Byron is a small town with rural character
Ten miles northeast of Batavia, Byron offers single-family homes with rural seclusion and prices below the national median. "The town was established in the 1800s," says Kristy Murphy, town clerk. "Some of those homes are still here." The town is bucolic, with vast stretches of farmland and protected reserves, but the hamlet of Byron is developed with a few businesses and parks. Residents typically head to Batavia for weekly errands, like grocery runs. "You kind of have the best of both worlds," Murphy says. "You're not too far away from anything, but you're far enough away where you don't feel like you're in the hubbub of it all."
Historic homes priced below the national median
Many of Byron's single-family homes date to the 19th century, but a handful of late 20th-century properties are also available. "We don't have a lot of new builds," Murphy says. "The houses that are here have been here forever." Historic farmhouses and Colonial Revivals are typical, often including details like lattice skirting and louvered shutters, which add rustic character; covered porches and detached garages are also common. "In the hamlet, they're set extremely close together," Murphy says. "Otherwise, along your country roads, you have several hundred feet or more in between houses." Late 20th-century ranch-style homes are typically set on the outskirts of town with acreage, allowing for more privacy. Many homes here rely on septic and private water tanks.
Prices range from about $50,000 for a fixer-upper or manufactured home to $340,000 for a turnkey single-family home with acreage. The median sale price is $190,000, lower than the national median of $420,000. "Houses go very quickly here," Murphy says.
Explore trails and birdwatch at Trestle Park
Byron's parks are green, lush and full of recreational opportunities. Trestle Park is the largest, offering tree-shaded hiking trails, along which red-winged blackbirds and European starlings can be spotted. "Old trees, lots of nature," Murphy says. "You can stop and have a picnic, fish — things like that." Nearby, Byron Community Park is a pocket-sized green space with a playground and open field space, while Turtle Park features a picnic pavilion by Mill Pond — a quiet spot for bass fishing. The 9-mile West Shore Trail, an old railroad bed, connects the three parks, and is popular for jogging, cycling and four-wheeling.
Outside the hamlet, highlights include the Batavia Country Club's public 18-hole golf course, Bergen-Byron Swamp (a National Natural Landmark) and the Adventure Bound Camping Resort - Southwood with a community pool and a mini-golf course.
Byron schools receive favorable ratings from Niche
Byron is part of multiple school districts, including the Byron-Bergen Central School District, which is ranked the third-best district in Genesee County and is rated B overall by Niche. "The school district is a big draw," Murphy says. Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade can start at Byron-Bergen Elementary before moving to Byron-Bergen Junior/Senior High for sixth through 12th grade — both schools are rated B-minus by Niche. The latter offers a robust course catalog allowing teens to explore interests like pop music, pottery and architectural drawing — to name just a few.
Byron's fast-casual eats and grocery runs to Batavia
While shopping and dining are limited, a few businesses in the hamlet make it easy to grab everyday items or a quick bite. There's a Dollar General with grocery basics, and Crosby's carries coffee, snacks and hot lunches. Across the street, fast-casual Fullerino's dishes out burgers, seafood platters and authentic New York-style pizza with a special sweet sauce. The Byron Hotel offers homestyle comfort fare for dinner, from fried bologna sandwiches to slow-roasted prime rib.
There are a few more restaurants in Bergen, six miles away, including Viking Valhalla, which provides generous portions fit for a Nordic feast. The family-run restaurant has been in business since 1954 and doubles as a bowling alley. Batavia offers additional shopping and dining, including grocery chains, like Aldi and Tops.
Holidays, concerts and more at Bergen's Hickory Park
Six miles away, B
Bergen's social calendar is packed with annual events and holiday celebrations. "Our communities are very well intertwined," Murphy says. Most events are held at Hickory Park, including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the summer Concerts in the Park series and Community Action Day in May, an opportunity to give back by planting flowers and tidying up the town. The Park Festival in June is another highlight — an all-day affair with fun traditions like the morning parade, an antique car show and a basketball tournament.
Commuter routes to Batavia and Rochester
Byron is considered car-dependent, but the hamlet is generally pedestrian-friendly. "You can walk to the Dollar General or Crosby's, or even ride a bicycle, but most folks are going to be drivers," Murphy says. State routes 237 and 262 provide connecting access to Batavia and Rochester, 26 miles away. "You can be in Rochester in 20 or 25 minutes," Murphy says. United Memorial Medical Center is 9 miles away, and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is 26 miles away.
