Lyons is a welcoming, family-friendly town in upstate New York
With recreation along the Erie Canal, locally owned businesses in the village and rural living on the outskirts, the town of Lyons welcomes families to its laid-back community 40 miles outside Rochester. "They welcome everybody with open arms," says Rachel Roberts, Realtor at Re/Max Revolution. In addition to its friendly atmosphere, Lyons attracts new residents thanks to its lower-than-average home prices compared to most Rochester suburbs. "It's a chance to get a good home at a good price," Roberts says.
Historic homes in the village and acres on the outskirts
On the outskirts of town, country roads wind through rolling farms and fields, and the occasional farmhouse sits on acres of land. Homes are closer together in the village area, with 19th-century traditional-style homes, Colonial Revivals and American Foursquares on residential streets. Ranch-style houses built in the latter half of the 20th century are also common. Properties usually sell for between $70,000 and $300,000, though homes in need of significant repairs can sell for less. "There really are affordable homes that aren't flying off the market," Roberts says.
School facilities in Lyons are getting an upgrade
The Lyons Central School District, which has an overall C-plus rating from Niche, serves pre-K through 12th grade in the community. Students begin at the C-rated Lyons Elementary School and C-minus-rated Lyons Middle School before graduating from B-plus-rated Lyons Senior High School. The district is currently undergoing a $55 million Capital Improvement Project, with the undertaking including a new wing of the middle and high school building, security upgrades, improved athletic and performing arts areas, and renovated office and conference spaces.
Biking, boating and walking along the Erie Canal
The Canal Bike Trail, which connects with Abbey Park, is one of several cycling trails around the area. The park also has a playground and a boat launch onto the Erie Canal. The Lyons Historic Canalway Walk, a trail that connects Abbey Park to Southside Central Park, has historic markers along the waterfront. Walkers can take a quick detour and visit the Hotchkiss Peppermint Oil Museum to learn a bit more about the town's history and see one of the village's several murals. The Lyons Community Center also has youth sports programs, including soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and track and field.
Lyons receives an average of 42 inches of snowfall annually, which is significantly lower than some nearby communities that experience bouts of "lake effect" snow from Lake Ontario. "Here in this particular area, you're getting passed over by the big storms," Roberts says.
Dining, entertainment and history in downtown Lyons
In the village, locals can start their day with freshly brewed coffee and a pastry at Community Coffee and Cafe, or kick back with a beer and a plate of nachos at The Pour House Bar & Grill. "It's a great, charming little town area with growing businesses," Roberts says. The Ohmann Theater, first built in 1915, plays movies in its completely renovated venue. Nearby on Butternut Street, the Museum of Wayne County History operates out of the former Wayne County Jail, and visitors can check out preserved cells and local history exhibits. Aldi, Walmart and Tractor Supply Co. have conveniences in town as well.
Peppermint Days and other community events
Each July, the Lyons Peppermint Days festival celebrates the town's heritage over three days with vendors, a 5k road race, a parade and fireworks. Performers wear red and white outfits to match the bandstand, which is painted with a peppermint candy theme, and parade floats are decked out with candy stripe designs. The festivities have also historically included a vintage car show, tractor show, bounce houses and a community breakfast. Other events in Lyons include a weekly farmers market from June to October and the Lyons PumpkinPalooza each October.
Drive or take the bus to nearby Rochester
Drivers can take state Route 31 or Interstate 90 into Rochester, about 40 miles west. There is also a commuter bus route operated by Regional Transit Service from Lyons to Rochester. Syracuse is about 50 miles east, and both Syracuse and Rochester have international airports. For health care, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital is about 7 miles away.
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Written By
Faith Wakefield
