Marilla’s active, small-town community in the countryside
Set 20 miles east of Buffalo, Marilla is a small town offering an escape from the urban hustle. “A lot of working families want to get out of the city,” says Helen Bourgeois, a resident of over 50 years. The town is primarily farmland, with acres of corn and soy, bright pumpkin patches and cows roaming the meadows. Shopping and dining are limited, with most businesses set within the hamlet of the same name. Community events, like Ag Day, and the historic Marilla Country Store are tourist draws. “We get so many people from out of town coming to see what we’re all about,” Bourgeois says. “We try to be an active town and get people involved.”
Wide range of housing styles in a fast-moving market
Marilla’s housing ranges widely, with single-family homes built from the mid-19th century to today. “We have a lot of older homes, and usually the lots are three-fourths of an acre or more,” Bourgeois says. No two houses are alike. In the hamlet, historic farmhouses and Colonial Revivals stand beside late 20th-century ranch and split-level homes. Many share rustic features, like painted wood siding, covered porches and exposed wooden beams, contributing to the town’s rural charm. Lawns are shaded by mature trees and dotted with traditional mailboxes, while cars are often tucked into detached garages.
Outside the hamlet, 21st-century custom-built homes sit along quiet country roads, offering privacy, pastoral views and acreage with the occasional outbuilding such as a workshop or stables. Single-family homes typically sell for $200,000 to $500,000, while custom builds or larger estates range from $500,000 to $840,000, depending on size and amenities. Marilla also has a few manufactured home communities, including the 55-plus Marilla Country Village. Most units date to the late 20th century and feature attached carports and vinyl siding. These homes are listed between $15,000 and $90,000. Homes in Marilla spend an average of 25 days on the market, faster than the national average of 53 days.
Marilla schools offer dual-enrollment credit at nearby universities
Marilla is part of multiple school districts, including the Iroquois Central School District, which is rated B overall by Niche. Marilla Primary teaches prekindergarten through fourth grade and earns a B. Students can move on to Iroquois Intermediate for fifth grade before attending Iroquois Middle and Iroquois High — all are rated B. The latter offers dual-enrollment courses for credit at Syracuse University, Niagara University and SUNY Erie.
Fishing, picnicking at Marilla Town Park
Marilla Memorial Park is the pocket-sized go-to for a picnic, featuring a gazebo and the Marilla Veterans Memorial. Nearby, the 1-mile Creation Walk Nature Trail provides a scenic escape into nature with tree-lined views and the gentle sounds of Little Buffalo Creek. Marilla Town Park offers a larger setting for a day out, with a basketball court, picnic pavilions with grills and playing fields. “It’s a nice, big town park,” Bourgeois says. “There’s a pond for kids to go fishing … small playgrounds — it’s country.” Other highlights include Wood Spring Club, a family-friendly campsite with kayaks available to rent, and the public 18-hole Elma Meadows Golf Course, 5 miles away.
Farm-fresh groceries, Eggs Marilla and old-fashioned sweets
Marilla’s rural setting means residents can buy groceries straight from local farms. “There are a lot of farmstands around with corn, tomatoes, beans, squash — all types of vegetables,” Bourgeois says. Horizon Ridge Farms operates a farm store/restaurant with fresh produce, butcher cuts and desserts like blueberry coffee cake. Another town favorite, The Farmer’s Daughters’ Diner, serves classic breakfast fare, including Eggs Marilla — hash browns topped with poached eggs and a special sauce.
The 170-year-old Marilla Country Store sells everything from birdhouses and bracelets to souvenir soaps and snow globes. Alongside a modest grocery section and deli counter, the store’s best known for its old-fashioned sweets, such as raspberry jelly sticks and French silk truffles. For dinner or drinks, Barn Dog Distillery is a popular spot featuring craft cocktails, pulled pork sandwiches and occasional live music. Seven miles away, Alden provides additional shopping and dining options, including a Tops.
Ag Day, concerts and Christmas in Marilla
Marilla has an active events calendar. The Marilla Gazebo Summer Concert Series kicks off in June, where residents set up chairs and coolers and enjoy live music, including jazz and country. In September, Ag Day celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with food, games and a tractor parade. “We had 150 tractors — big and small,” Bourgeois says. “Little kids drove their toy tractors … it was great.” Christmas in Marilla celebrates the holiday season with everything from caroling and cider to hay rides and hot chocolate. “We have Santa Claus come, and I’m Mrs. Claus,” Bourgeois says. “Kids make cards for the soldiers, cookies and all kinds of games.”
Car-dependent community 20 miles from Buffalo
While some parts of the hamlet are sidewalk-lined, residents typically drive to get around town. State Route 354 provides connecting access to Buffalo. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 15 miles away, and the ECMC Health Campus is a 22-mile drive.
