Peaceful seclusion and farmland in rural Bethany
Six miles south of Batavia, Bethany is a quiet town offering single-family home prices below the national median of $420,000. "It's just a small, rural, friendly farming community," says Carl Hyde Jr., town supervisor. "When you need a neighbor to help you, you have neighbors who are actually going to help." Formally established in 1813, the town has a long history of agriculture, with generations of families maintaining its farmland. "We've got Revolutionary War people buried here," Hyde says. "It goes back that far." Today, residents enjoy a slower pace of life without being too far from shopping and dining in Batavia. "If you want to get away from city life, it's the perfect place to go," Hyde says.
Farmhouses and ranch-style homes from the 1800s through today
Bethany's housing styles are eclectic, with farmhouses, Colonial-inspired and ranch-style homes being most common. "We've got homes that date back to the early 1800s [and] homes that were built within the last five years," Hyde says. Many historic homes carry rustic charm, with features like lattice skirting, painted wood siding and wide, covered porches. Newer homes often include modern touches, such as mixed-material exteriors and attached garages.
Some properties are secluded along rural roads with acreage, offering privacy and space for outbuildings like workshops or stables. Others, such as those in Bethany Center, are closer together, giving a slightly more suburban feel. "If you're in a hamlet, your neighboring house is going to be 30 feet away," Hyde says. "Once you get outside of a hamlet, you might be 300 or 400 yards between houses."
Prices range from about $50,000 to $450,000, depending on size, features, and renovation needs.
Explore and learn in Genesee County Park & Forest
Bethany is lush with rolling hills and dense woodland. Genesee County Park & Forest offers an up-close look at the town's natural beauty and wildlife. The 400-acre park is home to dozens of bird species, including yellow-rumped warblers and rusty blackbirds, and largemouth bass can be caught in Black Creek. "It's a family-friendly park," Hyde says. "They've got pavilions you can rent for family reunions." There's also a playground, ball fields and miles of tree-shaded hiking trails. "People go horseback riding on the trails," Hyde says. In the winter, the park's trails are popular for cross-country skiing, while the park's hills are suitable for sledding. The Interpretive Nature Center is another highlight, featuring wildlife exhibits and educational classes, like butterfly observations. Seven miles away, the public Terry Hills Golf Course offers 27 holes and hosts occasional events, including trivia nights and golf tournaments.
Bethany's historic cupola
In 2023, Bethany's historic, Colonial-inspired town hall building was demolished, but its bell and cupola were preserved. "That was made in 1832," Hyde says. Park benches were added around the cupola, making it a relaxing spot to reflect on the town's centuries-old history. "We get a lot of people that come out and look at it," Hyde says. "They can go in, see the bell, touch the bell, but you can't ring the bell."
Grocery runs to Alexander and Batavia
Aside from a few workshops and dairy farms, there isn't much commercial activity here. However, Bethany Arts and Antiques features an eclectic selection of secondhand treasures and old-world curios, from furniture and figurines to paintings and postcards. "You do have to commute like 10 minutes to Batavia, Alexander — some place like that — [for] groceries," Hyde says.
In neighboring Alexander, Baldwin's Country Store bakes fresh doughnuts, scoops homemade ice cream and stocks locally sourced meats, cheese and pantry essentials. Nearby, Alexander's Country Deli carries snacks and serves fast-casual favorites like breakfast sandwiches, chicken wings and pizza with a special sweet sauce.
Downtown Batavia offers additional shopping and dining, including dozens of cafes, bars and eateries. To start the morning, The Coffee Press serves organic coffee and brunch bites with vegan options in a cozy cafe setting. Next door, Bourbon & Burger is a laid-back spot to enjoy small-batch bourbon and specialty hamburgers, like the Bubba Gump with pepper jack, grilled shrimp and sweet Thai chili sauce. Tops, Aldi and Walmart cover grocery needs.
Attending Alexander Central District schools
Bethany is part of multiple school districts, including Alexander Central School District, which Niche rates as a B-minus overall. Kids can start at the B-minus-rated Alexander Elementary before moving to the C-plus-rated Alexander Middle-High. At the latter, students look forward to fun traditions, like the annual Senior Sunrise in September, where the graduating class enjoys an early morning with coffee, doughnuts and lawn games.
U.S. Route 20 and the nearest hospital and airport
Bethany is considered car-dependent, but streets are generally bike-friendly. U.S. Route 20 passes through town, and Bethany Center Road provides connecting access to Batavia. RRH United Memorial Medical Center is 7 miles away, and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is a 33-mile drive.
