Small-town comfort, rural seclusion and history in Le Roy
Ten miles east of Batavia, Le Roy is a rural town centered around the village of the same name. "There is a lot of farmland and a few wooded areas," says Eileen Carmel, village clerk-treasurer. "It's a pretty place, it really is." Established in 1812, Le Roy has a long legacy of agriculture and is known as the birthplace of Jell-O. Today, the town preserves its history through museums and community events, like the Oatka Festival. Many single-family homes are priced below the national median, and the village is dotted with parks and small businesses. "It's a great place to raise your kids, and it's a great place to live," Carmel says.
Characterful homes with Craftsman-inspired charm
Le Roy's single-family homes are full of character, and no two are exactly alike. While most date from the mid- to late 20th century, construction spans from the mid-19th century to the present.
The village's sidewalk-lined streets are packed with Craftsman-inspired homes. Many carry rustic charm with details like steeply pitched gables, lattice skirting and painted wood siding with decorative trim; covered porches and detached garages are also common. Aside from the occasional basketball hoop in a driveway, neighborhood streets have a distinctly early 20th-century feel. Beyond the village, country roads are peppered with farmhouses, ranch-style and custom-built homes. These residences are often set on spacious lots, providing privacy and space for outbuildings such as barns or workshops. Homes built in the last 25 years include modern touches, like attached garages and mixed-material exteriors.
Depending on size and features, prices range from about $150,000 to $450,000, with a few fixer-uppers and manufactured homes falling below that range. The median sale price is $225,000, lower than the national median of $420,000.
Dual-enrollment opportunities at Le Roy Junior/Senior High
Le Roy is part of the Le Roy Central School District, rated B-plus and ranked the best school district in Genesee County by Niche. Kids in kindergarten through sixth grade can start at the B-plus-rated Wolcott Elementary before moving to the B-minus-rated Le Roy Junior/Senior High for seventh through 12th grade. At the latter, teens can take dual-enrollment courses for credit at Monroe Community College. Many village homes are within walking distance of the schools.
Kayak in Oatka Creek and play sports in Le Roy
Oatka Creek flows through Le Roy, setting the scene for the town's outdoor recreation. The creek is full of brown trout and popular for kayaking, with a launch in the village. Mill Street Park is a picturesque spot to unwind along the creek while watching ducks or walking the dog. Wildwood Park offers a picnic pavilion, a playground and half-court basketball. In the summer, the park's especially popular for its splash pad and community pool. Other highlights include Le Roy Country Club's public 18-hole golf course and the Summit Street tennis courts. Outside of the village, Limerock Speedway adds family-friendly excitement with go-karts and racing events throughout the year.
French toast, brick-oven pizza and craft beer along Main Street
Most of Le Roy's shops and restaurants line Main Street. While many are mom-and-pop businesses, a few chains like Walgreens and Dunkin' are set here, too. "Saturday mornings are pretty busy around here," Carmel says. For breakfast, Leroy's No Finer Diner offers hot coffee and classic comfort fare, while Settler's Select puts an artisanal spin on its menu with dishes like sugar-glazed French toast. For dinner, Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew is a laid-back spot to enjoy slow-smoked pulled pork sandwiches with craft beer, while Capish! is a date-night highlight for its wine menu and Italian specialties, including eggplant parmigiana and brick-oven pizza. Tops and Save A Lot cover groceries, while locally owned shops, such as Dio's Treasures and House of Bridal, cater to specialty needs. Outside the village, Pulley's Farm Market offers fresh produce, homemade jellies and seasonal items, like apple cider slushies.
Learning Le Roy's history and celebrating the Oatka Festival
Le Roy has two popular museums next to each other: the Jell-O Museum and the LeRoy House. "There's a beautiful garden between the two buildings," Carmel says. In 1897, Pearle Bixby Wait trademarked Jell-O in Le Roy. Today, the Jell-O Museum tells the story of its invention and impact through exhibits packed with art and toys. "[It] has just about everything you could want to know about Jell-O," Carmel says. The LeRoy House, an early 19th-century Greek Revival mansion, is now a museum dedicated to the town's history.
Le Roy also hosts community events, like the Oatka Festival in July. "That's fun," Carmel says. We've got a big parade and a lot of vendors selling food and crafts." A tradition since 1989, the annual festival is a homecoming celebration for residents new and old.
Pedestrian-friendly village, car-dependent town
The village is generally sidewalk-lined and bike-friendly, but the town is considered car-dependent overall. State routes 5 and 19 provide access to Batavia and Rochester, 28 miles away, respectively. United Memorial Medical Center is 11 miles away, and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is a 27-mile drive.
