Gaines is a mostly rural community, just north of Albion
A small rural community on the north side of Albion, Gaines is mostly open space and rural landscapes, dotted with individual homes and few businesses. “People like that it’s a little bit slower. They get more space to themselves, and it’s quiet,” says Courtney Crandall, a local broker at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services who specializes in the greater Rochester area. “But at the same time, it’s still a short drive to a bigger city, whether it's Buffalo or Rochester.” In addition to larger cities, locals can head to Albion for daily necessities or go north to the shores of Lake Ontario for fishing and other recreation.
Cottages and ranch-style homes with larger lots on the north side
Most homes are scattered loosely along country roads, though residential development is a little more concentrated on the community’s south side, near Albion. Older properties near Albion include cottages and American Foursquares from the late-19th and early-20th centuries, while midcentury ranch-style and manufactured homes are common throughout Gaines. Lot sizes often start at a quarter-acre, increasing to full-acre or multiacre parcels farther out from Albion, where the forested landscapes provide a degree of seclusion. Prices range from $50,000 to $440,000, depending on size and condition.
Nearby parks, marinas and waterfront recreation on Lake Ontario
Gaines doesn’t have any public parks of its own, though locals can visit Bullard Park in Albion, which has playgrounds and basketball courts. North of Gaines, there are several fishing spots, campgrounds and marinas along Oak Orchard River. Where the river flows into Lake Ontario, Oak Orchard Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction with scenic lookouts and picnic areas. Also on Lake Ontario, Lakeside State Park has 4 miles of hiking and biking trails and an 18-hole disc golf course. In the winter, the Gaines area tends to get a fair amount of snow. “That opens the doors up for folks who like winter recreation,” Crandall says. “There’s a lot of snowmobile clubs and trails.” Lakeside State Park stays open year-round for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Local restaurants and farm markets, with more options in Albion
Tavern on the Ridge is the main restaurant and gathering place in the Gaines area, serving upscale American dishes with a weekly fish fry on Fridays. Across the street, the Cobblestone Museum showcases local history while allowing visitors to walk through the old church and schoolhouse. More restaurants, local shops and grocery stores, like Tops and Walmart, are nearby in Albion. Dining options in town include Village House Restaurant, which serves standard diner fare with all-day breakfast. Locals can shop for fresh produce at Navarra's Farm Market and Greenhouses, along with other seasonal farm stands.
Nearby public schools score B and B-minus ratings
Most of Gaines is zoned for Albion Central School District. Ronald L. Sodama Elementary, also known as Albion Elementary, earns a B-minus rating from Niche. Carl I. Bergerson Middle and Charles d’Amico High, also referred to as Albion Middle and Albion High, both earn a B rating and offer extracurricular activities like Future Farmers of America and school musicals. High school students can take classes in agriculture, mechanical technology and marine science.
State Route 104 connects Gaines to Rochester
Located between Albion and Lake Ontario, Gaines is about 35 miles west of Rochester on state Route 104. Buffalo is less than 60 miles away. Orleans Community Health Memorial Hospital is less than 15 miles away, while Fredrick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is around 35 miles away.
Community festivals in Albion
The annual Albion Strawberry Festival is held in the nearby community’s downtown area in June, drawing in visitors from Gaines and other surrounding towns. The two-day event includes craft vendors, live music and a parade down Main Street, along with other family-friendly activities.
