fish fry.” Across the street, Alabama Valley Farm sells groceries, baked goods and meat selections. For most shopping and dining, though, residents typically travel to the nearby communities of Medina or Batavia, both of which are less than 15 miles away. The former offers grocery stores like Aldi, Tops and Roberts Farm Market. There’s also a Family Dollar, a Walgreens and restaurant options in this area. Folks can dine at spots like The Country Club Family Restaurant, which serves American favorites like roast beef, fried chicken and hamburgers, and Rudy’s Diner, whose breakfast counter, red booths and checkered floor give it a retro vibe. Batavia has a larger commercial presence. Towne Center at Batavia, a strip mall that’s right off the interstate, features a Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marshalls and more. Across the street, there’s a Walmart Supercenter and The Home Depot. There are dining options in Batavia, too, including Rancho Viejo Authentic Mexican Restaurant, Center Street Smoke House and Bourbon & Burger Co.
Alabama is served by the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District
The Oakfield-Alabama Central School District, which gets a B from Niche, serves Alabama. It includes two schools: Oakfield-Alabama Elementary, which receives a B-minus, and Oakfield-Alabama Middle-High School, which earns a B. The high school offers technology and occupational education classes, including animal science, welding, precision agriculture and more.
Buffalo and Rochester are both under an hour’s drive away
Due to a lack of available public transportation in the area, Alabama is an entirely car-dependent town. New York state Route 63 and New York state Route 77 intersect in the middle of Alabama. An entrance to U.S. Interstate 90 is about 6 miles south of the community’s center. Medina is 9 miles north and Batavia is about 13 miles southeast. It’s about a 37-mile drive west to Buffalo and a 45-mile drive east to Rochester. For air travel, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is about 30 miles away. Orleans Community Health Median Memorial Hospital is the closest medical facility, about 10 miles north.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
