Gates is quieter living on the cusp of the city
Gates is a gateway to suburban living just beyond Rochester, one of New York’s largest cities. This area is filled with sidewalk-lined streets, shaded by rows of tall oak trees. It’s a quiet atmosphere, dotted with established but well-kept homes that are close to not only city amenities but also the West Gates and Westmar shopping centers. “Gates houses are typically a little bit smaller, so you do get more of your starter-priced homes in that area,” says local Realtor Jamey Hinman of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, who has more than 15 years of realty experience in the area. “Gates is also your transition community between the city and the suburbs. It brushes right up to the city, so you have some overlap there.”
Homes share cohesive styling
Most of Gates’ houses were built between 1920 and 1990, a selection dominated by classic ranch-, colonial- and bungalow-style options. Houses flank quiet residential blocks in many cases, corridors where sidewalks connect neighbors. Properties are organized relatively close together, but residents still get yard room on lots that often start at around one-fifth of an acre. Homes sell for anywhere from $90,000 to $480,000, depending on their condition and square footage. Gates also has condos and townhomes for $110,000 to $390,000, some of which were built within the last 20 years.
Students have access to business classes, coding and sports
The majority of this community is within the Gates Chili Central School District, which holds a B rating from Niche; however, a western portion falls into the B-plus-rated Spencerport Central School District. Students in the Gates Chili system may start at the B-minus-rated Neil Armstrong Elementary, where there are extracurricular opportunities involving coding, gardening and art. Gates Chili Middle gets a B, and offers intramural sports teams and a synchronized swim club. Gates Chili High earns a B-plus and features a dedicated business department with classes in finance and marketing. Private options in the area include the B-rated Northstar Christian Academy, which has preschool through 12th grade and high school elective courses on business and life skills.
Air travel is available in residents’ backyards
Gates residents are particularly close to the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport — most homes are within 10 miles. The airport offers direct flights to over 20 cities, from Las Vegas to Miami. Interstate 490 is a direct route from Gates and into downtown Rochester, just about 4 miles away. Gates residents also have access to the Rochester area’s Regional Transit Service bus system.
Buffalo Road beckons with shopping, dining and entertainment
As close as Gates is to the city, locals can stay within the suburb to grab groceries or a bite to eat. The Buffalo Road thoroughfare is lined with businesses, including the West Gates Shopping Center, anchored by a Tops Friendly Markets location. West Gates neighbors both a Home Depot and Westmar Plaza, a shopping center featuring restaurants like Pura Vida Ville, whose birria tacos are popular. Other restaurants close by include Mr. Beenz Diner, a draw for breakfast. Cinemark Tinseltown Rochester and IMAX, just off Buffalo Road, is the only IMAX theater in the Rochester area. “It is a spot that a lot of people run to, because Tinseltown is unique in the area,” Hinman says. Chili Avenue, to the south, offers Westgate Plaza, with Walmart, Ross Dress For Less and Dollar Tree.
Community parks feature fields, courts and playgrounds
Multiple community green spaces are scattered around the Gates area. “They’re all really nice community spaces,” Hinman says. Wegman Road Park is among them, a spot with a playground and a climbing wall. Westgate Park offers a nature trail, basketball and pickleball courts, and baseball fields. Golfers can explore membership in the almost 100-year-old Brook-Lea Country Club beside Westgate Park, whose private 18-hole course was designed by Donald Ross. The Gates Community Center is one option for indoor activity, including ballet and tai chi classes. The Westside Family YMCA is another, featuring a pool, a wellness center with weight equipment and group exercise studios.
Area events highlight local goods and holidays
Gates’ town hall, on Buffalo Road, hosts a farmers market on the first and third Saturdays of the month from May through October. Other community events include an annual Gobble Wobble 5K on Thanksgiving and a holiday pajama party in early December at the Gates Community Center, with games and opportunities to visit with Santa.
![Wayne Epps Jr.]()
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
